BEITH OVERTAKE BANKIES IN LEAGUE Tough at the top

BEITH Juniors manager Chris Strain praised his players for digging deep to secure the win that moved them to the top of the Premier Division.

Saturday’s 2-1 win over Hurlford at Blair Park saw the Bellsdale Park side take over at the top, albeit only on goal difference, ahead of long-time leaders Clydebank.

With three games in hand on the Bankies, Beith are now most pundits’ favourites to go on and retain the title they won a year ago - but Strain insists his approach, and that of his players, in their remaining five matches will be no different to the 25 games they’ve played so far.

It was a far from straightforward match at Blair Park with The Mighty falling behind in the first half after a deft finish from Michael Mullen.

But Evan Dunne headed Beith level on the cusp of halftime before Alan Docherty flicked the visitors ahead midway through the second period.

Chances followed at either end but Beith held their nerve to secure a potentially crucial victory in the chase for the championship.

“It’s always a tough match at Hurlford,” Strain said.

“We played well. I was pleased with our patience in the match given we fell behind early.

“I think we showed good maturity as it’s easy to get anxious and that affects decision making.”

While the return to top spot, a position that Clydebank had held since September, was welcome, Strain says neither he nor his players will be resting on their laurels.

“We’ve hit the top,” he continued, “but it’s not about getting to the top. It’s about staying there, and that’s our focus.

“We’ll take care of our business and see where it gets us.”

Tough matches are now set to come thick and fast for the Bellsdale Park side, with their run-in featuring games against two of the top five, St Cadoc’s and Largs, and two relegation battlers in Glenafton and Arthurlie - the latter now also Scottish Junior Cup finalists - as well as a home tie against Troon.

But Strain insists that preparations will be no different when the title run in continues tonight (Wednesday) as St Cadoc’s come to Bellsdale.

“We prepare for all games the same way,” he said.

“The games have added meaning at this stage of the season, but our focus will be on our needs and aspirations, no-one else’s. We are obviously going out to try and retain the title, and that’s been the aim since the start of the season.

“If we focus on our performances, and make sure we get to our maximum levels in the remaining games, the rewards will be there for us.

“There’s nothing we need to do, other than push to improve performances, and if we do that I’m sure we’ll continue to be successful.

“We’re only concerned with the demands we place on each other. We let others do the talking when it comes to judging how we are doing.”

Saturday’s win took Beith on to 51 points, meaning

Strain’s men can reach a maximum of 66, though to do that they’ll have to win all their remaining games.

Their closest competition at the moment comes from Auchinleck Talbot, who are currently seventh but can reach a maximum of 63 points with eight to play.

Of the remaining competitors, Darvel can reach 59 points, while Clydebank, Pollok and St Cadoc’s can reach 57 and Largs Thistle can make it to 56.

No other side can better Beith’s current points total by the end of the season.

Tonight’s match at home to St Cadoc’s kicks off at 6.45pm.