RENFREW co-bosses Colin Clark and Martin Ferry say it isn’t a total surprise to them for next-up opponents Maryhill to be topping the table after a storming start to the new Central First Division campaign.

It should be said the Frew have similarly flown out of the blocks to boast a perfect record of two wins from two opening league games and only occupy third top spot on account of the Lochburn Park outfit and second-placed Thorniewood United currently enjoying better goals differentials.

Nevertheless, experienced campaigner Clarky is refusing to get carried away with early signs of promise albeit he is hoping his playing charges can take their current feelgood factor into Saturday’s summit head to head at New Western Park.

He insisted: “Maryhill finished last season like a train yet went out and made key transfer moves over the summer months in recruiting quality defenders Eddie Walton and Paul Coyle while Jamie Docherty has also gone there.

“So it’s difficult not to think these additions have significantly strengthened a dressing room already boasting an outstanding goalkeeping prospect in Grant Hay, a terrific box-to-box midfielder Paul Callander and bustling frontman Andy Monagahan

“And more recently, goalscoring winger Willie Wells returned from figuring as an Auchinleck Talbot pre-season trialist so I tend to agree with most pundits in putting them forward as potential title winners and the team we all have to beat.

“Martin and I are certainly of the mind that any team finishing above Maryhill would be guaranteed promotion.”

Clarky reckons a never-say-die spirit has been the secret behind Renfrew’s return of full points to date.

He reasoned: “We absolutely pummelled Dunipace in our first game but didn’t clinch a 1-0 victory until Jamie Benton fired in a 94th minute goal.

“Last weekend saw another dominant display against a decent Johnstone Burgh side that neutered all our best attacking ventures and led 1-0 but Alan Kinney’s second half equaliser lifted us and he then grabbed an injury time winner.

“It’s pleasing the guys are giving it their all right to the final whistle but we could and should be making things a whole lot easier for ourselves.”

The face Renfrew were dynamic starters last season and won all their opening six league contests before hitting a proverbial brick wall when the goals dried up is not lost on former defensive stalwart Clarky.

He said: “The close season saw us bring in new faces Fraser Barbour (Ashfield), Greg McBride (Harmony Row) on top of Davie Gordon and Anton Heffron returning to the club.

“But memories of where we came unstuck last time preyed on our mind hence the reason we went out on a limb to ensure the signing of Kinney whose Junior nous perfectly complements the enthusiasm and legs of Benton and Scott Arthur.

“And on board to further boost our scoring hand is one time Celtic signing Gary McGarroch who first caught our eye playing with Ferguslie Amateurs and both Martin and I consider him to be a real find.

“We’d like to think goalscoring will not be a problem given four front men of their quality will be vying for the jerseys most weeks.”

Maryhill’s fledgling Junior boss Jim Delaney admits to being “well satisfied with how things are going “and gives all the credit for his side’s 100% league start to the most intense competition for places he has ever encountered.

He was forced into making four changes for last week’s showdown against Vale of Clyde from the line-up that had impressively kicked of their campaign in great style with a 6-2 defeat of Neilston.

He said: “I had concerns particularly as both central defenders Eddie Walton and Paul McLernon were among those posted missing and my heart sank even more just seven minutes into the Vale game when our replacement stopper Andy Banks limped off with a hamstring pull.

“On came Joe Beckley off the bench and we reshuffled things for Davie Quinn to play alongside him at the heart of our rearguard with Coyly moving to left back and I have to say the central pairing were absolutely immense and looked as if they had been a partnership for years.

“Eddie and Paul coming back to training this week poses a real selection headache following on from us turning in a clean sheet against the Vale but it’s one I’d much rather prefer than to be scrambling around looking to fill jerseys with trialists.

“But there’s no doubt the task of keeping everyone match fit is getting tougher with every passing week hence the reason I have taken on a friendly match with Benburb this coming Monday night.”

Delaney who is loving the challenge of embarking on his first season Junior after stepping up from Under 21 football is not the slightest bit concerned that fully five regulars are set to be posted missing from the top-of- the-table clash.

He admitted: “Hamstring injuries rule out Banksy and Frankie Owens while, Willie Wells (wedding) Deji Akinyami (holiday) and Shaun Fraser (work commitments) are also non-starters but I’d like to think a few of our fringe players will welcome the opportunity to stake a claim for a regular place.

“That in itself could be a huge asset going up against a Renfrew side feeling good about themselves on the back of winning results and of course their new surroundings.

“It has all the makings of a cracker of a game and everyone at Maryhill is looking forward to the challenge.”

A share of the spoils in the First Division game of the day would undoubtedly suit Thorniewood United who would then go top of the pile assuming they can pick up all three points when hosting the visit of bottom markers Dunipace.