Gilbert expecting Hibs to get it right as league kicks off

Pre-season struggles can be set aside as Thornton visit Carnoustie

Thornton seem to have struggled during pre-season and went down 3-1 at Leven United in midweek.

However, manager Craig Gilbert will have his side well drilled ahead of the Super League debut against Carnoustie Panmure and will be looking to take something from a tough starter.

Glenrothes and Downfield face each other at Warout Stadium as they make their Super League debuts.

The hosts are without Jack Small through injury and Jamie Leslie who is suspended.

Tayport and Kennoway Star Hearts contest a Fife derby at the Canniepairt and while Port manager Charlie King is looking to bring another striker in, he is confident that Dayle Robertson and Stewart McConnachie will fill the void left by the departure of Gary Sutherland.

It is in defence that King has concerns as he is missing both Ryan Suttie and Connor Gray through suspension.

Kennoway will miss Matthew and Chris Gay who have left for Kelty Hearts but Craig Johnstone will expect other members of his squad to step up.

Broughty Athletic, second favourites for the title, take on Fauldhouse United at Whitton Park.

Both sides have added players to last season’s squads and the respective managers are confident of getting a result and a positive start to the campaign.

In the Premier League North Blairgowrie and Coupar Angus meet at Davie Park.

They have had differing fortunes during pre-season, but that is all history as the competitive games begin.

Blair will be without five players due to holidays and work commitments but manager Mark Brash still expects to have a squad of 17. Coupar Angus expect to choose from a full squad.

Scone Thistle manager Derek Lawson will be wary as he takes his side to Guthrie Park to take on Forfar Albion

He said: “We are looking forward to the game against a much-improved Albion. We are aware that we will have to work hard if we’re to get three points.”

Lawson is without Ross Mitchell through suspension, while Ross Wilson, Arran McKay and Kevin Sinclair are on holiday.

There is a Perth derby at Brownlands Park as Jonny Kelly pits his wits against Alan Cameron when Luncarty take on Kinnoull.

Both sides have had in jury problems during pre-season but Luncarty are beginning to get a number of players back. A few are still struggling and, alongside holidays, Kelly is deprived of six players. Cameron also has a number of doubts but expects to have a decent squad available.

In the Premier League South Kirkcaldy YM had a poor season last term but have restructured and with new blood added to the squad they are looking to be much improved.

The Fife side travel to take on Armadale and new manager Craig Ness is well aware of the size of the task involved.

He said: “It probably doesn’t get much tougher to be honest but we are progressing as a unit and will approach the game with confidence.”

Ness is without the injured duo Kieron Hay and Donald Hyslop, while Ewan Henderson is at a wedding and Ryan Weir and Lewis McIntosh are on holiday.

Lochgelly Albert are much changed from last season with new players and a new manager in Barry Cockburn but they go in to their opener against West Calder United at Gardiners Park in a confident mood.

Newburgh begin at home to Stoneyburn. Manager Scott Hudson has made changes to his squad and expects that all will be available for this weekend.

It could not get much tougher for Andy Healy’s Lochore Welfare as they travel to take on South League champions Pumpherston but Healy is looking positively towards the game.

“We are looking to test ourselves against a very strong side who will be favourites for the title,” he said.

Welfare have added five players and all will be available to make their debuts. Missing are skipper James Adam, Logan Donaldson, Scott Small, Dean Ewing Ethan Anderson and David Byrne.

Rosyth have a new man in charge and Brian Muirhead’s side open at home to Bathgate Thistle.

Rosyth have added 12 players to their squad from differing levels and Muirhead is impressed with their commitment so far.

He said: “The new boys have responded brilliantly, they have listened and are willing to learn.

“Our aims for the season will be kept in house but our goal is to be competitive from the off and in every game.”