Dokens aim to begin where they left off last season

North End had an encouraging end to last season, finishing third after losing only one league game after the arrival of new boss Ross Lunan in March.

So naturally the Dokens gaffer now has promotion very much in his sights.

With the arrival of Kieran Sturrock, Ben Sievwright and Gavin Hood, not to mention Andy Ballantyne as player/coach, they are well equipped to achieve their goal.

Their mission starts away to Lochore Welfare who finished second from bottom last term, a position that boss Andy Healy hopes to improve on this time out.

As the Craigie Park dressing rooms are still being installed, East Craigie, one of the teams expected to be challenging at the top, face a difficult start with their first five or six games away from home.

A trip to Scone, who finished just a point below them last term, makes for a testing opener.

Never having had a full squad throughout pre-season, they have the luxury of everyone available, other than the suspended Andy McDonald.

Lochee Harp start the new season against Coupar Angus at Downfield Park, their temporary home until their new ground is ready.

The only Harp absentee is James Cochrane, due to work commitments.

Relegated from the Premier League, Violet have had a tough pre-season, though much of that has been down to fielding very young teams.

As they head for Forfar Albion, they expect to be in a much healthier position with the majority of their squad available.

Kinnoull have lost a number of experienced players and face a transitional season given that most of their recruitment has been from Abernethy Under-19s.

Being down to the bare bones for the trip to Luncarty does not augur well.

Brechin Vics manager Phil Maguire’s first game in charge is at home to Blairgowrie and with around half a dozen absentees, it promises to be a difficult start.

Last season was a disappointing one for Newburgh, but under new manager Alan Fortune it appears happier days lie ahead.

They start with a visit from Arbroath Vics who finished one place above them last term.