Dunbarton have a hard act to follow

Having lifted the Private Greens Senior Division 1 for the fourth year in succession and also won both cups on offer, namely the Irish Senior Cup and Private Greens Senior Cup last season, it could be argued that the only way the Gilford side can go is down!

However, there are no such thoughts in the Dunbarton camp again this year. Confidence yet again is high and the addition of lead David Copeland from Falls is a welcome boost as a number of players have work commitments and may struggle to feature in every match.

First up this Saturday is a tricky away tie at Willowfield. Having defeated the East Belfast men three times last season in all three competitions and won the league at the same venue on the last game in 2008, the visitors should have the psychological advantage in the curtain raising first game.

Early season away trips to Albert Foundary (Irish Cup) and Forth River (PG Cup) should not prove too taxing. As usual, the toughest challenges during the year will be rivals, Ballymena and Belmont with Old Bleach and Ulster Transport as outsiders.

On paper, Dunbarton have an easier draw this year as they host Belmont, Ballymena and Ulster Transport in Gilford (all away fixtures last year), however nothing is won on paper!

The Dunbarton B team will also be hoping to hit the heights of recent years when they have won both league and Private Greens Junior Cup. Only the Irish Junior Cup has so far eluded the locals. First up this Saturday is a home tie against Willowfield and with decent draws in both cups, the locals should start the season brightly.