Ormiston Primrose manager Guy Kerr praises his battling side

The county side have taken six points from a possible nine so far in their maiden campaign in the East of Scotland Football League (EoSFL) Third Division.

Kerr took the helm after the club was relegated at the end of last season and called for a change in mentality as they look to immediately bounce back.

That has been shown in a 3-2 win over Pumpherston and victory over Edinburgh United by the same scoreline.

Guy Kerr has been pleased with his side's commitment in recent weeks (Image: Newsquest)

Kerr said: “We have certainly got the right balance in the squad of youth and experienced players.

“We have got the bit between our teeth this year.

“You look at the games we won against Edinburgh United, where we were 1-0 up and then back to 1-1.

“We came back to win, and in the previous game we were 2-0 down at half time and turned it round to win 3-2 against Pumpherston.

“We have got that desire and commitment this year, whereas in previous years if we lost a goal we were on the way to getting beat.

“We have rolled up our sleeves this year.”

Ormiston Primrose (black and white) have bounced back from an opening-day defeat to Stoneyburn (Image: Newsquest)

The New Recreation Park side’s only league defeat so far came on the opening day, when Stoneyburn edged to a 1-0 win.

Kerr felt that game had perhaps come a little too early for his new-look side and they were now in a better place.

The last fortnight has seen Ormiston facing higher league opposition in Oakley United and Musselburgh Athletic in cup clashes.

And while the club’s Alex Jack Cup and East of Scotland (Qualifying) Cup journeys are over for another year, the manager felt they had proven good tests for his side.

Ormiston Primrose (black and white) have bounced back from an opening day defeat to Stoneyburn (Image: Newsquest)

The manager was pleased with the commitment of his players, who narrowly trailed Oakley before their opponents ultimately proved too strong.

He told Courier Sport that he would not accept “half-hearted” performances or players giving only “70 per cent”.

While the cup ties were being played, it has allowed every other side in the Third Division to get more league games under their belts.

Ormiston have played the fewest games out of any side in the fourth tier and face another challenging contest this weekend when they head to third-placed Hawick Royal Albert.

Kerr, who will welcome back experienced striker Scott Moffat after a meniscus injury, said: “Saturday will be tough but we set our sights on going to get three points.

“We are not under any illusions that it will be easy.

“It is a difficult place to go but we will go with the mindset to get three points.”