Change as good as a cure for Star

GRAEME ARMSTRONG says that some "subtle changes" have helped Newtongrange Star turn their season around on the back of two eye-catching away wins.

In the words of their manager, it looked "bleak" for Newtongrange in the East Region Super League after they'd picked up just one point from nine matches. But, after managing to win at Linlithgow and Forfar West End in their last two outings, things are starting to look much healthier for them.

"There's still a long way to go and we'll need a lot more points to ensure we don't finish in the bottom two," said Armstrong.

"But at least we've given ourselves a chance and that is down to some subtle changes.

"Joe Dunbar is getting fitter all the time as a result of playing regularly and he's like having a new player. Alan Brown has also been doing well at right back after being out injured, while getting Garry O'Connor in goal is also a bonus."

Tomorrow Star entertain Bathgate in the third round of the Fife & Lothians Cup.

"The league is the most important thing, but we'll welcome the break from the pressures of trying to escape the relegation area," added Armstrong.

Armstrong was disappointed to have two players - Scott McCulloch and Stevie Thompson - sent off in last weekend's 4-3 win in Angus.

"We should have been comfortable but ended up hanging on," he said. "We've appealed McCulloch's dismissal so he's available tomorrow, and there could be a technical problem with Thompson's red card."

In tomorrow's other Fife & Lothians Cup tie, Linlithgow entertain Premier Division leaders St Andrews United.