CROSSGATES Primrose manager David McNeely is happy with his side’s pre-season preparations but hopes to strengthen his squad further ahead of the big kick-off.

Primrose have added versatile former Hill of Beath and Kirkcaldy YM player Callum Bissett as a player/coach, defender Andy Gourlay and forward Jamie McNeill to their ranks but have lost the services of goalkeeper Ross Wortley and on-loan Stenhousemuir man Mark Allan.

McNeely’s assistant, John Allison, has departed to assist Craig Tully at former club East Stirlingshire but has brought in former Kelty Hearts player Davie Howson to his backroom team, while retaining the services of Russell Smart.

Primrose lost their opening pre-season match 4-2 at Oakley on Saturday and ahead of Saturday’s home game with Premier League side, Jeanfield Swifts Dave McNeely told Times Sport, “Pre-season isn’t really about the results; it’s about putting the work in and against Oakley there were more positives than negatives. I’m quite happy with the way things are going and we’ve managed to keep the majority of the boys from last season which is good.

“I’m still trying to bring a couple of players in as although I think we’re ok in midfield and up front, we’re a wee bit light at the back. We’re also looking for a physio to come in but I’m sure we’ll sort something out. We’re looking forward to the start of the season.” Jeanfield, who did well in the Premier last term, carried too many guns for Primrose and they lost 6-2.

TIMES PREDICTION: Primrose to do much better than last season and could well finish in the top half of the South Division.

Meanwhile Lochore Welfare manager, Peter Hutton, was delighted with his young team’s displays in the John Steel Memorial Tournament at the weekend.

On Friday night Welfare were much too strong for Kirkcaldy YM and goals from Scott Gibson (2), Brian Donnelly and Scott Goodwin gave them a 4-0 win.

In Sunday’s final with Oakley United they competed well with the Premier League team and it was only a spectacular goal which saw the visitors win the day.

The goal came after 20 minutes when a long range first time shot flew into the net to give United the lead. But Lochore responded by putting together some fine moves and Donnelly twice came close to taking the game to a penalty shoot-out.

Peter Hutton said, “The goal was the type you can do little about it was one of these finishes which is spectacular but could easily have missed the target on another day.

“We created some good openings but just lacked the finishing touch, although we were short of a few people.” The opening league fixtures for Wednesday 6th August are, McBookie.com East Super League, Hill of Beath Hawthorn v Ballingry Rovers, Armadale Thistle v Kelty Hearts.

East Premier League, St Andrews United v Dundonald Bluebell. South Division, Lochgelly Albert v Crossgates Primrose. North Division, Lochore Welfare v Kirkcaldy YM (7pm).