JOHNSTONE BURGH co-manger Colin Smith is aiming to kickstart his side's survival bid with a win over local rivals Neilston this weekend.

The Keanie Park side currently sit bottom of the Central District First Division, eight points from safety but Smith is refusing to give up hope of beating the drop.

The Burgh manager insists he’s aware of how hard it'll be to stay up following a poor first half of the season but says he’s targeting six wins from his side's last eight games to complete a great escape.

He said: “It's been a disappointing season so far, we won our first game and then drew the second but ever since then it’s been downhill and the league table reflects that.

“Avoiding relegation is a tough ask at this point, realistically I think we need to win six of our last eight games to even have a chance of staying up.

“That’s the aim I’m setting the lads but giving the fact we have only won the one game all season it’s not going to be easy that’s for sure.”

Smith added: “Looking at the league table I’m sure a few people consider us as already relegated but that’s far from true, we still have Bellshill, Thorniewood and Forth Wanderers to play.

“These are teams that are just above us in the table so if we can beat them we will give ourself a real fighting chance of staying up.

“However, I know it's a big ask but it’s not undoable and until it is we will keep fighting to maintain our place in this league.”

Burgh welcome local rivals Neilston to Keanie Park on Saturday, the last game between the sides finished goalless but Smith is aiming to go one better this weekend and secure a much-needed win.

He said: “Our next two games are vital, we play Neilston on Saturday then we face Bellshill the following week.

“Both of these sides are in the relegation mix as far as I’m concerned so it's vital for us to take points off them.

“Saturday's game is an especially big one for us, not only is it a local derby but if we win we have the chance to pull them into the relegation battle.

“Martin and John Paul at Neilston know for a fact that they aren’t out of the woods yet in terms of relegation so it will be a massive three points for whoever wins on Saturday.

“However, we need those points more than they do so I’m hoping my sides hunger shines through and we come away with the win but as I say it won’t be easy.

“I’m expecting a real hard hitting game on Saturday, the last time we played them it was a typical derby match and I’m sure it will be the same this time as well.

“From our point of view we will just need to focus on our game plan and not play the occasion, if we do that then I believe we can walk away with all three points.”

Elsewhere the draw for the quarter-finals of the Scottish Junior Cup will be made today at 2pm.

The draw will be conducted by former Scotland internationalist Alan Rough and renowned football pundit Peter Martin.

A number of Scotland's best Junior sides are in the draw including West of Scotland Super League Premier Division leaders Kirkintilloch Rob Roy.

Rob Roy’s title rivals Glenafton and Auchinleck Talbot are also in the draw alongside Premier Division strugglers Kilwinning Rangers.

Gartcairn also represent the west region in the draw while the east region is represented by Sauchie Juniors and East Superleague holders Bonnyrigg Rose.

There is still one spot up for grabs in the quarter-finals due to Maryhill and Linlithgow Rose fifth round tie being postponed due to adverse weather conditions.