Tranent Juniors: Colin Nish determined to keep title dream alive

The Belters face fellow title challengers Stirling University and Spartans within the space of four days next week.

Nish admitted it would likely take six points out of six to keep his team in contention for the chance to be promoted to the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL).

Spartans sit top of the table on 72 points – eight clear of Tranent, who have a game in hand.

However, two dropped points against Bo’ness United last time out may prove costly for Tranent.

Colin Nish

Nish said: “That was the week we were hoping to make sure we were within touching distance before going into it.

“It looks like Spartans are a little bit in front and it will be difficult to catch them.

“We want to finish as high as possible.

“They are big games and we are looking forward to testing ourselves against two sides who have been up there.

“I think the players understand we needed to really beat Bo’ness to have a fair crack at the top and to win the league.

“We have made it really difficult for ourselves now but if we manage to get two decent results, you don’t know.

“The guys in the dressing room and myself are not giving up on anything but we have given ourselves a bit of a mountain to climb.”

READ MORE: Tranent Juniors boss Colin Nish ready for vital league games

Tranent are away at the students, who are one point above them in the league, on Wednesday before welcoming the league leaders to Foresters Park next Saturday (April 8).

The Belters went unbeaten in the reverse fixtures and know it will likely take more of the same to keep them in contention.

Nish, who previously managed Cowdenbeath, stressed they would keep going until it was “mathematically impossible” to lift the title.

He said: “If you asked the guys at the beginning of the season, they would be happy with where we are.

“But every week, expectations change.

Tranent Juniors, pictured against Cowdenbeath, are already preparing for next season (Image: Newsquest)

“We have been up near the top and at the minute it looks like we are going to fall short a little bit.”

The former Hibs striker took the helm at Tranent following the surprise departure of Calum Elliot at the end of last August, having guided the club to promotion to the Lowland League.

On pushing the squad forward, Nish said: “You are always trying to improve.

“We will see what is available and we are trying to improve the team.

“They have done so well this year and with the standard of player it is very difficult to improve things.

“We will have to be very picky and very choosy how we try to do it but there are no guarantees.”