BILLY OGILVIE has targeted three points from Arthurlie’s final league game of 2017 to kickstart a climb up the table.

A 4-1 reverse at the hands of Kilwinning Rangers in his side’s last outing was Ogilvie’s taste defeat since taking up the reins at the end of October.

Crucially it leaves the Barrhead club sitting third bottom of the table just two points better off than Clydebank who just happen to be Saturday’s visitors to Dunterlie.

The two teams need a result badly and Ogilvie, who has installed former Queens Park youth coach Lee Mitchell as his No 2, is urging his playing charges to make the most of home advantage and playing in front of their own supporters.

He insisted: “I’ve every confidence we can turn things around but there’s no escaping the fact that home form is doubly important in our situation. If we can win our home games and add some points picked up on the road then we will soon be pushing on and clear of any danger however I’m first to admit that’s easier said than done in this very tough and competitive league.

“My five games as Arthurlie manager have been everything I expected them to be but both myself and Lee are thoroughly enjoying the challenge even though we are still getting to know the players and their habits . . . both good and bad.

“A clear indication of where we need to be came in the Kilwinning Rangers game but getting our ideas across to improve the players is not going to be a quick fix so the Christmas shut down is coming at a good time as it will allow us a welcome break from the competitive stuff and an opportunity to put in some hard work on the training ground.

”The response from the guys has been terrific and it’s hard not to be impressed by their enthusiastic and they are focused on doing the best for Arthurlie and getting the right result each and every time they pull on a jersey.”

The former East Kilbride boss took in opponents Clydebank’s 2-0 victory over Pollok in the Sectional League Cup final last month and admits to being bemused over their current lowly league position.

He said: “Clydebank were deserved winners at Somervell Park and I thought they had all the makings of a top side with a good balance of experience and youth running through their team.

“The striker Jordan Shelvey was very quick off the mark and posed all sorts of problems for Pollok’s defenders but I also thought the ball-winning qualities of big centre-back Jamie Darroch and of course player-manager Kieran McAnespie were to the fore when Pollok threatened going forward.

“The Bankies are not unlike ourselves in going through a process of change so it promises to be an extremely tough 90 minutes however the backing of supporters can often prove the difference in games where teams are evenly matched and I reckon Arthurlie’s fan base can get us over the line.”

Yet another intriguing basement encounter is promised down at Hamilton Park where Girvan host Cumnock, five points worse off at the bottom of the Super Premier. Their manager Peter Leonard is assured of a hot reception in what is his first return to the club he managed and steered to back-to-back promotions over the past three seasons.

Girvan have raised eyebrows with their results since stepping up into the top flight however Cumnock’s greater scoring power afforded by strikers Scott Anson and Sean McKenzie could tilt the balance in their favour.

Meanwhile, Shotts Bon Accord supporters’ hopes of witnessing some playing action on Saturday have been boosted by news that Scottish Junior Cup opponents Forfar West End have switched the outstanding Third Round tie between the clubs to senior outfit Forfar Athletic’s state-of-the-art astro-grass pitch at Station Park.