THE wait is nearly over for three West Fife football clubs as they get set to kick-off their competitive season this weekend.

Former junior duo Oakley United and Crossgates Primrose, plus Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts' newly-formed senior team, will all be in action as they each embark on a new era.

They will play their first matches at senior level in the East of Scotland qualifying league, a competition that determines who reaches the knockout rounds of the East of Scotland League Cup.

Alan Campbell's Primrose host Linlithgow Rose – four-time winners of the Junior Cup – on Saturday before travelling to Penicuik Athletic on Tuesday; Richard Fox's Oakley go to Leith Athletic before hosting Jeanfield Swifts on Wednesday; and Lee Richardson's Swifts play Hill of Beath Hawthorn at Ballast Bank before an away match at Stirling University (EoS) on Wednesday.

Campbell, whose side took on Lochore Welfare in their final warm-up match on Tuesday night, admits excitement is building at Humbug Park, and told Press Sport: "We've had a good pre-season and the players have worked really hard.

"In an ideal world, we would've liked to have added two or three (players), but in total we've added about seven.

"I think the players we have brought in are good players and of a better quality. We've got a younger and more energetic look about us with the way things have worked out, but from the information I have about this league, you need to be energetic.

"There are five ex-Super League teams in our conference, in addition to Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale who were strong last season, and so while we don't have their resources, we need to match them in other ways.

"Having Linlithgow, Penicuik and Sauchie in the cup will be a good barometer for us because there are teams in our league of similar quality.

"I don't think there's one team that we played last season in our league, so it is a bit of a step into the unknown.

"We know what's ahead and that it will be tough, but the guys are up for the challenge and are embracing it."

Oakley United, who made a last-minute application for East of Scotland League membership after initially suggesting they would remain in the juniors, also played a final friendly on Tuesday and drew 4-4 with Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale last Thursday.

Boss Fox, whose arrival in January saw them rise from 11th place in the South Division to fourth with a run of 11 wins, one draw and one defeat, commented: "I am more than happy with the squad I have.

"We've got a good mix of youth and experience and the players are looking fit and sharp, so it's just a case of fine tuning now.

"It is exciting, to go to new places and grounds that I've never been to, and the players are in the same position. It will be a tough challenge and no-one has tipped us to be up at the top, which is fine; we'll be dark horses.

"Teams won't want to play us, at home especially. We're a young side and are energetic but, in terms of last season, that is done. I've banned the boys from mentioning it.

"The future is what counts and that's the message we've been putting over to them."

Inverkeithing are anticipating a large crowd for their game with Hill of Beath – winners of the Junior Cup in 1990 – as their vision of creating a pathway to senior football is realised.

The club, founded in 1996, has around 450 registered boys and girls playing at age levels from mini-kickers to under-17s, and now have an under-20s team as well as their East of Scotland League side.

Richardson, who has previously bossed Oakley and junior side Rosyth, said: "It has been a breath of fresh air for me coming to this club, and I'm really proud that they asked me to lead them in the East of Scotland League.

"I am quite happy with the players that we've brought in. The majority are guys myself and John (Steel, assistant manager) have worked with before, so we know their talents and personalities.

"The guys we've signed that we didn't know as much about have come in and gelled, and I think we've won a watch with one or two of them.

"We've got a mix of youth and experience. In our first (friendly) game, we played well in the first 45 minutes and, in our second against Bridge of Don Thistle who are a Super League team from Aberdeen, we drew 1-1 and played really well.

"Saturday will be a really hard game; Hill of Beath have been a top team for years and were one of the giants of Fife junior football, but I've been quite happy with how we've been playing.

"It'll be a good experience for the players. We'll have a big crowd and I hope we can do well."

Saturday's fixtures (kick-offs 2.30pm unless stated): Scottish Lowland Football League - Kelty Hearts v Dalbeattie Star (3pm). East of Scotland Qualifying, Section C - Crossgates Primrose v Linlithgow Rose. Section F - Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts v Hill of Beath Hawthorn. Section I - Leith Athletic v Oakley United (4.30pm).