Renfrew boss Jimmy Quigley is challenging his players to play their way to a cup final starting spot by shining in their crucial upcoming league clash with St Anthony’s.
The New Western Park side returned to domestic duty with a narrow 1-0 win against Wishaw – sealed by a Ciaran Diver header – that launched them three points clear at the top of the Second Division table.
This weekend they take on second-placed St Anthony’s at McKenna Park knowing a win would move them nine points clear at the top with two games still in hand on their title rivals.
With a Strathclyde Demolition Cup final looming on the horizion, Quigley wants his side to keep their eye on the league prize before turning their attention to claiming silverware at the end of the month.
He told Renfrewshire Live Sport: “We were very rusty against Wishaw.
“We had about seven missing through colds and flu and even with the guys we had left, we looked lethargic and rusty.
“Wishaw are a hard team to break down, they’re defensively very solid.
“We’ll take the three points every day, especially when we’re not at our best.
“We’ve just got to take it one game at a time now and not look too far ahead to the final.
“We know it’s a massive month for the club and we’re up against the in-form team in the league in St Anthony’s this weekend.
“It was tough against them last time we played and we left it late to secure the win.
“This a big chance for us to strengthen our position in the league and it’s also a big chance for the players to try and nail down a final
spot.
“That’s a big incentive for the boys and it’s an exciting few weeks to come.”
While Renfrew have been struggling for numbers due to illness, Quigley isn’t looking to dip into the transfer market this month.
He insists he’s happy with the quality he already has at his disposal, adding: “Everyone is proving their worth at the moment.
“We’re certainly not looking actively to bring anyone in because we’ve got enough strength in depth and quality throughout the
team.
“This group of boys tend to raise their standards for the big games and hopefully that happens again this month.”
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