IT is very much a case of as you were in the Stagecoach leagues after yet another weekend fixture list was disrupted by waterlogged pitches.

None of the front-runners were forced to hand over their coveted top placings, albeit several of the recognised nearest challengers edged ever closer after posting crucial victories.

In the Super Premier, a significant upward move came from Beith, whose 1-0 home win over Vale of Clyde - thanks to a late Derek McCulloch penalty - saw Johnny Miller's men leapfrog Petershill and Irvine Meadow to assume second top spot and sit a point behind leaders Pollok.

Given that Glenafton are now just three points further adrift as a result of Joe Savage (2) and Mark Quinn netting in a 3-2 defeat of Neilston then it looks very much like the Ayrshire trio of clubs pose the biggest threat to Lok racking up a third title success on the spin.

Largs continue to lead the way at Super First level, despite making heavier weather than predicted in picking up all three points at home to bottom markers Hurlford United.

One-time Celtic signing John-Paul Dow bagged a double to help the Seasiders come good by a 4-2 scoreline and open up a seven-point lead over second-placed Lanark United, left unable to further their own title aspirations through the postponement of their scheduled meeting with Annbank United.

One point worse off than the Yowes are the Tommy Bryce-steered Kilbirnie, whose 2-0 win over Port Glasgow reinforces opinion reckoning the two promotion places will come down to a tense run-in between these top three placed clubs.

Shocks abounded in the District Leagues, most notably at New Southcroft Park where runaway First Division leaders Glencairn saw their unbeaten home record go when losing 2-1 to bottom club Vale of Leven.

Alan Lees tucking away a penalty had the visiting noses in front at half-time, but a Paul McDougall leveller had home fans anticipating a trademark storming Glens finale.

However, the deciding goal was scored at the other end by visiting striker Mark Pawsey for what was only the young Vale side's second league win of the season.

Cambuslang boosted their hopes of figuring in the promotion mix when Chris Queen, Thomas Hoey and Carlo Santi were on target in a 3-1 defeat of Cumbernauld.

Ashfield, however, suffered a major setback from a 3-2 Saracen Park loss against Glasgow rivals St Anthony's.

All looked to be going according to plan for Stevie Rankin's men when they fought back from conceding an early Graham Jaap score to lead 2-1 through counters from Smith brothers Alan and Jim (pen), but veteran Danny Taylor bagged two late goals for the improving Ants. Doing their utmost to get over the disappointment of their Citylink Cup elimination by Pollok are Irvine Meadow, proceeding with plans to commemorate their first-ever Junior Cup- winning team at a gala dinner in the Ayrshire town's Volunteer Rooms on Friday, March 27.

Former club president Milton Thomson has taken a table at which he hopes to bring all surviving members of their famous 1959 side that triumphed 2-1 over Shettleston in front of a 65,000 Hampden Park crowd.

Medda's centre-half and skipper on that occasion, Jim Crawford, will be there and Milton is desperate to entice other team members along such as winger Bobby Carroll, later to make history as a Celtic player through scoring the Hoops' first-ever goals in European competition, a brace in a 4-2 Fairs' Cities Cup defeat by Valencia at the Mestalla in 1962. Any players from that era should contact Milton on 07826 744143. Arthurlie boss Mark Cameron has denied his swoop for Ayr centreback Murray Henderson comes amid fears regular stopper Craig Higgins is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Branco said: "We signed Murray because he's a good player and will provide competition. Craig is already on the mend and has an outside chance of facing Auchinleck this Saturday." SATURDAY'S FIXTURES

(2pm unless stated) Scottish Citylink Junior Cup. Quarter-final replay: Arthurlie v Auchinleck Talbot (2.30pm).

Stagecoach Super Premier Division: Vale of Clyde v Bellshill Athletic, Rob Roy v Glenafton, Irvine Meadow v Neilston, Cumnock v Beith, Pollok v Petershill.

Stagecoach Super First Division: Kilsyth Rangers v Annbank Utd, Largs Thistle v Kilwinning Rangers, East Kilbride Thistle v Port Glasgow, Hurlford Utd v Girvan, Lanark Utd v Kilbirnie Ladeside, Maybole v Renfrew, Clydebank v Shotts.

Stagecoach Central First Division: Larkhall Thistle v Yoker, Thorniewood Utd v Ashfield, Vale of Leven v Maryhill, Benburb v Cambuslang Rangers, St Anthony's v Cumbernauld Utd, Johnstone Burgh v Lesmahagow.

Stagecoach Central Second Division: Blantyre Vics v Royal Albert, Forth v Wishaw, St Roch's v Carluke Rovers, Newmains Utd v Dunipace, Greenock v Glasgow Perthshire.

Stagecoach Ayrshire Division: Lugar Boswell v Dalry Thistle, Winton Rovers v Irvine Vics, Darvel v Whitletts Vics, Saltcoats Vics v Ardeer Thistle, Muirkirk v Craigmark.