Getting ready for brand new season

Jul 3 2009 by Our Correspondent, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

THE 2009/10 season will kick-off on Wednesday, August 5.

This, however, only applies to the Lothians clubs who play in the Dechmont League Cup which has four sections of six teams.

The DJ Laing, North and the ACCA Sports, Central League Cups both have sections of four or five teams – Kinnoull, Bankfoot, Jeanfield Swifts, Luncarty and Scone Thistle – are for a third successive season together in the ACCA Sports competition Section Two.

There had been hints that this would be changed but they didn’t transpire.

It did however happen for Blairgowrie and Coupar Angus who were previously linked with Dundee teams in the DJ Laing competition.

Blair and Coupar now find themselves in Section Two along with Angus teams Forfar Albion, Forfar West End and Kirrie Thistle, so that’s certainly a fresh challenge for them.

East Region secretary, John Reilly has targeted Wednesday, August 26, as the date the semi-finals in all three competitions will be played.

Hopefully, there will be no hiccups.

John Reilly is also hopeful of getting the finals played at an earlier date.

Jeanfield Swifts have signed Graeme Millar from Ballinluig Amateurs. Graeme plays in a midfield/forward role. Graeme, in a trial with Swifts, apart from having a very good game in general showed he knows where the goal lies as he grabbed a well taken hat-trick. Graeme looks like being a smart capture for Swifts who expect to announce further signings in the near future.

PRE-SEASON training continues tomorrow (Saturday) at 1pm, Luncarty JFC are on the lookout for un-attached players who are looking for a fresh challenge for the coming season anyone interested can contact Steve via e-mail stevenmclean@hotmail.com or turn up tomorrow and ask for Jock Pearson.

FIXTURES – ACCA Sports League Cup Section Two:

Saturday, August 8 – Jeanfield Swifts v Luncarty; Kinnoull v Scone Thistle. Bye – Bankfoot.

Wednesday, August 12 – Bankfoot v Kinnoull; Scone Thistle v Jeanfield Swifts. Bye – Luncarty.

Saturday, August 15 – Luncarty v Scone Thistle; Bankfoot v Jeanfield Swifts. Bye – Kinnoull.

Wednesday, August 19 – Jeanfield Swifts v Kinnoull; Luncarty v Bankfoot. Bye – Scone Thistle.

Saturday, August 22 – Bankfoot v Scone Thistle; Kinnoull v Luncarty. Bye – Jeanfield Swifts.

DJ Laing League Cup Section Two:

Saturday, August 8 – Blairgowrie v Coupar Angus.

Wednesday, August 12 – Forfar West End v Blairgowrie; Coupar Angus v Kirrie Thistle.

Saturday, August 15 – Coupar Angus v Forfar Albion. Bye – Blairgowrie.

Wednesday, August 19 – Kirrie Thistle v Blairgowrie. Bye – Coupar Angus.

Saturday, August 22 – Coupar Angus v Forfar West End; Blairgowrie v Forfar Albion.

The League fixtures commence on Saturday, August 29:

Premier League – Kinnoull v Armadale Thistle; Blairgowrie v Penicuik Athletic.

North League – Coupar Angus v Arbroath Vics.

Central League – Luncarty v Newburgh; Rosyth v Scone Thistle; Bankfoot v Oakley; Jeanfield Swifts v Steelend Vics.

September 5:

Premier League – Forfar West End v Kinnoull; Blairgowrie v St Andrews.

North League – East Craigie v Coupar Angus.

Central League – Scone Thistle v Luncarty; Crossgates P v Bankfoot; Lochgelly Albert v Jeanfield Swifts.

Saturday, September 12:

Premier League – Kinnoull v Penicuik Athletic; Ballingry v Blairgowrie.

North League – Brechin Vics v Coupar Angus.

Central League – Luncarty v Thornton H; Scone Thistle v Lochore Welfare; Bankfoot v Jeanfield Swifts.

Saturday, September 19:

Premier League – Blairgowrie v Arniston R; St Andrews v Kinnoull.

North League – Forfar Albion v Coupar Angus.

Central League – Lochore Welfare v Luncarty; Steelend Vics v Scone Thistle; Jeanfield Swifts v Kirkcaldy YM; Bankfoot v Dundonald Bluebell.