MATCHES between Clydesdale and West of Scotland always generate

interest, and tomorrow's encounter at Titwood is no different. However,

the importance of it to both sides, even this early in the season, is

emphasised by a look at their league positions.

While West are in contention at one end Clydesdale have made a poor

start. Skipper Donald Orr believes a top-three placing by the end of the

season is still within his club's grasp, provided ''attitudes'' change.

Whether such messages have been relayed to the players will become

clearer tomorrow. Clydesdale call up Ian Stanger and Rennie Keith, but

that bonus is off-set by the unavailability of Greig Williamson, who is

preparing for exams.

For West, Angus Montgomery is still injured so Alistair Milne gets the

shout.

Ayr, despite claiming to be short of experience, continue to thrive,

and indeed go into their top-of-the-table match with Greenock leading

the Western Union table.

Dougie Johnstone, out recently through a thigh injury, has decided to

take himself off on holiday, with David Thallon being introduced.

Greenock are unchanged.

Whitehaugh is the setting for the Paisley derby, Ferguslie hoping to

maintain their lofty standing in the table and their impressive record

against neighbours, Kelburne.

The home side will be led by Roddy Ferguson in the absence of Stuart

Cruickshank, who is chasing the sunshine rather than runs this week,

while Ferguslie are at full strength.

Poloc await the visit of Kilmarnock, while birthday cake will be on

the tea menu at Bothwell, where Uddingston meet Drumpellier, new

Scotland skipper Alistair Storie and all. It is a century ago that the

Lanarkshire sides first met in the Union.