Pre-season update

The Blue Brazil continued their preperations for the new season on Tuesday night with a 5-1 defeat away to Brechin City and next up is Stenhousemuir at Ochilview on Saturday.

New boss Jimmy Nicholl has now been in post for three weeks and had the first chance to assess his squad during the recent trip to Northern Ireland.

"The trip to Ballymena was great and served its purpose"' said Nicholl.

"It was good to get the players together over the long weekend and the game against Ballymena was pleasing. We had the opportunity to try out different formations and also assess the existing squad along with a number of trialists.

"We had another game on Tuesday night against Brechin City and while the performance was not what we were looking for it was good to get more game time for the squad. The goals we lost were disappointing but you learn more in defeat and it was very pleasing to see John Armstrong and John Dempster in action for the first time.

"I have enjoyed the training sessions and have been impressed with the lads but we know that there are areas that we need to strengthen. There is work to be done but we will be ready for the start of the season."

Joe Mbu has missed the two friendly games so far due to a knee injury and is likey to be out for another three to four weeks.

The Blue Brazil have two final warm up games before the competitive action kicks off with the ALBA Challenge Cup 1st round tie away to Raith Rovers on Saturday 24th July:

• Stenhousemuir v Cowdenbeath - Saturday 17th July
• Sauchie Juniors v Cowdenbeath - Tuesday 20th July