Keep your feet on the ground Gers
Gaffer’s warning as Cambuslang hit the top after goal spree
CAMBUSLANG Rangers have leapt to the forefront in the Central First Division title race after a lot of fancied runners and riders stumbled in recent weeks – and Paul McColl’s men have grasped their opportunity with both hands.
Wishaw, St Roch’s, Rossvale and relegated duo Greenock and Bellshill Athletic were be- ing openly tipped as title contenders when the season got under way in August and pundits also reckoned the Wee Gers could be involved in a fight for survival at best.
But the Somervell Park outfit have confounded their critics with an unbelievable scoring spree of 46 goals in 11 league matches and are currently occupying pole position – six points ahead of nearest challengers St Roch’s.
That 1-0 reverse by the Candy Rock signifies the only points dropped by Cambuslang to date and their response to this hiccup has been to reel off seven league wins on the spin in a run which they hope to extend when travelling through to the Glas- gow Southside to face Benburb tomorrow.
McColl, though, is not taking things for granted and is urging his playing charges to adopt a similar approach at New Tinto Park.
He said: “The very fact the Bens inflicted St Roch’s only defeat to date is an indication of how they can raise their game so I’ve warned the guys to expect a testing time of it.
“We will need to be on our guard particularly from a defensive stance as their striker Ryan Livingston who was out on trial with Dundee earlier this season is a real danger in and around the penalty area.
“Hopefully we can keep his gas at a peep but without blunt- ing our own attacking options which are averaging four goals a game.”
McColl, who has completed the sale of experienced midfielder Colin Boylan to Lesmahagow, has moved quickly to strengthen his own playing hand with the signing of versatile ace James Brown from Cumbernauld United whom supporters may get to see if he makes a debut appearance against Benburb.
MEANWHILE, making waves in the Second Division are Carluke Rovers, showing signs of a recovery after picking up just one win in their opening five league outings and looking a good bet to record a fifth win on the trot away to Lanarkshire neighbours Newmains United tomorrow.
Team boss Colin Slater revealed: “Having key personnel missing for a number of weeks at the start of the season hit us hard and heads were down because of results.
“Things started to turn round when players became available again to provide com- petition for the jerseys and we quite honestly haven’t looked back since and are playing some exceptional football.
“The whole place has received a lift following a heart to heart talk and the attitude and training ground efforts of each and every player has been nothing short of exemplary.
“That’s why we are coming back to the fore and hopefully we can continue on a similar vein at Newmains who are sitting bottom of the table but will be afforded the same respect as if they were top dogs.
“They have a manager in Kevin Muirhead with extensive contacts and you can bet he will be tapping into them to improve his lot.”