Dunfermline vs Brechin City preview - Banned Falkingham sits out opener

Posted Friday, August 08, 2014 by PA

Dunfermline will be without suspended captain Josh Falkingham when they launch their new season against Brechin at East End Park.

Boss Jim Jefferies is also without Andy Stirling, who is not fully fit after picking up an injury in pre-season, but Alex Whittle is available following a ban.

Jefferies said: "If we play like we did when we beat Raith Rovers in midweek we are going to be a very difficult team to beat.

"All I am asking the players to do is to repeat that performance, however I know Brechin will not make it easy.

"They are en experienced side who took points off us last season."

Brechin welcome defender Darren McCormack back to their ranks after injury against the side manager Ray McKinnon believes will be heavily involved in the title race.

McKinnon said: "Dunfermline are the favourites for this league by a mile and having watched them in midweek against Raith Rovers I can understand why.

"They played very well to defeat a side from a higher league so we know that we are in for a really tough test.

"But we pushed Dumbarton all the way in the Scottish League Cup last Saturday and if I get that level of performance, plus taking our chances then I will be delighted."