Lennon will be remembered as Dumbarton return to Annan

Published on Friday 17 July 2009 23:40

ANNAN Athletic's annual pre-season tournament is likely to be tinged with poignancy as Dumbarton, one of the three clubs invited to join the hosts for the Brewers Cup, return to Galabank today for the first time since their late captain, Gordon Lennon, collected the Third Division trophy there just two months ago, a matter of weeks before he died in a road accident.

There will be special collections at the tournament in memory of Lennon, with Annan chairman Henry McClelland saying: "The Supporters Club are making a donation and the club will also do something for the memorial fund. It was a tragedy, so soon after he picked up the trophy here."

Annan play Newcastle Benfield in the first game at noon today, before Dumbarton face Queen of the South, with the winners meeting in the final tomorrow. McClelland added: "I think this year will be one of the best ever. We have Dumbarton who are a quality side and won the Third Division Championship last season. We played them four times in the league and became very close to them and that's why we invited them down to take part.

"We also have Newcastle Benfield, from down south, and they are now managed by former Queen of the South player Paddy Atkinson. I'd like nothing better than to lift that Scottish Brewers Cup as we've never won it ourselves. Queens on the other hand have triumphed four times in five visits and they must start strong favourites to win it again."

East of Scotland League champions Spartans get the ball rolling at their new Ainslie Park home this weekend by hosting a four-team tournament involving Hamilton Academical, Raith Rovers and Blyth Spartans. The four teams will compete for the inaugural Ronnie Swan Challenge Cup, named after the club's honorary president.

Spartans chairman Craig Graham said: "This is an occasion everyone at Spartans is looking forward to. We anticipate a big crowd over the two days for what will be a competitive tournament."

Clyde will have a host of new faces in their side to face local rivals Partick Thistle after manager John Brown signed seven players following a series of trial matches.

Connell Boyle, from Campsie Black Watch, Alan McFadden and Willie Sawyers, both from Maryhill Juniors, former Hibs youngster Alastair Park, Mark Casey, formerly of Ayr United, Paul Stewart, who had a previous spell at the club, and former St Mirren defender Scott Gair have all committed to the Broadwood side.

Elsewhere, Ayr United host St Mirren, Deveronvale welcome Highland rivals Peterhead, Elgin City travel to Lossiemouth, Morton meet Oxford United and Dundee United visit Stirling Albion.

&#149 Morton, who have extended the contract of James Grady until the start of 2010, have organised a friendly against Romanian champions Unirea Urziceni at Cappielow this Monday night, with a 7.30pm kick-off. The Champions League qualifiers, who are managed by former Chelsea defender Dan Petrescu, also have former Dutch international Edgar Davids in their ranks. The Greenock club have cut prices to only 5 for adults and 3 for under-16s.