Monklands sides face tough opener

Both Monklands sides will start the Ladbrokes League One season with tough ties. Airdrie face a difficult away trip to newly promoted Forfar on August 5 for their first clash of the season. Former Diamonds boss Gary Bollan led Forfar to League One through the play-off places after narrowly missing out on automatic promotion. The first home tie at New Broomfield will see League Two winners Arbroath make the trip on August 12.

Albion Rovers will welcome Ayr United to Cliftonhill to kick-off the campaign, with Ian McCall’s men amongst the favourites for the title after finshing bottom of the Championship last term.

Rovers first game on the road will see them travel to the national stadium to face Queen’s Park.

The first Monklands derby of the season will take place on August 19 at Cliftonhill, with the return tie at the Excelsior on October 28.

There will once again be a derby day to start the new year in Coatbridge on January 2 2018.

The Monklands pair also found out their opponents in IRN-BRU Cup, with Airdrie away to Queen of the South, and Albion Rovers welcoming Spartans to Cliftonhill on August 14 or 15.