Home improvements are top of list for Swifts
Gunnion targets better return from Riverside advantage
Jeanfield Swifts manager Ross Gunnion is determined to improve the club’s home form.
And the Perth boss would love that trend to begin at the Riverside this weekend when Broxburn Athletic visit for Super League action.
Swifts have won two, lost five in the Fair City this season and Gunnion is aware that making use of home advantage is going to be crucial.
He said: “To date I feel we’ve under-performed at home and that’s something we are keen to rectify.
“We have arguably the best playing surface in the league and facilities to rival any Super League team so it’s no surprise teams enjoy playing at the Riverside.
“But we need to make our home ground a place where nothing is given away easily. It’s certainly something we’re looking to enforce this week and beyond.”
Saturday’s visitors Broxburn have only been defeated twice this season but Swifts did net a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture earlier in the year. Gunnion wants Jeanfield results to improve at the Riverside
Gunnion said: “Looking back to the first game of the season, I thought we deservedly came away from there with a point and possibly could have had all three.
“They are an excellent side however and, as they’ve proved since that game, are capable of competing with the teams in the top half of the table.
“They have experienced players and some real quality in the final third which we’ll need to be on top of our game to keep at bay.
“I feel we’ve developed a bit more in terms of our game awareness since that game and hopefully the players are now aware of how to counter the threats of Broxburn.
“But we need to ensure we start the games correctly and impose ourselves on the game early.”
NORTH LEAGUE
The Perthshire derby at Tulloch Park on Saturday afternoon is sure to attract a bumper crowd.
Kinnoull and Luncarty, both currently placed in the top five of the North League, go head to head in Perth for what is expected to be a tightlycontested tussle.
After having their cup game against Fauldhouse United called off last week, the Bleachers are raring to get back to competitive action.
Boss Jon Kelly said: “It was disappointing to have last week’s cup tie called off. It was a game I was looking forward to.
“We arranged a practise match at Luncarty so we never missed out on our match fitness. That is a plus from having a big squad.
“We now have a big game to look forward to on Saturday away to Kinnoull. This will be a tough one, but we are looking forward to it.
“Kinnoull are a very hard working team and will give their all.
“They have picked up some really good results recently, so we are aware at what level we must be at to take something from the game.”
An interesting game awaits at Farquharson Park as Scone Thistle, placed third, welcome sixth placed Lochee Harp on Saturday.
The Jags, who remain in the Scottish Junior Cup, have again carved out an impressive season and sit a solitary point from the top of the current standings.
For the east Perthshire teams, Coupar Angus hit the road knowing that a victory will see them jump above opponents Arbroath Vics.
Foxhall manager Logan McConachie said: “Arbroath have had a couple of good results this season and always are a stuffy opponent.
“We got full points off of them last season and we’re hoping to leap frog them in the table with a victory.
“We’re starting to get a good mix of experience and the competition for places is the strongest it’s been during my time at Coupar.
“It’s always a challenge increasing your squad but our decisions are always focused on the benefit of the club.”
Blairgowrie, meanwhile, will be favourites to pick up three points when they travel to play bottom of the table Forfar Albion.