MORTON legend Derek Lilley’s memories of playing against junior opposition are a bit hazy — because he was knocked unconscious as an 18-year-old kid against Vale of Clyde.

Lilley went on to have a hugely successful career at Cappielow but he will always remember being clattered against the ‘Tin Pail’.

Speaking ahead of Morton’s Scottish Cup tie with Ayrshire junior outfit Beith, he told the Tele: “I remember playing against Vale of Clyde in a pre-season friendly I had just been around the first team so must have been around 18-years-old.

“I think we were losing 2-1 and I came on and scored. We ended up getting ourselves in front — and then 20 minutes later I got knocked out.

"Some big centre-half just nailed me after a high ball and I came off the park with my head spinning. It was quite physical, that’s one thing that I remember about it.

“Some of these guys, looking back, would have been journeymen who would have probably played at a senior level, and they see this young boy who is running about like a maniac who came on and scored.

“Someone then takes it upon themselves to sort them out! That’s what it kind of felt like.”

Lilley reckons Ton must be prepared to do battle on the pitch this weekend, because junior football is physical.

He also believes the Greenock men must match the intensity of their Ayrshire counterparts — because he says it will be like a ‘cup final’ for the juniors.

He said: “The one thing I always remember about junior football is that it is that bit more physical. What these teams might lack in quality they make up for in grit and determination.

“So the Morton boys will need to be ready for that on Saturday.

“They’ve got to keep their wits about them and not get involved in things.

"Beith will be wanting to make it as uncomfortable as they can and will have a right good go at it. This will be their cup final, so you’ve just got to match their energy and enthusiasm — and take the sting out the game.”