Kirkcaldy boss dismisses favourites tag asym begin campaign at Lochgelly

TOP BILLING on the opening day of the last ever Central League campaign sees bookies favourites Kirkcaldy YM head to Lochgelly Albert, writes our junior football correspondent.

However, Denfield boss Colin Downie is dismissive of that favourites tag.

But given the quality of players that the YM have signed, it is understandable.

Their squad includes the nucleus of last season’s runners-up Dundonald’s squad, plus the likes of Gregg Meikle from Kelty Hearts.

Downie is far more concerned about hurdling their tough start at Lochgelly Albert.

“Albert are one of a host of clubs who will consider themselves challengers in what will be a very competitive league,” said the Denfield gaffer.

“Gardiners Park is always a difficult venue.”

Striker Lewis Elder’s injury is not as bad as first feared and has an outside chance of playing.

Definitely out is central defender Craig Ness.

YM left- back Chris Samson has been transferlisted. Inquiries to Colin Downie on 07580235852.

Lochgelly are equally respectful of their opponents.

“We finally got the monkey off our back by beating them at home for the first time since they were in abeyance, and obviously with the players they have brought in, we couldn’t have had a more difficult start,” said Albert secretary Jim Brown.

The hosts are without long-term casualty Andy Barrett as well as midfielder Ryan McLean and new keeper Andy Gamble, though Colin Rushford remains between the sticks.

Scone Thistle return to league action for the first time since going in abeyance last year as they welcome Dundonald Bluebell to Farquharson Park.

Thistle boss Derek Keir has been encouraged by the way his new charges have been shaping up.

“Apart from the 7-0 defeat to Newburgh where there were extenuating circumstances, having been forced to field a very young side and three players sent off, we have made a promising start.”

However, he acknowledges that the visit of Dundonald Bluebell is a real test.

“I doubt if we could have had a harder start,” said Keir.

As a legacy of the sending- offs at Newburgh, Keir is without two of his more experienced men in defenders David Sinclair and Gavin McLeod as well as young striker Robbie Shepherd.

New-look Dundonald rate it a difficult start, especially as four of their newcomers, Shaun Graham, Grant Cunningham, Tommy Carr and Mark McCormack, all miss out.

Even the inclusion of recent signings Calum McNeill and Jordan Laird leaves boss Archie Wyse with a threadbare squad.

Following their 3- 0 defeat against Thornton of Wednesday, Bankies boss Eric Fleming delays his selection for the visit of Rosyth.

Several players picked up knocks on Wednesday and Fleming wants to give them as long as possible to recover.

The Recs will be without leading scorer Dean Ogg until after Christmas, so new signing Alan McDonough provides the goal threat.

Missing

are

Stevie Connor and Joe Houston. In addition, Chris Hughes, Stevie Livingston and Tom Hamoson are doubtful.

On a brighter note, former Dundonald midfielder GaryWestwater is in contention for the first time after injury kept him out of all the League Cup ties.

There is an all-Perthshire affair at Luncarty who have Kinnoull as their visitors.

Although Gavin Price’s side cantered to victory in the earlier League Cup meeting, the Bleachers will have a much stronger squad available for this league opener.

Kinnoull have striker ChrisWebster and defender Garry Campbell available again, but Calum McKinlay is on holiday and Daryn Smith is still sidelined by a stomach muscle complaint.

Steelend are due to host Newburgh and have a very young squad this term with everyone available.

Newburgh this week confirmed the signing of Steven Leslie, a striker from Dunfermline’s youth team, but can’t call on his services tomorrow due to suspension.

Also missing from the Burgh ranks is defender George Wilson.

Crossgates boss David McNeeley has admitted the League Cup campaign was very much part of his preparation ahead of tomor row’s start and expects to more or less have everyone available for the trip to Thornton Hibs.