BEITH Juniors have hit top spot in the West of Scotland Football League (WoSFL) Premier Division.
The reigning champions have found their way back to where the ended last season following a battling 2-1 victory away to Hurlford.
It was a far from straightforward match at Blair Park with The Mighty falling behind in the first half after a deft finish from Michael Mullen.
Though Evan Dunne headed Beith level on the cusp of half-time before Alan Docherty flicked the Chris Strain's side ahead midway through the second period.
Chances followed at either end but it was the new table toppers who held on to secure a vital victory with only five games left to play.
Manager Strain was pleased with the showing in East Ayrshire, in particular how his side reacted to falling behind.
He said: "It’s always a tough match at Hurlford. We played well. I was pleased with our patience in the match given we fell behind early.
"I think we showed good maturity as it’s easy to get anxious and that affects decision making."
While the return to top spot was welcome, with Clydebank having held the position since September having played a superior number of games to those around them, it was not enough to keep Beith boss Strain content.
He commented: "We’ve hit the top but it’s not about getting to the top it’s about staying there and that’s our focus.
"We’ll take care of our business and see where it gets us."
Tough matches are now set to come thick and fast for the Bellsdale Park side who face two top five clubs in St Cadoc's and Largs, and three relegation battlers in Troon, Glenafton and Arthurlie, in their remaining five fixtures.
Though Strain insists that preparations will be no different when the title run in continues on Wednesday, April 24, when his side host St Cadoc's at 6.45pm.
He continued: "We prepare for all games the same way. The games have added meaning at this stage of the season but our focus will be on our needs and aspirations no-one else’s.
"We are obviously going out to try and retain the title and that’s been the aim since the start of the season.
"If we focus on our performances and make sure we get to our maximum levels in the remaining games the rewards will be there for us.
"There’s nothing we need to do other than push to improve performances and if we do that I’m sure we’ll continue to be successful.
"We’re only concerned with the demands we place on each other. We let others do the talking when it comes to judging how we are doing."
Beith face a tough title battle heading into the final weeks of the season, which must conclude on May 11.
With five matches remaining The Mighty, who are top on 51 points, can reach a maximum of 66 points - the highest of any side in the Premier Division.
Their closest competition at the moment comes in the form of Auchinleck Talbot who, despite sitting in seventh place at the moment, can reach a maximum of 63 points with eight games left to play.
Elsewhere, Darvel can reach 59 points - Clydebank, Pollok and St Cadoc's can reach 57 - and Largs Thistle can make it to 56 points.
No other side can better Beith's current points total by the end of the season.
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