Elgin City manager Gavin Price says his Black and Whites’ five-match winning run has reaffirmed his long-held belief in the side.
Price was earlier this week named League 2 manager of the month for October after steering City to four wins on the bounce, a run extended by last Saturday’s 4-0 win over Annan Athletic.
Forward Shane Sutherland also picked up player of the month in a double scoop by the club.
The recent streak follows a run of one win from seven matches, but Price insists his confidence in the players never wavered throughout the poor run.
Price said: “It’s form we have threatened from the start of the season.
“I’m glad to see we have got a bit of consistency in the last few games. We are starting to put things together and we are definitely improving as the season goes on.
“I remember talking after the Brechin game. It was really frustrating. I knew we were playing well enough to be getting more points on the board than we had.
“When you’ve not got them you don’t panic but you start worrying about where the results are coming from. I’m glad to see it’s happened now.
“The cup results have taken care of themselves this season, but it’s the league that’s the bread and butter.
“It’s all well and good saying you’re a good team and you are playing well, but you need the points to back it up.
“We are not there yet, but we are certainly in a much healthier position now going into this second quarter.”
City make the trip to second-placed Edinburgh City who have a 100% home league record, and although Price feels James McDonaugh’s side are a step up in opposition, he says his players travel to Ainslie Park in good heart.
Price hopes to include winger Conor O’Keefe in the squad for the first time since August after he returned to training following ankle ligament damage.
The Elgin boss added: “It’s a hard game. It will be two good footballing teams.
“They are playing with a lot of confidence, and playing some really good football as well.
“I think it could be a well-matched game. We are going to have to be at our very best as we will be moving up a level against Edinburgh.
“It will be a real test but we have nothing to fear.
“We have picked up good results on the road this season, not just in the league but the cup.
“We can go into it with optimism, that’s for sure.”