Albert have eyes on step up

Having finished fourth last term, and easily the top kingdom club, Lochgelly Albert will be going all out for promotion this time round.

Indeed the bookies have them at 5-1, immediately behind joint favourites Pumpherston and Edinburgh United.

They have lost striker Lewis Elder to Hill of Beath, but signed Chris Ireland from Thornton Hibs as a replacement, one of many new faces at Gardiners Park.

Craigroyston is their destination, but Scott Murray, Lewis Grierson and Scott Renton all miss out, so a trialist may be called in.

Oakley host Edinburgh United and boss Lee Richardson has been busy in the summer, bringing in seven new faces.

However, one of them, Fergus Lockhart, is suspended after being sent off in their last friendly at Newburgh Thistle, while Reece Fraser is also banned.

Indeed, with one or two injuries as well, Richardson is reduced to a squad of 14.

There is a real buzz of anticipation around Humbug Park with Crossgates Primrose having been busy both on and off the pitch.

The ground has undergone considerable refurbishment and, importantly, so has the playing side.

They have a new management team in Alan and Ally Campbell, sons of former Pars player, coach and current Arbroath number two, Ian.

The pair have been busy reshaping the squad and hope to get off to a winning start away to Livingston United.

Good showings in pre-season friendlies mean Rosyth are in good heart as they welcome relegated Armadale in what is the first ever league meeting between the two.

Back at a refurbished Recreation Park, Recs will be looking to get off to a winning start.

After finishing bottom of the pile last season, Kirkcaldy YM have undertaken a rebuilding job over the summer.

Only two of last season’s squad remain – Michael Strachan and Michael Taylor – for the trip to Harthill Royal.

The Fifers are very much an unknown quantity, but so too are their opponents who are returning to the fray after two years in abeyance.