Scone will be ready to challenge for the title

Skipper Laing has sights set on taking top spot

game, but the win has set us up nicely going toward the winter break.

“I personally feel with the squad that we have and the form we are in that we have a great chance for the title.

“This is a tough league and there is always a surprise in the results so we will need to keep focused on the task in hand.

“The title is discussed regularly as we believe we are in great shape to push for it.

“It’s always good to discuss the topic as it keeps the players’ minds focused.”

A greater belief has been instilled in the squad this season and Laing is witnessing that shine through on a weekly basis.

He explained: “I would say the secret to our success is the work rate the players are putting in on and off the park.

“The positive winning attitude has pushed us on this year.

“There is great support from the management team and most importantly committee, sponsors and fans.

“I have been impressed this season with the attitude, hard work and commitment from the squad.

“During games I always believe we are going to win the game, while last season it would be touch and go or there would be uncertainty.”

Keeping hold of that winning feeling is the plan when Scone welcome second from bottom Forfar Albion to Farquharson Park on Saturday.

Laing said: “Forfar are a young team who had a poor start to the season, but I’ve been reviewing their recent results and they have shown great improvement.

“This will be no easy task for us. We will need to be on our game and focused to win this tricky game.

“The game has potential to really be the making of our season.

“A win before the break could put us top of the league and that’s the perfect ending to 2018 for me.

“The hard work needs to continue off the park throughout the festive period, but the players will focus and will look after themselves.”

Ahead of this weekend’s game, Scone boss Derek Lawson reflected: “I thought we gave a solid performance against Lochee Harp in a game that we dominated.

“We restricted them to a couple of chances and we now look forward to a hard game against a very much improved Forfar Albion on Saturday.” Elsewhere in the Premier League North, Kinnoull hit the road to take on Arbroath Vics. Blairgowrie welcome Dundee North End and Coupar Angus face East Craigie.

In the Signature Signs Cup, Luncarty host Dundee Violet.

The title is discussed regularly as we believe we’re in great shape to push for it