Killearn start summer football title defence

Apr 18 2008 Stirling Observer

FORTH & ENDRICK'S 99th season of summer football starts on Saturday evening.

The same 12 clubs will be taking part as last year and as usual, some clubs will not be able to call on the services of all their players as many will still be tied to winter clubs.

This will make the results in early games hard to predict, but for sure, all will be trying to topple the reigning champions, Killearn who made a clean sweep of the silverware last year.

Gargunnock will have the first opportunity and they showed signs of promise in many of their matches last year. They will not find it easy because Killearn have lost only two games at home in the last five years.

Last year's runners-up Blanefield travel to Gartmore to play Aberfoyle. Thistle are notoriously slow starters in the league but they somehow manage to grind out wins at the start. It will be a surprise if the Rob Roy take anything from their opening match.

Another attractive tie will be at Deanston where Balfron are the visitors. When these two meet the form book goes out the window and the result could go either way.

Gartocharn have not had a home win against Thornhill since 2001. They have had draws in the last two years so perhaps they are moving in the right direction.

Drymen have started well in recent years before stuttering to a stand-still in mid-season. They should start with a home win against Buchlyvie.

Finally last year's basement sides Fintry and Kippen meet at Ruth Menzies Field. At least one of them will get points in their opening fixture this year.

Fixtures Saturday, April 19 kick-off 7pm: Aberfoyle Rob Roy v Blanefield Thistle (at Gartmore); Deanston v Balfron Rovers; Drymen Utd v Buchlyvie Utd; Fintry V Kippen; Gartocharn v Thornhill; Killearn v Gargunnock.