ROB ROY have started their build up to the 2017/18 Junior season by winning a competition they were ill-prepared to be playing in.

Last season’s Super Premier Division runners-up came up trumps as the inaugural winners of the Petershill staged pre-season tournament at the weekend which had a silverware prize in the Progrez Trophy.

Sunday’s finale was reached by a hard-fought 5-2 victory over Queen's Park Under 20’s just 24 hours earlier but the Kirkintilloch outfit had enough left in their legs to then overcome Fauldhouse United 4-1 through goals from youthful striker prospect Connor Hughes, Lee Slattery, Shaun Fraser and Willie Sawyers.

Team boss Stewart Maxwell revealed: “ The players are just a couple of weeks into their pre-season programme and I had major concerns about trying to cram two games into two days when fitness levels are a long way short of where we want them to be.

“As a matter of fact I would probably have turned down the invite but for it coming from my former club Petershill and of course their management team of Willie Patterson and Paul Kelly who are long-time friends.

“Thankfully the guys came through relatively unscathed other than a few minor knocks and bruises but even more pleasing for myself was the level of performance served up over the two days and particularly the showings of our new signings.

“We even had to contend with playing with just 10 men for over an hour in the Saturday encounter against Queen's Park when Gary McCulloch was somewhat harshly adjudged to have deliberately handled the ball and was sent off .

“A sense of injustice helped the players make light of their numerical disadvantage and they won comfortably before raising their game to another level again to see of a decent Fauldhouse side in the final.

“All our available newcomers were given a minimum of 90 minutes over the weekend and I felt there was a lot to be pleased about with McCulloch and Ross Gallagher emerging as strong and inspirational types while Stefan Law and Robert McGuire look as if they will provide us with a different dynamic going forward.

“And let’s not forget young Connor who demonstrated his nose for goal by scoring in both games.”

Posted missing through in Springburn were close season signings Gary Carroll (Arthurlie) and Michael Oliver (Clyde) both ruled out of action with contrasting injury problems according to Maxi.

Maxi revealed: “Gary is on the way back from a muscle injury and we just didn’t want to take any risks with him but the situation with Michael is a bit more concerning as he badly twisted his knee in training last Wednesday night and is having to undergo a precautionary scan as the fear is he might have torn his cruciate ligament.

“Obviously we are hoping that’s not the case and he can make a full recovery to be back playing sooner rather than later.”

Rob Roy’s remaining friendly matches will take them on the road to face Ardrossan Winton Rovers, Larkhall Thistle and Jeanfield Swifts before getting down to the serious business of beginning the defence of their Sectional League Cup crown with a Guys Meadow clash against Dunipace on Thursday, August 3.

Maxi said: “Winning the first trophy of the season gave the players a massive confidence boost and they duly carried their good form into the league and helped us stack up a lot of points.

“Nobody tipped us as potential trophy winners last season and I don’t imagine we will be rated among the favourites this time out but flying under the radar suits myself and the players just fine.

“Trying to emulate last season’s achievements will be difficult, however we have the players to do it but only if they believe in themselves.”

The latest transfer news has Glasgow Perthshire snapping up ex-Shettleston midfielder Ross Carrigan and former Rutherglen Glencairn frontman Marc McDonnell while St Anthony's have fixed up veteran campaigner Mark McManus (Yoker Athletic) and Cumnock have captured one-time Queen of the South defender Richard Murray.

In friendly matches last night, St Anthony's were on the wrong end of a 4-1 beating at the hands of East Kilbride Thistle while Vale of Clyde overcame Greenock 3-2 at Fullarton Park and experienced striker Stephen McGladrigan helped himself to a brace of goals as Rossvale ran out 8-0 winners over Pollok Under 21’s.

LAST NIGHT’S FRIENDLY MATCHES: Vale of Clyde 3 Greenock 2, Rossvale 8 Pollok Under 21’s 0, East Kilbride Thistle 4 St Anthony's 1.