EXPERIENCED defender Andy Graham reckons Alloa Athletic have earned the right to be called title favourites ahead of the start of the new League One campaign this weekend.

The Wasps saw off Raith Rovers last weekend to complete a flawless run through their Betfred Cup Group D games to top the group and advance to the last 16.

Now the big defender hopes they can go into the league with the same belief after being installed as red-hot bookies favourites to win the title.

Graham told Advertiser sport: “It is now a completely different challenge for us to go into the new league campaign as title favourites, but that is not something we should be afraid of.

“We have earned our tag by winning the group in the Betfred Cup. We are going in as favourites on merit and it is now down to us to handle that pressure.

“We always believed we could win the group and it was one of our season targets the manager gave us before the Cove Rangers game. That wasn’t us being cocky, it was just the belief the players and management had that we were good enough to go and do it, so it is great to back that up.

“We had to dig in for it at times, not only against Raith but also last midweek against Ross County, and each game brought a different challenge so we are delighted to win it. It is now important to take that same belief and attitude into the league.”

Graham is no stranger to facing Saturday’s opening day opponents in League One as the Wasps prepare to host Peterhead at the Indodrill Stadium.

The big defender played them five times last season with Ayr United, including the play-off final where he scored the winning penalty, and so he knows Jim McInally’s men will provide stern opposition once again.

The former Dumbarton and Ayr United player added: “The fixtures worked out brilliantly for us because it was a gradual build-up in terms of the level of opposition, but we had some good preparations for it with the level of friendlies we had as well. All in all, it has been an ideal start to the season.

“Peterhead is a really tricky start for us. I played against them a lot last year with Ayr United in four league games and then the play-off final itself, so I know first hand what a good side they are.”

The 32-year-old defender has immediately formed a solidlooking back four alongside Jason Marr, Scott Taggart and Calum Waters so far this season, but he believes it has been an entire team effort that has helped them gain three clean sheets in four competitive games.

The influential centre-half also reserved special praise for goalkeeper Neil Parry after he rescued the Wasps last weekend with an inspired first-half display that gave them a platform to go on and win the game.

Graham added: “Neil has been absolutely brilliant for us. I spoke to a few of the Airdrie boys about him before I came here and they all had nothing but high praise for him and now I see why.

“He made a number of great saves against Ross County last week, then had some tremendous saves in the first half against Raith when we needed them. We are lucky to have him.”