East Kilbride boss Mick Kennedy warned his side not to take their eye off the ball with two big TV cup ties coming up in the next month.
The Lowland League champions were already scheduled to have their SPFL Trust Trophy quarter-final tie with Ayr at K-Park on Tuesday, November 12, shown live on BBC Alba, but last week their Scottish Cup third round tie at home to Championship leaders Falkirk was picked by BBC Scotland for live coverage on the night of Monday, December 2.
With two exciting home ties announced, Kilby dropped points at Linlithgow Rose on Saturday in a frustrating 0-0 draw, but on Tuesday night they bounced back to beat Gretna 2008 3-1 and leapfrogged Caledonian Braves at the top of the Lowland League after Braves lost to Broxburn.
Kilby, who have a game in hand, now welcome Tranent to K-Park on Saturday in the league, Kennedy told his charges not to get distracted.
He said: “It is a massive month ahead of us with the cup games against Ayr and Falkirk both on the TV. So we need to stay focused and make sure we maintain standards in the league.
“I’ve said to the boys it is easy to get caught up thinking about these games, but the most important thing is getting points on the board. That is our bread and butter.
“Of course they are games to look forward to, but we need to prepare properly.
“We are in a good place and I have got no concerns about playing either of those teams.
“But if you are not at it every week in our league, you get punished, so you need to make sure you maintain high levels week in, week out.
“Teams like Caley Braves, Linlithgow and Tranent are good teams and the league doesn’t get enough credit for the quality that is in it.”
Kennedy’s side are ahead of Caley Braves at the summit on goal difference, with Braves have just lost their unbeaten start to the season against Broxburn.
Kennedy added: “You have to give teams like Caley Braves credit because they hung in there.
“In the last few weeks they have been finding late goals and finding ways to win games so they deserve immense credit for that but there is a long way to go.
“I’m confident if we maintain our form we’ll give ourselves a great opportunity to win the league.”