ALLOA will be hoping to get their Premier Sports Cup campaign off to a strong start as they host East Fife this evening.

Andy Graham’s side welcome the League Two outfit at the Recs for their first group stage game of the cup.

Here’s what you need to know ahead of tonight’s game.

 

Form guide

The Wasps head into their first competitive game of the season off the back of a 3-0 win over Cumbernauld Colts in a friendly last Tuesday.

This capped off their pre-season friendly campaign, which also included a 2-1 defeat to Livingston, 3-1 win over Clyde, 1-0 loss to Greenock Morton and a 2-2 draw with Falkirk.

Meanwhile, East Fife kicked off their Premier Sports Cup campaign on Saturday, pulling off a shock victory over Greenock Morton.

Former Wasp Alan Trouten scored a hat trick in that game to secure three points for the League Two side.

Dick Campbell’s side also went unbeaten in their pre-season friendlies, beating Dunfermline 2-0 while also playing out goalless draws against both Raith Rovers and Queen’s Park.

 

Recent meetings

The last meeting between the two sides came in the League Cup two seasons ago, just more than two years ago exactly.

The Wasps were held to a 1-1 draw with East Fife, their only goal coming from an Aaron Steele own goal.

Scott Shepherd equalised for East Fife late on, sending the game to penalties for the additional bonus point.

Alloa won 6-5 on penalties, while this game also marked the debut for Academy product Steven Buchanan.

 

Team news

Andy Graham will have almost a full squad at his disposal for the first competitive game of the season, with just a few missing.

As reported by the Advertiser two weeks ago, Miko Virtanen is expected to miss the entirety of the Premier Sports Cup group stage after suffering a broken toe.

Virtanen will miss the rest of the groups and it is hoped he will return in time for the league starting in August.

Unfortunately for Alloa, another of their central midfielders will also be missing, with Steven Hetherington facing a suspension from last season.

Hetherington was given a straight red card for a bad tackle against Ayr United during last year’s Premier Sports Cup, which has carried on to this game.

Morgyn Neill received two yellow cards against Hamilton during the playoff semi final, but will serve his suspension during the first game of the regular season, making him fit for selection tonight.

Graham said: “Stevie received a straight red so he’ll be suspended for tonight but he will be available for Saturday.

“Morgyn Neill will be available tonight but will miss the first league game of the season.”

Prolific pre-season goal scorer Luke Rankin will also be absent after sustaining a slight knock against Falkirk.

The youngster was kept away from the pitch against Cumbernauld Colts, with Andy Graham explaining that Rankin isn’t quite ready to return just yet.

He continued: “We’ve got a couple wee knocks that we’re not going to take any chances with.

“Luke picked up a small knock against Falkirk – it’s nothing serious but it’d be crazy to risk him tonight without having had a proper training session.

“I would rather get him a training session this week and hopefully, all goes well and with no hiccups, he’ll be available for Saturday.

“We’ll play that one by ear, see how he does and he’ll do some work with the physio team and hopefully he’ll be available for Saturday.”

The last possible concern for Alloa is Calum Waters, who the manager explained had a slight hip issue, but one that is not causing too much concern.

The left back was brought back to Alloa from Greenock Morton and was another standout performer from pre-season.

Graham added: “Calum has got a small problem with his hip but I think Calum is less of a risk for him to play.

“Calum seemed to be more like a strengthening issue so I feel he’ll probably be available.”

 

From the dugout

“We’re looking forward to the game,” Graham said on the match. “We’re looking forward to the competitive stuff starting again and getting the boys out playing again.

“It’s going to be a really tough game with the result they had at the weekend but we’ve been chomping at the bit all pre-season to get out there and start competitive football.

“We’ve got the opportunity to do that tonight so I hope the players relish that and enjoy it.”