Fife managers focus on pre-season friendlies

Casting his eye over the newly-released fixture list for First Division Conference ‘A’, Charlie King predicted no one would dominate the league outright.

October 10 is the opening day of the championship, with St Andrews United at home to Ormiston, while there is also a very busy cup schedule in the new term.

The initial games will be played behind closed doors and all fixtures are still subject to change depending on COVID regulations.

King is operating with a smaller squad than before, owing to budgets, and trying to deal with players being injured or unavailable, while concentrating mainly on as much pre-season match practice as possible.

However, he said he was delighted to have some clarity on what was happening, although everyone realised the fixtures might yet change.

“We have a tough league and there will be tough games,” he said. “Other teams down Edinburgh way look to have strengthened quite well, so it does seem to bring the Conference itself a lot closer together. I don’t think there will be a runaway leader, or even two or three. I think there will be six or seven teams up there. The Fife games are kind of derby games, to a certain extent, so we’re looking forward to those ones.”

Mike Potter and Kyle Moran are the most recent additions to the squad, while United are focusing now on pre-season matches, albeit behind closed doors and subject to COVID protocol.

King admitted they were “absolutely battered” 8-2 at Broughty Ferry on Tuesday night, although there had been encouraging signs in their opening game last Saturday against Dundonald Bluebell, which they lost 4-2.

Tomorrow (Saturday), United visit Newtongrange Star, where Charlie’s brother Chris is manager. Then it’s Lochee United away on September 26, a midweek away match on September 29 at Cupar, and a home game against Leven pencilled in for October 3.

“There are plenty games which is what we need,” said Charlie.

Newburgh begin their league quest at home on October 10 against Lochore Welfare.

Elsewhere, Tayport boss Chris McPherson is still awaiting the 2020-21 fixture lists and clarification on what form the East Region Super League may take.

However, he knows one thing is certain – tough Tayside opposition – and he has been trying to arrange difficult away pre-season matches to hone his side’s strengths.

As we went to press, he hoped to sign a striker, to add to the acquisition in recent months of a goalkeeper, two defenders and an attacking midfielder.

Tayport defeated Glenrothes 5-2 at the weekend at Warout, having gone 3-0 up inside 12 minutes, with McPherson reckoning they were in control against a strong side with experienced players.

Tomorrow (Saturday), they host Fauldhouse at The Canniepairt, then visit Lochore Welfare on September 26.

On September 30, they are due to meet Dundee U20s, on an astroturf venue to be decided, while they play Syngenta Juniors on October 3.

The games are behind closed doors, while Tayport, like other clubs, have been training under COVID guidelines.

“Players have been changing outside and socially distancing, where possible, but it’s a small price to pay to get back on the park,” said McPherson.