JOHNSTONE BURGH and Thorn Athletic are hoping to land a knockout punch on their rivals as they ramp up their preparations for the new season.

The Keanie Park club are gearing up to welcome amateur side Thorn Athletic, Ayrshire Cup winners Troon Juniors and Glasgow outfit Benburb for their annual pre season tournament this weekend.

At the pre-tournament draw the teams were pulled apart in the first round as Burgh were drawn to face Troon and Benburb given Thorn.

If both Johnstone sides can stun their opponents then it would set up a repeat of last year’s derby final which saw the Burgh edge out their rivals 3-2, with goals from Steven Fitzpatrick, John Sherry and Ross McLean cancelling out efforts from David Gallagher and Anthony Finnigan.

A great weekend of football is in store with matches kicking off at 12.30pm and 3pm on both the Saturday and Sunday. All the clubs are hoping that a good crowd will come out to give the teams strong backing as they all gear up for their respective challenges in the forthcoming season.

It will be one of the early opportunities for Burgh fans to see their team take shape under the new management team of David Brolly and Colin Smith.

Ricky Cantwell, Burgh secretary, said: “Last year’s tournament was very entertaining and looking at the teams involved this year, we are in store for another competitive weekend.

“With two local sides involved, who could potentially face one another at some point, we are sure there will be plenty of local interest. Not to mention the quality and pedigree of the Troon and Benburb sides who will fancy their chances.

“We would encourage everyone to come along as there will be plenty of familiar faces strutting their stuff and hopefully it will be a good gauge of how our preparations are going for the season.” Meanwhile, Thorn Athletic, who now have a successful team competing in the Paisley and District League, will be keen to step up and show they can compete with teams playing at a higher level.

The tournament schedule is as follows: Saturday, July 19: Thorn Athletic v Benburb 12.30pm, Johnstone Burgh v Troon JFC 3pm.

Sunday, July 20: Play-off 12.30pm, final 3.00pm. Gate prices are £4 adults and £2 children and concessions.