SLFL Matchday 1 & 2 Roundup

It was a bumper opening to the Scottish Lowland Football League season, so just in case you missed a second of the action (how dare you?), here’s a wee roundup of Matchday 1 and Matchday 2!

Matchday 1

Lowland League luminaries gathered at Galabank on Friday 28th July, keen to catch a glimpse of the league’s newest side, Edusport Academy, as they took on Gala Fairydean Rovers. The Academy side quickly raced into the lead but Gala mounted a stunning comeback – the 4-4 final score saw the curtain raiser go down as an early contender for game of the season.

The Spartans were the high scorers in the first round of fixtures, putting seven past a new look Hawick Royal Albert team with doubles for Jamie Dishington and Ross Allum (Highlights from Grim’s Gantry). A new-look BSC Glasgow travelled to Ochilview to take on last season’s hotshots East Stirlingshire and came away with an impressive 3-0 victory thanks to goals from new signings Martin Grehan and Jack Smith (Highlights from ShireTV).

Selkirk welcomed Whitehill Welfare to Yarrow Park and Ian Fergus’ side burst out of the blocks, going in two goals to the good at half time and running out eventual 5-1 victors with the first SLFL hat trick of the season being claimed by Daryl Healy. Civil Service Strollers also visited the Borders, coming away with a 2-0 win over Gretna 2008.

A much-changed Vale of Leithen travelled up to Falkirk to take on University of Stirling. New Uni player manager Chris Geddes proved the old adage of ‘if you want something done, do it yourself’ by bringing himself on in the 75th minute and scoring the decisive goal in a 2-1 victory in the 80th.

Edinburgh University lost in a tight game against Cumbernauld Colts thanks to a 78th minute Craig Murray penalty. A Jack Guthrie penalty had put Uni ahead before Craig Holmes equalised for Colts just before half time. Champions East Kilbride got their title defence underway against Dalbeattie Star; a Declan Hughes goal in the 81st minute enough to seal the three points for Kilby.

Matchday 2

There was no rest for the wicked as the SLFL party continued into midweek. Tuesday night saw a feisty contest in the early kick off between Vale of Leithen and Edinburgh University. Vale came out eventual 1-0 winners thanks to a late Sean Stewart goal, despite losing Kerr Allan to a second yellow card in the 66th minute.

East Kilbride welcomed BSC Glasgow to K Park in their flipped fixture. A tight opening 45 minutes finished goalless despite a few spirited attacks from both sides but Declan Hughes broke the deadlock on 53 minutes, netting his second goal of the season before former Kilby striker Jack Smith replied with his second of the season in the 86th minute.

There was a North Edinburgh derby on offer in the early kick off on Wednesday night as Civil Service Strollers took on The Spartans at Christie Gillies Park. In a tight game it was a penalty converted by David Greenhill that gave the visitors the three points.

A borders derby was in the offing at Albert Park as Kenny Aitchison’s Hawick Royal Albert welcomed rivals Selkirk. And it was to be another tough game for the Albert. Sean Muhsin’s goal for the Souters inside 40 seconds was an ominous sign of things to come as further goals from McKirdy, Hopkinson and Addison sent them in for half time with the score at 4-0. Things didn’t get any better for beleaguered Albert in the second half. Selkirk ran riot and put a further six goals past Hawick’s Trialist goalkeeper. Jordan Hopkinson secured Selkirk’s second hat trick of the season as they came away from Albert Park 10-0 winners.

Gretna 2008 made the trip to Netherdale to take on Gala Fairydean Rovers and a brace from Adam Watson set Gala on the road to a 5-2 win. East Stirlingshire travelled to Rosewell to take on Whitehill Welfare and produced a much improved display to take three points back to Ochilview. Kevin Kelbie, Liam Allison and a Paul Sludden got the goals in a 4-0 win.

Cumbernauld Colts completed a Uni double – Edinburgh on Saturday and University of Stirling on Wednesday at Broadwood and came away with six points and a 100% record. A spirited display from the students was nixed by Stephen O’Neill penalty on 69 minutes. An evenly matched game finished 2-1.

Dalbeattie Star saw new boys Edusport Academy come to Islecroft and it was Liam Park who got the goal to give Star their first points of the season.

So here’s how the SLFL table stands after two rounds…

Scottish Lowland Football League 17/18

PosClubPWDLFAGDPts
130234364174773
230225376235371
330205571274465
430197467313664
5301531263501348
630118115354-141
730117124744340
830124145056-640
930115144549-438
103097144649-334
113097144045-534
1230111185066-1634
133087154363-2031
143078154665-1929
153085174476-3229
1630132618108-906

And here are the hotshots lighting up the scoring charts…

Top Goalscorers 2017/18

PlayerClubGoals
Paul SluddenEast Stirlingshire18
Andy RodgersEast Stirlingshire18
Daryl HealySelkirk12
Stuart NobleGala Fairydean Rovers11
Gary NicholsonWhitehill Welfare10
Nathan EvansEdinburgh University8
Gary RedpathBroomhill8
Kieran HallUniversity of Stirling8
Tommy MuirDalbeattie Star8
Jack GuthrieEdinburgh University8
Jordan FinnieVale of Leithen7
Stuart GrayGretna 20087
Lewis BonarUniversity of Stirling7
David BanjoSelkirk6
Joe BoyleEdinburgh University6
Jack WrightWhitehill Welfare6
Chris GeddesUniversity of Stirling6
Jamie McCormackEast Stirlingshire6
Kerr AllanVale of Leithen6
Thomas GarnierCaledonian Braves6
Kingsley GrandisonGretna 20085
Kyle MitchellWhitehill Welfare5
Paolo Buzzi-5
Connor McGregorWhitehill Welfare5
Stevie MurrayBroomhill5
Ahmed BouchentoufCaledonian Braves5
Kevin KelbieEast Stirlingshire4
Sofiane ZeghdaneCaledonian Braves4
Liam AllisonEast Stirlingshire4
Calum HelmSelkirk4
William MortimerCumbernauld Colts4
Rory MacEwanUniversity of Stirling4
Jordan HopkinsonSelkirk4
Grant Rose-4
Farrel O’SullivanDalbeattie Star4
David O’BrienUniversity of Stirling3
Adam WatsonGala Fairydean Rovers3
Jamie GullanGala Fairydean Rovers3
Darren McCrawWhitehill Welfare3
Ainslie HunterVale of Leithen3
Connor HigginsCaledonian Braves3
Louis BabelCaledonian Braves3
Louis BesnardCaledonian Braves3
Guillermo LaMarcaThe Spartans3
Gavin LachlanCaledonian Braves3
David MaskreyEdinburgh University3
Blair LyonsUniversity of Stirling3
Jamie WaddellCumbernauld Colts2
Angus Mailer-2
Robbie CarterWhitehill Welfare2
Scott LucasWhitehill Welfare2
James McPartlinWhitehill Welfare2
Ross Watters-2
Ross McMillanBroomhill2
George HunterBonnyrigg Rose2
Aidan FerrisEast Kilbride2
Fraser MalcolmGala Fairydean Rovers2
Stuart MacFarlane-2
Ciaran DonnellyBroomhill2
Liall SmithVale of Leithen2
Shaun StevensVale of Leithen2
Aidan WilsonCaledonian Braves2
Steven DegnanDalbeattie Star2
Aidan Peden-2
Kris MitchellCivil Service Strollers2
Kieran GibbonsEast Kilbride2
Mikey HewittCaledonian Braves2
Grant NelsonCaledonian Braves2
Ross KingSelkirk2
Cormac O’BrienHawick Royal Albert2
James FlynnWhitehill Welfare2
Scott WilsonThe Spartans2
Kerr DoddsWhitehill Welfare1
Matthew ReadGretna 20081
Rafa CalbachoEdinburgh University1
Dominic Slattery-1
Lee BarrettWhitehill Welfare1
Dachi KhutsishviliThe Spartans1
Matthew GrahamVale of Leithen1
Ross AitchisonGala Fairydean Rovers1
Steven LynchVale of Leithen1
Lewis HunterUniversity of Stirling1
Alasdair SimpsonHawick Royal Albert1
Gavin MalinThe Spartans1
Joe MurrayWhitehill Welfare1
Jamie MillsBroomhill1
Darren MilneHawick Royal Albert1
Sonny SwansonWhitehill Welfare1
Willie BremnerThe Spartans1
Michael JohnsonHawick Royal Albert1
Sean GulneyGala Fairydean Rovers1
Craig HowieEast Kilbride1
Clement JordanCaledonian Braves1
Connor SmithBroomhill1
David SmithEdinburgh University1
Lewis SwaneyGala Fairydean Rovers1
Dylan WeldonWhitehill Welfare1
Sean PaliczkaGala Fairydean Rovers1
Fabio NetoWhitehill Welfare1
George WindramGala Fairydean Rovers1
Ryan McKenzieWhitehill Welfare1
William KiddWhitehill Welfare1
Jordan LittleGretna 20081
Kevin KeaneUniversity of Stirling1
Steven BlackGretna 20081
Kevin McCannEast Kilbride1
Ross KellockUniversity of Stirling1
Craig McbrideVale of Leithen1
Ludovic ErhardEast Stirlingshire1
Andy SelkirkCumbernauld Colts1
Danny StoneyBroomhill1
Jon TullyHawick Royal Albert1
Martin McbrideEast Kilbride1
Stephen KerrCumbernauld Colts1
Dan FitzpatrickGretna 20081
Ellis Pearson-1
Danny McFaddenHawick Royal Albert1
James BatyDalbeattie Star1
Sean MuhsinSelkirk1
Ricky MillerSelkirk1
Liam McCroryCumbernauld Colts1
David ProctorEast Kilbride1
Unpha KoromaSelkirk1
Andy HunterCumbernauld Colts1
Angelo SteyerCaledonian Braves1
Anthony Capo-ChichiCaledonian Braves1
Max CondieEdinburgh University0
Dylan AtkinsonGretna 20080
Declan TrembleGretna 20080
Cameron DicksonHawick Royal Albert0
Matthew BeckettBroomhill0
Kerr ScottGala Fairydean Rovers0
Liam McIntoshHawick Royal Albert0
Darren BurnsHawick Royal Albert0
Stephen MansonWhitehill Welfare0
Josh Emmott-0
Ally MasonDalbeattie Star0
Lloyd KinnairdBroomhill0
Andrew StobieThe Spartans0
Gavin BrownGala Fairydean Rovers0
Cameron WatsonWhitehill Welfare0
Steven SacayaradjiCaledonian Braves0
Scott BonarHawick Royal Albert0
Jamie McHarrieDalbeattie Star0
Ally McColmDalbeattie Star0
Adam UphillGretna 20080
Darren MoffatBroomhill0
Aaron LewisVale of Leithen0
Gerard TraynorBroomhill0
Cammy McClairCumbernauld Colts0
Kieron BeveridgeVale of Leithen0
Matt NivenBroomhill0
Connor BarnesEdinburgh University0
Marc BerryGala Fairydean Rovers0
Ryan StevensonWhitehill Welfare0
Kieran CampbellEast Kilbride0
Craig Brown-0
Reiss JefferyHawick Royal Albert0
Tim RawlinsonEdinburgh University0
David Bonnar-0
Kevin Walker-0
Alex Webb-0
Chris AndersonVale of Leithen0
Paul Thomson-0
James ElliotVale of Leithen0
Joe WiltonBroomhill0
Ross GilpinVale of Leithen0
Robert JonesBroomhill0
Alexander ImlahVale of Leithen0
Steven BrisbaneEast Stirlingshire0
Ross JardineWhitehill Welfare0
Jordan Pirrie-0
Corey PearsonBroomhill0
Calum McDonaldEdinburgh University0
David BrownGala Fairydean Rovers0
Thomas CowleyUniversity of Stirling0
Kyle GillespieCumbernauld Colts0
Lewis KinnairdBroomhill0
Conor McKenzieCumbernauld Colts0
Darren McGrathWhitehill Welfare0
Craig NewallsCivil Service Strollers0
Ross GemmellHawick Royal Albert0
Sam BrownCumbernauld Colts0
Darren WhiteCivil Service Strollers0
Dan GreigSelkirk0
Ashley KellyGretna 20080
Robbie KellyCumbernauld Colts0
Craig McCallCaledonian Braves0
Darren KerrDalbeattie Star0
Jordon TappingEast Stirlingshire0
Fabian BorczUniversity of Stirling0
Lewis JollyGretna 20080
Daniel MainEdinburgh University0
Loic ChevrotCaledonian Braves0
Dean CarseCivil Service Strollers0
Jack VerthCivil Service Strollers0
Jonathan WatsonCivil Service Strollers0
Hamish FlettEdinburgh University0
Cameron MoirEdinburgh University0
Michael NessEdinburgh University0
Max VerkaikEdinburgh University0
Gaetan ArdourelCaledonian Braves0
Thomas ClareUniversity of Stirling0
Mathieu BretonCaledonian Braves0
Benjamin Chaib-EddourCaledonian Braves0
Souleyman DialloCaledonian Braves0
Kyle BoggieCivil Service Strollers0
Brett LandlesUniversity of Stirling0
Mohamed KoutaineCaledonian Braves0
Swanny NuissierCaledonian Braves0
Nathan BrownUniversity of Stirling0
John JamiesonGretna 20080
Aaron KellyGretna 20080
Tommy WhiteheadGretna 20080
Jamie ClunieHawick Royal Albert0
Declan HoggHawick Royal Albert0
Lewis KnoxHawick Royal Albert0
Calvin MuttittHawick Royal Albert0
Stuart BurnsideCivil Service Strollers0
George PrinceBroomhill0
Grant PeddieHawick Royal Albert0
Eachainn MillerUniversity of Stirling0
Eric TshinbanguSelkirk0
Ryan SclaterSelkirk0
Andrew FlemingSelkirk0
Murray ChristieSelkirk0
Callum MacKenzieSelkirk0
Lewis TurkingtonSelkirk0
Marc McFadyenSelkirk0
Kris MitchellSelkirk0
Kris FauldsEast Stirlingshire0
Lewis PeddieEast Stirlingshire0
Dominic KaneUniversity of Stirling0
David GrantEast Stirlingshire0
Morgan SmithEast Kilbride0
Josh BeattieEast Kilbride0
Ross CaldwellEast Kilbride0
James CassidyEast Kilbride0
Riccardo CorrieriEast Kilbride0
Lee DavidsonEast Kilbride0
Lewis DohertyEast Kilbride0
Blair KiddEast Kilbride0
Dominic Joseph McLarenEast Kilbride0
Craig McLeishEast Kilbride0
Mathew MeechanEast Kilbride0
Craig MelroseEast Kilbride0
Jack MooneyEast Kilbride0
Jack O’DonnellHawick Royal Albert0
Curtis RoseHawick Royal Albert0
Paul SutherlandEdinburgh University0
Scott NormanGretna 20080
Gareth ThomWhitehill Welfare0
Liam WishartWhitehill Welfare0
Lee StephenGala Fairydean Rovers0
Lewis MuirGala Fairydean Rovers0
Bryn HalliwellCaledonian Braves0
Jean Mike BonjontinCaledonian Braves0
Craig QuinnCaledonian Braves0
Romain SavignyCaledonian Braves0
Danny FarrellCaledonian Braves0
Martin McBrideEast Kilbride0
Robbie WintersBroomhill0
Grant GoodfellowSelkirk0
Craig SkirvingWhitehill Welfare0
Alan InglisGretna 20080
Liam DillonCivil Service Strollers0
Mark WaltersGala Fairydean Rovers0
Billy TaylorWhitehill Welfare0
Jamie DuffHawick Royal Albert0
Chris CairnsHawick Royal Albert0
Greg SummersHawick Royal Albert0
Sam GeorgeCumbernauld Colts0
Ryan MilneCumbernauld Colts0
Brandon ArchibaldThe Spartans0
Niall DochertyVale of Leithen0
Mark SmithWhitehill Welfare0
Rory RutherfordWhitehill Welfare0
Craig SaundersHawick Royal Albert0
Connor BrydonWhitehill Welfare0
Shaun SpenceHawick Royal Albert0
Darren ThomsonHawick Royal Albert0
Ross BradyVale of Leithen0
Jack HayVale of Leithen0
Daniel PattendenGala Fairydean Rovers0
Robert MansonVale of Leithen0
Andrew MartinVale of Leithen0
Jon McInallyVale of Leithen0
Ewan SaundersonVale of Leithen0
Jonny Scott-MercerVale of Leithen0
Kyle BrockieWhitehill Welfare0
Nicholas DolanWhitehill Welfare0
Corey RobertsonWhitehill Welfare0
Robbie DowieWhitehill Welfare0
Chris GordonWhitehill Welfare0
Scott GormleyWhitehill Welfare0
Hamish HunterWhitehill Welfare0
John KerrWhitehill Welfare0
Declan KnoxWhitehill Welfare0
Greg LloydWhitehill Welfare0
Liam McCabeWhitehill Welfare0
Aaron MoffatWhitehill Welfare0
Stephane MurrayWhitehill Welfare0
Ewan RitchieEdinburgh University0
Kieran ReynoldsWhitehill Welfare0
Greg ParkWhitehill Welfare0

Photos
Header image: Edinburgh University and Cumbernauld Colts in action (Credit: Alex Miller Snr. for Cumbernauld Colts)
Action shot: Daryl Healy celebrates his first senior hat trick (Credit: Keith Clayton for Selkirk FC)