Positive pre-season for Rovers

Rovers boss Brian Reid heaped praise on his players for their pre-season showings against Airdrie and Dumbarton.

The derby warm-up clash at the Penny Cars Stadium saw Rovers take the lead through Matthew Aitken before Eoghan Stokes levelled for the hosts.

A Finn Ecrepont header again put the ML5 visitors back in front, before an Ally Roy double earned the Diamonds the bragging rights.

Against the Sons at Cliftonhill, the visitors raced into a three-goal lead through a Robert Jones double and Ross

Forbes strike, before Ayr loanee Gabe Skeoch and Aron Lynas scored in the 3-2 defeat.

Reid has been delighted with the displays so far, stating: “we had a training session last weekend which was good for us because it lets us work on the tactical side of the game.

“We had been playing a lot of games, which we needed, but it was a great chance to put some work into the legs.

“The games were just about getting these boys moving again, because most of these boys won’t have kicked a ball in six months at least.

“It’s pleasing to get them out in a semi-competitive way against some good teams. There was some rustiness but that is just normal.

“I’m not too worried about the results but I’m pleased overall with the games against Airdrie and Dumbarton.

“It got everyone some game time and gave the younger ones a chance to prove they can be part of the future here.

“They can build on their hard work, along with the new boys, for the league and cup.”

Warm-up Airdrie against Rovers