John Stewart hopes Glenafton will pull in a bumper crowd as they prepare to make history on Friday evening.
Glens welcome champions Darvel in the first-ever game under Loch Park’s new £90,000 floodlights.
And Ryan Stevenson’s men are itching to get a new chapter off to a flier against the league leaders, who have former Glens boss Craig McEwan as assistant manager.
Club secretary Stewart said: “Every other club that has tried Friday night fixtures has doubled their gates. Crowds have been amazing and the interest in this game is huge.
“It’s history being made with the very first floodlit game at Loch Park and we couldn’t have chosen a better game.
“Darvel are top and everyone wants to see them so we have picked the right fixture.
“We’ve never really had a settled team this season because of injuries and suspensions but we’re in good shape and can give Darvel a run for their money.”
Stewart reveals the lights are top of the range and were made possible with funding from East Ayrshire Renewable Energy Fund. The goal is to turn Loch Park into a multi-use community asset.
Glens are mid-table but only four points off the pace after a 1-1 draw away to Beith. After Ryan Nisbet put them ahead, Josh Fowler equalised for the hosts who had an injury time penalty saved by David Markey.
Darvel went top with a game in hand after beating TROON 5-0 with goals from Jamie Glasgow (2), Allan MacKenzie, Darren Miller and Jordan Allan. A red card for Dale Moore at 2-0 made it tough for the Seasiders who entertain Cambuslang on Saturday.
CUMNOCK, who trail Darvel on goal difference, host Beith after a superb 2-1 win away to Rob Roy after coming from behind with headers from Greg Ferry and Jordan Moore. But the day was tinged when Moore copped a second yellow card.
‘Nock have hailed the news that BBC Scotland will televise live their Scottish Cup second round tie at home to Dumbarton on Friday, October 21.
Boss Brian McGinty said: “It will be a great occasion and testament to the work that a lot of people have put in to get the club licensed.”
AUCHINLECK entertain Rob Roy with the chance to leapfrog them in the table. Keir Samson’s equaliser earned them a 1-1 draw away to Pollok who led at the interval through Jonny Lyon.
Talbot legends rolled back the years on Sunday to beat Kilmarnock legends 6-0 in a testimonial for stalwart keeper Andy Leishman. Goals came from Mick McCann (2), Willie Lyle, Colin Spence, Keir Milliken and an OG.
WHITLETTS, who have sold Louis Kerr to Irvine Meadow, head to Rutherglen after slumping to second bottom of the First Division with a 4-3 defeat at home to Cumbernauld. Vics are the second highest scorers with 15 goals but have the second worst defensive record with 19 conceded.
Trailing 2-0 after 14 minutes, they led 3-2 at the break with goals from Dean McColm (2) and Jason Walker. McColm and Louis Kerr also struck woodwork but the visitors turned the tables in the second-half to nick the points through Kevin Watt and Mark Hansen.
MAYBOLE entertain MUIRKIRK in the Second Division after a 3-1 win over CRAIGMARK in a feisty affair at Dalmellington.
Craig Harvey fired ‘Bole ahead at the break and then won a penalty which Paul Cameron stuck away after Mick McCann’s effort was saved. Liam Caddis pulled one back from the spot but Thomas Dempsey set up McCann to clinch it for the visitors. Cameron picked up a second yellow in injury-time. Second top Craigmark now entertain Glasgow Uni.
Muirkirk, who have signed David Collins from Johnstone Burgh, beat Greenock 4-1 with goals from Darren Boyle, Jamie Gray, Dillan Duddy and Darren Patton.
GIRVAN host Vale of Clyde in the Third Division after a 2-1 win away to Port Glasgow. Scott Dempster, who has signed from Whitletts in a swap for Andy Kerr, scored a debut goal before Lee Young grabbed the winner.
KELLO will try to reclaim top spot at home to Dalry after losing 3-1 away to Carluke.
LUGAR, who lost 6-4 at home to Bellshill, could boost their numbers after Maybole agreed to allow Nathan Murray and Calum Thomson to move on loan.
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