SEASON STARTS EARLY NORTH OF BORDER

It's still July, but the professional season is under way this afternoon in Scotland with a series of early Challenge Cup encounters. John O'Neill has no injury problems for his first competitive game as Stirling Albion manager against Falkirk in the ALBA Challenge Cup.

O'Neill has goalkeeper Callum Reidford, defenders Martyn Corrigan and Brian Allison and midfielders Ryan Borris and John Kane as his new summer arrivals.

New Falkirk signings Jason Marr, Mark Millar, Kallum Higginbotham and Mehdi Khalis are all included in the squad. But striker Kenny Deuchar is unlikely to feature as he is short of fitness.

Falkirk, unlike many sides that have been relegated from the SPL in recent season are in decent nick financially. They have the back-bone of the side that only failed to stay up on the last day and they must have a good shout of bouncing straight back.

It will be a big disappointment if they can't see off the People's club, Stirling Albion and at odds against they look worth a small investement. You can get 5/6 in odd places.(betchronicle) and its worth taking as Falkirk have come in for good support as Albion's problems have emerged.

Elsewhere, Ayr United - who played well agaisnt SPL side Motherwell in defeat the other week can get through against Airdrie who are short of players. With just 16 fit players, Airdrie manager Jimmy Bone names a youthful squad for this match which is played on a neutral venue anyway as the home sides' ground is not ready after pre-season pitch work.

Experienced defender Paul Lovering and ex-Hearts man Ryan Wallace are the only established players named in the squad.

Ayr had a torrid time last season but ahve shown enough pre-season this time that they can take advanatge of Airdrie's plight and can be backed at 11/10 in several places. They are odds-on with VC Bet

The 7s about an upset at Queen of the South might be worth taking. Albion Rovers are someway below the home side on form but QOS are without both first choice keepers and have other injury problems as well. They look poor 1/2 shots.

NO MEMBERS BETS TODAY

Published 24-07-2010

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