Pumpherston boss Craig Martin believes his players have what it takes to rise to the challenge of senior football.
The Recreation Park outfit got their pre-season off to the perfect start with a 4-2 victory over Edinburgh United at the weekend as they prepare for the maiden campaign in the East of Scotland Football League.
They face Broxburn Athletic next week and he says that will be an ideal chance to gauge where they are and prepare for the challenges ahead this term.
He commented: "Every team we’re playing is good opposition. We’re not wanting to play against teams that we can win b y five or six against. We want a test every game to improve fitness and to see where we are since we’re going to be joining a bigger and harder league.
“We’re not kidding ourselves on, we’re going to a more difficult league. We’ve got to compete, we’ve got to be fit, but to do that you’ve got to play good teams."
He added: "We can always add one or two experienced players, but the young boys who came in played well along with the players who have been out for a year. I’m absolutely delighted with the squad.
"There’s been a lot of hard running but at the same time you need to be careful. You can’t just push guys into something that can cause injuries with strains and pulls when they haven’t been playing for a year.
“We’ve been keeping it gentle for the last six to seven weeks, but once the games kick in I’m sure the players will be able to gain full fitness through that.”
Martin also welcomed the return of fans to Recreation Park and believes that their backing will be able to help the club move forward.
“It makes a difference," he commented. "It helps the club financially, it can create an atmosphere and it’s what football is all about.
"They’re at the game, they’re enjoying the action, the weather is great. You can’t get better than that.”
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