Cairn’s Spooner set for “fresh start”

Gartcairn defender Murray Spooner admits just missing out on the title last season was“one of the worst feelings I have ever experienced as a footballer”.

But the left-back says it’s all about “bouncing back”from that disappointment ahead of the new campaign.

One more goal on the final day of the season would have secured the league trophy for the MTC side, but instead a draw meant they had to settle for promotion only.

After returning for pre-season on Saturday, Spooner, who started every competitive game last year, says the squad are ready to“start fresh”in a new division.

He told the Advertiser:“To miss out by a single goal or a point is devastating no matter what trophy you’re going for.

“It’s a feeling I’ll never forget for all the wrong reasons but that’s football and it’s all about bouncing back from disappointment.

“I think we forgot just how well we had done last year and it’s a shame we didn’t properly get to celebrate it as a full squad.

“But what we should be proud of is being part of the first side in the club’s history to gain promotion in the Juniors.

“I think the way we played against teams in higher divisions last season will stand us in good stead.

“We beat the likes of Shotts and ran Premier League Arthurlie close in both games in the Scottish.

“We have a superb away record in league games so I suppose that’s something we can take into next season; but at the end of the day we are starting fresh in a new division against tougher opposition.”