Dunipace boss Danny Smith says his side’s tough pre-season schedule will benefit them going into a new division.

The newly-promoted ‘Pace will play in the Lowland League East this coming season after finishing in the East of Scotland Premier Division’s top three last term.

And the DCL Westfield team are gearing up for the fifth tier by organising friendlies against top teams, with Smith’s side having already taken on the likes of Scottish Championship outfit Arbroath.

On Saturday, the ‘Pace hosted Midlands League outfit Dundee North End, drawing 1-1 against a team full of ex-SPFL stars. Martin France scored from the spot for the home side.

Martin France is congratulated by his Dunipace team-mates after scoring his side’s opener (Photo: Michael Gillen)

placeholder image — Martin France is congratulated by his Dunipace team-mates after scoring his side’s opener (Photo: Michael Gillen)

The boss told club media afterwards: “It was excellent, a great workout. Dundee North End are a very good side, but we knew and wanted that.

"We wanted this level of friendly because it was a competitive match that wasn’t played like a friendly.

"We managed to get ahead in the game but the first half wasn’t perfect. We started the second half well, in control, but we then conceded and shot ourselves in the foot.

"We got in a bit of a mess. But you have to take a goal like that on the chin because it is what we are wanting to do.”

Meanwhile, Callum MacDonald, formerly of now-folded Bo’ness Athletic, made his debut for the ‘Pace after becoming the club’s fourth summer signing.

On Tuesday night, Smith’s side were losing 3-2 at half time against Lowland League West side Cumbernauld Colts before that friendly was abandoned.

Defender Warren Patterson was taken to hospital for a head injury but he is now home from hospital having suffered three fractures and severe concussion.

East Stirlingshire’s pre-season continued last Friday with a 1-1 draw at home to Whitburn. On Tuesday, Callum Tapping’s team drew 3-3 away to Armadale Thistle.

Last Saturday, Bo’ness United hosted Sauchie Juniors for the Brian Morgan Memorial Match, which was held to remember popular footballer Morgan who tragically died after suffering a cardiac arrest at the age of just 35. He played for both clubs. Stuart Hunter’s side racked up a 4-0 win on the day.

Camelon Juniors lost 3-1 at Kirkintilloch Rob Roy last Saturday but did beat Oakley United 1-0 on Tuesday night.