YOKER Athletic boss Gordon Robertson has revealed that his side's start to the season has given him huge encouragement for the season ahead.

The Whe Ho picked up their first three points of the 2024/25 campaign with a 2-0 win over Larkhall Thistle at Holm Park last night after an opening day disappointment against Caledonian Locomotives.

That was despite being the better side for large periods of the game on Saturday, losing the only goal of the game from the penalty spot.

Yoker made their chances count last night, however, with Corey Pearson curling in a peach from 20-yards to put his side ahead before he turned provider to send through Gary McKay who tucked the ball underneath the Larkhall goalkeeper.

The hosts did have to stand up and defend for spells but protected their goal almost faultlessly, with Thistle barely getting a sniff of a shot on goal.

Robbo admits his troops were gutted after not getting what they deserved on Saturday and breathed a sigh of relief at getting up and running.

Speaking exclusively to the Post after full time, he said: “I thought we started the game well and caused them problems and scored 2 very good goals, but there was a wee 10-minute period where they had us penned in which can happen in football – you need to deal with it and soak it up because you they can’t maintain it and then we will get our spells again.

“I was really pleased with the first-half and in the second-half we knew they would come at us but we were able to dig in and do what needed to bed done.

“I thought we were magnificent, I thought it was a brilliant performance and I’m dead encouraged for the season ahead. We’ve strengthened from middle to front and we look easier on the eye.

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“It’s always good to get your first points on the board – we felt we merited the points on Saturday but didn’t get the result.

“I’m thrilled for the players because they were gutted on Saturday having done so well and putting so much into the game but they got their reward tonight.”

Yoker have their first away game of the season on Saturday when they make the trip to Bellshill Athletic, fresh off their promotion from the Third Division.

Bellshill have yet to put a point on the board but Robertson knows that his side need to show the same application they showed last night if they want to be successful.

He added: ”Promoted teams come into the new season with a bounce so we’re under no illusions that we need to be at it again.

“The lads are buzzing and feeling good and the only way you can do that is by winning games, and if you can do it by showing a wee bit of grit and determination then all the better.”

Kick-off at Rockburn Park on Saturday is at 2:00pm.