New North Ayrshire Wild coach Domenico De Simone has seen a difference in his team already this week as they prepare for Scottish Cup action on Saturday against Dundee Comets.

Wild’s new boss is plunged straight into action when they welcome Richard Hartmann’s men as they look to recover from last weekend’s heavy loss to Paisley Pirates.

And De Simone, who celebrated his 48th birthday on Friday, is already desperate to see them turn it around when the Comets visit Auchenharvie in this one-off cup tie.

“Seeing the boys at the start of the week, they were low after Saturday’s game, but working with them properly on Wednesday, the mood was much more positive and upbeat,” he revealed.

“It’s certainly a group of boys who are desperate to compete and from that point of view, it’s a determined squad willing to learn and we’re under no illusions that Comets are a fantastic team.

“All I can ask for them is to go out and compete on Saturday and playing in the cup makes for a nice distraction.  It’s a no pressure game for us and anything can happen in a one-off, but we know we’re in for a tough challenge.

“A win would round off a perfect week for me, but definitely more for the team’s point of view.  I would love for the boys to get the victory.  Regardless of the result, if they go out and give me everything they’ve got, I’ll be satisfied with that.”

Comets return to action after a weekend off and still carrying that winning feeling after defeating Paisley Pirates 4-2 almost a fortnight ago and looking to win two in a row for the first time this season.

In the league, an interesting game is in prospect when league leaders Aberdeen Lynx take on Paisley Pirates on Saturday, with the visitors fresh from their four-point haul last weekend.

Lynx defeated the Pirates 3-2 at Braehead Arena a month ago and with Paisley feeling good after their wins over Wild and Edinburgh Capitals last week, the Linx Arena is almost a sell-out for this big game between the teams.

The other fixture of the weekend sees Kilmarnock Thunder and Kirkcaldy Kestrels in a rematch after the latter were beaten 5-4 at home by the Ayrshire outfit.

Marcus Murdoch’s double sealed an unlikely come-from-behind victory for Thunder as they play host this time to Steven King’s side, who are winless in their last three and hoping for Lynx to slip up against Paisley.

WEEKEND FIXTURES

Saturday

SNL

Kilmarnock Thunder v Kirkcaldy Kestrels (5.30pm)
Aberdeen Lynx v Paisley Pirates (7.15pm)

Scottish Cup

North Ayrshire Wild v Dundee Comets (6.30pm)