Juniors: Cumbernauld and Kilsyth looking for change in fortunes

It’s been a frustrating couple of months for the two sides who have slumped from being involved in the promotion race to mid-table.

Kilsyth got off to a flier with victories in their first four games but have won just once in five league games since then, their last three points coming from a 2-0 win at Yoker on October 17.

Following a complete overhaul of their squad during the summer, Cumbernauld had a difficult start with heavy losses in their opening two games before a run of four wins in five games boosted their morale.

However they too have struggled in recent months from having games called off - including Saturday’s game with leadeers Largs - and losing the two league games they have played and are without a league victory since their 4-1 derby success at Kilsyth on October 31.

Both sides face away games this Saturday with Cumbernauld travelling down to Ayrshire to face an Ardrossan Winton Rovers side just one place above them in the table.

Kilsyth make the short trip to Rockburn Park to face North Lanarkshire rivals Bellshill Athletic whom they hammered 5-1 at Duncansfield on their opening match of the season.

Rangers boss Keith Hogg is viewing the game as an ideal opportunity to get back on track - but insists that morale remains high despite their recent barren run.

He said: “I’d be a lot more worried if we weren’t creating chances but against Kilwinning, who to my mind and possibly the best team we have come up against in the league, we played some good stuff.

“We got an early goal but there’s no doubt the red card for Michael was a massive game changer.

“He’s slid in but he’s got the ball and their player has got straight back up and got on with the game and even the Kilwinning manager said afterwards it was never a red.

“The guys still dug in deep but there’s no doubt that it would have been a different game if it had stayed 11 against 11.

“The players are still working hard and confident they can get back on track. We just need a bit of lady luck - hopefully that will come on Saturday.”

Cumbernauld beat East Superleague side Sauchie 3-2 in a friendly at Alloa on Monday night and head for Ardrossan knowing they have already won there this season, 5-2 in the West of Scotland Cup.

But United boss John Queen expects the Ayrshire side to be a different proposition on Saturday.

He said: “We gave them a bit of a lesson that day, but having just come up it made them realise what was required and they have strengthened their squad since.

“But the game against Sauchie was really good for us, not just with the result but the way we played and hopefully we can take that confidence into Saturday.”

The Cumbernauld supporters’ bus for Ardrossan will leave Guy’s Meadow and 11.40am and the town centre at 11.45.