Lothian Thistle must not let thoughts of revenge ruin performance

Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale defender Scott Taylor-MacKenzie insists revenge won't be a factor when the Capital side visit Tweedmouth Rangers tomorrow.

Scott Taylor MacKenziee has been scoring goals from midfield recently

The struggling Borders outfit, who have won just once all season, sprung a surprise when the sides last met in November holding Raymond Carr’s men to a 1-1 stalemate at Saughton Enclosure.

Lothian are third in the table, two points adrift of leaders Heriot-Watt University and a point behind champions Leith Athletic. They do, however, have games in hand over their rivals.

And, whilst Taylor-MacKenzie admitted he and his team-mates were taken aback by the result almost four months ago, the 20-year-old says it’s imperative there is no repeat performance this time around.

“Every game for us we have to approach in the right manner,” the former St Johnstone player said. “We drew against them at home so they’ll be thinking they can go one better this time around down there. Even the last time we were down there last season we had two players sent off and managed to win 2-1 but it was still a really hard game. It’s a hard place to go as they’re quite a stuffy side despite their league position.

“Maybe we needed that defeat to Heriot-Watt recently after our unbeaten run to get us back into the swing of things. Raymond is a very positive person though and never comes in and gives anyone a rollicking unless he really needs to.”

Taylor-MacKenzie also believes competition for places is heating up with the Football Nation Qualifying Cup final against Spartans just over a fortnight away.

“A couple of guys like Jamie Devlin missed out against Hawick in the semi last week so the ones that have come in will be wanting to stay in the team,” he said. “Everyone is always at training so it shows that every player wants to play. I’ve actually been playing centre midfield these last few games and have scored a few goals from there.”

Heriot-Watt travel to the Borders to meet hosts Coldstream while Leith Athletic welcome Stirling University to Meadowbank 3G. Tynecastle entertain Peebles Rovers at Saughton Enclosure.