GREATER competitiveness is spurring on Ormiston Primrose as they look to enjoy a season to remember.
Last season, the county club won just two league games and picked up 10 points as they finished second bottom of the East of Scotland Football League (EoSFL) Third Division.
They only avoided the wooden spoon after Edinburgh Community were hit by a points deduction, while they finished 30 points behind the next team above them, Tweedmouth Rangers.
However, with just seven games played so far this term, Michael Cranston’s men are already only one win away from beating last season’s win and points total.
He told Courier Sport: “We have been improving and I am pretty pleased with how we have started.
“We had a wee dip off in the middle for a few games, but the performances have picked up over the last three or four.
“Results have not been dropping for us at the moment, but we had a good one on Saturday.
“It is just down to the group of boys.
“Their effort and commitment have been really good and standards have definitely improved.
“I have brought in some new faces, new signings, that have helped as well.
“It is a lot more pleasing and a lot more competitive this year.
“The experienced players are bringing on the younger players and using their experience to get us through games.
“That has definitely helped us.
“We have had a few good signings with boys that have played at a decent level, in higher leagues, and that can only help.”
Ormiston had started the season with a three-game unbeaten run, including victories over Edinburgh Community and Tweedmouth Rangers.
However, that was followed by a five-match losing run, which came to an end against EoSFL Second Division Conference South East leaders Edinburgh United at the weekend.
Trailing 2-0, the county side fought back with goals from Brandyn Neil and Josh Winnik in the final 16 minutes to secure a point.
The manager said: “We are playing really well at the moment and scoring goals as well, which is pleasing.
“It is just trying to get that one over the hurdle.
“On Saturday, we were 2-0 down against Edinburgh United.
“It is a huge bonus for us, not chucking the toys out of the pram, and still working hard and keeping pushing.
“I don’t think Edinburgh United will drop many points this year.
“They are a very organised side but credit to our boys, they dug in and managed to get a result away from home.”
Saturday brings a break from the league and instead a trip to Alex Venters Memorial Park and a contest with Cowdenbeath Central in the second round of the South Challenge Cup.
The two sides met for the first time last season, the Fife newcomers winning three out of three.
Cranston said: “We played them a few times last year and they were a really good footballing side.
“They were very direct and it is another tough game.
“It is just a case of seeing what happens on the day.
“We have got a good squad and will definitely go to give it a go.”
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