DUMBARTON target man Colin Nish has his sights firmly set on shooting Sons to success after they picked up their first league win of the season in their last match.

Chris Kane’s late winner handed Ian Murray’s men victory over Livingston and, with the visit of table topping Hearts now at the forefront of Sons’ minds Nish insists it’s time for the club to press on and get more victories under their belt.

Nish told SportScene: “We have obviously had a difficult start and maybe we hadn’t done as well as we would have hoped for.

“But, we have managed to get that monkey off our back and I think the win over Livingston will give us the confidence to go on and pick up more wins.

“We have now got that first victory, it took us longer than we probably thought, but it gives us something to build upon.” Saturday’s opponents Hearts have enjoyed a winning start to their new life in the Championship.

Wins over Rangers, Raith Rovers, Hibernian and Falkirk see Robbie Neilson’s men sit top of the league following the international break but Nish believes his side won’t be fazed by any opposition.

Summer acquisitions Lee Mair and David Van Zanten both have considerable experience of going to Ibrox, Tynecastle and Easter Road with the likes of St Mirren and Aberdeen — and Nish told SportScene that their experience has benefitted the team.

He said: “I think the gaffer has managed to get a good blend of youth and experience in the squad.

“At the end of the day we are all footballers and we have to get on with the job at hand but it is true to say that the more experienced guys have been a big help, not only at the likes of Ibrox, but also the games against part time teams.

“The trip to Aberdeen in the cup last year has gave a lot of the younger guys experience of playing against bigger sides and I think that has also been a big help.” Nish insisted that with one win under their belt Dumbarton are now looking up the table.

Last season’s fifth place finish is still fresh in the memory and the 33-year-old admitted that it could prove difficult to replicate this season.

He added: “The Championship is probably the most competitive league in Scotland this season so to get anywhere near what we achieved last year would be fantastic.

“That doesn’t mean we don’t set our targets high, first and foremost we want to finish above the other part time sides in the league, which would mean we stay up and then we take it from there.” Nish was substituted in the Livingston game after suffering from toothache, only to be replaced by match winner Kane.

The big striker was quick to praise Kane and hopes to link up with him throughout the St Johnstone man’s loan spell — even if the 19-year-old’s arrival means he isn’t guaranteed a starting berth.

Nish said: “I had been in agony throughout the Hibs game, and I was on medication for the Livingston match.

“I think the gaffer probably made the right decision taking me off.

“It was great to see Chris hit the ground running, he is a considerable talent and I think he has bright future.

“Hopefully I can get the chance to link up with him if I play. Garry Fleming has started the season very brightly so I will need to make sure I can get in the team first and foremost.”