Whitehill won't give up on title challenge . .

Whitehill, who face Tynecastle at Fernieside tomorrow, currently trail Spartans by 11 points although the pair still have to play each other twice in this current campaign. "We will never stop chasing the bandwagon that is Spartans," emphasised Cavanagh. "As long as my players keep believing in themselves and still make a fist of every game then there could yet well be a few twists and turns before the end of the season. There will be a lot of teams playing two or three games per week and that can quickly change the look of any league table."

Whitehill comfortably beat Selkirk 4-0 last Saturday and their only two league defeats - to Preston Athletic and Edinburgh University - came in the opening week of the season. The Rosewell club have not conceded a league goal since October when they beat tomorrow's opponents 2-1 at Ferguson Park. Their last four league games have seen them score nine goals and concede none.

"Defensively we are doing well as a unit with a settled back four and our goalkeeper, Youssef Bejaoui, has been quite superb so I am really pleased with that aspect of our game. However, also going forward from midfield we always look as if we are going to score and all of that is very pleasing so long may it continue."

Turning his attention to tomorrow's vital encounter Cavanagh said: "Every game against Tynecastle is keenly and evenly contested. We will have to ensure that we focus and concentrate solely on Tynecastle and not look forward too far.

"Tynecastle have loads of experience, particularly in the middle of the park and up front and in Steve McCormack they have a player who used to play for Whitehill and who will be keen to do well as will Ross Allum for us who is in a similar position. Our aim is to keep winning league games and if we do that then we could be knocking on the door come the end of the season."

Cavanagh's only absentee is Willie Kidd who was sent off in the final minute against Selkirk.

Tynecastle, meanwhile, are keen to collect points to move away from the relegation zone and player/coach David Bingham, a 40-year-old veteran of more than 400 appearances for various clubs including St Johnstone, Dunfermline Athletic, Livingston, Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Gretna, is optimistic that his team can do just that. "On our day I believe that with the players we have we can beat anybody," stressed Bingham. "However, one problem has been that we have not defended as well this season as we did last and by defending I mean all 11 players on the park. I had it drummed into me all my professional career that defending starts at the front. We have been guilty of giving away sloppy goals and that is something we must eradicate quickly."

Tynecastle are currently in the bottom half of the table although a win would immediately propel them into the top half.

"We lost 2-1 to Whitehill in our earlier meeting in a game which we more than matched them and the only difference was that we conceded a goal which should have been avoided.

"Tomorrow is a massive game for both clubs and especially for us because we are too close to the relegation area."

Tynecastle have a full squad available with Wayne Sproule recovered from his long-term injury and Steve McCormack looking forward to playing against his former team.

The game kicks off at 2.30pm at Fernieside.