COLIN Jack has challenged his Preston Athletic squad to bounce back from Scottish Cup disappointment and match last season's points total this weekend.

The Panners were dumped out of the Scottish Cup at the first hurdle by Fort William on Saturday.

But they have a chance to put that blow behind them when they welcome Cumbernauld Colts to the Pennypit this weekend.

Jack said: “Cumbernauld are three points ahead of us and we are looking to make up a bit of ground.

“Hopefully, the boys are a bit more confident and continue our gradual improvement week by week.

“Sometimes results do not go for you but from where the club has been to where we are trying to go, hopefully, we can kick on and get to 14 points, which is important.”

The Panners finished last season's 26 game campaign second bottom of the Lowland League on 14 points, just three ahead of rock bottom Threave Rovers.

There have been signs of improvement with Jack's men just three points short of last season's total with still four games to play before the halfway stage of the season.

Currently, they sit 11th but could jump into the top half of the table with a victory.

Meanwhile, Craig McKinlay and James Orr's Colts side are enjoying a decent first season in the Lowland League having already reached 14 points.

Their squad boasts experience in the shape of former Albion Rovers duo Alan Benton and Andy Selkirk.

Jack said: “I've seen them a couple of times and looking at their results it is up and down.

“That is how the league is, apart from the top teams, on any given day anybody can beat anybody.”

While the visitors team can boast senior experience and eight players over the age of 25, it is clearly different for Athletic.

Only three members of Jack's squad are over the age of 21 but the manager felt his squad was growing each passing game.

And he is tipping his squad to bounce back after a disappointing performance against Fort William.

Jack said: “We were a wee bit disappointed.

“Really, I think we we re a bit unfortunate not to take something from the game or win the game.

“We were a bit unfortunate but we were punished for our mistakes and we did not take our chances.”

Jamie Beaton returns from suspension this weekend with Josh McGonigal also hoping to recover from illness and return to the starting line-up.