United will face punishing start to new season

Jul 24 2008 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

SUPER League newcomers Lanark United face a punishing four games in eight days as they bid to fine-tune their squad for the new season.

They line up against Petershill in the Maryhill four-club tournament semi-final on Saturday, with a second tie beckoning on Sunday.

They then play Lesmahagow in the Clydesdale Challenge Cup semi-final, before fielding a side against Irvine Meadow on Saturday, August 2.

And depending on the outcome of the ’Gow semi-final, they could face a final against Forth or Carluke on Monday, August 4 – only 48 hours before the Sectional League Cup gets underway!

United clocked up their first win of the season when they ran out comfortable 4-0 winners at St Roch’s on Saturday, with goals from David Middleton, Craig Miles, new boy Davie McGuire and a trialist.

Manager Tony McInally said: “It was a most encouraging display – a great work-out for the lads in terms of fitness, and more interesting than a training session.

“It was all about getting the guys into the groove again after eight training sessions, and the new boys have settled in well.

“The players have worked really hard to build up their fitness levels, and Saturday’s game took them a pace forward.”

Lanark’s new recruits include two players with extensive junior experience – Billy Struthers, who played under McInally at Cumbernauld at the start of last season, and winger Barry McLaughlin from Carluke Rovers.

Also joining the Moor Park club are striker Paul Airth, who was a pro-youth player with Motherwell; Davie McGuire from Airdrie United, and Mark Kane, a defender from Blantyre Vics’ under-21s.

McInally also has two players on trial – one an ex-senior – while he still hopes to add former Accies and Shotts goalkeeper Stewart Thomson to his squad before the league campaign kicks off.

Thomson was placed on ’Gow’s transfer list at his own request, but the two Clydesdale clubs are still haggling over terms.

Lanark’s transfer-listed keeper Tom McGuigan has been training with ’Gow, prompting rumours of a swap deal, but these have been denied.

Larkhall Thistle also won away from home at the weekend when they beat Darvel 2-1 after going behind to a penalty goal.

Scott Falconer, signed last week from Dundee United’s under-19s, levelled before Leon Kondol’s winner.

Thistle, who played amateur side Glasgow Athletic at Glasgow Green on Tuesday, head for Ayrshire again this weekend to play Hurlford.

And on Wednesday they play Forth Wanderers at Gasworks Park.

Boss Bobby Crilly is looking for a goalkeeper with junior experience. Interested applicants should contact him directly on 07796 307916.