STONEHOUSE boss Phil Orsborn insists his side go into tonight’s Hellenic League Division One West game at local rivals Shortwood as underdogs.

Playing a competitive tie against their old foes for the first time in more than two decades, Orsborn feels Shortwood’s impressive start to the season will give the Nailsworth side the edge.

He said: “We are going into the game as underdogs after Shortwood’s impressive start. I think it will be a good advert for local football and we expect a tough game and with both sides having first choice players out through injury, it will be an opportunity for some of our reserves to make their mark.”

Shortwood co-manager Matt Blythe is anticipating a tough test against the Magpies, who sit a place and two points below their rivals in ninth after six games of the season.

Blythe said: “Stonehouse will be a really tough game for us as they’ve got a strong side and I rate a few of their players highly, so we’ll need to be right at it.”

Shortwood are set to include fit again Fin Byrnes and Joey Wilton.

Tonight's match at Meadwobank kicks-off at 7.45pm.