The last time both sides met each other was on the final day of the 2014/15 season, when Albion Rovers were crowned Champions of Scottish League Two, defeating The Shire 5-1.

Albion Rovers have enjoyed a solid start to their inaugural Lowland League campaign – winning two of their three games played.

Since their opening day defeat to Hearts B, Rovers have rocked up back-to-back victories – 4-0 away to Gretna 2008, and 1-0 away to Bo’ness United.

East Stirlingshire find themselves in 14th place – with one win, one draw, and five defeats from their seven games played.

Whilst it’s still early in the season, The Shire will be looking to put more points on the board and match the ambitions the club have set.

This is Albion Rovers first outing in the Lowland League, following their relegation from League Two via the play-off, at the hand of last season’s Lowland League Champions, The Spartans.

Rovers have been in cup action, hence their delay in kicking off their league campaign. They lost three of their four Viaplay Cup Group Stage matches – 2-0 to Raith Rovers, 3-0 to Dunfermline Athletic, and 2-1 to Kilmarnock. Their only victory came thanks to a 2-1 win over Annan Athletic.

They also progressed to the next round of the SPFL Trust Trophy, having won on penalties v St Mirren B – where they will now face fellow Lowland League side, Tranent.

Hearts B will be pleased with their start to the 23/24 campaign, sitting in 2nd with two wins and a draw – 7-0 v Gretna 2008, 3-2 v Civil Service Strollers, and 1-1 v Gala Fairydean Rovers.

The Young Jambos have scored the second highest amount of goals, with eleven – one behind top scorers, Linlithgow Rose.