Derby double to get started
Big kick-off in Premier League North
Final preparations were being made at Brownlands Park this week as boss Jon Kelly (inset) gets set for action Two Perthshire derbies will ensure that the Junior football season kicks-off with a bang this weekend.
All five of the region’s teams - Blairgowrie, Coupar Angus, Kinnoull, Luncarty and Scone Thistle - are competing in the Premier League North.
Pre-season training and friendly fixtures can now be put to one side as the competitive action bursts into life with mouth-watering clashes.
Brownlands Park is sure to host an entertaining battle as Jon Kelly’s Luncarty welcome Alan Cameron’s Kinnoull on Saturday afternoon.
Both teams have aspirations of competing up the top end of the table this term after impressing last season.
Kelly has been pleased with how his players have come through pre-season and is buzzing for this weekend’s opener.
“Saturday can’t come round quick enough now,” he told the Perthshire Advertiser.
“It’s always the same after working hard in pre-season.
“All the hard running is now done and the players are buzzing to get out there for the league opener.
“As a team we have targets this year and it’s very important to make sure we start in the fashion we aim to go on.
“Being a derby on Saturday adds that little edge that you want.”
The Bleachers’ boss always expects a difficult afternoon when Kinnoull come calling.
And he added: “Kinnoull will be one of the toughest tests we will get in the league this season.
“And without a shadow of doubt I know we will have to be at our best to take points away from the game.
“It should be a cracker for the supporters as, going on past games, there is always plenty of excitement in this fixture.”
The other local derby takes place in east Perthshire as Blairgowrie host Coupar Angus at Davie Park.
Scone Thistle are set for their season opener away at Forfar Albion and boss Derek Lawson is hoping his new additions will gel quickly.
They have shown up well throughout the summer as the Jags’ manager targets another campaign of success.
“We are looking forward to the season starting on Saturday,” Lawson said this week.
“We have a good mix of youth and experience along with a good team spirit as we look to take on the challenges ahead.
“Pre-season has been good, the majority of last season’s squad has re-signed.
“We have signed seven new players who have settled in really well and will give us good competition for places.”
Opponents Forfar Albion finished bottom of the North Division last season but Lawson expects a different team this time around.
He said: “Forfar Albion have rebuilt their squad this year so I think they will be a much improved side.
“The target for us this year is to challenge again at the top end of the table.
“And also to develop the young players further and hopefully introduce the youth players from the under-19s to the juniors.”
Full opening day fixtures for the East Region’s Premier League North: Blairgowrie v Coupar Angus, Dundee North End v Dundee Violet, East Craigie v Brechin Vics, Forfar Albion v Scone Thistle, Lochee Harp v Arbroath Vics, Luncarty v Kinnoull. All kick-offs on Saturday are 2.30pm.