Bens take a trip down football's memory lane with the announcement of their pre-season friendlies.
They will welcome Leith Athletic, Ashfield and Ardeer Thistle to Tinto Park starting next Saturday.
The 2011 Leith Athletic club revives the name of one of Edinburgh's historic teams. The original Leith Athletic were formed in 1887 and wound up in 1905. Reformed the same year as Leith FC, they reappeared after the First War in 1919 as Leith Athletic and continued until their demise in 1955.
The name was reinstated as a juvenile team in 1996 with players from age 5 to 21. A successful East of Scotland team at all levels they have over 100 qualified coaches. In 2008, Leith absorbed Edinburgh Athletic taking the club's place in the East of Scotland League. Their progress has culminated in promotion last season to the Premier Division as runners up to Gretna 2008.
On Monday 18th July, Bens welcome Ashfield as champions of the West Super League Division One. It's taken a long time but the Saracen side will once again be playing in the top division. Formed in 1886, their record would suggest they shouldn't be playing anywhere else. Always welcome visitors at Tinto Park they share the living legend that is Tommy Douglas.
Saturday 23rd July heralds the visit of Ardeer Thistle to Tinto Park. Another legendary fixture in the history of the Bens: in April 1960 a fleet of coaches descended on the Bens ground from Ayrshire to support the Thistle, on an unbeaten run of 40 games, as they faced the Bens in the West of Scotland Cup 4th round. Two goals from Jim Kelly brought the Stevenston side's first defeat that season. In a sparkling season, Ardeer's centre forward Tommy Duffy recorded his name in the Guinness Book of Records to this day with 97 goals that year.
An interesting mix of friendly fixtures prior to the Bens' anticipated return to the Central District Division One.
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