YOKER Athletic got their competitive season off to a good start on Saturday with a 1-0 victory over Glasgow Perthshire.

Michael Rogers’ second half strike was enough to hand the Whe Ho maximum points in the first tie of the Sectional League Cup, and boss John McAulay was pleased with his side’s performance considering they were faced with a player shortage come kick-off.

McAulay told SportScene: “It is a good result and another victory to add to an already good pre season campaign.

“We played ok in the first half and created some great chances but we know the best is still to come from this group of players.

“We had a few missing through suspension and we weren’t at full strength so we will see how we get on in the rest of the Sectional Cup fixtures.” Preparations for the new season are now into their final weeks with Yoker set to travel to Robertson Park to take on Thorniewood United in their first league fixture on Saturday, August 30.

Hopes are high amongst the Holm Park camp for a successful season and McAulay admitted the Sectional League Cup provides him with the ideal opportunity to test the strength and depth of his squad.

He added: “We will no doubt chop and change in the coming weeks and that gives everybody a chance to show myself and John (Dillon, assistant manager) what they can add to the team.

“The Sectional Cup allows you to build up the squad and get a good run going into the new season.

“We will try a few things out and hopefully pick up some wins at the same time.

“It is not the end of the world if we fall to a couple of defeats – as long as we are in good shape come the first game of the season.” Yoker welcome Maryhill to Holm Park tonight (Wednesday). Kick off 6.45pm.​