Newtongrange Star 4 Crossgates Primrose 1

CROSSGATES PRIMROSE started their First Division campaign following relegation in disappointing fashion as they fell to defeat at Newtongrange Star.

Alan Campbell's new-look outfit, which featured just two players from the squad that dropped down from the Premier Division, were in the game until two goals in as many minutes took it away from them.

Frazer Sutherland gave the hosts an eighth-minute lead but Crossgates stayed in contention, only to fall further behind when Scott Brogan headed home in the 60th minute.

That was the first of three goals in an incredible five minute spell as, after Scott Hynd pulled one back almost immediately, a Max Dowling effort, and Sutherland's second of the match, tied up the points for Star.

"I felt we did ok in the first half," Campbell reflected.

"We lost a goal after seven or eight minutes, which was a bit of a freak goal.

"That wasn't the best of starts, but we grew into the game really well after that. I was really happy with the first half performance after that.

"We had a chat at half-time and were looking to get back into it in the second half, not even to draw, but to have the chance to win the game.

"In the second half we didn't come out the traps and they really upped their game. They deserved to win.

"I was disappointed but also mindful that we only had two players in the team from last season. It's going to take time - it's been a bit of a rebuild - and there will be bumps in the road.

"I'm not quite sure we deserved to lose by that margin, but the reality is we did. The difference between the teams was that they've only made two signings, and one of them was a goalkeeper, so they've got a squad that's been together a while.

"We're still trying to piece together a system, but we knew that, so we'll be patient."

On Tuesday evening, Primrose bounced back in the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup, second round, with a 2-0 home win over Edinburgh South.

Hynd and Craig Henderson were on the scoresheet at Humbug Park for Crossgates, who have signed East Fife's Charlie Murray and Brendan Ramsay on loan.

Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts 1 Arniston Rangers 1

SWIFTS fought back to earn a point in their opening game of the campaign against Arniston Rangers at Dalgety Bay Sports Centre.

Jason McCrindle's team, who joined Crossgates in being relegated from the top division last season, fell behind when Niall Kemp put the away side ahead midway through the first half.

However, just three minutes into the second period, Jordan Hunter grabbed the equaliser to ensure a share of the spoils ahead of the start of Inverkeithing's East of Scotland Qualifying Cup defence.

Last night (Wednesday) they travelled to Thornton Hibs in the second round of the competition they memorably won in April - the first cup win in the senior side's history - against Dunbar United, but were knocked out by a 3-0 scoreline.

"The teams we played over the course of pre-season, we did well enough against," McCrindle said.

"We were disappointed not to win the game. Every game last year was tough, but this year is going to be as tough, maybe a bit tougher, as we're going into the unknown.

"It's a good learning curve for us this season in terms of how we play, who we play, and the different styles.

"The performance was not bad at all. We created chances, their goalie made a few saves, and we missed some chances, but they had some as well."

Before the campaign began, he also noted: "There's a good core there that we kept from last year, and I think in this pre-season, we've got a good balance, and a good blend, of youth players and more experienced players.

"We've got guys coming back that were injured towards the end of last season, who have done well in pre-season, so I'm quite excited.

"This league is probably going to be the most competitive it's ever been, in terms of the clubs and teams that are in it. You're probably looking at a good seven, eight, nine teams that will all have aspirations of promotion."

Oakley United 2 Kennoway Star Hearts 2

OAKLEY UNITED boss Peter Goldie described his team's draw with Kennoway Star Hearts as a "mixed bag of emotions".

The Blairwood Park outfit, who dropped into the Second Division after suffering successive relegations, fought back from two goals down thanks to efforts from Ryan Cowie and Tommy Simpson.

Declan Nugent had given the away side a 14th minute lead and, although they went down to 10 men when Lewis Bennet was sent off four minutes later, Logan Young gave them a two-goal advantage with 11 minutes to go.

However, inside the final five minutes, Oakley fought back and Goldie said: "Saturday was a mixed bag of emotions.

"You always want to get off to a good start, especially with being at home as well. Going a goal down early, then losing another with 10 minutes to go against 10 men, was very disappointing and not what I was expecting from the boys, following on from the pre-season preparation.

"A few defensive errors was again our downfall and something we need to eliminate if we want to meet our expectations this season.

"The boys did, however, show some character in the last 10 minutes and did well to get back level in the final minutes of the game.

"If you had told me before the game you will be 2-0 down with five minutes to go, and get a point from the game, I would have taken it.

"It's not the start we wanted but there are a few positives to take from the game."

Goldie also wished Kennoway's Jamie McLelland well, after he was taken to hospital with concussion, adding: "It's never nice to see anyone get hurt at this level as boys are playing for the love of the game, and it puts everything else into perspective.

"Everyone at the club wants to wish Jamie well with his recovery and hope he's back to full health soon."

On Tuesday, meanwhile, Oakley secured an impressive East of Scotland Qualifying Cup second round win over Premier Division Dunipace.

The visitors, who were promoted as the hosts were relegated from last season's First Division, took the lead early in the second half through Joe McGuckin, but Goldie's men levelled with four minutes to go through Scott Bruce.

That took the tie into extra-time, where another goal from Bruce, and one from Bruce McAdam, gave Oakley victory against a Dunipace side that finished with 10 men after a red card for Aidan McKeown.

Saturday's fixtures (kick-offs 2.30pm): East of Scotland League, First Division - Camelon v Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts, Crossgates Primrose v Leith Athletic. Second Division - Bathgate Thistle v Oakley United.