Linlithgow braced for ‘tough test’

“We’d heard on the grapevine that they’re in a false position (ninth out of 12) and that’s been confirmed in the two or three times we’ve had them watched,” said  Rose player-coach Derek  Fleming.

One of those games was last Saturday, when Arthurlie arranged a friendly after their fourth-round tie with Rose was postponed due to the weather.

“Brado (manager Mark Bradley) and Marvo (assistant Marvyn Wilson) went through to watch them and said they’re a good side,” added Fleming. “They’ve got a lot of good players and their forwards  are quite lively. So this is definitely going to be one of our toughest tests of the season so far.”

At the same time, though, East Super League leaders Rose are heading west feeling they have nothing to fear.

“We are aware of the threat that Arthurlie will pose, but the way we are going at the moment I don’t think there’s a Junior ground in the country we wouldn’t feel confident of winning at,” said Fleming.

Former Dunfermline, Livingston and Partick player Fleming was appointed to the coaching staff at Prestonfield after Bradley took over the reins, having been brought to the club in solely a playing capacity by Dave Baikie.

“It’s been a case of so far so good but we’ve not won anything yet,” noted Fleming. “There’s some big games coming up around the corner and we’ll see where we are after them. The players have been  nothing short of excellent and the big thing for me is that  they are clearly enjoying  themselves.

“Everyone gets on well, which is great, and we always have a full turn-out at training. That is always a good sign.”