Landells hopes Arniston can bounce back after horror show

The Gorebridge outfit missed out on the chance to go up to second in the Premier League as they surrendered their 100 per cent away record in a 4-1 defeat at Bathgate Thistle. It was a performance which took Landells by surprise given his side’s early season form.

He is looking forward to the challenge of Musselburgh in their round two tie and believes it will give them a gauge of what level they need to be at to reach the top flight.

“I’m looking for a reaction from last week because we didn’t play well at all, it was probably the worst performance of the season,” said Landells. “We conceded four goals which is unusual for us and we could’ve conceded more.

“Musselburgh are doing really well. Shandy [Calvin Shand] has built a decent side and it’s a good test for us. Hopefully having home advantage will lift the players.

“We’re looking forward to it. It’s something a wee bit different for us playing against a Super League team. When you play Super League teams it gives you an idea of where you need to be or where you have to go to try and get to that level. Being a one off game we’ve got to be confident.”

Shand is eager to avoid a potential banana skin against a team a league below. He’s looking forward to returning to Newbyres Park with Arniston being the first Junior club he played for.

“They are going really well, they’ve got a good squad. We played them in pre-season and we’ve had them watched so we know a bit about them. It will be a tough game,” said Shand.

“It’s always good to get a wee break from the league. I played there for a couple of years so it will be good to go back.”

Elsewhere, holders Penicuik Athletic host Camelon, while Newtongrange Star are away to Lochegelly Albert and Broxburn Athletic are in Fife to face Kirkcaldy YM.