Stirling Albion's opening pre-season friendly against Alloa Athletic on Tuesday night ended in disappointment.
The Wasps scored three goals in a 10-minute spell midway through the first half and although new signing Robert Thomson pulled one back just before the break, a fourth Alloa goal in the second period secured the win.
Three new faces started for the Binos - Cameron Clark (Annan), Danny Denholm (East Fife) and Thomosn (Stenhousemuir) - while Arron Dunsmore, who had a spell on loan at the Binos before joining in the summer from East Fife, also played.
Manager Darren Young is still hoping to add to his squad ahead of the Binos' participation in the North Lanarkshire Cup this weekend.
Young’s side will play Airdrieonians at Broadwood on Saturday, kick-off 4pm and take on Albion Rovers or Cumbernauld Colts on Sunday.
The real stuff begins away to Dumbarton in the Premier Sports Cup on Saturday, July 9, with further Group A fixtures against Raith Rovers (July 16), Aberdeen (July 19) and Peterhead (July 23).
He said earlier this week: “I’m happy with the way things are going so far. We had a friendly match last week and scored a few goals, which is always good. We had a match between the squad on Thursday and a double session on Saturday so hopefully we’ve not taken too much out the legs before the Alloa game.
“We’ve got another two games this weekend so we’ll have a think about how we use the squad for the two games.
“The good thing is that a number of the young boys have done very well at training and in the bounce games and it will be a chance to involve some of them. We might also be able to look at one or two trialists as we are still short of a full squad. We’ve made five signings so far and there will be more to come, hopefully at least one before Saturday.
“Ross Davidson, who we brought in from East Fife, has been given the green light to resume training after his operation last season so that is good news as well.”
Meanwhile, the club have confirmed prices for the Premier Sports Cup ties at home to Aberdeen and Peterhead next month. Admission for the visit of the Dons on Tuesday, July 19 has been set at adults £15, seniors £10 and students and U17s £5. U12s go free when accompanied by a paying adult.
The final group game against the Blue Toon on Saturday, July 23 sees prices pegged at £10 for adults and £5 for seniors, students and U17s. The free admission for U12s again applies.
