Today is a day for love. It’s a day for laying down your previous animosities and offering wee kisses to the people that have wronged you in the past. That’s right folks… it’s East Stirlingshire vs East Kilbride day.

East Stirlingshire vs East Kilbride

There’s always a wee bit of needle when East Stirlingshire and East Kilbride meet and as two of the form teams in the league, you can expect this one to be another exciting match under the lights at The Falkirk Stadium.

East Stirlingshire have won their last three Park’s Motor Group Lowland League matches, while Kilby are sitting pretty at the top of the table having won every single one of their last six matches and are two points clear of Caledonian Braves with three games in hand.

Hearts B vs University of Stirling

Hearts B have lost three of their last five matches and find themselves in 13th place in the league. They’re just a point behind their visitors this evening, University of Stirling, who sit in 12th after their 1-0 victory over Albion Rovers last Sunday. 

Both sides have lost three of their last five matches.

Broxburn Athletic vs Gretna 2008

A narrow defeat to East Kilbride last week won’t have hurt the Albyn Park support too much as Broxburn Athletic welcome Gretna this weekend. The Brox are still comfortably in sixth place, while Gretna’s impressive season has seen them leave their pre-season tag as relegation favourites behind and put them on an upwardly mobile path towards the top half of the table. 

Caledonian Braves vs Berwick Rangers

Caledonian Braves needed a last gasp goal at the Dumbarton Stadium last weekend to sink bottom of the table Broomhill and Ricky Waddell and his side will be conscious that they need to avoid underestimating their visitors this weekend, Berwick Rangers. Berwick managed a spirited 2-2 draw with Gretna last time out which has arrested their slump in the league slightly, but they still find themselves in 15th place with teams around them taking points.

This one might not quite be must-win, but the more points they can take from matches like this, the less they’ll need to worry about ending the season in relegation danger.

Celtic B vs Bo’ness United

Bo’ness United visit Celtic B this weekend on the back of a thrilling 4-3 victory over the league’s other B Team last weekend. They will be hoping to continue to reel in Broxburn Athletic and Tranent who sit directly above them, and a win over third-placed Celtic B would help them out no end.

Cumbernauld Colts vs Broomhill

Bottom meets third bottom at Broadwood this weekend. It was suggested to me by Chris at Official Catchup that I would be cancelled if I didn’t pick this one as this weekend’s Neutral’s Pick and – as much as I enjoy winding him up – I’d be daft not to.

This is a real relegation six-pointer and with Broomhill holding a three-game-in-hand advantage over Colts, it’s going to be a real test of both teams’ resolve. Broomhill have lost four of their last five matches, while Colts have picked up two wins in their last two matches to give them a slight cushion over Broomhill and Gala Fairydean Rovers.

Both managers will be acutely aware that this match could define their season and if you need a match to check out this weekend, you’d better get yourself along to Broadwood.

Gala Fairydean Rovers vs Albion Rovers

Gala find themselves second bottom of the Park’s Motor Group Scottish Lowland League despite having scored almost as many goals as Caledonian Braves who sit in second (let’s ignore the fact that they’ve conceded more than three times as many as Braves, shall we?). They can count themselves fairly unlucky to find themselves in the position that they do but it will be vital to improve their fortunes at the back as they welcome Albion Rovers to Netherdale.

Albion Rovers lost to University of Stirling last weekend, adding more fuel to the fire for those who believe that their club should have won more than once in their last five matches. There will be a certain expectation among Rovers supporters who will make the long trip from Coatbridge to Galashiels on Saturday, that they should be coming away with three points. 

Linlithgow Rose vs Civil Service Strollers

Rose have become that club that I talk about quietly going about their business. Three wins in their last five have seen them rise to 4th in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League, only four points behind Celtic B with a game in hand. A win over Gary Jardine’s Civil Service Strollers would put them in a really good place.

That being said, if results go their way, Strollers themselves could jump as high as 7th. This one should be a fascinating contest.

Tranent vs Cowdenbeath

The Big T have lost their last three league matches and have slipped down to 5th. Is that ever since I touted them as being title outsiders? I wouldn’t like to comment, I doubt that my words in these pages have that much influence. It’s a concern though, since Tranent will feel that those matches were ones that they should have been taking more from.

Cowdenbeath are still up and down form-wise but they’ve got themselves a cushion over the bottom four sides and will be looking for a good result in this one to climb away from the danger zone and back towards mid-table obscurity. Given the way they were looking just a month ago, that would likely be seen as a victory for the Central Park faithful.

Happy days are here again. That is to say it’s a weekend with a full card of Park’s Motor Group Lowland League matches and the SUN came out today so they might even all get played.
Can you imagine the joys?

Berwick Rangers vs Gretna 2008

Berwick Rangers are fast becoming the team to watch in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League, but probably not in the way they were hoping for. They’ve lost twice in the league since new manager Kevin Haynes joined the club, and lost out to Broomhill in the Lowland League Cup in midweek. Four losses in their last five games will be giving the Shielfield Park side sleepless nights and they’ll be itching – perhaps even desperate – to get back to winning ways on Saturday.

Gretna’s fortunes could have been similar after an early season sprint was followed up by some fairly patchy form. Given that they’ve been experiencing a bit of an injury crisis of late, it’s safe to say that Vinnie Parker’s side will feel pretty secure with 27 points from 24 matches. They’ve managed to re-sign a significant number of this season’s squad ahead of 2025/26 already, so they’ll be on a high going into this one.

Shielfield Park for thrills this Saturday? It’s our Neutral’s Pick – let us know on the former Bird Platform if you head along to this one.

Bo’ness United vs Hearts B

I always struggle to know exactly what to make of Bo’ness United’s 2024/25 season and I guess that when I tell you that their goal difference is currently +1, you might see what I mean.

They’re going about their business quietly, in no threat of relegation and – perhaps sadly for their supporters – not really looking like troubling the top five in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League. 

They welcome Hearts B to Newtown Park on Saturday, with the Wee Jambos on a fairly inconsistent run which has left them in 12th in the table. 

Broomhill vs Caledonian Braves

Broomhill can count themselves unlucky that they find themselves at the foot of the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League table at the moment. They’re currently sitting on 16 points but have three games in hand over their nearest rivals Cumbernauld Colts thanks to weather call-offs (their midweek League Cup tie against Berwick had to be played at K Park). 

They have second placed Caledonian Braves visiting the Dumbarton Stadium this weekend, and will be looking to build on that impressive cup win in this one. They will also no doubt be hoping that the weather holds.

Caledonian Braves will be looking to continue their strong run of form that sees them fairly comfortable in second place. The momentum in the title race still lies with East Kilbride, but Braves will be looking to convert every three points possible in the run in. 

Civil Service Strollers vs Tranent

Civil Service Strollers are another team going quietly about their business this season. Since joining, Gary Jardine has all-but transformed Strollers into a team that nobody fancies themselves to take points off. Ask half the table who their bogey team is and the chances are they’d say Strollers. 

Tranent have been on a bit of a dip, presumably because I touted them as dark horses for the title a few weeks ago. Sorry about that, Tranent fans. They’ve slipped to 5th in the Park’s Motor Group Scottish Lowland League table and will be looking to turn those Forester’s frowns upside down at Christie Gillies Park on Saturday. 

Cumbernauld Colts vs Cowdenbeath

Cumbernauld Colts might well be coming on to a game despite their woes so far in the Lowland League this season. A 3-2 win over Celtic B in their last league match was as welcome as it was unexpected, but a demoralising 5-0 defeat in the cup, at K Park will drive home the scale of the job that Colts have to do to avoid the danger zone come the end of the season. 

Cowdenbeath on the other hand have come out of their own little slide down the table with two wins and two draws in their last five. Things are looking up for the Blue Brazil but this one will be a really tough match for them, and you could do much worse than a wee trip to Broadwood this weekend. 

East Kilbride vs Broxburn Athletic

K Park is the venue on Saturday as the current champions look to cement their stranglehold on the top spot. They have three games in hand over nearest rivals Caledonian Braves, and already hold a three point advantage. They can afford to slip up a couple of times, is what I’m saying. 

If you’d asked me a few weeks ago I’d have said that this could be that game, with Broxburn Athletic in free-scoring form but a wee mid-season slump saw them take a couple of batterings and the newly promoted side’s morale dip a wee bit. 

Things seem to be on the up for them, and with a renewed focus on finishing as high as they can in the Lowland League standings, this one is bound to be fascinating. 

Gala Fairydean Rovers vs East Stirlingshire

This match will contain more than five goals. You mark my words. 

Where they’ll come from, I honestly have no idea but I have absolute faith that there are goals in them there hills. Why? 

GFR have scored 43 and conceded 65. East Stirlingshire have conceded 51 and scored 40 themselves, all while both clubs have been experiencing a difficult season. 

Could be a classic…

…could be 0-0.

Linlithgow Rose vs Celtic B

Four wins in five matches for Linlithgow Rose sees them in 4th place in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland Football League, just one point behind their weekend visitors Celtic B. 

This one is likely to be a tight affair as two of the league’s best defensive records meet at Prestonfield. Whoever comes out on top will have the momentum in the fight for 3rd spot… and maybe even more.

University of Stirling vs Albion Rovers

This Sunday, SunDAY, SUNDAY it’s Forthbank for uhh… frills as University of Stirling welcome Albion Rovers. Uni have been one of the division’s least consistent sides this season and have lost three of their last five league games, putting them in danger of being sucked into relegation trouble. 

For some Albion Rovers fans, 7th place in the Scottish Lowland League seems the equivalent of being permanently stuck in a pit full of spikes… and snakes… and angry swans, such is their vociferous criticism of their team’s performances this season. 

Some might argue that it’s progress, but two losses and two draws in their last five has taken a bit of the momentum out of their push for the top six. Rovers fans will be looking for a win… and possibly some rope…

We are delighted to announce that the second round of the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League Cup has been drawn.

The ties are as follows:

Tranent vs. Gala Fairydean Rovers

Bo’ness United vs. Civil Service Strollers or East Stirlingshire

Gretna 2008 or University of Stirling vs. Linlithgow Rose

Cumbernauld Colts or East Kilbride vs. Broomhill or Berwick Rangers

Ties will be played on the week of 18th/19th February

This weekend it’s all about Storm Eowyn! At time of writing we weren’t aware of how the storm could potentially affect the fixture card – to be honest we’re still not. 

I presume that some fixtures won’t make it, and I hope it’s not because of damage or injury. Be safe out there. 

It’s only fitba at the end of the day. 

Hearts B vs East Kilbride

This preview was written before the match was called off due to the RED WEATHER WARNING but you might as well have it. You can imagine the match in your head and tweet us what the score was…

East Kilbride are on a run of five wins in five matches and come into this one with a five point advantage over second placed Caledonian Braves… with two games in hand. Confidence is sky high at K Park at the moment and it feels like this match might be a boost rather than a dent to their title chances.

Hearts B go into this match outside the top half of the table despite showing much improved form in the last few matches. They’ll know that Friday night under the Ainslie Park lights might provide them with a slight benefit against the reigning champions, but East Kilbride will be the favourites as the visitors.

Albion Rovers vs Cowdenbeath

You know what? I think this will be one of the best matches of the weekend. Why do I think that? Because both sides are going through a bit of an unpredictable patch. Cowdenbeath have arrested their relegation-seeking form and currently find themselves in 12th place, while Albion Rovers are on a run of fairly indifferent form but remain in 7th. 

In truth, only seven points separate the two sides and it’s not hard to imagine this becoming a battle for positions over the next few matches. 

Broomhill vs University of Stirling

Broomhill’s run of four defeats in the last five belies the fact that their performances have been much improved and Dumbarton’s newest team have been scoring plenty of goals. They’ll need that against a University of Stirling side who lie eight points ahead of them in the league but are sitting on the same goal difference. 

Matches between these two sides are always intriguing and occasionally beguiling fixtures and folk heading along to the Dumbarton Stadium are likely to be in for an enjoyable ninety minutes of action.

Civil Service Strollers vs Broxburn Athletic

Civil Service Strollers exited the EOS Qualifying Cup, beaten on penalties by Linlithgow Rose in midweek. It’s been a bit of a tough run for Gary Jardine’s side recently, with their last win in the league in early December against Berwick Rangers. Plenty of cup involvement has been the name of the game for Strollers since and they’ll be keen to get back to league action and continue their push towards the top half of the division.

Broxburn suffered a rough defeat in the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup last weekend, exiting the competition after a comprehensive defeat at the hands of Ayr United. However, the Brox’s league form has been decent with two wins in their last three and a healthy Goals For column to boot.

Cumbernauld Colts vs Celtic B

Cumbernauld Colts’ new manager John Doyle faces an uphill struggle with his new charges still stuck at the foot of the table. Four defeats in the last five is the story of their recent matches and Doyle will know that things need to change in fairly short order to get things moving in the right direction for Broadwood’s finest.

That will be a challenge this weekend as they welcome Celtic B. They currently sit in 3rd position in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland Football League with two matches in hand over Caledonian Braves who are three points ahead. 

East Stirlingshire vs Tranent

East Stirlingshire are going through it a wee bit at the moment, with Pat Scullion’s side finding themselves back on a negative run of form with three losses in their last five. Lewis Latona and Ben Lamont have both extended their loan stays at the Falkirk Stadium until the end of the season, while mercurial striker Greig Spence has moved on to pastures new. 

Tranent lie in 4th in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League having suffered what, for them, could be described as a blip. A loss and a draw in their last three tarnishing an otherwise staggering record for a team which are not currently hitting the heights. Connor Duthie has signed on loan from Peterhead to strengthen the side, while the talismanic Dean Brett has signed on for another season which will delight the Forester’s faithful.

Gala Fairydean Rovers vs Caledonian Braves

Gala Fairydean Rovers currently sit in 16th in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League, but they’ll be aware that their relegation rivals are sitting with games in hand over them and therefore maximising points is the order of the day. Their last five record includes two wins and you can absolutely never count GFR out of any match that they’re involved in. 

Ricky Waddell’s Braves come into this one with three wins in their last five but their title challenge has stalled somewhat, allowing East  Kilbride to take the momentum from them. They’ll be keen to lay down a marker ahead of the rest of the season by beating Gala Fairydean Rovers on the road. 

Gretna 2008 vs Bo’ness United

It’s the Neutral’s Pick this week as 8th travel to take on 9th in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League. There’s nothing really to pick between Bo’ness United and Gretna (except two games in hand and a 15 goal swing but wheesht) and this game is going to be an absolutely fascinating match up as one of the league’s most improved side come up against one of the league’s steadiest competitors. 

A symbol of Gretna’s improvement on and off the park is in the number of players they have already secured for next season and Vinnie Parker’s side are riding a wave of positivity into this one. 

Bo’ness United are on a run of patchy form and have lost Ryan Porteous (not that one) to Bonnyrigg Rose, while Lucas Stenhouse has been recalled from his loan to his parent club Livingston. They were two influential players for the club, and their absence will likely be felt as Stuart Hunter’s side adjust. 

A wee word also for Bo’ness United legend Michael Gemmell who made it 300 appearances for the BUs last time out against East Kilbride. 

Also, like all forms of high art: I don’t really know what this but I know that I like it. 

Linlithgow Rose vs Berwick Rangers

Linlithgow Rose have three wins in their last five matches and have brought in experienced midfielder James Berry from Stenhousemuir to bolster their squad ahead of the rest of the season. Gordon Herd’s side have been impressive this season and made it through to the next round of the EOS Qualifying Cup with a penalty shootout victory over Civil Service Strollers. 

Will that lead to some fatigue in the ol’ legs as Berwick Rangers arrive at Prestonfield? Who knows! For Berwick Rangers’ part, new boss Kevin Haynes has secured the signatures of some influential members of the squad, while defender Jamie McCormack has been allowed to leave to look for a new club. 

Haynes’ first game will set a precedent for the rest of the season – Berwick’s form is atrocious with four defeats in the last five matches. The new manager bounce is real though, and the Berwick board and Shielfield Park faithful will be hoping that Haynes can turn things around.

Happy New Year! It’s Lowland League Weekly time and we’re back with the promise of more great Park’s Motor Group Lowland League action. 

We’ve also got a few thoughts on the season so far from supporters of some clubs and Official Catchup’s Chris Pow has also given us his verdict on each club’s season so far.

And as for this week’s Neutral’s Pick? Well, it’s got to be Broxburn Athletic vs Linlithgow Rose, doesn’t it?

Albion Rovers

Ryan Kelly: I asked my fellow Rovers supporters for their thoughts on our performance so far this season and was largely greeted with many variations on the phrase “consistently inconsistent”, on paper it may seem that we’re performing marginally better than in our inaugural Lowland League season but an undercurrent of frustration remains among the Cliftonhill faithful. Even during our 9 game unbeaten run you could never be sure if we’d look like world beaters or make heavy weather of a team in the lower half of the league. That’s without even touching on disappointing cup performances.

That run will likely help us continue to hover somewhere around the top 6 but that is of little solace in a league where a single team enters the promotion playoff, increasingly being a Rovers fan feels like being Homer Simpson staring at the plaque on the wall reading “don’t forget, you’re here forever” and no amount of memories of the crazy gang or 2013/14 cup run can cover it up.

The Catchup Verdict: Given the recent board statements released by the club, it’s fair to say, there is a wee bit of turmoil behind the scenes. Albeit, some Rovers supporters have bemoaned the style of play under Sandy Clark this season, It’s the opposite on the pitch. Results speak for themselves, and Albion are the highest up the table of former SPFL sides.

Berwick Rangers

The Catchup Verdict: On paper, things are looking up for Berwick Rangers more recently after Jamie Pyper and Scott-Taylor MacKenzie returned to the club. Talisman Liam Buchanan is back from injury, and Kevin Haynes has also come back to the Borderers, this time as manager, after the club mutually agreed to part ways with Tam Scobbie. The biggest issue Berwick has had, aside from injuries, is hitting the back of the net.

Bo’ness United

The Catchup Verdict: After last season’s high league finish, there were expectations for the BUs to repeat their performance this year. Sadly, it’s not been the case with the team struggling to find consistency for most of the campaign. It was always going to be a tough task with other clubs improving their form and squads this season.

Broomhill 

The Catchup Verdict: Broomhill have the advantage of having played 2 less games than Gala and Cumbernauld Colts, but it’s points on the board that the club really need. The impressive Cameron Rowley returning to Airdrieonians from loan is a big loss but the addition of Che Campbell on loan from Partick Thistle and the permanent signing of goalkeeper Harry Broun are positives in their fight to keep off the bottom.

Broxburn Athletic

Stuart McLellan: A complete unknown for us coming into the Lowland league, the Broxburn players and staff should be proud of our maiden season so far.

With big wins against a lot of established Lowland league sides and sitting proudly at the time of writing this in sixth position in the table. Steve Pittman and his coaching team have kept the spine of the East of Scotland Premier Division championship winning side together. Keeper Bob Watt, defender Greg Page, captain Nick Locke and striker Errol Douglas were a huge part of last season’s successful season. This season, the club have added Andy Rodden at left back who has plenty of experience at this level, Owen Wardell on loan from Bonnyrigg Rose gives us pace. And when it comes to a midfield creative spark, Kyle Bell has been fantastic for the club and my favourite player so far this season (Hard to pick) 

The main aim for the club was survival at the start of the season, but this is an ambitious bunch and I’m sure mid table would be a better aim at this stage of the season.

The Catchup Verdict: There were very little doubts that Broxburn were going to do well after their promotion into the Lowland League. How well was the real question at the start of the season and I believe Brox fans will be happy to see their side sitting 6th at the business end.

Caledonian Braves

The Catchup Verdict: The Braves started the season in fine form, going on a 15 match unbeaten run. Results have dropped off more recently, however, the Braves remain in second spot, and are tied with Celtic B with the best defensive record in the league, having only conceded 20 goals. The much talked about investment into the club will ensure the Braves will remain a challenger going forward.

Celtic B

The Catchup Verdict: No surprises that the B Bhoys remain one of the strongest sides in the Lowland considering they are stacked with talent. Whether we will ever see one of the B team players get a proper chance to break into the first team, remains doubtful, especially with names like Daniel Cummings being linked with a move away from the club.

Civil Service Strollers

Charlie Laing: Gary Jardine has recruited well to fill the gaps left by a number of young players, who had been with us for a few years, leaving us to go on to SPFL teams. 

It’s taken time for the new players to bed in, and we’ve also had a string of injuries too!l  

My favourite player at the moment is Callumn Yeats he’s so steady and comes up with some cracking goals. It was disappointing to go out of the Scottish Cup in the 2nd round to Irvine Meadow. However, we’re doing well in the South Challenge Cup (5th round), where we got revenge on Meadow and the EoSQ Cup (4th round). It would be great to get to a final. 

Once we get into our stride, I’m sure we’ll finish in the top half of the league again. Fingers crossed.

The Catchup Verdict: Strollers are always there or thereabouts in terms of finishing top half or higher. As the seasons go on, it’s been more difficult for them and Gary Jardine to remain as competitive with those clubs with a higher playing budget.

Cowdenbeath

Andrew Mullen: It has been a frustrating start to Dougie Hill’s managerial career after returning to Central Park for a third spell.

Injuries have played their part in the Fifers slow start to the season. Long term victims have been Ewan MacPherson who hasn’t kicked a ball this season and Aiden McLaughlin who limped off injured in his second game of the season.

It has also been a case of “too many” draws with eight of the 18 league games ending in stalemates.

For the second half of the campaign the draws need to be turned into wins to move up the table.

Robbie McNab has once again been an influential player – although he has now left for SPFL football with Stirling Albion – and assistant player/manager Paul McLean has added experience in the heart of the defence.

Young prospects Ruaridh Lynch (Dundee), Jake Sutherland (Dunfermline), Rhys Walker (Falkirk) and Olly Whyte (Motherwell) have all done well during their loan spells.

The Catchup Verdict: Before the festive period, we might have been saying something different about the Blue Brazil, who seem to have saved themselves from the relegation dogfight in recent weeks. Manager Dougie Hill has had to juggle between tactical styles when Cowden play at Central Park and when they travel elsewhere and results, especially away from home, have been uninspiring for most of the season. 

Cumbernauld Colts

The Catchup Verdict: The Colts and David Proctor were victims of their own success from last season. A lot of the first team moved higher up the tiers or moved to league rivals in the summer. Colts have fielded the youngest squad in the league for most of the season and the lack of experience has likely affected results. 

Craig Holmes returning to the club and the signing of Paul Woods will help the younger players. But much is still up in the air with new manager John Doyle only being appointed recently.

East Kilbride

The Catchup Verdict: Last season’s Lowland League champions are exactly where many expected them to be at this point of the season – sitting top of the league. 

Another crack at promotion to League 2 is the ultimate goal, but a semi-final against Queen’s Park in the SPFL Trust Trophy later this month, will have Kilby fans excited at the possibility of another cup final appearance for the club.

East Stirlingshire

Gregor Mackintosh: It’s been another disappointing season for The Shire on the whole so far, as we currently find ourselves much further down the table than I think most people would have expected given our finish to last season and subsequent summer recruitment. 

Looking ahead, despite our rough start we’re only a few points behind the top half of the table, so I’d be hoping we can break into that area before the end of the season and our next games against Bo’ness and Civil Service are great opportunities to do that. 

My main hope right now however would be to keep some of our better performers for next season and rebuild ahead of the next campaign. 

The Catchup Verdict: Shire looked worryingly like a potential candidate for relegation at the start of the season but after chairman Simon Dickerson continued to show faith in manager Pat Scullion, the club hit a bit of form and pushed themselves to nearer midtable.

Gala Fairydean Rovers

The Catchup Verdict: Gala have no issues with scoring goals, however, they do currently have the worst defensive record in the league, conceding 63 goals in 23 games. It will be something manager Martin Scott will be hoping to rectify to steer the club away from the drop in the remaining fixtures.

Gretna 2008

Scott Williamson: As the mid-point of the Scottish Lowland Football League season arrives, Gretna FC 2008 reflects on a campaign marked by challenges and progress. The team has shown determination on the pitch, securing some key victories, but inconsistency remains a hurdle to overcome. We have looked a lot more of a solid unit at the back thanks to Jimbo in goal & whilst I wouldn’t want to comment on too many individuals, my two players of the season so far would be Stuart Douglas & Andy Oram.  So much credit has to go to Vinnie & his backroom staff on a stellar season so far.

Off the pitch, the newly appointed board has been a breath of fresh air, bringing stability and a clear vision for the club’s future. Their efforts to engage with fans, strengthen community ties, and support the squad have created a positive atmosphere around Raydale Park. Also all the staff in the Wee Bar & Kitchen  deserve a mention, they all know who they are.

With strong leadership from the board and passionate support from the stands, Gretna FC 2008 looks forward to the second half of the season with optimism, We were definitely labelled whipping boys at the start of the season but we have more than shifted that tag and I fully believe we’ll be looking up rather than over our shoulder by the season’s close.

The Catchup Verdict: Much of the groundwork of Gretna’s transformation started last season, without the results on the pitch really showing it. Vinnie Parker has brought stability to the club, and not many would have expected Gretna to be mid table. We’ve been so used to seeing them struggle for survival for so many seasons, their current success has inevitably brought about the death of the relegation safety net for other clubs.

Hearts B

The Catchup Verdict: The Wee Jambos have been largely disappointing this season in terms of results. This can be somewhat excused with a few of the B team players appearing in lineups for the first team, with others such as Finlay Pollock and Callum Sandilands being loaned out to teams higher up the levels.

Linlithgow Rose

Robbie Dougall: The Rosey Posey this season have made us supporters very proud. We’ve improved from last season in many ways, grinding out results by showing character and grit, maintaining a healthy and balanced squad, and protecting our leads well. We also had a lengthy unbeaten run in the league, which was a joy to watch. This is testament to the hard work from the players, alongside Herdy, John and the rest of the management team. 

For me, our stand out player has been incredibly consistent no matter who we play – Greg Skinner. I’ve still never seen Skinner lose a ball in the air and he loves a last minute goal! 

In the second half of the season, I’d look to see us continue showing determination and always being battle ready – we’re still very much in the running, but a top 4 finish would be a great achievement for only our second season in the league, although a double over Bo’ness would also see us happy.

The Catchup Verdict: Coming off an injury-ridden season, last year, results have improved massively and we’re starting to see what this squad is about. With a little more consistency and taking out a few surprising dropped points this year, Rose can go on to establish themselves as a real contender in the league.

Tranent

The Catchup Verdict: Jonny Stewart took over the Belters in September and they have remained fairly solid in the league up until this point. When you look at the experience and quality of the Tranent squad over the last few seasons, it has been surprising they haven’t been the challengers many expected them to be so far.

University of Stirling

The Catchup Verdict: Chris Geddes was under no illusions this would be one of his tougher seasons as manager. The Uni lost a lot of their senior players in the summer and although some members of the squad still have experience at this level, it’s not as strong currently as previous seasons.

Another week, another Lowland League Weekly as we take a look back at the midweek and weekend fixtures and look ahead to what will (hopefully!) be a full card of fixtures across Friday night and Saturday afternoon. 

It’s the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League, and as always it’s going to be a great weekend of affordable fitba. Let’s get into it…

Linlithgow Rose vs Broomhill

Two teams in fairly similar form meet at Prestonfield on Friday night for a light spot of FRIDAY NIGHT FITBA. Zander DIamond’s Broomhill have lost two and won two in their last five, while Gordon Herd’s Rose have won two and drawn two. 

Both sides have hit a wee stumbling block in recent weeks as they try to climb into the top three and steer themselves clear of the danger zone respectively.

Broomhill were on the wrong end of a 4-1 defeat away at East Kilbride in midweek after seeing their weekend match postponed due to a waterlogged pitch (remember when it was just wet and not freezing out?). Linlithgow Rose’s midweek match with Hearts B was a victim of that freeze, and they come into this one on the back of a surprising 2-0 defeat away at Cowdenbeath.

Hearts B vs Cumbernauld Colts

Hearts B welcome bottom of the table Cumbernauld Colts to the Ainslie Park Thunderdome under the Friday night lights hoping to continue their winning streak to three matches.

Cumbernauld Colts come into this one in what can only be described as relegation form. They’ve lost four of their last five matches, including 6-0 at home to nearest rivals Gala Fairydean Rovers last Saturday. 

They were much improved against Gretna 2008 in midweek, but still came away without any points. This match has the potential for a points return, but Craig Malcolm’s side will have to build on their midweek performance if they’re going to take anything away against the young full-timers.

Albion Rovers vs Gretna 2008

Albion Rovers come into this one on the back of two wins and two losses, while Gretna travel to Coatbridge with two draws and two losses in their last five. As mentioned, Gretna got a good result at home against Cumbernauld Colts in midweek while Albion Rovers’ trip to Broxburn was frozen off, but their last match was an exciting and morale-boosting draw against high-flying Tranent.

I have a sneaking suspicion that this one will be an exciting match. Both Rovers and Gretna have a chance to solidify their positions ahead of the festive fixtures, and there are goals in both sides.

Caledonian Braves vs Cowdenbeath

At half time in Caledonian Braves’ midweek game against East Stirlingshire, with the game poised at 0-0, there might have been a few Braves fans following the match from sunnier climes who thought that the title race might be slipping away from them.

Fast forward 45 minutes and Ricky Waddell’s side were running out 4-0 winners and putting themselves in contention three points behind East Kilbride (albeit having played a game more).

In contrast, Cowdenbeath’s season has been in a tailspin in recent weeks with three losses and two draws in their last six matches. Why six? Because last time out they won 2-0 against Linlithgow Rose to provide a little cushion between them and the bottom two sides in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League. 

Braves will do well not to underestimate the Blue Brazil in this one.

East Kilbride vs Berwick Rangers

Berwick Rangers would likely have preferred to go into an away match at the home of the league leaders and last season’s champions on the back of a positive midweek result. Which is a shame, since they were on the end of a 4-1 defeat by Civil Service Strollers.

East Kilbride won their midweek match by the same scoreline against Broomhill and look like a side brimming with confidence ahead of this one. Kieran MacDonald is the club’s latest recruit from Gartcairn and he is likely to be eligible for this one to add to Kilby’s intimidating squad.

East Stirlingshire vs Broxburn Athletic

I can’t use my ‘you wouldn’t call East Stirlingshire a form team’ image anymore after Pat Scullion’s side have lost and drawn in their last two matches. How rude. 

A 4-0 defeat at home in midweek against Caledonian Braves disappointed a number of the Shire faithful who were disappointed at the nature of the performance after a prolonged run of victories had propelled them up the table. 

Broxburn Athletic’s season has stalled a little in the last few weeks – not least because of a few postponements – their last league win coming against Caledonian Braves at the beginning of November. They’ll be hoping that they can arrest any creeping malaise to keep their place in the top six going into the festive fixtures. 

Gala Fairydean Rovers vs Civil Service Strollers

After a 6-0 win over relegation rivals Cumbernauld Colts, Gala Fairydean Rovers head into their home match with Civil Service Strollers (AKA The Excellent Name Derby) looking to move themselves above Broomhill and Cowdenbeath and out of the danger zone (for now – it’s awfy close down there!).

Civil Service Strollers took three points from Shielfield Park against Berwick. They’re on a pretty strong run (three wins in the last five) and will be looking to cement their place in the top half of the table.

Tranent vs Celtic B

Tranent haven’t lost in the league since August, but currently lie in fourth place thanks to the number of draws and their three league defeats coming in the first few weeks of the season. 

They are definitely the team to watch, and the team to seem clever about in the pub when you’re undoubtedly discussing Lowland League fitba. 

Celtic lie in second place, just a point ahead of Tranent and will need to be on their guard if they’re going to take anything away from Foresters Park on Saturday.

This one is also a match up between the second and third highest scoring teams in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League and whatever happens, this one is sure to be worth a watch.

Yes, that’s right folks… Tranent vs Celtic B is this week’s Neutral’s Pick!

University of Stirling vs Bo’ness United

A mid-table battle with plenty at stake, at least in terms of net league position! Bo’ness United are sitting in 8th place on 24 points and 17 games played, while University of Stirling are in 10th on 23 points with 19 games played. 

A good result for Uni will see them leapfrog their visitors, at least for the time-being and will put them in a strong position since they have struggled somewhat to get results against the teams around them so far this season.

Bo’ness United’s recent form will be cause for concern for the Newtown Park faithful but they are sitting comfortably in the top half going into the festive period and they have a real knack for edging out matches against the teams around them in the league. 

This one could go both ways. We could be on for a free-scoring game between two beautifully matched teams… or it could be a cagey affair ending in a low-scoring draw.

Whatever happens, I’ll be back with you next week to tell you how I predicted it correctly (by sitting on the fence).