Pars to kick-off new season with tricky trip to Inverness

Stevie Crawford’s new-look Dunfermline side face a tough opener to their Championship campaign.

The Pars, who have made a host of new signings in the wake of star striker Kevin Nisbet’s transfer to Hibs, host Inverness CT on October 17 before a tricky away day at part-time Alloa the following week.

The Pars round off the month with a home match against Queen of the South.

The first Fife derby of the season will take place at Raith Rovers’ Stark’s Park on Saturday December 5 before the reverse fixture at East End Park on Saturday January 2.

The final clash takes place in Kirkcaldy on February 27.

Arbroath will look to build on last season’s impressive fifth-placed finish with another strong campaign.

The Lichties are on their travels on day one when they take on league new boys Raith before a big day at Gayfield on October 24 when they play host to Robbie Neilson’s newly-relegated Hearts side. The Angus side then head north to face Inverness the following week.

In League One former Aberdeen skipper Darren Young is to return to the Granite City on the opening day with his East Fife side visiting League Two champions Cove Rangers.

Balmoral Stadium is likely to be hosting a flag-raising ceremony when the sides meet on October 17 with Young determined to use local knowledge to his advantage.

Montrose welcome joint title favourites Falkirk to Links Park on the opening day as Stewart Petrie’s side look to bank a top four finish for a third successive campaign.

The Gable Endies then travel to East Fife before an Angus derby with a trip to Station Park on October 17.

Forfar have been handed a home clash with Dumbarton on day one, with Stuart Malcolm’s outfit determined to avoid a repeat of last season, when they ended up in ninth place.

The Loons then travel to Falkirk before that home derby with Montrose.

In League Two Gary Bollan’s Cowdenbeath welcome Annan on October 17 before a trip to Edinburgh City and a home clash with Stenhousemuir.

Brechin City, who finished in bottom spot last season but avoided a Pyramid Play-Off Final, will look to turn their fortunes around in 2020-21, kicking-off the campaign with a home clash with Edinburgh and followed by away days at Elgin City and Albion Rovers.