And, although they went down to the only goal of the game, there was much to be pleased with.

Central defenders Jordan Smith and John Ovenstone were solid throughout while full backs Willie Lyle and Chris McGroarty also impressed.

A bit of creativity would not have gone amiss, but it's early days and the signs were there to suggest that, once they have bedded in, the
Warriors will be a formidable force this season.

Goalmouth incident was at a premium and it was something of a surprise when the visitors took the lead in 23 minutes.

Joe Dunbar clipped in a cross and Gareth Wardlaw did really well to bullet a header into Kieron Renton's top left corner from 16 yards.

Robert Sloan hit the home side's woodwork just after the break, but the Warriors were marginally more dangerous after the restart.

Steve Ferguson first saw Gary O'Connor block his net-bound effort in 54 minutes. Then Kevin Haynes' header from the rebound was unfortunate to clip the top of the bar.

Haynes played as a trialist and did well, but Coughlin has still to decide whether a contract is offered.

With substitutes and reshaping taking place, some rhythm was lost but
Robert Love came on near the end to make a big claim for first team consideration.

The teenager spent most of last term farmed out to Maybole Juniors, but impressed when he was recalled as the campaign drew to a close.

That promise continued here and his pin point cross two minutes from the end was headed into the net by Graham Gibson.

The big striker was deemed offside though, and the 'goal' chalked off.

Manager John Coughlin, however, was not too perturbed. "It was the usual thing with us and Raith using a number of players," he said.

"From what I could see both teams needed the game and we each have it under our belts now.

"We didn't create a lot, but with so many personnel changes here it is going to take the full pre-season before we get any blend at all.

"There was nothing in it though, and the goal Wardlaw scored to settle things was a great header.

"Yet my players worked really hard – more perspiration than inspiration – and it was pretty much what I expected so I am not too disappointed."

Coughlin, who was without Andy Shirra and Ian Thomson due to holiday commitments, is now looking forward to continuing his preparation plans.

"We lost too many goals last term and we need to make sure we get that right," he added.

"I'm sure that at the other end, with the likes of Scott Dalziel and Andy Brand coming in, we will score goals. There's no doubt about that.

"But, first and foremost, we need to make sure we keep the back door shut and we will be working on all those aspects down south at the weekend and in the friendlies next midweek."

Stenhousemuir: Renton, Lyle (McEwan 85), McGroarty, Smith, Ovenstone, Tyrell (Desmond 85), Brand (Gibson 62), Ferguson (Love 80), Dalziel (Haynes 46), Brazil (Hampshire 60), Motion (Trialist 46)

STENHOUSEMUIR 0

RAITH ROVERS 1
Wardlaw 23
(HT 0–1)
Pre-season friendly