COMPETITION for promotion could be intense, Ardrossan Winton Rovers manager Sandy MacLean warned on the eve of the new league campaign.
The Ardrossan side are aiming to make up for the disappointment of last year, which saw them remain firm favourites for promotion to the Super League before a dreadful run at the turn of the year ultimately ended their chances.
Winton, who lost 2-0 to Kilbirnie Ladeside in the Ardagh Glass League Cup on Saturday, make the short trip to face Irvine Victoria in a game which is already being billed as a clash of the favourites.
MacLean said: "Our aim is to go up but it could be a very close league. I expect Irvine Vics will be strong and Whitletts and Dalry will be up there. Also when you see the good results Craigmark have had in the League Cup against good teams. That shows the standards have gone up.
"We have had a lot of injuries in the last few weeks and need to add a couple of players to the squad. The guys are looking forward to the game - Irvine Vics have been playing well but we are looking to take three points."
Before that, tonight (Wednesday) Winton host Dalry Thistle in an Ardagh Glass League Cup match which means very little as neither side can qualify for the quarter-finals.
MacLean said: "Of course we want to win but we will use the game as preparation for Saturday. Trialists will feature as we have quite a few guys out injured."
Ladeside boss Budgie McGhie was impressed with his side's showing in the game at Winton Park and said: "The good thing was that we kept a clean sheet. We conceded some poor goals in the other games."
He can't wait for the opening game as his side make the short trip to Newlandsfield Park to face Pollok in the Super Premier Division.
Long-term injury victim Mick O'Byrne is set to miss the match.
McGhie said: "We have a strong squad and a mix of youth and experience. There are a lot of good teams in the league. Pollok have made some great signings. On paper they should win. But football is played on paper, not on grass so hopefully we can go up there and cause a shock."
Former champions Beith could make the quarter-finals if they beat Kilbirnie tonight and Kilwinning or Largs win.
They head to Blair Park to face Hurlford United on Saturday and boss Johnny Millar said: "It's as tough a place as you could go and it will be a difficult game. But we hope to take something from it."
Mark McLaughlin (hamstring) is set to return from injury for Saturday.