St Cuthbert Wanderers boss Jordan Williamson insists Saturday’s Stewartry derby is just like any other game.
The Kirkcudbright side go into the Meadow Park clash four points clear of rivals Threave Rovers in the South of Scotland League.
And while it could prove a decisive moment in the title race, Williamson will be treating it like any other match.
He said: “We know, even if we get beaten, we’re still clear at the top of the league so we need to approach it like any other game.
“For the past few weeks we have gone into games knowing that is the situation so we’ll just approach it as another league game and another chance to pick up three points.
“Having said that, it’s the derby and the boys will be up for it.
“These are the fixtures in the calendar that you look out for and enjoy being part of because it’s a great rivalry between the two clubs.
“Everybody wants the bragging rights of the derby but we have to be focused to get the three points.”
Saints warmed up for the clash with a 6-3 win over Wigtown on Saturday, the win letting them put their midweek South of Scotland Challenge Cup defeat to Queen of the South behind them.
Dale Milligan put Saints into an early lead with Scott Ballantyne adding the second from the penalty spot.
Wigtown then got one back with a spectacular effort from player/manager Jek Kiltie to ensure they were only one behind at the break.
Thomas Kelly restored Saints’ two goal lead early in the second half with Luke Currie quickly adding a fourth.
A fine Kiltie free-kick gave Wigtown hope before Currie got Saints’ fifth, Elliott Harris making it six before Macaulay Rennie got a late consolation.
Williamson said: “The most important thing was picking up the three points and getting back into good habits. It means we’re level on games going into Saturday.
“It’s maybe disappointing we didn’t get more goals but the performance was good enough and we managed to shake off the defeat from Queens.
“It was a good game and we created lots of goalscoring opportunities.
“The two goals from Jek were world class finishes and I’m pretty sure he’d admit himself if he tried them 100 times again they wouldn’t go in! It puts different light on the result but you’ve got to take your hat off to two excellent finishes.”
Playing as a trialist for Saints on Saturday was former Dalbeattie Star, Queen of the South and Annan Athletic defender Steven Black.
He has now signed permanently after leaving Carlisle City.
Williamson said: “He gives us experience to help out in the back line. We have some young players there so bringing them in will be massive to help these players develop further but it will also help shore us up at the back to see us through some big games.
“We have maybe conceded goals on the cheap as the season goes on and he should help steady the ship and make us more resolute.
“He’s a big presence and he’ll be good in the changing room. The boys have taken to him well.”
While one player has arrived, leaving the squad is midfielder Johnny Rawlings. He has been forced to retire due to injury and has now taken on a coaching role at St Mary’s Park.
"We always try to help players develop, be it on or off the pitch, so we’ve given him the opportunity to come in on the coaching team and help go through the early coaching levels so he can get a feel for things. He was a big character in terms of a player and he’ll continue that in terms of his role as a coach.”
