Cumbernauld Colts going for three in a row at Gretna

Colts ended 2016 and started 2017 in the best possible way with victories over two of the sides above them in the Lowland League table - their first league victories since the start of September.

A 1-0 win away to table toppers East Kilbride on Hogmanay was followed by an impressive 3-0 success over Dalbeattie Star at Broadwood on Saturday.

Now Colts co-manager Craig McKinlay is hoping his side can kick on as they try to emulate their fourth place finish in last season’s debut Lowland League campaign.

He said: “It was a big couple of games for us. We went through a spell where, in our view, we were dropping points in games we should be winning.

“It was a bit of a wonder strike from Jamie Broadfoot that got us the three points at East Kilbride but I think we merited it.

“It was different against Dalbeattie. They’re above us in the league and beat us down there earlier in the season so it was important that we followed up the result against East Kilbride with the three points at home against Dalbeattie.

“That makes up ground on them and we have three games in hand with four points between us.

“The lads played really, really well. We had far more of the ball, used it really well and created a number of chances so it was a really pleasing performance.

“We worked every bit as hard, but there were more opportunites for us and we scored three terrific goals. To be quite honest we should have had another two or three.

“It’s a big six points for us and makes a huge difference in terms of the league table.

“We’ve had two big results but Gretna are just behind us in the league and beat us in the opening game of the season.

“Granted we were very light in that game and certainly weren’t at our best, so we certainly want to go down there and get the three points.

“We went down there and got a well earned and a tough victory last year. It’s a tough place to go but for us it’s just about getting another win.

“That would be three wins in a row which at this stage. as we look at the run-in, would be very important for us.”

Colts are poised to add to their squad by signing defender Jordan Marshall, recently released by Rutherglen Glencairn, and drafting in forward Scott Davidson on loan from Stirling Albion until the end of the season.

Davidson was also on loan to Colts last season.

Colts also recently secured left-back Lewis Wilson on loan from Alloa Athletic and signed ex-East Kilbride midfielder Gavin Lachlan, while defender Daniel McFarlane’s spell on loan from Albion Rovers has been extended until the end of January.

McKinlay said: “If we can bring in maybe one more then we’d be happy with that. The lads are starting to look good and these extra wee bits of quality will help us.”