Vale count down to the big kick-off
Saturday will see Vale of Earn play their final pre- season friendly before the competitive action gets under way next week.
The Crieff side entertain fellow amateur outfit Tay Thistle in a 2pm kickoff at Strathearn Community Campus.
It is the last chance for Garry Brock’s men to limber up before the first of the Smith League Cup group fixtures is held on Tuesday next week.
Jeanfield Swifts will travel from Perth for the campaign opener at Market Park, which kicks off at 6.30pm.
Vale go into this weekend’s encounter following a 3-1 friendly defeat against Tweedale Rovers on Saturday.
The local lads failed to get going in the first half but improved dramatically after the break.
Their efforts were rewarded with a goal when Ross Brock finished off a flowing team move.
Auchterarder Primrose are also in action on Saturday as the build-up to the new season intensifies.
The Lang Toon outfit host Dunfermline side Rosebank Rangers at the public park.
The opening fixtures for the new season are (kick-offs 6.30pm):
Tuesday, August 16: Smith League Cup Section 3 - Vale of Earn v Jeanfield Swifts; Strathearn Grove v Luncarty ASC.
Thursday, August 18: Smith League Cup Section 1 - Auchterader Primrose v Letham CC; Section 3 - Rattray v Vale of Earn; Section 6 - Burrleton Rovers v Strathearn Grove.
League action kicks off on Saturday next week, with Primrose and Vale in Division One and Strathearn Grove – now being overseen by Graham Gray following Peter Reilly’s spell in charge last season – in Division Three.
Auchterarder are at home to Balmoral Utd, Vale are away to Fair City and the Grove host Wolfhill.
All the fixtures are scheduled to start at 2pm.