Pre Season Info
updated 23/07/08
The New season starts now. As per usual after any friendly games we will have the League cup games. Games against Newtongrange, Dunbar and Haddington at home and Penicuik, Arniston and Tranent away. But without any doubt the league will be the main focus this year.
Musselburgh Athletic
Olivebank Stadium, Market Street, Musselburgh
Directions by road: From town centre, head towards Edinburgh into the Fisherrow area (Bridge Street). Turn left up a side road on the corner of The Ship Inn past the Magnet furniture shop. The ground is up a small side steet off Market Street
Musselburgh had a good season last year and will want to push for the super league this time around. Success in the St Micheals Cup and Brown cup ended a fantastic season unbeaten in their last 10 games. Highlights last term would be their performances against the big teams Bathgate, Whitburn, Linlithgow, Oakley, Kelty all soundly beaten.
Players to watch: Matti King will be the one to watch his finishing and pace will cause alot of teams problems. Paul Currie and Paul Tansey will be dangerous and Danny Kelly will feel like a new signing having missed so much of the season.
Players in: Ryan McCallum (Arniston), Iain Ramage (Whitburn), Chris Gordon (Penicuik)
Players Out: Jamie Hawkins (Edinburgh), Ross Barnes, CJ Osazowa (un known)
Website rating: The best in Europe
Prediction: It is all coming together for this season, the confidence is there, the players are there come on get out and support them! 2nd
Friendlies:
Musselburgh V Raith Rovers Sunday 27/07/08 - 2pm
Musselburgh V Musselburgh Winsor Tuesday 29/07/08 - 7pm
Arniston Rangers FC
Olivebank Stadium, Market Street, Musselburgh
Directions by road: The ground is no longer in Gorebridge they are know playing at Olivebank Stadium Musselburgh - From Musselburgh town centre, head towards Edinburgh into the Fisherrow area (Bridge Street). Turn left up a side road on the corner of The Ship Inn past the Magnet furniture shop. The ground is up a small side steet off Market Street
Arniston had a mixed season last year. At home they had six wins - which kept them in the league, good results were a 5-0 win over top team Bo'ness and a 4-2 win over us. Based on a strong defence they looked hard to break down and with a good strike force with pace certainly caused some problems for visiting teams. On the road though only 2 wins against the teams relegated and if they are to do well this year that must improve.
In the cups were very sound in the St Micheals reaching the finals, after being 2-0 down to super league team Bonnyrigg, in a previous round 5-0 up against Livingston and only winning on penalties! In the other cups big dissapointments going down to lower teams and in the Scottish losing 2-0 at home to Harthill.
Players to watch: having seen alot of Arniston Ubong Umatang the powerful Cristian Nade type striker (without the weight) will be on to watch. A strong shot and quick turn of pace he looks a good player having just signed for next season. Kyle Howitt is another who can create and score when on his game can be a match winner with fantastic pace and crossing ability.
Players in:
Players out: Darren McGregor to Cowdenbeath, Ryan McCallum (Musselburgh), Gavin Kirkwood (Bo'ness), Mel Graham (Tranent)
Website rating - Good forum and main page updated well very nice.
Prediction: Need some players in - will finish 9th.
Friendlies:
Whitehill Welfare V Arniston Rangers 23/07/08 7pm
Dundee North End FC
North End Park, Fairmuir Street, Dundee
Directions by road: From A972, take B960 Clepington Road (follow the signs for football traffic - to Dens and Tannadice). Turn left down Fairmuir Street - ground on left behind social club.
Nearest Railway Station: Dundee (2 miles)
Dundee were a hard side to predict last year, highs included a 6-0 win over us but lows a 5-1 thrashing in the retun game and a 9-1 thumping at our neighbours Newtongrange. Only picked up 2 points in last five league games. In the cups unlucky in the Currie Cup a semi final defeat on pens to Forfar were given tough draws in the others.
Players to watch: Having only seen them 3 times last year it is impossible to give a accurate call on any of the players having selected vastly different teams each time!
Players in:
Players out: Adam O'Connor, Steven Fallon (Tayport)
Website rating: Oh dear!
Prediction: The new boss Eddie Wolecki will have a long season if they continue on from last season - not for me - 12th
Friendlies: Dundee North End V Kelty Hearts 06/08/08 7.15pm
Dundonald Bluebell FC
Moorside Park, Dundonald Park, Cardenden
Directions by road: From Lochgelly (B981): At mini-roundabout at Auchterderran take right turn into Main Street. Follow until it becomes Station Road. After 2/3 of a mile on this road going south, the B981 goes left towards Kirkcaldy but continues straight up a hill and under a railway bridge. Turn right 400 yards after the bridge into Dundonald Park and Moorside Park can be found as the road veers left.
Nearest Railway Station: Cardenden
Last season I predicted they would do well 2nd or 3rd and they started the season very well indeed. Any team that takes 4 points off Boness can't be bad. But after losing a large amount of players including Martin Greham to Motherwell (now at Stirling) Mark Ramsey and Paul McQuade went to Cowdenbeath their season took a massive swing. Lost 7 at home to Musselburgh and Kinnoull, Six to Forfar and Five to Montrose, a massive 55 goals conceded. This hides the fact that at times they still looked good. a 5-1 win at Kinnoull, and coming back to win 3-2 at Musselburgh.
Players to watch: new manager Craig Duncan has captured Hill Of Beaths top scorer Martyn Thomson - one to watch
Players in: Martyn Thomson (Hill Of Beath)
Players Out:
Website rating: hard to find but front page regularly updated.
Prediction: New manager new players will struggle - 11th.
Friendlies: Dundonald V Edinburgh United 02/08/08
Kinnoull FC
Tulloch Park, Tulloch Road, Perth
Directions by road: From centre of Perth take Dunkeld Road (A9). Turn left at roundabout onto A85 (signposted for Crieff) then take a right into Tulloch Road (or a left if coming down the A85 from the A9 past McDiarmid Park).
Nearest Railway Station: Perth (2 miles)
Kinnoull are without doubt the hardest team to predict for next year. If you look home and away you would think there were two different teams. Watched them a few times they play well on the break but are hopeless at breaking teams down when they have the ball. Away from home only 1 defeat in a hard league, with only 13 goals lost on the road. But at home just not the same team, lost for ideas and visiting teams take the chances given. lost 5 goals to Newtongrange & Dundonald and 4 to Rosyth.
Players to watch: Robbie Holden looks a good player if they can hold onto him he will score them goals, Goalkeeper Ducan Bruce has done a very good job too, looks good shot stopper.
Players in:
Players out:
Website Rating: Updated bit hard to read.
Prediction: Tough to hope for good away form - 5th
Friendlies: Kinnoull V Tayport 04/08/08
Newtongrange Star.
New Victoria Park
From north-west (A7): At railway viaduct outside Newtongrange, veer left onto the B6482 (towards village). A small road on the left hand side soon after this leads to New Victoria Park.
Nearest Railway Station: Musselburgh (6½ miles)
Newtongrange will be one to watch this season, in my view very close to going up last year but lack of luck and a bit of experience from the players - some playing for the first time at this level may have been the difference. A look at their league form shows a team that consistantly score and win, but the importance of a good start was highlighted here. Had they have drew their first match at home against Forfar they would be in the super league, but maybe concentrated on cup matches rather than the league push. That is a bit harsh on a team just promoted and only lost 3 league games, got to the league cup final outplayed Linlithgow and narrowly lost in the Scottish to finalists Cumnock. If they were offered that at the start of the season they would have taken it. Highlights a 9-1 win against Dundee, scored 6 against Penicuik and Rosyth but banged 14 goals in the Scottish Cup - took their foot of the gas against Stoneyburn only 11 goals but they will be glad Edinburgh are not in the league beating them twice when they maybe did focus on other matters.
Players to watch: I like Grant Meaney when he plays Newtongrange play, also Garath Hutchison will provide the fire power.
Players in: Martin Cook (Bonnyrigg), Ian McManus, Ross Elliot (Edinburgh United), Scott McCulloch, Alan Brown (Liberton), Sean Woodburn (Whitehill), Chris Hill (Haddington)
Players out: Joe Dunbar (Raith), Tom Britton, Keith Nicol, Ryan Carnie, Craig Manson, Ryan Curran
Websites rating: So big they have 2! both good and the new offical one will be fantastic.
Prediction: Depends if they keep the core and the managemant team dont get snapped up, a few new additions and Newtongrange will be very close - 1st or 3rd
Friendlies:
Newtongrange V Penicuik 24th July K/O 7pm,
Bonnyrigg V Newtongrange 26/07/08
Penicuik Athletic FC
Penicuik Park, Carlops Road, Penicuik
Penicuik from the outside look a good setup. nice ground, programme etc but on the park there is something not right. Only three games lost at home but only 3 won away. Played part of the season without a goalkeeper and had many players choosing holidays at the wrong times. Saying that they got 4 points off us and beat us 6-1 in the league cup groups ( seems ages ago). Injuries didnt help and the long season in a tough league took its toll. Very unlucky in the Scottish cup against loaded Irvine Meadow but defeats at home against Armadale and Newtongrange added to their problems.
Players to watch: having watched Penicuik 7 or 8 times I like the way they turn the defence into attack. With Martin Cameron they have a great striker and hold up player, Greame Cole if fit should provide more fire power and Ryan Gay should add goals from midfield. Mark Cowan is maybe the main player regards to if he plays well the team play well.
Players in: Colin McDonald (Dunbar), Kris Steel (Alloa), Darren Monnie (Whitburn), Graham Gallagher (Armadale)
Players Out: Brian Ryrie (retired), Chris Gordon (Musselburgh), Brian White, Chris Gray, Gary Small (all Tranent)
Website rating: updated, nice
Prediction: a new manager after legend Willie McGinley leaves in the summer. Stuart McKean will come in and i think if he can add a few midfielders and another striker they may do well Prediction: 8th
Friendlies - Penicuik V Hearts 19th July,
Bonnyrigg PvP Penicuik 22nd July, Game off
Newtongrange V Penicuik 24th July
Dalkeith V Penicuik 26th July,
Penicuik V Auchinleck Tallbot 2nd August.
Carnoustie Panmure FC
Laing Park, Pitskelly Road, Carnoustie
Directions by road: Follow A92 North from Dundee (Arbroath road). Turn right at first sign for Carnoustie. Follow road into town to Stop sign. Turn right towards Barry village then right into Pitskelly Road. Ground on right.
Nearest Railway Station: Carnoustie
They will be the team to beat this year i think. Although I didn't see them at all last year looking at their league form away from home only averaged 1 goal a game with 9 defeats. However at home they will be tough to play. Did beat Linlithgow 4-1 got 2 draws over Bathgate Kelty and Tayport. Did win the Challenge cup which included a win over Lochee and were unlucky penalty losers against Camelon who they drew 3-3 with (Camelon had won 5-0 against hill of beath the previous game and won the final 4-0 v Bonnyrigg)
Players to watch: Not seen them ever - so hope they play some friendlies down here for the start of the season!
Players in:
Players out: Stuart Abbot (Lochee United)
Website rating: Nice but needs more passion
Prediction: 4th
Friendlies:
Carnoustie V Bo'ness United (Dunipace ground) 26/07/08
Scone Thistle V Carnoustie 29/07/08
Carnoustie V Kilbirnie Ladeside 02/08/08
Luncarty V Carnoustie 03/08/08
Oakley United FC
Blairwood Park, Blairwood Road, Oakley
Directions by road: From Dunfermline: Stay on main road through Oakley. At west end of village, on right hand side of road is an obvious grey wall with "Oakley United" painted on it. This is Blairwood Park.
Nearest Railway Station: Dunfermline (5 miles)
Oakley another team from the super league, only picked up 3 wins and a draw out of 22 games although did beat Whitburn and looked good beating Camelon away with their first away game - unfortunately they lost the next 10.
Players to watch: Once again didn't see any of their games last year so cant comment.
Players in:
Players out:
Website Rating: not been updated since Hibs won the cup (the league cup - not the Scottish!)
Prediction: 10th
Friendlies: Bo'ness United V Oakley 02/08/08
Blairgowrie FC
Davie Park, Blairgowrie
Directions by road: Follow A93 North into and through the town centre. On crossing river take 1st right (Haugh Rd) then 1st left (Ashgrove Rd) signposted Davie Park. Drive past the amateur pitches and turn left into the car park (the ground is enclosed within a whitewashed brick wall).
Nearest Railway Station: Dundee (19 miles)(dont go by train!)
Blairgowrie suprised a few in their league beating Broughty Athletic to the title, the home fans were treated to some great football with 38 goals scored in 11 games. 24 scored away from home where they were beaten 4 times.
Players to watch: New to me and haven't seen them yet.
Players in:
Players Out:
Website rating: some parts ok others not, nice look though.
Prediction: hard to say but should have enough - 6th
Friendlies: Blairgowrie V St Andrews United 26/07/08
Blairgowrie V Ashfield 02/08/08
Blairgowrie V Dundee United 05/08/08
Ballingry Rovers FC
Ore Park, Glencraig, Fife
Directions by road: The ground is not in Ballingry, it is in Glencraig, a hamlet between Lochgelly and Crosshill.
Nearest Railway Station: Lochgelly (1 mile)
Ballingry are the new Dundonald, can they keep their players and staff - not so sure. If they start the season well they will be bought by the bigger teams. Ballingry are a real community club and have a very good home atmosphere at Ore Park. Went through the league unbeaten with 18 wins out of 22 games, highlights scored 9 goals once 8 goals twice 7 goals once and scored 6 goals three times and only lost 13 goals in the 22 games
Players to watch: Craig Duncan looks good but the best player is Craig Smart.
Players in: Andy Rollo (Kelty), Ally Gray (Hill Of Beath), Brett Halley (Greig Park Rangers)
Players out:
Website Rating: Looks good - its new hopefully be as good as the team
Prediction: 3rd without too much work
Freindlies: Ballingry V Beith Juniors 26/07/08
Whitburn V Ballingry 02/08/08
Fauldhouse United FC
Park View, South Road, Fauldhouse
Directions by road:From Whitburn (B7010): Turn right immediately on entering the built-up area of the town (into Lanrigg Avenue). Take the third turn off right into South Road. At the top end of South Road is Park View.
Nearest Railway Station: Fauldhouse
Fauldhouse did well to get out of a tough league with only 1 going up. Only lost 3 games in 26 league matches. Won alot of close matches at home but also play a nice tough game away. Lost their first away game but were unbeaten after that scoring in every away game.
Players to watch: Will get back to you on that one as will get to see them in pre-season
Players in: Ryan Johnstone, David Connelly (Harthill), Michal Caputa ( Poland), Gary Maley (Bonnyrigg)
Players Out: Chris Dolan (Bo'ness)
Website rating: Needs a little work
Prediction: 7th - will scare a few away
Information On our Match >>
Musselburgh V RAITH 27/07/08 12pm Olivebank
Enjoy the game
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