Civil Service boss Gary Jardine targets top three

Gary Jardine has admitted his Civil Service Strollers side have exceeded his expectations this season.

The Christie Gillies Park outfit are riding on the crest of a wave in fifth having won 11 of their 18 league fixtures so far.

They are also just 14 points shy of the 49 points they amassed last year ahead of tomorrow’s fourth-versus-fifth clash against BSC Glasgow.

Former Edinburgh City boss Jardine guided his players to their first-ever Lowland League victory over city rivals Spartans six days ago and is anticipating another hard shift this weekend.

However, he believes his squad couldn’t be in a better position as they attempt to pull off another coup.

“We’re doing better than what we expected but now that we are where we are, we want to continue to improve,” Jardine explained. “If we match the tally we did for the first half of the season (29) in the second half then I’ll be delighted.

“The aim at the start of the season was to get to 30 points as quick as we could so now we have to look at reaching 50.

“We hadn’t beaten Spartans or East Kilbride in the Lowland League before and we’ve managed to do that this season so it’s really good for the club.

“What we’ve tried to do is target teams who finished above us last year and Spartans were one of them. That’s not singling those clubs out but the players have responded to that.

“If we can take some more points in the next month or so then that would be remarkable and we maybe could look at [finishing] top three but right now it’s about looking at BSC.

“BSC are a really good side and one who have already beaten us this season so there’s that incentive there for a wee bit of revenge.

“Having had Spartans, now BSC and Kelty Hearts before the month is out, it’s a really testing period for the players but one that we’re

enjoying.

“We approach every game in the same manner and the players are confident.”