PERHAPS the most ominous aspect of Kilsyth Rangers running out emphatic 6-0 winners over Shotts Bon Accord last weekend was that the Super First Division league leaders were far from their scintillating best.

Gers gaffer Keith Hogg was delighted as his side got the monkey off their backs by chalking up a first victory in 2017, but his blunt and sincere summations will doubtless have sent a shiver of fear through the Duncansfield club’s title rivals.

Last night he insisted: "It was an overall decent performance yet if it wasn’t for hitting woodwork on a few occasions and coming up against a quite inspired goalkeeper in Johnny Murdoch, then the scoreline could have been even greater.

“Paul McBride is on fire right now and helped himself to a well-taken hat trick yet it’s debatable whether he played better than Ian Diack whose luck deserted him on the day or else his name would have been on the scoresheet.

“I believe there’s a lot more to come from the guys and getting that first win in five games under our belts will hopefully act to boost confidence because there is no denying a lot of vital games are stacking up in front of us starting with the visit of fifth placed Petershill tomorrow.

“They sit seven points behind us with a game in hand and are one of six teams emerging as genuine contenders though I wouldn’t rule our Rutherglen Glencairn and Renfrew from bringing that number up to eight.

“It has all the makings of a highly competitive promotion race and the pressure is being applied with a whole raft of clubs waiting to pounce on any slip-ups.”

Kilsyth scoring more goals and conceding fewer than any other Super First Division outfit has paved the way for their current pole position however his side’s phenomenal consistency …they have lost only one league game all season...has not been without problems .

That’s because long serving defender Paul Doyle and one time Dumbarton midfielder Corey Pearson had transfer requests granted in the immediate aftermath of last Saturday’s winning result.

Hoggy revealed , “ No manager likes to make wholesale changes when a team is winning and both Paul and Corey are desperate to be playing more regularly so they believe the best option open to them is to move elsewhere .

“Paul has already put pen to paper for Shotts while we as a club have declared a willingness to listen to offers for Corey but as yet nobody has made an approach.

“There were also circulating stories saying Scott Davidson ,who is Corey’s travelling companion, had also asked for a move but that is not the case and he is very much part of our plans.

“Matters are otherwise looking up on the personnel front with Chris Reid and Alan Flannigan both back training with the guys and it’s crucial we have as many bodies to call on as possible with our remaining 11 league fixtures supplemented by involvement in two Cup competitions.”

Petershill ‘s travelling party will be shorn of defensive stalwart Peter Bradley following his double ankle break in last week’s Scottish Cup exit against Bonnyrigg Rose (coincidentally also Kilsyth’s conquerors ) and further injury woes are now confronting the Springburn club after the initial prognosis on the sickening injury sustained by Liam Finnigan in a recent clash with Shettleston has pointed to a torn anterior cruciate ligament .

Said the midfielder , “ I’ll find out the full scan results early next week but all the indications are an ACL tear requiring surgery and a lengthy rehab so I’m totally scunnered.”

Among other Super First Division encounters catching the eye is the always hotly contested all-Irvine head to head of Vics v Meadow at Victoria Park which could bring see Vics new signings George Bonner and John Fitzpatrick (ex-Pollok Juveniles) get their first taste of the unique derby atmosphere.

And yet another crunch top of the table contest has third top Clydebank hosting the visit of two points better off Shettleston whose 4-1 defeat at the hands of Girvan last Saturday has led to moves to strengthen their playing squad .

Town co-gaffer John Fallon admitted , “ I think it’s fair to say we have enquired after a number of players but without shaking hands on any transfer deal however our search for fresh blood will continue right up until kick off time.”

At the other end of the standings , Blantyre Vics will not find it easy to clamber clear of the basement drop zone at home to the much improved Renfrew while Shotts Bon Accord will hope the arrival of experienced central defender Doyle will stiffen their backline for the visit of Yoker Athletic to Hannah Park .

And the dream start made by new Cumbernauld United boss Andy Frame in last weekend’s 2-0 triumph over Irvine Vics may prove difficult to build on at home to a Rutherglen Glencairn side looking to chalk up a seventh game without defeat.