Linlithgow and Camelon do battle for Vic Woods

JUNIOR teams step up their preparations for the new season this weekend before the Dechmont Forklift League Cup campaign kicks off next midweek.

Linlithgow Rose visit Camelon for an all-Super League clash in the Vic Woods Memorial Trophy. This high-profile game gives Rose manager Dave Baikie a chance to see how his new signings will stand up to the Super League.

Linlithgow are looking good although they are top heavy in the number of players on their books. A trimming of the playing staff looks likely with several regulars moving on.

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Already out the door are Kevin Donnelly, John Adam, goalkeepers Ronnie McPherson and Steven Pinkowski along with Andy Reilly and John Ward. Dario Quinn has returned to Motherwell.

Penicuik Athletic test themselves with a game against East of Scotland side Lothian Thistle. Penicuik beat a strong Rangers Under-19 side before suffering a 2-1 defeat at the hands of a Hearts Under-19 team.

Broxburn are at home to East Seniors side Civil Service Strollers at Albyn Park while Arniston Rangers host Fauldhouse in the annual Jimmy Holburn trophy.

Armadale entertain Waterside while Newtongrange Star play their own Under-21 side, allowing manager Alan Miller an opportunity to run the rule over any budding youngsters who could make the step up to the Junior team.

South Division sides are busy as well, with Dalkeith facing a tough test of their new line-up with a game against Leith Athletic.

Spartans Juniors face another East Senior side in Edinburgh City, while Pumpherston have a home game against Maddison. Finally tomorrow, Stoneyburn play host to Jeanfield Swifts.

The action then moves forward to Sunday where a couple of games catch the eye.

First it's the Paul McGrillen Memorial Trophy between Bathgate Thistle and Motherwell, with a 1.00pm kick-off at Creamery Park. The Steelmen are promising to send a strong line-up including many of the first-team squad.

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It's a chance for Bathgate's new signings to impress boss Graeme Love. The new faces include Gary Bones from Stoneyburn, Ryan Martin from Rob Roy and Gregor Buchanan from Armadale, while keeper Andy Carlin has signed a new contract. Striker Lee Johnstone looks to have put his injury problems aside with a brace of goals in each of his last two games.