WHEN it comes to fighting off the dreaded drop, one position teams do not want to be in at the turn of the year is the relegation zone.

The feeling is that managers whose teams occupy a place in the nether regions of the league at this crucial stage in the season face a tough task to hoist their team to safety.

It's a rather sobering thought for supporters of Renfrew, Maryhill, Glenafton, Bellshill and Kilsyth, whose clubs are currently and ominously hovering in and around the Super Premier basement area.

Two of this group could take the downward plunge, while another will only avoid a similar fate by winning a two-leg play off against the third-placed Super First Division outfit.

Arguably facing the toughest climb to get themselves out of trouble are Maryhill.

Robert Johnston's young side have yet to pick up so much as a point on the road, therefore even their most diehard supporters will be fearing the worst when travelling through to Hannah Park on Saturday for a confrontation with strong-going title challengers Shotts.

Remaining typically defiant in the face of these seemingly damning statistics is skipper Kevin O'Neil, fast closing in on his first anniversary as a Maryhill player, having signed towards the end of last January's transfer window.

The defensive battler said: "You won't find anyone in our dressing room thinking about throwing in the towel.

"Yes, our position could be better but it is far from hopeless considering we have almost half our league programme of matches still to play.

"Remember, this time 12 months ago I was with Bellshill Athletic who were looking doomed, sitting points adrift at the foot of the table.

"But they got out of bother by stringing together a run of results in the New Year and who's to say Maryhill cannot do the same?"

Meanwhile, Whyte and Mackay Cup holders Glenafton finally have a date for their second round clash with Irvine Meadow.

West Region chiefs have set aside Saturday, January 27 for all the matches - assuming, of course, the postponed first round affair between Yoker and Kilsyth Rangers gets the go-ahead on the previous weekend.

And one hears that homeless Petershill have decided not to make peace with hitherto landlords Ashfield for kicking them out on the street.

Instead, Peasy officials have reputedly struck up an arrangement with near neighbours Glasgow Perthshire which will see them fulfil their home fixtures at Keppoch Park.

And belatedly, league sponsors Stagecoach have declared Super Premier pace-setters Auchinleck Talbot as their December team of the month.