Spartans goalkeeper Blair Carswell ready to embark on another winning streak

Spartans goalkeeper Blair Carswell admits it was disappointing to see the club's seven-game winning streak come to an end - but insists the Ainslie Park outfit are ready to put another one together.

Dougie Samuel's men were chasing an eighth successive Lowland League victory on Wednesday night but were beaten 3-0 by Stirling University at Forthbank.

It was the first time the club hadn't picked up three points since a 2-1 defeat to Capital rivals Civil Service Strollers on September 24, an impressive run of form that has taken them to within one point of Rangers B at the summit. However, No.1 Carswell, who was part of Spartans' title-winning squad in 2018, is desperate to return to winning ways starting with tomorrow's visit of high-flying Tranent Juniors.

"We're hoping Wednesday night was just a wee blip," the 27-year-old told the Evening News. "They deserved it so we can't take anything away from them. I suppose our winning run had to come to an end at some point. I was really impressed with Stirling to be honest, they're very fit side and pass the ball well. After the defeat to Civil at their place in September, we really needed to try and string some wins together and that's what we've managed to do. The run has really boosted the morale in the dressing room as it's given us the belief that we can compete at the top of the league.

Spartans goalkeeper Blair Carswell. Picture: Mark Brown.

"We're not getting carried away because in my experience over the last few years, every side is capable of winning games so you can't take anything for granted. But you know that other teams in and about you are going to drop points at some stage, so as long as we look after ourselves and keep picking up points then we'll be in the mix. You can play Rangers and Celtic and they're very strong one week but then the next they put out a weakened side, so I wouldn't say there is a standout team so far. I can't see anyone running away with it this year so I think it's going to be very tight even towards the end of the season. It should be exciting and one for football fans to keep a close eye on."

Carswell continued: "Our ambition is to win the league and be promoted. Nothing's changed over the last few years on that front. We've been in the play-offs before, but lost out to Cove Rangers so we want to go one better and get into League Two. That has been the goal from day one.

"It's going to be a real tough one tomorrow, but the outcome isn't going to define ours or Tranent's seasons. We've not played each other yet, they're new to the league, we're level on points so it has all the makings of a really competitive fixture. We're looking forward to it. With us, Tranent and Civil all near the top it's exciting. The standard is improving all the time.

"We have had quite a few players out long term so we have been low on numbers for the past while. But these guys are slowly getting back and getting minutes under their belt so that can only help us going forward. We've had a lot of midweek games recently so maybe it's beginning to take its toll on the guys."