Buddies ‘can end with a win’
Paisley Rugby Club’s Paul Reid hopes the side can finish the year on a high as they prepare to welcome Clydebank this afternoon.
The Buddies take on the Bankies in their last fixture of the year – bringing the curtain down on an eventful 2017.
With Paisley pipping Clydebank to third place in the league last season and winning both away encounters this season, the hosts are looking to make it a hat-trick of wins.
But Reid has warned the side will have to be on their guard.
He said:“Clydebank always bring the game to us in the forward pack and it’ll be about fronting up against them on Saturday, especially in the tough winter conditions.
“We like to play an expansive game but we can’t do that unless we get it right upfront. A lot of work has gone in over the last few weeks about winning ugly and adapting our game plan to the conditions.
“Last time out we had to dig deep and beat a buoyant Cumbernauld side, with us down to 14 men for most of the second half so hopefully we’ve learnt some lessons from that.” Craig Ritchie
Jack Ross insists a Christmas full of cheer could go a long way towards Saints achieving their ultimate wish – promotion.
Saints face a tricky run of fixtures over the next few weeks, with ties against Queen of the South, Dundee United and Greenock Morton all on the horizon following this afternoon’s clash at home to Dunfermline.
Victories over sides in the top half would only serve to cement their spot among the promotion frontrunners as the Championship heads into 2018.
However, Ross is keen to ensure that his side remains focused on the task at hand as they look to rebuild their home fortress following defeat to Dumbarton in their last game in Paisley.
Ross said: “I don’t think the next few games make or break the season, but we understand the significance of this time of year.
“The run of games coming up could have a bearing on where we ultimately end up. If we go through this period and we are successful in the matches then it puts us in a very good spot.
“The position that we have managed to get ourselves in means that we go into this period of December with some really attractive games.
“But Saturday is a game that has always had that feel about it anyway because of the size of the two clubs, so I am looking forward to it, and I am looking forward to us getting back to playing at home as well.
“The league is beginning to stretch slightly. As competitive as this league always is, I think it is impossible for it to stay as close as it has been all the way through the season.
“We want to make sure that if there is any separation at all that we remain in that top one or two, or three at the most.”
This time last season St Mirren only had two victories on the board – and only just after wins over Queen of the South and Raith Rovers at the start of December.
Looking back at the struggles of the club 12 months ago, Ross is delighted to see the progress the club has made since then.
He added: “The change in results has been the most tangible aspect of it, and one of the most satisfying aspects for me is the different feeling around the whole club. If you speak to our supporters they will tell you how much they enjoy coming to our games.”