Stirling Albion returned to Forthbank for the first time in seven weeks on Tuesday – with boss Darren Young confident his side can step up to the League One standard.
The squad took part in a pre-season friendly with East of Scotland side Dundonald Bluebell in the first step of their pre-season programme.
They ran out comfortable 6-0 winners in the tune-up courtesy of a Greig Spence double and strikes from Jack Leitch, Aaron Dunsmore, Adam Cummins and new signing Lewis Milne.
They will travel to Edinburgh for their second pre-season fixture against Lowland League Civil Service Strollers on Tuesday.
Stirling boss Young said the Dundonald match provided an excellent workout for his side.
He said “It was a great exercise, six goals and a clean sheet and the goals were spread about. There were some good bits of play and we created loads of chances. There was a wee bit of rust but that’s what these games are for and we managed to get everyone on and involved.
“We now have a few boys going off on holiday but it was good to see everyone knock their pan in, it’s a change from working hard just in training to getting back on the pitch.
“The lads have come back well and in good condition, everyone knows it’s a step up playing against bigger, better, stronger players so it’s a test for them with four or five full-time teams in the league.
“If we’re not at it fitness wise then it will cost you and be found wanting. They know there is a fight at every position and hopefully we’ll get another player through the door, we’re still looking.”
Albion have brought in Milne and ex-Arbroath striker Dale Hilson as they attempt to freshen up their squad for League One and bolster their attacking options – and Young is still hopeful of possibly one more addition to his side if the finances allow before competitive football gets underway.
As the League One fixture list is unveiled today (Friday), Young is aiming to keep things a game at a time, but has belief in his players to make their mark in the third tier.
He added: “The recruitment so far has been great, we managed to big Mark [Weir] signed up after last season, get Dale Hilson and Lewis Milne and all three players did well tonight.
“ In terms of players coming in, it depends on who’s available and what’s available from the board. We’ve managed to get the guys in that we wanted, so thanks to them for helping us to get those over the line.
“We’re looking forward to the season, we are aiming to be as high up the league as possible and we’re not just there to make up the numbers.
“We feel we have a strong squad and have improved with the three signings we’ve made so far so everything is looking good, so we’re looking forward to the fixtures and how they will set us up.
“I’ve been in this league for a few years and I know the standard and quality that we will be up against, but we will work hard and have a game plan going into every match.”
