CALUM Elliot insists Tranent Juniors will be ready for this weekend’s title clash – despite the most challenging spell of his managerial career.

The Belters head for Penicuik Athletic knowing a defeat could spell the end of their promotion dream.

Preparations for the contest with the league leaders have been far from ideal, with Tranent’s squad hit by injuries and the coronavirus pandemic.

Elliot said: “It’s probably the most challenging it has been since I have been involved in management.

“It’s been constant.

“To begin with we had countless injuries, then Covid tipped us over the edge. We had seven out injured, five with Covid and then we shut everything down.

“We have not trained for almost three weeks now to make sure as human beings we protect them the best we can.

“They have got livelihoods and if they cannot go to work then they cannot pay bills.

“Obviously, we want to limit the spread because there were a number of boys that have picked it up.”

East Lothian Courier: Tranent Juniors face Penicuik Athletic, who are challenging them for the Premier Division titleTranent Juniors face Penicuik Athletic, who are challenging them for the Premier Division title

Tranent’s absence list reached such a stage that they were forced to cancel their scheduled home tie with Dunbar United on Saturday.

Elliot told Courier Sport he was unsure how many players would be fit to play but stressed they would be going to Penicuik Park this weekend – even if it meant pulling on the boots himself.

East Lothian Courier: Calum Elliot could pull the boots on for Tranent Juniors this weekend such is the absence list. Picture: Tranent JuniorsCalum Elliot could pull the boots on for Tranent Juniors this weekend such is the absence list. Picture: Tranent Juniors

He said: “I have no idea who will be back.

“We will be communicating with everybody through the week and will need to see who is available and see from there.

“We are still going in with a strong, strong side, no doubts about that.

“We will be going to win.

“There are no doubts about that but I cannot even start planning what we will be doing this week.

“We might get one back from injury but that is about it and we will see how the boys that have been isolating respond to training.”

Tranent and Penicuik Athletic have already met twice this campaign.

The Belters ended Penicuik’s Scottish Cup dream back in September when they came from a goal down to win 3-1 in Midlothian.

However, the spoils were shared in the league at Foresters Park in November when the two sides battled out a 1-1 draw.

East Lothian Courier: Tranent Juniors are out to close the gap on Penicuik Athletic at the top of the Premier DivisionTranent Juniors are out to close the gap on Penicuik Athletic at the top of the Premier Division

Penicuik have a four-point advantage over Linlithgow Rose, who sit second in the East of Scotland Football League Premier Division, with Tranent a further four points adrift.

Elliot’s men do have a game in hand over both clubs but know they cannot afford to let the points advantage increase further if they want to be celebrating at the end of the campaign.

The manager said: “We are playing against a team who have the same goals as ourselves.

“It is a big game; players respond in big matches and produce big performances. That is what we are hoping for on Saturday.

“I don’t think a lot needs to be said for both sides. “They have played more games than us recently and they have got that little bit of an edge for match fitness.

“But our boys had a break and are laser-focused, concentrating on between now and the end of the season and trying our best to make sure we are there or thereabouts come the end of the season.”