Peter Murphy believes Annan Athletic have already made a statement of intent with their first two summer signings.

The former Carlisle United favourite has boosted the Galabankies’ squad by capturing Chris Johnston and David Wilson after they were released by Dumbarton last month.

Player-manager Murphy said: “They are players coming from the Scottish Championship, albeit Dumbarton were relegated last season. But there is a good pedigree there.

“They will bring some good experience to the squad. It shows our intent and the type of player we’re trying to bring in.

“David Wilson has not played a lot of games, but he has been at some good clubs and been around some good squads.

“He has some good quality and Chris Johnston is an industrious player.”

Centre-half Ayrton Sonkur has also earned himself a new contract at Galabank for the 2018/19 season, joining another 10 players from last campaign to stay with the Black and Golds.

“At the start of the season, he came to us a very big boy. He needs to grow into a man,” Murphy said.

“It was about getting a season of senior football under his belt.

"He got five or six games under his belt at the end of last season. We are delighted to have him.”

Former Republic of Ireland international Murphy, who admits “there is possibly another two or three players we are looking at”, is also looking forward to the start of Annan’s Betfred Cup campaign.

That will see them play host to Hamilton (July 14) and Berwick Rangers (July 17), before away games at Scottish Premiership team Livingston (July 21) and Airdrieonians (July 24).

Penrith have once again secured a home pre-season friendly against Carlisle United, which will take place on July 14.

“Obviously, it’s great for the club and the players,” said player-manager Kyle May.

“It’s a good opportunity to test themselves against full-time professionals. It’s a really good game for the club.

“For some of the Penrith players, it will be the highlight of their career.

“As far as pre-season goes, it’s more of a spectacle, rather than judging anything by that game.”

Prior to the Bonny Blues’ friendly against Carlisle, they will play Holker Old Boys and Appleby.

They will then host Kendal Town (July 21), visit Carlisle City (July 24) and welcome Workington Reds to Frenchfield Park (July 28).

There has been movement, both in and out, at Penrith during the close-season with striker Martyn Coleman and Mal Holliday set to leave the club, but Mark “Skip” Boyd joining the Bonny Blues as a player-coach.

On Boyd’s arrival, May said: “Skip will come in.

“He will help out with us and probably give Andy [Coyles, first-team coach] a bit of support. He will add a lot to the squad.

“He will be coming in as a coach, but anything he can do on the pitch will be a bonus.”

Elsewhere, in the Macron Cup first round, Carlisle City will visit Rylands and Holker Old Boys will host Lower Breck.