Proud Shields urges his Tranent players to keep up push for promotion

MANAGER Tam Shields admits he’s “proud” of his Tranent players as they battle a host of teams for the one promotion place from the South Division.

Shields’s men currently sit in third place, three points behind leaders Dalkeith Thistle, and he is keen to take advantage of any slip-ups from their rivals during the run-in.

“It has been a tough season so far, but one we’re proud of,” said Shields, whose side travel to face Edinburgh United at Paties Road tomorrow. “It’s squeaky bum time for the teams at the top. What we need to do is beat the teams below us and hope the others drop points.

“The problem is all the sides at the top are capable of beating each other and this is proving a very hard league to get out of.

“Edinburgh beat us at home in the league early in the season and will be looking to complete the double. It’s a hard one for us if we are to keep the pressure on the teams above us.”

Elsewhere in the South Division, leaders Dalkeith are away at Pumpherston looking to extend their lead, and there is a local derby between Blackburn and Whitburn, Harthill are at home to Haddington and Spartans play host to Stoneyburn.