CALVIN Shand has challenged his Tranent team to build on cup glory when they go into the new season.

The Belters became the first senior team in East Lothian to lift a trophy for a number of years with extra-time victory over Bonnyrigg Rose in the King Cup on Saturday.

Dean Whitson’s header and an extra-time strike from Bradley Barrett helped Tranent come from behind in the final game of the East of Scotland Football League season.

Shand, who took charge in February, was thrilled with the victory at Linlithgow Rose’s Prestonfield.

He told Courier Sport: “I am absolutely delighted. I am delighted for the club, the fans, the committee and the players especially, who put in a lot of work this year.

“They deserved it in the end. It has been a long, hard season but they have been successful this year.”

Kerr Young had nodded the Midlothian side in front before Whitson’s header sent the game to extra time.

Barrett scored three minutes later before Jamie Devlin was sent off for Tranent. Bonnyrigg were quickly reduced to 10 men as well when Ewan Moyes was sent off and Tranent missed two penalties.

In the end, it did not matter as Tranent held out for victory and their third cup in four finals.

Shand said: “It was a little bit of a rollercoaster!

“Bonnyrigg started really well and it took us 15-20 minutes to get into the game. Obviously, they are a good side and it took us a little bit of time to get going. But we probably edged it after that and were the better team.

“We knew the amount of games they had played recently would catch up with them and we knew they would tire. To get the goal so quickly into extra time was great and the penalty would have killed the game but we don’t do things easily!”

The result means the Belters can now go into next season’s East of Scotland Premier League with a trophy under their belts.

Sixteen teams will do battle to find a way into the Lowland League, with Tranent not content to simply make up the numbers.

Shand said: “It is a big confidence boost but I don’t think we needed it.

“You look at our league form and finishing third was a good achievement. I don’t think many thought we would achieve it and this team just seems to have a habit of doing well in cups in recent times.

“They went into the game with no fear and you could tell in the changing room and during the warm up that they wanted to go and play.”

The new league season will bring its own challenges for the Foresters Park side but Shand is confident of strengthening – not overhauling – his squad.

Four or five new signings are expected to be announced, with former Musselburgh Athletic defender Bradley Donaldson signed along with Andy Jones and Shaun Hill.

Shand, who will come up against his former side Musselburgh next season, was looking to add some experienced heads to his youthful looking side.

He added: “We are going to add leaders and experience to the squad; guys that have played at a higher level; not because the squad needs a massive overhaul but we will strengthen the spine of the team and be a little bit more streetwise.”