Dundonald Bluebell on the brink of historic promotion

The Cardenden side need to win their final two East Premier League games – away to Oakley United tonight (Wednesday) and away to Dundee Violet this Saturday – to guarantee promotion to junior football’s top flight for the first time in their history.

Bluebell, have led the league for most of the campaign, but after a nervy home defeat to Arniston Rangers at the weekend, they were knocked off top spot by Jeanfield Swifts and now need favours to win the title.

Promotion as runners-up, however, is still in their own hands although any more slip-ups in the two remaining games could allow third-placed rivals Lochee United to pip them at the post.

Alan Halliday, the club’s general manager, insists that the Moorside Park men deserve to go up after making a meteoric rise from the South Division.

“We’ve stuttered over the last few weeks but it’s still in our own hands and hopefully we get over the line,” he said.

“The target at the start of the season was to win promotion, but even if we don’t win our last two games, Lochee still need to win their three games so we’re well placed.

“We’ve not gone from a good team to a poor team overnight but there’s been some nerves over the last few games because we’re getting so close.

“In our three years at the Bluebell we have gone from a regional league side to challenging for the Super League and expectations have risen.

“With that comes a wee bit pressure and as a relatively young team, they have to learn to handle that, and I’m sure they will.

“They certainly deserve to go up - they’ve played exceptionally well all season.”

Dundonald, managed by former player Craig Morrison, will also bid to reach the East of Scotland Cup final on Monday night when they face Fauldhouse United in the semis.

They will hope to go one stage further than last season when they were knocked out in the last four on penalties by Bo’ness United.

“We’re hoping a good season so far can turn into a great season,” Halliday added.

“The opportunity is there for the players to become the most successful Dudndonald Bluebell side ever if they get to Superleague and a cup final.

“It’s all there for them.

“They all want to become history makers and hopefully they can do that.”