Dumbarton boss eyes Fife as Sons seek to find their feet in lower division

Dumbarton begin life in League 1 at East Fife, with manager Stephen Aitken convinced that keeping ahead of another team from Fife will be the key to title success.

Aitken said: “East Fife will make it very difficult for us. They have played well this season whereas we have been a bit up and down with good displays, clean sheets, and a battling performance against Kilmarnock followed by a 6-0 defeat by St Mirren.

“That is behind us and now it is about getting league points. Raith Rovers will be the team to beat as being full-time will give them a big advantage throughout the season.

“Airdrie and Stranraer will be dangerous and the Angus and Fife derbies could have a huge bearing as well.”

East Fife boss Darren Young said: “Dumbarton will be looking to make a point to the other teams in the league.”

Raith head to Stranraer with manager Barry Smith not interested in his team’s favourites tag. He said: “This league is going to be too close to call.

“The team that wins it will go on a run whilst everyone else is slitting each other’s throats.”

League 2 champions Montrose welcome neighbours Arbroath to their flag-raising ceremony. Links Park manager Stewart Petrie said: “It is a fabulous game to open the season with, but we know that Arbroath will be out to ruin the party.”

As promoted Stenhousemuir prepared to face rele- gated Brechin City, manager Brown Ferguson said: “There were two divisions between us so we will get a strong indication of where we are.” Forfar have added Rangers defender Aidan Wilsononloanandthe19-yearold is set to feature against Airdrie. Station Park manager Jim Weir said: “We can score goals, but we need to get better at defending. Aidan will help us do that.”