RHU Amateurs’ Caledonian League squad stepped up their pre-season preparations on Monday night when they took on Vale of Leven FC at Millburn Park.

Rhu reached the interval only one goal behind, and levelled the game early in the second half, but Vale's experience eventually told, with Brian Brown's men running out 4-1 winners.

Despite the result, the 90 minutes against the experienced West of Scotland Football League side, who were playing their final pre-season warm-up ahead of their Third Division opener away to Glenvale this weekend, should prove very useful indeed as Rhu pick up their own pace ahead of the Caledonian League’s big kick-off next month.

Monday night’s friendly followed hard on the heels of a disappointing 5-4 loss away to Glasgow Wellington on Saturday, with the game also featuring the added blow of an injury to team captain Lewis Campbell.

Next up for the Rhu ‘Caley’ squad is a home match against Dumbarton Accies, who play in the Caledonian League’s top flight.

The game takes place at Ardenconnel Park this Saturday, July 27, with a 12 noon kick-off.

Meanwhile, Rhu’s under-19 squad are limbering up for their next friendly, away to East Kilbride FC’s under-19s, this Friday.

The under-19s get their competitive season under way with their opening League Cup group match against Knightswood U19 on Saturday, August 10.

Finally, Rhu’s over-35s are back in action this Friday, July 26, when they play host to local rivals The Sons, a team of Dumbarton FC supporters.

Rhu’s veterans won the previous match between the sides 5-0 back in April and are looking to build on the recent form that has seen them win their last three matches without conceding a goal – 3-0 and 5-0 at home to Clyde Valley Rovers and Glasgow Wellington respectively, and 2-0 last time out away to Inchinnan.