NL Cup confirmed as four clubs clash in Broadwood Stadium tournament

This year's NL Cup will see Cumbernauld Colts, Albion Rovers, Airdrie and Stirling Albion battle for honours at Broadwood Stadium next month.

The annual four-team tournament will take place on the weekend of July 2 and 3, with two semi-finals and a play-off and final to be played over the two days.

Hosts Cumbernauld Colts will clash with Albion Rovers in Match 1, at 1.30pm on Saturday, July 2, while Airdrie meet Stirling Albion at 4pm.

The losers of both those games will play-off for third place at 1.30pm on Sunday, July 3, while the winners will contest for the silverware at 4pm.

Pay at the gate entry is £8 for adults and £4 concessions each day, which gives you both games.

Clyde are holders from last season's competition, but their wrangle with North Lanarkshire Council means they won't take part this season, with Darren Young's Stirling instead returning to the competition, having played in the inaugural competition.

Albion Rovers boss Brian Reid says the NL Cup, and the Premier Sports Cup, will provide ideal pre-season preparation for his League Two side.

In the Premier Sports Cup, which kicks-off on July 9, they face Premiership side Livingston, Inverness and Cove Rangers from the Championship, and League One newcomers Kelty Hearts.

Before that, Rovers will play in the NL Cup, and Reid said: “The Premier Sports Cup has given us a tough group, these are all decent teams who are all in a higher division than us. They will be tough games, but good games for us, and we should be looking forward to it.

“It’s a good test for the players, it’s a good competition, and I do enjoy taking the team to play against better opposition. It’s a good marker for you.

“I feel that this competition almost replaces pre-season, and it’s