KILSYTH Rangers boss Matty Coulter rates the Super First Division as the toughest of all the Junior leagues to win.

Taking time out from preparing his Gers charges for their trip through to meet joint-top Ashfield this coming weekend, Coulter insists the sheer week-to-week competitiveness in the West Region's second flight is not for the faint-hearted.

Duncansfield's finest have attracted rave reviews for a storming start to the season which has lifted them up into third-top spot with the opportunity to go back atop the standings were they to emerge victorious from their Saracen Park sojourn.

The boss said: "We're only a handful of games into the new season yet already four different clubs have had spells leading the way.

"My lads are up there on merit and there are plenty of encouraging signs about us, however it is every bit as important to keep stressing the message that all we've done up to now is make a good start and nothing more.

"Just about every game is tight to call. Why this is can be attributed directly to the division's rather unique make-up that brings in seven new teams every season - four promoted and three relegated - who are all out to make an impact."

Looking ahead to Saturday's crunch clash, he went on: "I felt it prudent to speak with Mark Cameron about Ashfield given the fact Arthurlie are the only side to win at Saracen Park this season.

"He brackets them as potential title winners, mainly on the back of their formidable home form so we'll certainly need to be at our best to take anything from this week's game.

"Doubtless we'll have to adopt a different type of approach given the restraints of the ultra-tight playing surface, but we have players capable of digging in if, as I suspect, the game develops into more of a scrap than a footballing contest.

"In these circumstances there are always individual battles going on around the pitch and it really is imperative we win more than we lose."

"I've the greatest respect for Stevie Rankin and his players but if my guys are up for it then I think we're capable of causing a shock."

Ashfield will be suitably boosted by the return of ex-Dundee stopper Jim Smith, Paul Mangan and speedy front man Craig Smith who were all posted missing when the Possil-based outfit notched up a resounding 4-1 victory over Maybole last weekend.

And there is every likelihood of home supporters getting a first glimpse of latest signing Mark Smith, formerly of Tower Hearts as Stevie Rankin believes the young midfielder is already knocking at the door of a starting place.

He said: "Mark is looking the part and I'm torn between throwing him in at the deep end or blooding him with substitute appearances over several games.

"At the same time I have to be fair to the lads currently occupying the jerseys who have been playing at the top of their game of late.

"Nobody fits this bill more than Maxie (Paul Maxwell), who has been nothing short of outstanding in our last two matches and is someone whose very presence on the pitch acts as a huge lift to his team-mates." Bottom line-up

A KEENLY-FOUGHT basement battle is on the cards in the Super First table with bottom markers Dalry Thistle hosting Neilston, currently one place and two points better off.

The visitors are set to recall veteran player-coach Kenny Gillies following some backroom changes.

The seasoned midfielder said: "We've a young side and manager Colin Lyndsay believes we need more experience to add support to Joe Bryers and Andy Whiteford.

"So I'm going to concentrate on the playing side of things and do my coaching on the pitch while Colin and Archie Halley do their bit off it.

"Hopefully these changes will eradicate the errors that have cost us dearly all season."