Tough start for Alloa at cup holders

Jamie MacDonald • Published 21 Jul 2010 11:11 0 Comments

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David Gormley nets Alloa's second against Suachie and hopes to be back amongst the goals on Saturday. (photo David Robertson)

ALLOA Athletic boss Allan Maitland is expecting a difficult start to the 2010-11 season at Dens Park this Saturday.

The Wasps kick-off their campaign as underdogs in the Challenge Cup tie against the holders Dundee but the gaffer says that won't stop them from gunning for a victory.

He told the Advertiser Sport, "Everything points to the fact it will be tough game.

"They have Leigh Griffiths who is a star in the First Division and other players who can hurt us but we will try to win the game.

"The fact they are holders makes it quite exciting. We will get a better idea on Saturday how we are placed for the season after this match."

He added, "It is tough to tell what to expect from Dundee. We had them watched at the weekend but it is difficult to tell from these games.

"I think they will be very keen to start well having ended the season poorly."

Alloa were due to complete their pre-season on Tuesday night in a match against Willie Irvine's Pollock Juniors. Prior to that they played Sauchie Juniors, Albion Rovers and took part in the Oban Tournament.

Maitland said, "The guys have come back from the close season fit and so far I am quite satisfied with our progress.

"We haven't set the heather on fire so far and I have tried to make the pre-season low key. We have had much tougher opposition in the past but didn't start well. This year we have played junior sides as I wanted to get more of the ball."

One man who will be keen for the big kick-off is David Gormley who has already bagged three goals in the pre-season. Gormley netted the second in Saturday's two nil win against Sauchie.

"David has done really well," said Maitland. "At the end of last season he did well for us. Strikers are judged on their goals and there is more to him than just setting them up for Bryan Prunty."

The boss is set to make decisions this week on whether or not to offer deals to Dougie Wilson, Billy Gibson and Aaron Somerville.

One player who wont be appearing for either side this weekend is former Wasps defender Scot Buist who this week signed for Stirling Albion. Buist had previously been on trial with the Dens Park side prior to signing on at Forthbank.

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