Rutherglen Glencairn boss Joe Pryce hopes his side can end 2024 with a victory as they prepare to tackle Kirkintilloch Rob Roy at their new venue on Saturday.
The Glens are set to play at the Kirkintilloch Sports Complex for the first time after the Rabs moved into their new state-of-the-art home at the start of the season.
And it is a challenge Pryce is relishing as his side look for a win that could put them top of the tree for Christmas in the West of Scotland First Division, depending on results for their rivals elsewhere.
Glens sit third in the table, just a point off of joint leaders Arthurlie and St Roch’s, and Pryce said: “It’s the last league game of the year so we are looking to finish off on a high, if we can.
“We know it is a tough game. Kirkintilloch Rob Roy are at a brand new facility and, from what I’ve heard, it is absolutely stunning, so we are looking forward to going there.
“It is great that Rob Roy have finally got their own home again after being away for a good few years.
“I used to love going to their old Adamslie Park, it was a great pitch and stadium, but this new place is supposed to be a fantastic facility.
“Hopefully we can put on a performance that replicates the surroundings we are in.
“We had no game on Saturday and the players had their Christmas night out in Edinburgh, but we’ll make sure they are ready to help us finish the calendar year with a win.”
On the potential for his side to get back on top in the division, Pryce added: “It is a wee incentive for the boys but we’ve just got to look after ourselves, first and foremost.
“If we do our bit, we’ll see what happens.”
Glens are hoping to see their squad boosted by a number of players back in contention for this weekend’s clash, as they aim to add to their record of seven wins from 13 games so far in this campaign.
“Hopefully we will have a few players back for Saturday,” said Pryce, whose side have only lost twice in the league this season.
“We’ve missed five or six over the last few weeks but we will have Brian McManus back, Martin McBride, Sean McBride and Sean McGuire are back from suspension and Lewis Blane is available as well, so we should be a bit stronger.”
Kick-off on Saturday at the Kirkintilloch Sports Complex is 2pm.