We have a chance, says Tranent boss

TRANENT boss Brian Johnston has challenged his players to grab the carrot dangling in front of their noses in the Emirates Junior Cup.

The East Lothian side are hoping they can finally get a crack at Glenrothes in the third round tomorrow, with the winners playing host to Arthurlie in the last 32.

"That's a big carrot for us," admitted Johnston. "It would be great for the town and I'm sure we could get over 1,000 along to Forrester Park for that one."

Despite facing a side that was playing in the Super League last season, Johnston fancied his side's chances against Glenrothes as soon as the draw was made.

And he's feeling even more bullish after watching Tranent demolish Dunbar 8-0 in a rearranged South Division game last weekend. "I honestly believe we are going up to Glenrothes with nothing to fear - I think we have a realistic chance," he added.

"Dunbar were poor, to be fair, last Saturday but to score eight against any team is a good achievement.

"We are the complete underdogs this weekend but it would be great for the club if we could enjoy a run in the Cup."

Graeme McCaul came on as a substitute in the win over Dunbar after clinching a move from Bonnyrigg the previous day.

"Graeme had been at Bonnyrigg for a number of years and adds a bit of experience to our side," said Johnston.

McCaul's old club will be hoping to finally entertain Pumpherston in the Cup tomorrow, while the same goes for Culter v Broxburn, Haddington v Rosyth, Linlithgow v Auchinleck, Stoneyburn v Musselburgh and Newtongrange v Beith.