Switching their latest East of Scotland Football League Premier Division fixture to last Friday night – so the team could venture down to Liverpool for a weekend away during festive party season – proved to be highly productive for Glenrothes FC.

For Stuart Cargill’s team recorded a fine 5-2 away success – courtesy of goals by Pete Thomson, man of the match James Collins (2), Ian McManus and Andrew McDonald – at Sauchie Juniors which gave them welcome breathing space in the battle against the drop.

Delighted player/boss Cargill – whose team employed a new 3-4-2-1 formation with a box midfield during a win which moves them above Sauchie and out of the drop zone into third bottom spot with eight points from 16 matches – said post match: “I spent the week leading up to this game reminding the players just how good they are, and I think this match proved it.

"Immediately after last week’s defeat (a 2-1 home league loss to Newtongrange Star), the coaching staff and I sat down to work out the changes needed to pull us out of the slump.

Friday night's big win has lifted Stuart Cargill's team out of the relegation zone (Pic Michael Gillen)

placeholder image — Friday night's big win has lifted Stuart Cargill's team out of the relegation zone (Pic Michael Gillen)

“Credit to Scott McBride for suggesting the shape change. We used Wednesday night’s session to relay it to the players.

"Bridie’s knowledge of the game is invaluable to this team and he’s proven his worth time and time again this season.

"We started slowly, which can happen when trying a new formation for the first time, but we adapted quickly.

"For the first time this season, we reacted really positively to going a goal down, hitting back immediately and turning the game around before half-time.

"The boys were fired up at the break and couldn’t wait to get back out there, capitalising on the momentum with two early second half goals.

"From there it was a professional performance, with a goal each to finish the game off after Sauchie pulled one back.

"I thought James Collins’ display was the performance of the season so far. He’s been a fantastic signing and has hit the ground running. Wee Jase (Jason Watson) also struck up a great understanding with Cal (Callum Kinnes) down the right-hand side.”

Glens host eighth-placed Dunbar United in the league this Saturday in a 1.30pm kick-off.