FAIRYDEAN Rovers gaffer Steve Noble admits his table topping team face one of their toughest tests of the season tonight (Wednesday).
And Saturday’s opponents will be just as difficult.
Gala’s three-nil win at Preston Athletic puts them joint top of the Lowland League with last season’s champions, Edinburgh City.
But Noble’s young team face Shelley Kerr’s Stirling University tonight before taking on East Kilbride on Saturday.
Noble told us: “We face probably the three top teams in the league in our next three matches - Stirling, East Kilbride and then Edinburgh City. It was important for us to start well against Preston as we need to go into these games with some confidence.
“We took a few scalps last season and I know we’ll take a few more this time - let’s hope we start with Stirling on Wednesday.” Gala unveiled Jamie Gibson as their captain for the season ahead of Saturday’s game at Prestonpans.
And Billy Miller will be the club’s vice-captain.
Noble added: “Jamie has been around the club for a few years and he is great role model for the younger players.” Selkirk, who sit just below Gala in third, head up the A72 hoping to maintain their winning start to the campaign against Vale of Leithen.
Steve Forrest’s team were convincing for most of Saturday’s win over Edinburgh University.
And the manager admits he is unlikely to make many changes to his starting 11.
Forrest said: “We do have a big squad but I don’t see much point in changing something that isn’t broken.
“We did well on Saturday although we need to keep it going for the whole 90 minutes.
“Vale gave us a few tough games last season and beat us at our place but I would like to think we’re strong enough to get the points on Wednesday.” Former France Under 20s player Flo Moulet was on the bench throughout Saturday’s opening day win.
But Forrest reckons it will be another few weeks before the former Marseille midfielder is ready to start.
He added: “Flo may come on against Vale or BSC Glasgow on Saturday but he’s not at match fitness yet to start games. We all know how good Flo is and he will be part of our starting team in the next few weeks.” Tonight’s match at Netherdale between Gala Fairydean Rovers and Stirling University kicks off at 7.45pm. The Border derby at Victoria Park kicks off at 7.30pm.
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