Peeblesshire News | Sport | The talking is now over

Thursday, 4th December, 2008

Published: Friday, 10th August, 2007 10:56

The talking is now over

By Atholl Innes

THE talking from the managers is over as Peebles and Vale of Leithen set out their stalls for the kick-off tomorrow, Saturday.

The decision to open the season with the Colin Campbell League Cup has been welcomed by the local clubs.

“It lets us get well prepared for the league and we should be ready for that when the time comes,” said Vale boss Stuart Robertson.

And Peebles manager Mark Lamb said that it would give his players the opportunity to gel ahead of the league campaign.

Vale completed their warm-up against Livingston on Wednesday night, and Robertson believes that he has a squad to push for promotion.

“It will be a hard season, and with Berwick fielding a team in the league, and Peebles, Gala and Kelso all strong, it will be a tough challenge,” he said.

“I have stronger squad than last season, and while we want to do well in the League Cup, the most important competitions are the league and the Scottish Cup.

“I am not one for making rash predictions, but I am hopeful that the form we have shown in pre-season games will be carried on into the season.

Vale has gone local by signing three players from last season’s successful amateur side, Leithen Rovers.

Aaron Somerville (striker), Colin Smith (midfield) and goalkeeper Mark Wilson have all moved over the fence to Victoria Park while Richard Edge, Campbell Forsyth and Greg Shortreed have come six miles down the road from Peebles.

Lamb has also made several new signings.

Vale are in a tough section with Hawick Royal Albert (first game tomorrow, Saturday), Heriot-Watt, Easthouses, Selkirk and Annan Athletic while Peebles face Civil Service Strollers, Edinburgh Athletic (tomorrow’s opponents at Whitestone Park), Edinburgh City, Craigroyston and Spartans.

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