For David Brolly and Colin Smith it brings the end to a tricky pre-season schedule which culminated with a last-gasp 3-3 draw with Greenock Juniors on Saturday.

The squad have experienced a number of ups and downs over the past four weeks, but for Brolly, the season can’t come quick enough.

He told Gazette Sport: “Obviously last year everything was going well, and you could say me and Colin were riding on the crest of a wave.

“But, the last few weeks have put everything into perspective, we know it isn’t going to be easy this year and we need to be prepared to take the highs with the lows.

“The pre season games have been a bit of a disappointment if we are being honest and the players know our feelings.

“The league season is the bread and butter and that is where we need to perform.

“You want to be playing at the highest level you possibly can, testing yourself against teams as far up the ladder and this season we will be doing that week in, week out and I have great confidence in his group.

“We may have struggled against the likes of Arthurlie and Troon in friendlies so we know we have a long way to go to match them, but I have confidence that this group of players have what it takes to compete in this division.” One positive to take from the past few weeks is the recent acquisition of former Keanie Park favourite Conor Ramsay.

The striker has returned to the club following a spell working in New Zealand, having originally departed Johnstone to sign for Arthurlie in 2013.

The former St Mirren kid will have to battle it out for a spot on the Burgh frontline, something that Brolly insists can only be for the good of the club.

Brolly added: “We were delighted to be able to bring Conor back, he knows the club well and will be a good addition.

“It solves a bit of a shortage that we had up front but we are now very pleased with the options that we have.

“Jason Hardie, Jack Heron, Steven Fitzpatrick and Conor are all good options and we just now need to provide the strikers with chances to score.” Johnstone Burgh travel to Fullarton Park to take on Vale of Clyde in their opening game of the Central District First Division season. Kick-off 2pm.