Junior football: Edinburgh look to Lumbert to try and unseat Arthurlie

JORDAN LEISHMAN is tipping team-mate Lumbert Kataleza to be Edinburgh United's secret weapon when they bid to pull off another Emirates Scottish Junior Cup shock this weekend.

Girvan, who gave Stranraer a run for their money in the SFA's version last weekend, were put to the sword at Paties Road in the last round, the Capital club winning 6-4 in a thriller.

Now Stephen Osbourne's side will be aiming to claim an even bigger scalp when they entertain former winners Arthurlie, currently battling it out with Pollok and Irvine Meadow at the top of the West Region Super League, on Saturday (1.45pm kick-off).

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It's a tall order for the South Division side but former East Stirling striker Leishman believes Kataleza, originally from Tanzania, could prove an ace up their sleeve.

"Lumbert is unbelievable. In fact, he's one of the best players I've ever played with," said the 30-year-old. "He's both pacey and tricky and was out of this world against Girvan in the last round.

"I think we'll do well to hold on to him, to be honest, but we're delighted to have him at the moment and hopefully he'll be an unknown quantity against Arthurlie."

Like Kataleza, Leishman moved to Edinburgh United in the summer from Links United along with manager Osbourne and several others from the amateur club.

He was left out against Girvan but is hoping a double in last weekend's league win over Dunbar will have earned him a crack at Arthurlie, who are managed by Sandy McLean, who led Largs Thistle to the final last season.

"It was a bit disappointing to miss the Girvan game and I'm keeping my fingers crossed the same thing doesn't happen this weekend as these are the sort of games you want to play in," said Leishman.

"It was good to get back in last weekend and score a couple of goals.

"Now we are all looking forward to the visit of Arthurlie.

"They don't come much bigger than them in the Junior game and it would be nice to think we might attract a few neutrals along to Paties Road on Saturday.

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"We don't have the sort of fan base the likes of Tranent and Dalkeith enjoy but the visit of a team like Arthurlie, who will certainly bring a few fans, will hopefully see us get a decent crowd.

"There are only two players still here who were at the club last season.

"The majority of the team, myself and Lumbert included, came with the manager from Links United.

"And, while we got off to a shaky start, Stephen has started to turn it around.

"He's a very ambitious manager and it will be great for him, as well as everyone else connected with the club, if we can get a result against Arthurlie on Saturday."

Osbourne, who rested both Kataleza and Kenny Fisher in the 3-2 win over Dunbar, watched Arthurlie in a recent game against Lanark.

"They're definitely a good team and what probably struck me more than anything is they are very well organised," said the United boss.

"We are massive underdogs, there is no question about that. But, at the same time, I believe we are capable of causing them problems.

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"I've told my players to go out and enjoy the game on Saturday but, at the same time, stick to our game plan.

"If we do that, then we might give them a fright."

Osbourne has a full squad to choose from, including Dave Thornhill, who was sent off last weekend for two bookable offences.

"There's a real buzz about the club just now and we are looking forward to it," added the manager.

"Lumbert is unbelievable. In fact, he's one of the best players I've ever played with"

JORDAN LEISHMAN

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