IF making a good start holds the key to promotion success then Clydebank, Kilsyth Rangers and Largs Thistle have

stolen a march on their Super First Division rivals.

The trio are the only clubs to have won two out of two league outings this season and will be pinning hopes on home advantage helping maintain 100 per cent records in their next-up fixtures this coming weekend.

But stiff tests undoubtedly lie in wait with Clydebank hosting the visit of Bellshill Athletic – Kilsyth taking on Shotts Bon Accord – and Largs Thistle going up against a Kilwinning Rangers side that ran out resounding 5-0 winners when the Ayrshire foes locked horns last month in an Ardgah Glass League Cup tie.

Earlier today Bankies boss Budgie McGhie sounded a note of caution to his youthful playing squad in saying: “It’s pleasing to have put full points on the board up to now but a return to the top flight remains a very long way off and the reality is we have done nothing more than start away the season on a good footing.

“Experience has taught us not to place too many demands on younger guys coming into the Juniors as they will lack consistency and inevitably make mistakes so the trick is to try and rotate the players to keep everyone fresh and mentally focused on the job in hand.

“But right now that’s proving easier said than done given that fully six regulars – Graham Watt, Derek Carcary, Phil Barclay, Ross Harvie, Danny McKinnon and Scott Harvie were posted missing at the weekend though our team

selection problems were even more acute in the 2-0 defeat of Winton Rovers on the previous Saturday as we had only one player in our starting XI – Johnny Allan – who had been with us last season.

“And the average age of our side that day was 22 years so the need to instil good habits and disciplines is paramount because our lack of experience, particularly heading out on the road for games down in Ayrshire, is a bit of a worry but so far so good.”

The experienced gaffer, still of a mind to listen to offers (loan deal or otherwise) for transfer-listed defender Scott Walker is well aware rival clubs will be willing his side’s bubble to burst when Bellshill visit Holm Park.

He said: “Our home form is going to be crucial to any promotion push and it’s encouraging to see supporters getting behind us as their backing can give the team a massive lift.

“I’m pretty sure they are deriving great enjoyment from watching a highly enthusiastic group of players whose attitude is so refreshing and all the indications point to Clydebank as a club moving in the right direction.

“Bellshill will provide a stiff test and I’d like to have a full playing deck at my disposal, but word is only Barclay will be fit and even his return to the fray is compensated for by Ryan Holms missing out against his former club because he’s attending a wedding.”

Bellshill, buoyed by Gary McGrath and Gary Miller goals bringing about a 2-0 defeat of Winton Rovers for their first league win of the season, will head through in confident mood according to assistant boss Brian Dingwall.

The former Pollok and Junior Scotland scoring legend revealed: “I watched Clydebank in a recent midweek friendly match with Pollok and they served up a very impressive performance on the night.

“They’re not top of the table for nothing and play with so much belief even though Budgie has put together a predominantly young side.

“Our own team is very much a work in progress after the mass of dressing-room departures during the close season, however there were signs of us getting things together after a scrappy opening period against Ardrossan.

“There’s good quality throughout with Scott Sally and Scott Morton looking as if they have the makings of a decent forward-line partnership while Barry McGowan was outstanding alongside McGrath in midfield.

“Holm Park can be an intimidating venue but we’ll go there looking to create chances and hopefully notch a few of them.”

Few were better in terms of goalscoring than Dingy at his playing peak and though nowadays 39 years of age, it may concern those of a Clydebank design that the once-feared hitman was listed as a Bellshill substitute last weekend and is working hard on the training ground to improve fitness levels.

In-form Kilsyth Rangers striker Joe Barclay will happily bear the scoring burden when Shotts visit Duncansfield, however Keith Hogg’s men will miss the craft and guile of

winger Willie Easton, ruled out through suspension following his red card for dissent in the 3-1 triumph over Cumnock.

And Largs Thistle followers will be hoping James Marks can continue his rich scoring vein – four goals in his last five outings – against a Kilwinning Rangers side that bounced back from their opening day 5-1 trouncing by Yoker Athletic to dole out a 4-0 Abbey Park beating to Blantyre Vics.