Thistle manager Stuart Davidson said his first aim of the new season ahead is to qualify from the Ardagh Cup group section, and face up to Winton Rovers in the opening game of the season next Wednesday. It is a 6.45pm kick-off at Barrfields Park.

And family ties won't make any difference for the typically combative Largs boss as two of his cousins, Mark and Lee Davidson, are both players with the Ardrossan opponents.

Stuart said: "It is a wee bit close to home for me, but I am sure they will both put the boot in anyway - it is a Davidson thing!"

Winton are also managed by former Largs manager Sandy MacLean, and skippered by Kevin Struthers who left Largs earlier in the summer.

Stuart continued: "We are really looking to the competitive games getting underway. It has been a bit of a turnaround with players and coaching staff, and it maybe took a wee bit of time for everyone to get to know each other in the first friendly against Gartcairn, but we played some decent stuff at times in that match, although the goals were down to individual errors.

"I have really been pleased with the displays against Morton and St Cuthbert, and there were good signs, although it is important not to get carried away and there are still a lot of things that need straightened out.

"In the Ardagh Cup, we want to progress as far as we can. The first game against Winton will be tough as they were unlucky to get promoted last year, and there is the added interest because Sandy is former manager, and they have a few former players."

And former Winton player Scott Adam, who scored four on Saturday against St Cuthbert, will be available to play.

Stuart said: "Scott knows where to be in the box and has a good bit of experience He has played for Rob Roy, Glenafton and is a quality player. He is a winner and enjoy scoring goals."

"All the new players have really impressed me, and they want to go and prove themselves, and you can see the competition in the side.

"And our more established players include young men like Creag Little, Nicky Jamieson and Iain Fisher, and it is now up to them to stand up to the plate. Young Matthew Ashe, who featured for the under 19s this season, has also done well, and is learning fast."