New-look Spartans head north

Spartans, who lifted all five of the East Seniors domestic trophies last season, begin their preparations for the new campaign with a friendly against SFL Second Division side Forfar Athletic at Station Park tonight (kick-off 7.45pm).

Spartans have lost their leading goalscorer Ross Archibald, who has signed for Bonnyrigg Rose, while central defender Chris Townsley has joined Berwick Rangers. However, Spartans themselves have been busy in the transfer market and have signed midfielder Kerr Dodds from Vale of Leithen, defender Scott Fusco from Stenhousemuir and striker Chris Anderson from Gala Fairydean.

Gary Bannon, Andrew Sinclair and Jordan Finnie, all products of the Spartans Juniors and Spartans Under-19 sides, are also in the squad which will travel north tonight.

Elsewhere, Whitehill Welfare - who beat SFL Third Division side Clyde 3-0 at the weekend - entertain Kelso United at Ferguson Park (kick-off 7.15pm). "It will be interesting to see how my players react after Saturday's win," said Whitehill manager Rab Paget.