New coach Paget says his team can shock Spartans

Paget has two games under his belt - a 0-2 defeat from Preston Athletic and a 2-2 draw with Heriot-Watt University - and has had a couple of training sessions in which to assess his current group of players.

"Obviously I am disappointed with the two results having taken only one point out of a possible six," said Paget. "The players are just a wee bit short on confidence although I did see some improvement in some aspects against Heriot-Watt on Wednesday night. However, for the last 15 minutes, collectively, we looked like a tired team. We capitulated and one of my primary aims is to get the players as fit as possible for our remaining games.

"The current situation is not good enough for Whitehill Welfare Football Club and because Spartans would have to completely collapse not to win the Premier Division then we must put our energies into winning a cup, starting with tomorrow's King Cup quarter-final."

Whitehill, almost amazingly, have not lifted this trophy since season 1997-1998 and Paget would dearly love to change that scenario. "Spartans are undoubtedly the form team in the East of Scotland League and it is therefore a massive game for Whitehill. It is also a massive game for the players to see if they can turn their season around although we will have to improve in all areas of the park.

"Having said that, I think that much of the players' problems are simply having self-belief in themselves. This is a great opportunity for the players to show what they are all about.

"We must be switched on, concentrate and nullify their goal threats. It's not just about trying to stop Spartans when they have the ball but also to keep the ball when we win it back. Spartans work so hard when they do not have the ball and we must match that desire."

Paget will have influential playmaker and attacking midfield player Andrew Kidd available after he was absent in midweek because of a family bereavement, although striker Scott Gormley misses out because of suspension.

Central defender Michael Bruce made his debut against Heriot-Watt on Wednesday night after Paget signed him from Edinburgh City and he had an impressive first game. Whitehill can also rely on former Spartans goalscorer Daryl Devlin along with Jordan Hall and Ross Allum to provide a real threat in and around the penalty box.

Spartans, meanwhile, have had a productive seven days, winning the Image Printers East of Scotland Qualifying Cup with a 2-1 victory against Tynecastle last Sunday and following that with a midweek 4-1 win against Civil Service Strollers in the Premier Division to move them eight points clear at the top.

"Last Sunday was a very competitive game against Tynecastle and it was not an easy game to win," said Spartans joint manager, Mike Lawson. "Strollers had some good spells in the game and at 3-1 they came back into contention.

"We now have to concentrate on Whitehill Welfare who we have still to meet at least three times this season and maybe even four. What I do know is that the last manager to inflict a defeat on Spartans was Rab (Paget] when he was boss of Vale of Leithen last season and they knocked us out of the Image Printers Cup - the only trophy we failed to win.

"Teams tend to respond to a new manager and no team ever finds it easy going to Whitehill. Ferguson Park is tight and that in itself can usually produce a good game. I have watched Whitehill twice recently and no way am I expecting an easy game - there never are between Whitehill and Spartans."

Spartans are likely to field Keith McLeod, Omar Kader, Gavin Malin and Jack Beesley who all missed out in midweek.

The game kicks off at Ferguson Park, Rosewell at 2.30pm with admission prices 5.00 for adults and concessions 2.00.