VALE manager Micky Lawson believes his team can cause a shock this week when they visit Lowland League new-boys Cumbernauld Colts.

And he hopes to follow it up with a derby win over Gala Fairydean Rovers next Wednesday.

Vale stretched their losing start of the season to four on Saturday as they crashed out of the Scottish Cup at Wigtown & Bladnoch.

But a midweek bounce game boost against Leith Athletic may have turned the tide for Lawson and his players. He said: “If you include the pre-season games, we’ve lost our last seven and it was becoming a bit of a habit.

“It may have been a bounce game on Tuesday but we still won 4-1 and that was what we needed.

“I think going through to Broadwood to face Cumbernauld will suit us - it’s a big park and there’s plenty opportunity to play.

“Cumbernauld will be a big hurdle but it is one we can overcome.” Vale will be without Kenny O’Brien, who has been ruled out for the season, and captain James Elliot for tomorrow’s (Saturday’s) game but they welcome back goalkeeper Andy McQueen.

Gala Fairydean Rovers, who are without a match tomorrow, arrive at Victoria Park on Wednesday.

Lawson admits it will be another difficult game. He added: “We are concentrating on the Cumbernauld game first and foremost but we know Gala will be here on Wednesday.

“We need to get a result against Cumbernauld to give us some confidence ahead of the Gala game.” Peebles Rovers are still recovering from their eight-goal cup drubbing at East Kilbride last week.

But manager John O’Hara believes his players can kick start their East Of Scotland League campaign with a win over Hawick Royal Albert.

The Albert left Whitestone Park with a 1-0 win just three weeks ago in the League Cup.

And O’Hara expects another tough test tomorrow.

He said: “Our players are mature enough to say that they were beaten by a much better team last week at East Kilbride - they were brilliant and thankfully, better than any other team we’ll face this season.

“Hawick have already beaten us this season in our very first match - but this is the start of the league and it’s is different. We finished bottom of our League Cup group last season then went onto win the league.

“It is a big game for us and we need to perform but I believe we can get off to a winning start.” Peebles will be without the suspended Paul Murray for tomorrow’s league opener at Whitestone Park.