SFL update: Ayr land Lithgow

Ayr United have completed the signing of centre-back Alan Lithgow who was a mainstay in the Dumbarton side who retained their first division status last season, writes Martin McMillan.

The former Hearts and Clyde defender had been with Dumbarton for two seasons and had been given the chance to stay at the Bet Butler Stadium. However, he has opted for a move to the Somerset Park side.

Airdrieonians have been dealt a blow with the news that John Boyle has been ruled out until Christmas because of a knee injury. The striker was Airdrie's top scorer last season with nine goals, however his season was cut short in March after he suffered ligament damage which now requires surgery.

Falkirk have an early start to the new season with a game against Queen's Park organised for Saturday, June 29.

The amateurs will host Gary Holt's side in a closed-door game at Lesser Hampden with Falkirk making their public bow the following Saturday, with a game against Stirling Albion at Forthbank that kicks off at 3pm.

Stranraer have signed Martin Grehan who was released by Alloa last month. The former Motherwell, Forfar, Stirling Albion and Partick Thistle striker is already well known at Stair Park as he spent season 2011/12 with the club during which he scored nine times in 29 starts and five substitute appearances.

Livingston are heading north to take on Highland League side Wick Academy, who are managed by former Lion Barry Wilson who won the first division title with the West Lothian side back in 2001.

The sides will meet at Scotland's most northerly ground, Harmsworth Park, on Thursday, July 18 with an 8pm kick off.

Ritchie Burke's side will play a second game in the Highlands on Saturday, July 20 when they meet Brora Rangers at Dudgeon Park with that game starting at 3pm.

Queen's Park defender Scott Gibson has signed on for the new season with the 19-year-old being set the challenge of securing a regular starting place by head coach Gardner Speirs.

Gibson made his top-team debut last season. However, a back injury ended his season before the play-offs.

Taken from the Herald