PEEBLES gaffer John O’Hara believes his team can do the unthinkable this season - and win their second league title in a row.

The runaway winners of last season’s East of Scotland First Division are expected to be the Borders’ best hopes of challenging in the restructured 16-team East of Scotland League.

But the Rovers will face a much tougher campaign this time round with the likes of Leith Athletic, Spartans, Lothian Thistle and Civil Service Strollers all vying for the new title.

And fellow Borders sides, Coldstream, Duns and Hawick Royal Albert, have all strengthened since last season.

O’Hara has drafted in new coaches Jamie Fraser and Dean Coyle to help prepare his team for the campaign.

And he believes Peebles can still be challenging next spring. John told the Peeblesshire News: “We know it won’t be anything like last season but we are an improving team and I will be bitterly disappointed if we’re not challenging for trophies.

“We will be going into this league with a view to winning it - every week we will be set out to win each game.” Ahead of the league campaign kicking off on August 22, Peebles will attempt to qualify from a tough League Cup qualifying group.

Tomorrow (Saturday) they face a vastly improved Hawick Royal Albert before hosting last season’s Premier League champions, Lothian Thistle, on Tuesday and then a trip to Craigroyston next Saturday.

Hawick have impressed during pre-season with draws against Lowland League sides Preston Athletic and Gala Fairydean Rovers.

And under new manager Mike Atai they will provide a stern test tomorrow.

Peebles will be without half a dozen players, including the suspended captain Jim Young.

O’Hara added: “We have four player suspended as well as having a couple on holiday. It is frustrating but I’d rather have them missing for the League Cup than the opening league matches.

“Hawick are a different team this season and it won’t be easy to beat them. We want to do well in every competition and that will mean getting off to a good start against Hawick.

“Lothian Thistle will come here on Tuesday full of confidence but they will know they’ve been in a game.

“It’s a tough start to the season but we are all looking forward to it.” Tomorrow’s League Cup match between Peebles Rovers and Hawick Royal Albert at Whitestone Park kicks off at 2.30pm.