Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Thorniewood United, a side many have tipped to win the league, moved Burgh equal top alongside fellow frontrunners Rossvale, Renfrew and St Roch’s.

Despite only gaining promotion to the Central District First last season, Smith is hopeful of building on their recent success.

When asked if Burgh can realistically achieve promotion this season, he said: “Yes, I think we can go up.

“I think if we can keep together, put in the same workrate every week, then we have a great opportunity to do so.

“We have now played three teams who will be there or thereabouts come the end of the season and we have more than matched them.

“We just need to have a steady run of results. As things are we are aiming for mid-table, but if we are thereabouts come Christmas time then will aim to push on.

“There is still a long time to go, a lot of factors to consider, but we have high hopes.” Burgh’s recent form bears a stark contrast to the doom and gloom of a number of defeats in pre-season.

The league campaign couldn’t come quick enough following a run of friendly losses, but Smith insists it was only a matter of time before his side improved.

He added: “The players are just realising that they are capable of competing. They have looked a different teams in recent weeks and it is to their credit that the results have been the way they have.

“Even the Renfrew game where they beat us, I thought we were great in the first half, and Renfrew are one of the favourites to go up in this league.

“But Thorniewood are also a good team, probably the best team we have faced in the league so far, but we have come away with a well-deserved win.” The majority of last season’s squad have remained at Burgh over the close season, with keeper Gavin Wallace and striker Conor Ramsay the only new additions.

The boss admits that has been the basis of their success.

Smith said: “The continuity in the squad has been key I think.

“You have got to remember this is basically the same group of guys who have been here for the past few years.

“There is a great spirit and that helps, everyone knows one another, gets on with one another, and we are all in this together.”