Blantyre Vics boss sets sights on First Division top spot while rivals are in cup action

Blantyre Vics boss John Gibson has set his sights on top spot in the West of Scotland First Division, but knows they face a tough task against Kilwinning Rangers.

Gibson is taking absolutely nothing for granted against ninth-placed Kilwinning at the KG Stadium on Saturday, but knows they have a formidable home record.

Vics moved into third spot with a 1-0 win over Renfrew on Saturday, courtesy of a strike from Nadeem Zeb, in a game that saw each side reduced to 10 men and goalkeeper Lukasz Osinski save a penalty.

But with leaders Rutherglen Glencairn in Scottish Junior Cup second round action against Troon, and Drumchapel United visiting Whitletts Vics in the Strathclyde Demolition Cup quarter-final, Vics can steal a march on their rivals.

Gibson said: “We could go top, if we win, but I don’t like to count the points before they’re there.

“We’ll need to work hard and try to get there, and then we can see where we are.

“Kilwinning will be a hard game.

“We’ve already been down there and they’ve beat us comfortably 3-1, so it will be a tough one for us.

“They’ve gone well, I think they’ve only lost one of their last 10 games, but we look forward to it.

“We’ve done well at home this season, we’ve only lost once at our place, so we will be looking to get a victory.

“I always say we’ll give most teams a game at Blantyre.”

Zeb struck in 21 minutes to give Vics the lead, but Scott Gibson was red-carded after conceding a penalty, which Osinski saved.

Renfrew were reduced to 10, and that allowed Vics to end the game more comfortably.

Gibson said: “We did well on Saturday.

“We were a wee bit on top, and then had a man sent off after half-time, with big Lucasz having to save a penalty as well.

“We weathered the storm at 11 v 10, but