Holden hopes for more of the same at Peebles Rovers

There is a feeling of deja vu for Luncarty as the 2021/22 East of Scotland League season prepares to kick off.

The Bleachers open up in Conference B with an away trip to Peebles Rovers – the same venue they started the last campaign.

That proved to be a successful afternoon with a comfortable 9-2 victory giving Robbie Holden’s men early momentum.

It is hoped that it will be more of the same tomorrow afternoon.

“We’re really excited and ready to get going,”Holden told the PA.“It’s been another tough pre-season.

“COVID has been quite a challenge and, even in the friendlies, at no point have I had a full squad.

“But this Saturday we should be at full strength for the first time.

“We started the campaign at Peebles last year and had a difficult start but ended up running out 9-2 winners.

“It was comfortable in the end.

“I’ve been following their pre-season. They are quite a young, energetic team and I expect them to have a bit of pace about them.

“We expect some of the teams to make a better start than they did last season. I think a lot will have strengthened and be more prepared.

“It’s really important that, in the first month, we get as many wins on the board as we can.

“We have a really difficult campaign ahead so momentum is going to be key.

“We probably had a free hit last year with teams not knowing a lot about us. The task will be more difficult this time.

“Teams will be prepared for us, they will know more about us and will have strengthened themselves.”

Holden has brought experienced goalkeeper Gav Sorley into his squad, while defender Stu Nicol has made a welcome return to action.

“Stu had been working away for quite a long time but he has returned,”Holden said.“We’re looking quite strong.

“The two new strikers have been in and they have played minutes in the last few games.

“Scott Sutherland started the first two games exceptionally well, looked really sharp and scored a couple of goals.

“And Dale Smart was excellent with his back to goal against Kilsyth on Saturday.

“We saw signs from them that they are going to be dangerous.”