Rob Roy and Rossvale ready for first matches as senior clubs

A new era for former junior clubs will finally dawn on Saturday as the West of Scotland League kicks off.
Rob Roy and Rossale will play in the new West of Scotland League free from relegation fearsRob Roy and Rossale will play in the new West of Scotland League free from relegation fears
Rob Roy and Rossale will play in the new West of Scotland League free from relegation fears

It’s not quite the scenario the likes of Kirkintilloch Rob Roy and Rossvale envisaged when they and others moved across to become senior clubs as part of Scottish football’s pyramid system.

Covid-19 has meant a long delay in the season getting under way and there will be no relegation or promotion between the new WoSFL Premier Division and the conferences below after five top-flight clubs took up the option to withdraw without suffering the penalty of demotion.

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But it is competitive football, for the first time in almost seven months.

Rob Roy kick off at home to Darvel and boss Stewart Maxwell is expecting a tough match against a side who have invested heavily in their squad over the extended close season.

He said: “It’s a tough start. They have invested well in their squad and it will be a tough game, but that’s what you’re in the league for.

“We’ve had a good pre-season and we’re hoping to take that into the games.”

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Rob Roy beat Ashfield 5-0 in a Friday night friendly with goals from Craig Truesdale (2), Robbie Leighton, Sean McMonagle and Alex Cassells.

Rabs complete their build-up with another closed-doors game against Wishaw on Wednesday.

Maxwell is still looking to tweak his squad and Jordan Currie-McLean and Cameron Hayes have left the club, with further movement, in and out, likely in the next couple of weeks.

Rossvale open with a trip to Bellsdale Park to face Beith, and while the Ayrshire side emerged 4-2 winners in each of last season’s two league clashes, David Gormley’s side did knock Beith, the holders, out of the West of Scotland Cup with a 2-1 win at New Tinto Park.

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In addition to the Premier withdrawals, Petershill have also pulled out of the conferences, along with seven other clubs.

But Ashfield are going ahead as planned and will kick off their campaign with a trip to Maryhill, a side they beat 4-2 in a friendly at Ashfield last monthy.

Glasgow Perthshire are also still taking part and start at home to Royal Albert.

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