Whitburn boss Darren Wilson has hailed his side’s strength in depth after the club secured back-to-back promotions.
The Burnie booked their place in next season’s East of Scotland First Division thanks to a 2-0 away win over Hawick Royal Albert last week – and they could all but secure a second straight league title if they pick up the points on Saturday away at second-placed St Andrews United.
The Central Park outfit have suffered just a solitary league defeat all campaign but the boss admits it’s been much tougher than the table suggests and heaped praise on the club’s under-20 players who have stepped up when required.
He said: “We definitely went into the season with the belief we’d be competing at the top, but it’s actually been a really challenging season. We’ve had some big players –the likes of Lennon Watson, Aiden Martin and Reece Duncan – all miss significant time through injury and we’ve played a lot of our under-20s at times.
“They have been absolutely brilliant in stepping up and helping us out. They have shown great character and enthusiasm. It was a really important thing for the coaching staff, to have that pathway there, and it’s been successful.
“Everyone has played their part in getting us over the line and it’s pleasing to get it done with a few games to spare.
“I think you saw in the 4-0 win over Dalkeith at the weekend that they were playing with that pressure being lifted.
“It’s been a very tough season in a good league. The guys have really taken their game up a level and they have had to because they are pushed every week in these games.”
While things are rosy on the park, the gaffer paid tribute to those who have been putting the hard yards in off the park, too. He added: “Things are really positive at the club both on and off the pitch and the two things have to work together to bring success.
“There’s a lot of people who put in a lot of hours to do the things that allow the club to be successful – maintain the ground and the facilities, bring in sponsorship - that sort of thing.
“It’s a hard-working committee and hopefully they think they are seeing their efforts rewarded.
“There’s a real positive energy around the club just now with the two promotions and we’re seeing attendances increase. We now want to see if we can go and finish the job by getting another title.”
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