COMPETITIVE football returns to East Lothian this afternoon (Saturday) as the county’s six senior sides kick off a new season.
Four of the county’s teams are at home while Tranent and Musselburgh Athletic face away trips.
In the Scottish Lowland Football League (SLFL), Tranent travel to Cowdenbeath.
Meanwhile, Musselburgh Athletic, who finished as runners-up in the East of Scotland Football (EoSFL) Premier Division last season, start off at Edinburgh University.
Dunbar United host Hutchison Vale while Haddington Athletic tackle Glenrothes in the top flight.
Preston Athletic welcome Kinnoull in the First Division while Ormiston Primrose host Stoneyburn Juniors in the Third Division.
Match of the Day
Ormiston Primrose v Stoneyburn Juniors
East of Scotland Football League Third Division
Kick-off 2.30pm
A NEW era gets under way at New Recreation Park when Ormiston Primrose host Stoneyburn Juniors.
The East Lothian side were relegated to the bottom tier of the EoSFL pyramid at the end of last season.
Now, long-serving manager Richie Weir has stepped aside with experienced defender Guy Kerr in the manager’s hot seat.
Ormiston will be looking to be much more competitive this term but face a tough start against a Stoneyburn side which missed out on promotion by just four points.
Cowdenbeath v Tranent
Scottish Lowland Football League
Kick-off 3pm
A FIFTH place finish and cup success marked a good season for Tranent in the fifth tier of Scottish football.
Ian Little, who replaced Max Christie, begins his first full season in charge of the Belters.
They travel to Cowdenbeath, who are now managed by Dougie Hill, looking to get off to a good start.
The Fife hosts finished five places adrift of their guests last term but will be similarly keen to get off to a flyer.
Dunbar United v Hutchison Vale
East of Scotland Football League Premier Division
Kick-off 2.30pm
LAST season’s surprise package in the top flight, Dunbar will be looking to build on that.
The Seasiders returned to the Premier Division after winning the First Division and kept up that winning habit.
That saw them finish fourth – one place and one point ahead of Hutchison Vale.
Kevin Haynes has freshened up his squad and they will be hoping home advantage proves crucial.
Edinburgh University v Musselburgh Athletic
East of Scotland Football League Premier Division
Kick-off 2.30pm
RUNNERS-UP to Broxburn Athletic, Musselburgh go into the season with the favourites tag for many.
Liam Burns has been busy during the summer to strengthen his squad and they look in good shape.
Edinburgh University saw their time in the SLFL ended last term and will be keen to prove more competitive this season.
Broxburn’s good start proved key last season and Musselburgh will be out to follow in their footsteps.
Haddington Athletic v Glenrothes
East of Scotland Football League Premier Division
Kick-off 2.30pm
INCONSISTENCY plagued Haddington Athletic for much of last season.
Now, Scott Bonar and his side aim to link good performances together and move up the table.
In contrast, Glenrothes scrambled to stay up last term and finished just above the relegation zone.
Three points on the opening day would put down a marker for both teams as they look to improve.
Preston Athletic v Kinnoull
East of Scotland Football League First Division
Kick-off 2.30pm
ANOTHER team plagued by inconsistency last season were Preston Athletic.
A failure to win back-to-back games until after the turn of the year effectively ended any promotion ambitions.
A busy close season has brought new options for Paul Currie and Jon Daly as they aim for promotion once again.
Kinnoull struggled in the Premier Division last season and will be looking to mount a challenge to bounce back.
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