Games played leave Rose in sweet spot after foul spell

Armstrong is pleased that his side have already played 11 games in the Super League – six more than Kelty and three more than local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose.

"That means we've only got another 11 league games to play as well as some Cup matches," noted Armstrong.

Newtongrange were due to be on Emirates Scottish Junior Cup duty at Larkhall tomorrow but Armstrong fears that match could be in doubt next Saturday as well.

"We've been told the pitch has ice and snow on it so there's a chance that it is going to be off next weekend as well," he said. "Indeed, it might be into February before we play again." As well as facing Spartans in a friendly on their plastic pitch, Armstrong has also had his players at Portobello for a training session to try and keep them in shape.

"The game against Spartans was excellent but not everyone played and it (keeping players fit] is difficult because as soon as the pitches are playable again the players are going to be straight back into action."

Bonnyrigg, meanwhile, have been using World of Soccer at Gorgie as well as an indoor hall at Dalkeith High School Campus.

"We've been competing with lots of other teams to get somewhere indoors but we've done okay," said manager Alan Miller.

"I feel sorry for the players, though, as they're not really getting a touch of a football, one of the reasons we have fixed up a match with Spartans on their plastic pitch this weekend."