by DYLAN INGLIS
NEWMAINS UNITED will welcome fans back to Victoria Park for the first time in 18 MONTHS this Wednesday night.
The side bossed by Paul Davies and Craig Gupwell take on Carluke Thistle in a pre-season friendly ahead of the West of Scotland League opener with Gartcairn on July 17.
Due to coronavirus restrictions they haven’t played at their home ground since January 2020 – with their Breathing Space Cup clashes earlier this summer held at nearby Wishaw Sports Centre.
But the completion of pitch improvement work means the venue is ready to go again and the 7pm kick-off will be open to the public with entry a donation at the gate.
United have been out of action for two successive weekends after the final match of the Breathing Space Cup campaign against Forth Wanderers was called-off.
That meant the pre-season tournament ended with two wins and two defeats for United – with home clashes against Carluke Rovers and Royal Albert ending in 3-1 and 6-0 victories respectively.
An injury hit Newmains side were beaten 6-2 by Lesmahagow whilst eventual cup winners
Bellshill Athletic narrowly edged things 4-3 in a thrilling contest at Alliance Park.
With that tournament now concluded United have organised more pre-season action against local amateur side Carluke Thistle.
Founded in 2011, Thistle play their football in the Greater Glasgow Premier AFL and recently made the final of the FN Teamwear Spring Cup.
Penalty shootout triumphs over East Kilbride YM and GSC amateurs set up a clash with Vale of Leven last month – but the Dunbartonshire-based side ran out 2-1 winners on the day.