Annan boss Peter Murphy is gearing up for a title bid as the League Two season kicks off tomorrow.
The Galabankies face Stranraer at Stair Park in their opener in a campaign which is expected to be one to remember after a dramatic end to last term.
Boss Murphy said: “I’m delighted to get back into the regular season after a tough pre-season schedule with the cup where we made history as the first League Two side to go through as group winners then get the reward of the Aberdeen tie.
“But we cannot let that distract us from getting ready to hit the ground running in the league.
“We don’t necessarily have to win at Stranraer just have to start off with a point away from home and then look at winning our home games.”
The Galabankies came so close to promotion last season after reaching the play-off finals only to lose out to Edinburgh City when keeper Brian Schwake, on loan from Livingston, performed heroics in the closing stages of the second leg to preserve their lead.
Murphy has enjoyed a successful start to the season and made history by steering his side to the top of the group stages in the Premier Sports Cup – the first time a League Two team has won their group.
Annan’s Premier Sports Cup group stage included a 3-2 win at Queen of the South plus a vital 1-1 draw before a win on penalties at home to Ayr United to clinch the last 16 slot where they will face Aberdeen at Galabank.
Murphy has recruited a strong side for the new season including Josh Galloway from Leeds United on a one-year deal.
“Now it is about preparing and getting ready for the first game of the season at Stranraer.”
