Tranent trip a tricky task for ‘spoiled’ young Spartans

SPARTANS manager Alex Cunningham reckons his young side are in for another learning experience when they face high-flying Tranent for the first time this season.

“With all due respect to the likes of Stoneyburn and Harthill, we’ve been to some weird and wonderful places already this season,” said Cunningham.

“One of the difficulties is that I think our players are spoiled by the facilities at the Spartans Academy.

“A trip to Tranent will be a different kettle of fish, but it will certainly be another bit on the learning curve for my lads.”

Cunningham’s squad includes no less than seven players aged 19, many of whom are attracting interest from clubs further up the Junior ladder. “We lost Stewart Thomson to Bonnyrigg at the start of the season and Musselburgh are looking at another of our boys at the moment,” he said. “That makes it hard, but we are trying to bring youngsters through.”

Tranent’s title challenge is threatening to be derailed after dropping five points in their last two matches.

“We’ve had a few injuries as well as some players deciding to leave,” said Tranent boss Tam Shields. “That has left the squad thin on the ground, so we are trying to bring players in at the moment.

“Spartans are always a hard team to beat and we will need to compete with them if we want to get back to winning ways.”

In other games, leaders Dalkeith are at Haddington, while Edinburgh United travel to Falkirk.