Chris Erskine believes East Kilbride's win over Bo'ness United at the weekend can be the turning point for their season and help them catch the Lowland League leaders.
The former Partick Thistle ace played another 90 minutes on Saturday on his return from injury and feels as Kilby start to get players back they can really kick on from their 1-0 win at K-Park - which was their first of the campaign.
Rangers B - who can't win the division due to the conditions of their inclusion in the setup this season - currently top the table along with Dalbeattie Star, who have played a game more.
Kilby have the chance to eat away at the 13 point gap from the summit tonight when they head to bottom side Vale of Leithen.
And Erskine said: "I don't think anybody is going to run away with it this year and I think that's a big thing for us.
"We've had a bad start, but it doesn't mean towards the end of the season we won't be right up there.
"The club have gone on good winning runs in the past and after Covid affecting last season, I think we are going to get a clear run at it this year.
"There is still belief there [that EK can win the league].
"I don't think we fantastic on Saturday but we dug in, which is the main thing, and we got the win with guys playing out of position.
"We are hoping now this can be the turning point and we'll be able to kick on.
"I think it's sometimes easier to accept defeats when you are playing badly, but I don't think we've been playing badly - we've just been missing a bit here and there due to injuries."
It's been stop-start for Erskine so far, having recovered from surgery on his hamstring in pre-season only to pick up niggling injuries.
But he is starting to find his way back to full fitness.
He added: "I've almost been forced into playing because of other injuries.
"This week was probably too early for me to play 90 minutes, but in the space of the last week I've played 90, 80 and another 90.
"But I feel good for it now.
"I was saying to the boys that I was frustrated with my performances when I first came back, but I need to remember I was out for four or five months, so it was always going to take a bit of time to get up to speed.
"But I feel like I'm up to speed now."
Chris Aitken and Ian Durrant have taken the reins since Stevie Aitken's shock departure last week, although the club have yet to announce the duo will be taking the team forward long term.
On Saturday Chris Aitken expected that to be a formality and Erskine hopes that is the case.
He added: "Tiff [Chris Aitken] has taken the job on and he's really passionate, enthusiastic and wants us to do well, so it was good for us to give him that start.
"With the way he has been talking to us, he wants to take us on.
"All the boys really like him, his training is good and he's really set on what he wants to do here.
"I don't think any of us saw the manager [Stevie Aitken] leaving and everybody liked him as well, so it was a shock.
"But it's also a bit of a wake up call for us."
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