Home advantage so important for Nicol
Luncarty captain Stuart Nicol realises Brownlands Park must become a fortress to ensure this is a special Super League season.
The Bleachers, who were only promoted to the division this year, have made a strong start and hold aspirations of challenging for the title.
They currently sit one point from the top of the table undefeated in their two home games - ahead of this weekend’s match against Carnoustie Panmure.
Panmure are looking down on the rest from the summit at present, but Nicol and his teammates are hoping to change that on Saturday afternoon.
Making the most of home advantage is going to be crucial in their quest to piece together a productive campaign, the skipper believes.
He said: “It’s been a good start to the Super League campaign but we are under no illusions Stuart Nicol is hoping to piece together an impressive record at Brownlands Park
how tough the league is.
“And if we don’t turn up and give 100 per cent then we will be punished by the quality that the other teams have.
“In saying that, I have belief in the squad that if we do give our all we are a match for anybody and the aim is to be up the top
half of the table competing.
“Carnoustie are a wellestablished Super League team and will, for sure, be up the top half of the table come the end of the season.
“We will have to be at the very top of our game to compete this coming Saturday.
“We understand that a good home record is very important and is something we pride ourselves on.
“We will be going out this Saturday full of confidence, looking for the three points.”
Luncarty added a number of signings in the summer, including the likes of experienced duo Chris Anton and Robbie Holden.
Nicol has been impressed with how everyone has settled in and is excited about what else is to come from the squad as the season progresses.
He admits there is an added buzz running through the squad currently, aided by last weekend’s comfortable 5-2 victory away at Forfar West End.
“The new additions have hit the ground running and brought new qualities and depth to the squad, which has been fantastic,” he explained.
“There is a real buzz around the club just now and everybody is enjoying the new challenge.”
The fixture schedule has been a busy one to start the season off and that has resulted in Luncarty picking up a number of knocks.
Manager Jon Kelly highlighted that he has six players who have picked up injuries, but there remains a confidence that three points can be picked up.
Ahead of the weekend he said: “Carnoustie have had a great start to the season and we will be in for a very tough test this weekend.
“It’s still very early in the season but with there only being a point between the teams it sets it up for an exciting encounter.
“We are nursing around six injuries just now due to our hectic start to the season but our squad size has definitely benefited us.
“Being at home on Saturday is a plus as we are really enjoying playing our football on the great surface that has been created for us.
“We need to try and make it a difficult place for any team to visit and Saturday is no different.”
Kick-off at Brownlands Park is 2.30pm.
A good home record is very important and it’s something we pride ourselves on