Lie welcome Maryhill to Dunterlie Park on Saturday, with Downs hoping to attract a sizeable support along for the game. It was only a matter of a few months ago that Arthurlie were raising the trophy at Newlandsfield following a 3-1 win over Kilwinning Rangers but now, Downs insists, it is time to focus on retaining the cup.

He told Barrhead Sport: “Winning the cup last season was a great achievement for everyone involved with the club and was a brilliant day for Arthurlie.

“Our focus come Saturday will be to give it our all in order to remain in the competition and progress to the next round.

“We know Maryhill will be a tough game. I’ve managed in that division and we are under no illusions that it will be an easy game.

“The last couple of games have been a bit disappointing, but we have had a couple of good weeks training and we are looking forward to getting back to action.” Defeats to Hurlford and Troon put the brakes on an impressive start to the league season. However, Downs admits he is happy with how his men are getting on, but will not settle for below par performances.

He added: “We know Hurlford will be one of the top teams, alongside Auchinleck Talbot. It was disappointing in the fact that we had a really poor first 45 minutes, while the Troon game we had a poor second half.

“It is concerning that we only seem to be turning up for half the game but the boys know what we expect of them and they know that is unacceptable.

“They gave us some food for thought on Saturday, with some of the other guys getting a run out in a friendly with Renfrew, so we will be raring to go come the weekend.”