Colin Spence is hoping Irvine Meadow have finally kick-started their season after a shaky start.
Meadow recorded back to back league wins for the first time since last month’s big kick off as Mark McLennan’s penalty and an Andy McLaughlin strike saw off Cumbernauld on Saturday.
A first clean sheet also pleased co-boss Spence - who watched his side come from behind to beat Rossvale 3-1 last Wednesday – and he reckons there are signs that his side aren’t far away from hitting their stride.
He said: “The results had been a bit up and down but I think the level of performance has been getting better with every game.
“We challenged the players to get that first clean sheet and they did it. We changed the shape a wee bit and we looked more solid.
“We also created a lot of chances which had maybe been our Achilles heel since the start of the season.
“That’s five games under our belts now and it’s maybe just taken that time to gel.
"I was saying just the other day how this is probably the most competitive league I've been involved in in my 16 or 17 years at this level.
"Hopefully, we can kick on from here."
Meadow took the lead in 16 minutes courtesy of McLennan’s perfectly executed spot kick after Sam McCloy was fouled in the box.
They were on top for most of the first half and a red card for Cumbernauld skipper Danny Boyle in 34 minutes boosted their hopes of taking all three points.
Meadow doubled their lead 11 minutes into the second half when McLaughlin swept home Brian Connor’s cutback from 12 yards out.
Victory looked assured but a straight red card for midfielder Mark Wardrope for dissent reduced Meadow to 10-men and gave Cumbernauld hope of salvaging something from the game.
The visitors had chances but just couldn’t find a way past goalkeeper Marc Watters and when Cumbernauld full back Lee Davidson was given his marching orders with 10 minutes to go the game was as good as over.
Meadow’s next game is away to Cumnock this Saturday and Spence expects a tough afternoon.
He said: “Ideally we’d have liked another midweek fixture to keep the momentum going .
“Cumnock have had a few injury problems but they’re a really good side.”
Striker Connor Boyd is nearing a return to fitness but Wardrope will be suspended for the trip to East Ayrshire.
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