South League: Johnston out to capitalise on cup factor

BRIAN JOHNSTON is looking for Tranent to use their Scottish Cup confidence boost to catapult the East Lothian side up the table, writes martin dempster.

Johnston's men are 11 points behind leaders Sauchie and the manager admits it could be make or break in the next three games as far as their promotion hopes are concerned.

"We're away to Fauldhouse, Harthill and West Calder - and need to take nine points to have any chance of going up at the end of the season," he said.

Since being able to pick from a full squad again, Johnston has seen his side go on a five-match unbeaten run, including a 4-1 win at Jeanfield Swifts last weekend in the second round of the Junior Cup.

"They've got a good record at home, so it was a very good result for us," added the manager, who is confident that on-loan East Fife striker Michael Dick can fill Paul Harvey's boots during his absence over the next four weeks due to a holiday.

"We've also got Mel Graham back and so, too, Alan Horne tomorrow," he said.