Bullish Thistle assistant boss Arnie has said his players are eager to lay some ghosts to rest as they face one of the biggest league matches of the season so far.

The Barrfields side were on the end of a five goal hammering at Abbey Park in the Ardagh Cup league section in August, and return to Kilwinning for the first time since then, but are now in a very different position, top of the table, and unbeaten in 17 league matches.

Reflecting on the return to Abbey Park, Arnie said: "It is in the back of the players' minds. We spoke about it at training on Monday night, and it was probably our worst defeat, it was definitely our worst performance since coming here. The boys were very determined to beat Kilwinning at our park in September.

"Since that Ardagh Cup defeat, the boys are a lot more organised, fitter and better prepared."

Kevin Struthers is set to be missing due to an aggravated calf problem, and defender Nicky Jamieson is available after a two game suspension. Full-back Mark Murray has also returned to training after injury.

Looking forward to the big Buffs clash, 1.45pm kick-off, Arnie said: "Kilwinning have a lot of young enthusiastic players, who are quick on the ball, and they also have very good experience, and have made a very good signing in Liam McGuiness.

"I think we have to work on our shape, and we will be clued up in that aspect, when going into Saturday's match. Having played them twice already, we are well aware of Kilwinning's threats and dangers. The last time at Abbey Park, we didn't ask them any questions, and we let them do all the attacking, and that is something that we are looking to do this time."

Despite no game on Saturday due to Kilsyth's park being waterlogged, Thistle players were put through their paces with a tough training session on Monday evening.

Largs have been on a magnificent run of results, but Kilwinning, are on a good unbeaten run too, including a Scottish Cup victory over Sauchie last Saturday. Arnie said: "We have spoken to our players about the good run, and as we have said before, nothing is done and dusted. Whatever happens, nothing will be settled on Saturday, but it could be a huge three points for us.

"It doesn't matter if it is against our Ayrshire rivals or someone at the bottom - we treat everyone with the same respect, and all we are focussed on is getting the three points."

"The more you play a team in the season, you usually find that there is a bit of needle, after some wee battles develop after previous games, and you become a bit more aware of your opponents. Their pitch is good, and hopefully the weather is decent, and it is a cracking game."

"In this league, at this level, it is an achievement to go on a good run of games, and Kilwinning have a lot of young players, which might explain their inconsistency at the start of the league season, but they are finding their form now."

And Arnie is hoping for a big improvement on the first half display at Greenock: "We got off the hook in that opening 45 minutes, but after some of the bad luck we had earlier this year, I think we were due some good fortune. The boys reacted well, and I thought they put in a great second half.

"One thing is that we train and play on astroturf, and coming on to grass, we have not been adapting to it right away, and this is something we are going to have to get used to with heavy parks, specially at this time of year."

* Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Sunday brunch event planned with the management of Bryan Slavin and Arnie for December 5 has been postponed, and will take place in the new year.

* Get your Largs Thistle polo shirts in medium, large and extra-large. See Peter Connor or any committee members for details, and help support the club.

* Thistle fixtures ... Largs Thistle host Winton Rovers at Barrfields on Saturday 12 December, and head to Cumnock (who are currently ground-sharing at Lugar) on Saturday 19 December.