IAIN Syme admitted that Sauchie had to be patient as they saw off struggling Whitburn to continue their Premier League title challenge.

The West Lothian side frustrated Syme and his team-mates for long spells, but a second-half penalty saw them continue their terrific run.

And the full-back says the squad are going into every game full of confidence as they look to make an immediate return to the Super League.

Syme told Advertiser Sport: “We played well considering the conditions. We passed the ball pretty well and created a lot of chances, but their keeper had a really good game and made some great saves.

"They played with a lot of men behind the ball and sometimes you are going to come up against teams like that who are fighting for their lives. The goal came eventually, and overall we are just happy to have got the three points.

“We are on a good run just now and we have beaten some good teams, like Broughty last week in the Scottish Cup. We have a really strong squad and everyone is fighting for places, which brings out the best in us.

“We have kept together the core of the squad from the last few years and having that sort of experience does make a big difference. Some of the guys we have brought in have had an impact as well. They have given us that extra bit of quality and pushed the guys who were here already. Everyone is full of confidence right now. When you are playing well and winning, everyone is a lot happier.”

Sauchie currently lie five points off the top of the table with as many games in hand over leaders Kennoway Star Hearts, and Syme is confident that his side will be sitting pretty at the top of the standings when it really matters.

He said: “We are in a good position in the league and we have a few games in hand over the teams that are ahead of us just now. We still have games to come against them too so we are pretty confident that we will be able to go above them.”

The Juniors are looking to continue their winning streak when Tranent visit Beechwood Park on Saturday, and Syme is looking to give what he hopes will be a large support something to cheer.

He added: “Tranent gave us a tough game over there even though the scoreline wouldn’t suggest it. In the first half they really made life difficult for us. It is another massive game for us, especially now that everyone sees us as the team to beat.

"There should be a decent crowd out so with them behind us I’m confident we’ll get the win we need.”