Back in the old routine as Clyde and Colts gear up for new campaign

Cumbernauld Colts' preparations for new season continued on Monday night when they went down 3-1 against Stirling Albion at Broadwood.

The defeat followed a 3-0 win over Morton’s under-20 side in their opening friendly and a defeat by the same score at the hands of Championship side Dumbarton last Monday.

However co-manager Craig McKinlay admitted friendly results are of secondary focus for Colts - an impressive fourth in their debut Lowland League campaign - as they seek to build up fitness ahead of their first match against Gretna 2008 on July 30.

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He said: “We are halfway through our pre-season and we are where we wanted to be at this stage.

“The lads have been working hard and the key thing is to get everyone to the right level come the start of the season. Obviously we are having to juggle player holidays etc but the fitness is looking good.

“We are delighted with the three signings we have made thus far as they all offer us something different and we are confident that they will make us stronger.

“We will bring one or two more in between now and the start of the season but so far we have signed Craig Murray from East Fife, Reece Glackin from Clyde and Mark Batchelor from junior side Rutherglen Glencairn.

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Michael Oliver has left to go to Clyde. Michael did really well for us last year so we are pleased for him and wish him well.

“We have Ross Ballantyne recovering well from knee surgery at the end of last season and he’s looking stronger with every session so it will be good to have him back.

“Jamie Broadfoot is also getting closer to a return having damaged his ankle ligaments in our final game.

“The opening pre-season friendlies have been very useful as these games are all about fitness but we also played some decent stuff against strong opposition which is encouraging at this early stage.”

Colts will complete their pre-season schedule with home matches against Sauchie Juniors next Monday and Albion Rovers on Thursday, July 21.