Dunfermline and Kilmarnock being at different stages of pre-season can benefit Albion Rovers, says boss

Albion Rovers boss Sandy Clark hopes Dunfermline and Kilmarnock being at different stages in their pre-season preparation can work in his side’s favour in the Viaplay Cup.

Rovers host Dunfermline tonight (Tuesday) and entertain Premiership side Killie on Saturday, hoping to build on their 2-1 comeback win at Annan last weekend.

That follows a 2-0 midweek defeat at Raith Rovers in their cup opener, and Clark says he sees real signs of progress.

With the Pars unlikely to qualify with five points from three games, and Killie likely to win Group F, Clark hopes they won’t be at full strength.

He said: “They’re all hard games – Annan are two leagues above us, Raith and Dunfermline are three above us, and Killie are in the top league.

“Hopefully being at home will be a wee bit of an advantage to us.

“Dunfermline and Kilmarnock will know they’re coming to play a game – that’s for sure!

“If we can give them a game and have a good, steady performance, then I’ll be happy.

“The results become a little bit secondary.

“I don’t think Dunfermline have a great chance of qualifying now, so it will be interesting to see what they’ve got to play for.

“I think by the time we play them Kilmarnock will have qualified already, and that might work in our favour.”

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