ARTHURLIE player/assistant manager Chris Mackie is adamant a home fixture with champions Auchinleck Talbot is the perfect way for the Lie to start the season.

In a break with tradition the league champions are away from home in the league opener and the Ayrshire giants will visit Dunterlie Park on Saturday, August 27.

The Beechwood Park side are favourites to retain the Super League Premier Division title this year, if they do it will be their fifth in a row.

However far from being daunted at the prospect, Mackie insists the draw is giving his players plenty of motivation as they vie for a starting spot when the league fixtures come around.

He said: “It’s a great fixture to get on the opening day. Some people say it is a tough start but it focuses the players because they are all desperate to play in that game.

“It’s a perfect start for us.”

Before the Barrhead side start their league campaign they will be in Sectional League Cup action, starting on Saturday, August 6 at home to St Anthony’s.

With Neilston and Benburb also in their section, the Lie have a mouthwatering derby clash to look forward to when Pollok visit Dunterlie, the week before the Talbot clash.

Many junior sides use the Sectional games as extended pre-season matches, however with two huge home clashes on the horizon, Mackie says Arthurlie will be taking the competition seriously.

He said: “At that point we should be taking shape in terms of our starting 11 and the fitness should be there.

“It’s a cup competition and if you get a a good start it’s a good chance to make a final. We’ll be taking that really seriously and hopefully we can do well.

“There’s a Pollok game in there which is a really good motivation for the players early in the season.”