Stoney test for Rose in League Cup

By JOHN GILMOUR
Published on 08/08/2012 12:00

The 2012-13 Junior football season kicks off tonight with the opening League Cup games.

Linlithgow kick of their defence of the trophy with a home game against South Division side Stoneyburn. On paper, this looks like a comfortable night for Rose, but last season Stoneyburn beat them 4-2 to upset the odds. Rose boss Mark Bradley has his squad well warned.

“We don’t want to get caught cold like last year and the players will be told exactly what is expected of them,” he said. “We want to win every game in our section starting tonight. It’s going to be a big season for us and we want to start well.”

Bonnyrigg Rose start their season with a home game against Edinburgh and should beat the South Division side with ease.

Bo’ness United, after a couple of good wins over West Super League sides, are at home to recently-relegated Bathgate, who will have new manager Derek Strickland in charge for his first competitive game. There is a big local derby at Gorebridge where Arniston will play Newtongrange, while Musselburgh are involved in a derby themselves at home to Tranent.

One of the bigger games being played is the clash at Penicuik between Athletic and newly-promoted Super League side Broxburn. Last season, these two teams battled hard for a promotion spot in the table with Broxburn winning the chase.

Dalkeith, facing a fresh challenge this season in the Premier League, have a home game against Dunbar. Dalkeith boss Willie Pearson has made some new signings for the challenge ahead but still has the bulk of the squad from last season who brought success.

Sauchie, who won the 
Premier League last season, have strengthened well and will be a force to reckon with in the League, face Armadale who recorded a good win over 
Bathgate pre season.

All kick-offs are 7pm.