Author: Michael Park

By Michael Park

Lowland League Preview – 31st August

Albion Rovers vs Gala Fairydean Rovers

Coming into this one on the back of a 4-4 draw with East Kilbride, Gala Fairydean Rovers will feel like their season is finally getting off the ground. 

Albion Rovers on the other hand might feel that meeting an ascendent Gala at their own ground might be a bit of a tough test given their travails away at Linlithgow Rose last weekend. 

This one is definitely a match to keep an eye on, as there’s plenty to play for. 

Berwick Rangers vs Caledonian Braves

Berwick Rangers have suffered a dip in form at exactly the wrong moment as they prepare to welcome high flyin’ Caledonian Braves to Shielfield Park. The Wee Gers have taken a few dunts in recent weeks, but Braves are themselves looking to get back to the early season form that so impressed. 

Ross McNeil and Liam Buchanan are two strikers with bags of Lowland League pedigree that it’ll be well worth keeping an eye on this weekend. 

Bo’ness United vs Gretna 2008

If I’d said that Gretna would have bitten my arm off to be in ninth place in the league with nine points at this stage in the season, I suppose I would now be nursing a bloody stump. Vinnie Parker’s side come into this one on the back of a 2-0 loss to Broxburn Athletic but nobody can dampen the good vibes at Raydale Park at the moment. 

It’s something they’ll be aiming to take on the road as they visit eleventh placed Bo’ness United who have had a mixed start to the season but managed some respite and recuperation time last week when their away match with Broomhill fell victim to the weather. 

It’s a big one in store at Newtown Park!

Broxburn Athletic vs East Kilbride

This one is our Neutral’s Pick for obvious reasons. Broxburn wouldn’t count as a ‘surprise package’ by any means but the East of Scotland champions have sliced and diced most of their opposition this season and find themselves in third, one point behind their visitors this week and with a game in hand. 

East Kilbride’s strengths are both legion and obvious, and they will be looking to consolidate their position as the top promotable team (and maybe even o’erleap the non-promotable team at the top) this weekend. 

Celtic B vs Tranent

Tranent are hitting form at just the right time for this one. The Big T put three past East Stirlingshire last weekend and look to be rediscovering some of the performances that so impressed last season. They’ll need it as they take on top of the table Celtic B. 

Civil Service Strollers vs Broomhill

Keep an eye out for this one as it could provide some interesting results! Broomhill go into this still looking for their first win while Civil Service Strollers are looking to bag their first win since early August when they defeated Cowdenbeath at home. 

I know I’m never done saying that the pitch at Christie Gillies Park is a real advantage to Strollers, but it is, so I’m not going to stop. Broomhill will need to get on top of that if they want to take anything out of the match. 

Cumbernauld Colts vs Hearts B

Colts are looking to build on a 3-0 win over Berwick Rangers last weekend as they welcome Hearts B to Broadwood. Hearts B looked insurmountable in the early season running but their form has dropped off. They’ll be looking to the experience of goalkeeper Jamie MacDonald as they push for another win to climb back up the table. 

East Stirlingshire vs University of Stirling

A Stirlingshire derby? Anyone? Maybe not. East Stirlingshire have disappointed so far this season, stuck with Broomhill in being unable to get out of the blocks with a win. They’ll see this weekend as an opportunity to do just that as University of Stirling come to The Falkirk Stadium with what could charitably be called ‘inconsistent’ form. 

Good luck predicting this one, I’m not even going to try. 

Linlithgow Rose vs Cowdenbeath

Linlithgow Rose have gone about their business quietly this season. Three wins and three defeats in their opening six games, but they’ve impressed a number of times. Cowdenbeath’s form has been a little all over the place, The Blue Brazil will be acutely aware that a loss could put them in the clutches of the teams below them, and they will be hoping to head to Prestonfield and kickstart their season with a win over the Rose. 

By Michael Park

Lowland League Roundup – 24th & 25th August

Civil Service Strollers 1-1 Celtic B

No messing about for Civil Service Strollers as they fought hard to take something from their home match against Celtic B. They managed it with a late strike from their Captain, Matty Shaw, who popped up with a goal five minutes from time to give Gary Jardine and his boys something to take into next week’s match against fellow strugglers Broomhill. 

For those seeking to topple Celtic B, this match could be viewed as something of a blueprint, with Strollers hard work and defensive organisation eventually leading to a chance which they were able to convert. With the B team currently top of the league, many around them will be looking to see what kind of setups work best against the youthful full-timers. 

Cowdenbeath 1-1 Caledonian Braves

Cowdenbeath are the kings of the late penalty in this season’s Park’s Motor Group Lowland League so far. Braves took the lead through another well-timed Ross McNeil header (feed his heid and he will score as they famously don’t say down at Alliance Park). 

In dying moments, the ball broke to a Cowdenbeath attacker who was wiped out just inside the penalty box for his trouble. Jamie Docherty stepped up and dispatched the penalty to equalise and send Braves back down the road with a solitary point. 

Cumbernauld Colts 3-0 Berwick Rangers

This one was the Neutral’s Pick for this weekend but suffice it to say this isn’t how we saw this one going. A comfortable winning margin for David Proctor’s men added more woe to a Berwick side who suffered a 7-0 humiliation to University of Stirling in midweek. 

Berwick, who started the season strongly, have now conceded 10 goals in two matches. They will (and do) point to a run of nine matches in twenty-nine days as the reason for their tough run, but they’ll need to pick themselves up and go again after a week’s break. They welcome Caledonian Braves to Shielfield Park on Saturday, while Colts – whose youngsters impressed where higher profile signings have disappointed this season – welcome Hearts B to Broadwood. 

Gala Fairydean Rovers 4-4 East Kilbride 

Photo: Thomas Brown

Not much to say about this one really…

Kidding!

Nine-man East Kilbride will count themselves lucky to have left Netherdale with a point following Tiwi Daramola’s 88th minute equaliser. A red card either side of half time will give Kilby an out, but Gala Fairydean Rovers assistant Steven Craig praised his players’ commitment and drive to progress and claimed that EK’s second red ‘ruined the game a bit’.  

A match that saw the lead change hands multiple times and a number of scintillating goals can only be described as ‘one for the neutral’. Hearts were undoubtedly in mouths as the ball crossed the line for the equaliser and it is unlikely that anyone will underestimate Gala Fairydean Rovers for the rest of the season, after a tough opening run.

That being said though, one point is one point and it lifts them above East Stirlingshire and Broomhill who are both still on one point.

Gretna 2008 0-2 Broxburn Athletic

Gretna’s bright start to the season was halted at home when high-flying promoted side Broxburn came to Raydale Park. This one was an option for Neutral’s Pick, with both sides having impressed so far this season. 

It was a close-run thing for the opening 70 minutes with both sides failing to break the deadlock. However, when Kyle Bell was fouled in the penalty box, the referee pointed to the spot and suddenly the game changed when the Brox midfielder converted the resulting penalty himself. Alassan Jones popped up ten minutes later, converting the second after his initial attempt was blocked.

Broxburn find themselves sitting pretty in third place, but face a challenging weekend when they welcome East Kilbride to Albyn Park. Gretna on the other hand, are facing a trip to Bo’ness to take on 11th place Bo’ness United.

Linlithgow Rose 2-1 Albion Rovers

Albion Rovers were looking to this one as a chance to kick on, but it was Linlithgow Rose that took the spoils at Prestonfield on Saturday. The opening goal went Rovers’ way and honestly you’ll never see a more ‘Scottish fitba’ goal as a ball destined for Dom McMahon was intercepted by Rose’s Jamie Allan, put out of reach of on-rushing keeper Cammy Binnie, and into the path of Peter Mendy who turned the ball into an open goal.

In the second half, Rose’s Louis Maguire found his way into the box and squared the ball through the CORRIDOR OF UNCERTAINTY to PJ McGiff who smashed it home. Linlithgow wrapped up the points when Ross Connelly over-committed in the Rovers goal, allowing McGiff to get a second.

Tranent 3-1 East Stirlingshire

East Stirlingshire’s early season woes continued as they went down 3-1 to Tranent at Foresters Park. In truth, things looked fairly simple for Tranent as they went into a two goal advantage, but Shire were able to pull one back through Jamie Penker to set up an exciting finish. Unfortunately for them, they were punished as they pushed for an equaliser and Harry Girdwood bagged all three points for Tranent with a composed finish.

Tranent are off to Airdrie to take on Celtic B this coming weekend, with more points the aim as they look to press home their position in the top six. East Stirlingshire, on the other hand, welcome University of Stirling to The Falkirk Stadium, still looking for their first win of the season.

University of Stirling 2-2 Hearts B

A fun Sunday afternoon in the beautiful city of Stirling for both sides as the young teams left Forthbank with a point each. Uni went in at half time 2-0 down and it looked as though their weekend might go the way of many teams who come up against the wee Jambos this season, but whatever Chris Geddes said to them at half time, lit a fire.

Nathan Tallen was the catalyst when he came on at half time, capitalising on a mistake by rookie keeper Jamie MacDonald in the Hearts goal to put Uni back in contention. Uni did their best to put B on the back foot and almost got their reward when Ben Heal reached the end of a mazy run only to find MacDonald waiting for him. 

Their patience and hard work paid off though, when Carter Jenkins levelled things up with a bullet header in the dying moments of the game.

Park’s Motor Group sponsor photo
By Michael Park

Park’s Motor Group & SLFL agree landmark sponsorship deal

The Scottish Lowland Football League is delighted to announce a landmark sponsorship deal with Park’s Motor Group.

Under the record-breaking, two-year deal, Park’s Motor Group will become the title sponsor of the SLFL League, League Cup and the Lowland Development League.

The deal represents a five-figure injection into the game at this level. Park’s have demonstrated their support for the Scottish game by continuing with their sponsorship with the SLFL, which will be referred to as The Park’s Motor Group Scottish Lowland Football League.


The Scottish Lowland Football League chairperson, Thomas Brown, said: “We are delighted to have reached agreement with Park’s Motor Group on this record-breaking agreement for the next two years.


“This is excellent news for our clubs and for the profile of the League and the Development League.


“Park’s have shown their commitment to Scottish football and we look forward to working together with Park’s to help develop the Lowland League.”


A Park’s Motor Group spokesperson said, “Park’s are proud of our association with Scottish Football over the last fifty years and are delighted to be continuing our partnership with the Scottish Lowland Football League.

“We look forward to the season and wish all players and management success in their games.”

By Michael Park

Lowland League Preview – Week 3

After the midweek round of games, the question has to be asked: who would try to preview this league? What kind of fool would offer predictions and suggestions on what might happen in the topsy turvy world of the Park’s Motor Group Scottish Lowland League?!

Hi, I’m Michael, and I am that fool.

Gretna 2008 vs Linlithgow Rose

This one is our neutral’s pick for this week. If you can get down to Gretna, you’re definitely in for an interesting 90 minutes!

SURPRISE PACKAGE ALERT! MARK YOUR BINGO CARDS! Gretna 2008 reached half of their 2023/24 points total with a 1-0 victory over University of Stirling in midweek. In his post-match interview you could see how excited Gretna manager Vinnie Parker was about the result, and he talked up his boys’ ability to dig deep, although he was less than complimentary about their finishing.

Linlithgow Rose have been tough to pin down so far this season, with two losses sandwiching a big win over Broxburn last weekend. Rose went in 2-0 up at half time against Hearts B. Assistant boss John Millar praised their commitment and their fitness but is aware that they will struggle if they don’t take their chances. Dylan Paterson and Laurie Devine were on fire and will be hoping that they can be the difference makers for Rose on Saturday.

Part of the reason for us picking this one for the interested neutral is the ability for a season to utterly change the outlook for a Park’s Motor Group Lowland League side. Gretna 2008 lost this fixture 2-9 (nine) last season but it’s hard to see that scoreline being repeated on Saturday.

Last Season:
Gretna 2008 2-9 Linlithgow Rose
Linlithgow Rose 5-0 Gretna 2008

Berwick Rangers vs Broomhill

Berwick Rangers are three for three following a hard-fought away win over Civil Service Strollers on Tuesday night. The club, who had their troubles off the park last season, have bounced back in a big way and are the only Lowland League club (outside the B Teams) to have taken maximum points from their start to the season. Liam Buchanan is one of the league’s most potent goalscoring threats but Arran Laidlaw has also emerged as a serious danger for the men in black and gold.

Broomhill’s start to the season has been the opposite of Berwick’s. They travel South of the border still looking to get their first point on the board after the Dumbarton side went down 5-0 at the hands of reigning champions East Kilbride on Tuesday night. Broomhill have put their faith in youth this season and any success they hope to have will revolve around keeping their heads held high when they concede.

Last Season:
Berwick Rangers 4-0 Broomhill
Broomhill 2-0 Berwick Rangers

Bo’ness United vs Albion Rovers

Bo’ness keep coming close this season and their fans will feel that the BU’s first win can only be just round the corner. They endured a heartbreaking last minute defeat against managerless Tranent on Tuesday night, Dean Brett converting a penalty for their opponents in that one. Elsewhere they narrowly lost to University of Stirling on opening day before drawing with East Stirlingshire last Saturday. Smart Osadolor will be familiar to many Lowland League fans – his recent signing from Bonnyrigg Rose and subsequent goal on Tuesday night will give the Bo’ness faithful hope ahead of the weekend.

Albion Rovers are another team in a similar boat to the BU’s but are three points better off thanks to an opening day victory over Gretna 2008. Since then they have pulled off a last minute comeback to equalise against Caledonian Braves and then went down 3-0 at home against Broxburn Athletic. 

Matches between these sides are usually interesting and tight contests. It’s hard to see this one being any different! 

Last Season:
Albion Rovers 0-0 Bo’ness United
Bo’ness United 0-1 Albion Rovers

Broxburn Athletic vs Cumbernauld Colts

To say that Broxburn have been a surprise package in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League so far might be to do them a disservice but if you ask their supporters then they’d mostly be delighted to have taken six points from their opening three games. A heavy defeat (6-2) to Linlithgow Rose last weekend has been bookended by victories over Broomhill and Albion Rovers.

Cumbernauld Colts were looking to this season to build on their impressive finish last season but David Proctor’s side have struggled to get out of the blocks despite a handy victory over East Kilbride last Saturday. A narrow defeat against Celtic B won’t have set any alarm bells ringing, but their lacklustre defeat at home to surprise package Gretna 2008 in midweek might have some starting to show concern.

There’s a lot riding on this one in terms of two sides looking to kick on.

Caledonian Braves vs Civil Service Strollers

Caledonian Braves took three points in a hard fought win over East Stirlingshire on Wednesday night. Reg McLaren fired home and despite Braves being down to ten for most of the game, they were able to come through and take all three points. 

Civil Service Strollers will have easier matches than they did against Berwick Rangers on Tuesday night but as I keep saying, Gary Jardine and his side can never be written off. It’s been said that the unique characteristics of their home ground make them more dangerous at home, but Strollers away record was pretty impressive last season. They’ll be hoping to capitalise on any struggles Caledonian Braves might be experiencing and will be looking to their back line and goalkeeper Freddie Owens to keep Braves at bay.

Last Season:
Caledonian Braves 0-1 Civil Service Strollers
Civil Service Strollers 1-1 Caledonian Braves

Celtic B vs East Stirlingshire

Celtic B may have thought that welcoming Gala Fairydean Rovers to the Excelsior on Tuesday night would have been a foregone conclusion but they were surprised by Gala’s sticktoitiveness and came out of the match with a 2-2 draw.

Shire lost narrowly to Caledonian Braves in midweek but given that Braves had ten men for most of the game, Shire fans might be a bit concerned at their side’s failure to trouble the Braves goal in that game. They’ll be hoping for better at the weekend. 

Shire were one of the few sides to do the double over Celtic’s young team in the league last season, a 6-4 victory at The Falkirk Stadium being a particular highlight, and they’ll be hoping for more of the same at the weekend.

Last Season:
Celtic B 1-2 East Stirlingshire
East Stirlingshire 6-4 Celtic B

Cowdenbeath vs Gala Fairydean Rovers

Fans of the Blue Brazil might have hoped for a stronger start to this season but two draws and a defeat might have something slightly gentler than alarm bells ringing for the Central Park faithful. One of those wee reception bells maybe? It’s not an insurmountable task to kick start their season and they’ll be looking to do that on Saturday when Gala Fairydean Rovers come to town. 

Gala Fairydean Rovers had suffered two heavy defeats going into their midweek fixture away to Celtic B, and most would have predicted another gloomy evening for the Netherdale side. Liam Watt decided to put that to the side though, and after Celtic B took a 2-0 lead into half time, the GFR midfielder popped up with a goal to bring them back into it and a last gasp goal to give Gala their first point of the season. 

Last Season:
Cowdenbeath 2-2 Gala Fairydean Rovers
Gala Fairydean Rovers 1-2 Cowdenbeath

East Kilbride vs University of Stirling

East Kilbride put Broomhill to the sword on Tuesday night with a decisive 5-0 win. They will be delighted to see their squad sharing the scoring responsibilities but will have to be acutely aware of the threat that University of Stirling pose. 

Uni themselves have put that last sentence to the test over the last week or so with a shaky performance in their loss to Gretna 2008 last weekend but put in a more effective and positive performance in their 1-1 draw with Cowdenbeath on Wednesday night. They’ll be hoping to take their Win-Draw-Loss and make it 2Win-Draw-Loss (is that a thing?) at K Park. 

Last Season:
East Kilbride 4-2 University of Stirling
University of Stirling 1-1 East Kilbride

By Michael Park

Roundup & Preview – Matchday 2 & 3

It’s the roundup and since we go straight into a whole new set of midweek fixtures tonight, it’s a little bit of a preview too, so we’ll go through each club in turn, looking at their weekend result and midweek prospects!

Albion Rovers

We picked out Albion Rovers’ fixture with Caledonian Braves as our neutrals’ pick at the weekend and we stand by it after a last minute equaliser for Rovers saw an eruption at the Reigart Stadium and Braves’ manager Ricky Waddell sent off for remonstrating. A 1-1 draw against a Braves team who had seemed free-scoring is nothing to sniff at, but Sandy Clark’s side will feel like they could have more than four points after two matches. 

Callum Home popped up at the end with a goal before issuing a rousing message to fans ahead of Tuesday night’s match against Broxburn Athletic. Rovers will be looking to build on two positive results but this is their first match against the East of Scotland League champions and Broxburn have had a mixed bag so far, winning 3-1 against Broomhill before going down 6-2 in the derby match against Linlithgow Rose.

Berwick Rangers

Berwick are the only side outside the B teams to have a 100% record after two hard-won victories against Linlithgow Rose and Tranent. They will be hoping to continue that as they visit Christie Gillies Park to take on Civil Service Strollers. Matty Collins turned in a last gasp winner at Foresters Park on Saturday – will he be on hand to do the business again on Tuesday night?

Bo’ness United

Bo’ness United travel to Foresters Park looking to take the misfortune of their last two matches and turn it into a win against Tranent, who themselves will feel hard done by having taken only a point from their opening two matches. Gregor Nicol got the BU’s goal in a 1-1 draw with East Stirlingshire on Saturday, and he will be looking to have a hand in a win against Tranent.

Broomhill

Zander Diamond’s Broomhill have conceded seven goals in their opening two matches. A tough opening run featuring a 3-1 defeat to Broxburn, a 5-0 loss to Celtic B isn’t made much easier as they welcome last season’s champions East Kilbride to The Rock on Tuesday night. They will be buoyed by Kilby’s disappointing loss at home to Cumbernauld Colts, but Broomhill supporters will be under no illusions at the size of the task that their new-look squad face this midweek.

Broxburn Athletic

The Albyn Park side were on the wrong end of a 6-2 defeat to Linlithgow Rose at the weekend, and a trip to Coatbridge to meet Albion Rovers will be an interesting challenge for last season’s East of Scotland League champions. The two sides have never met before, and Broxburn will be looking to prolific striker Errol Douglas – who has two goals in two games – to give them the edge in Lanarkshire on Tuesday evening.

Caledonian Braves

Braves boss Ricky Waddell was sent off in the dying moments of Saturday’s match with Albion Rovers and that probably gives you an idea of how the Alliance Park side were feeling when Callum Home’s equaliser hit the back of the net for Albion Rovers. That game finished 1-1 but Braves will be keen to lean on their opening day scoreline of 6-0 when East Stirlingshire visit Bothwellhaugh on Wednesday night. The fixture was originally slated to take place at The Falkirk Stadium, but due to ongoing work on the floodlights, the fixture has been switched and, even without their boss in the dugout, Braves will feel as though they have a real chance with home advantage.

Celtic B

Celtic B won again at the weekend with a 5-0 victory over Broomhill. They welcome Gala Fairydean Rovers, a side with one of the leakiest defences in the league so far, to Airdrie on Tuesday evening. Daniel Cummings netted a hat trick at the weekend – he might fancy finding the back of the net again this midweek.

Civil Service Strollers

Many people in group chats had been writing Civil Service Strollers off following their opening day thrashing by East Kilbride, but writing off a Gary Jardine side is always a risky move. Their win over Cowdenbeath at the weekend was impressive and any side travelling to Christie Gillies Park knows that they’ll be in for a tough game. Berwick Rangers and their 100% record make the trip up the A1 on Tuesday. Alieu Faye is back in goalscoring form for Strollers and honestly, his goals are always a lot of fun to watch.

Cowdenbeath 

Two penalties in two games for Cowdenbeath have improved their goalscoring record but the Blue Brazil faithful will have been a bit disappointed by their start to the season. They travel to Forthbank on Wednesday, looking to get the better of University of Stirling who themselves were on the end of a disappointing result at the weekend. If Cowdenbeath can get Matty MacDonald on the scoresheet again, they’ll have the basis for a strong performance but there are no guarantees in this league.

Cumbernauld Colts

David Proctor’s Cumbernauld Colts beat champions East Kilbride at the weekend thanks to an excellent defensive performance. Danny Hatfield was instrumental in their attacking performance, netting one and assisting the other. He will be important this midweek as they welcome Gretna 2008 to Broadwood. It’s a chance for Colts to put a serious marker down as they look to improve on last season’s fourth place in the league. Gretna got the win against University of Stirling on Saturday and Colts will have to be aware of the threat that they pose going forward.

As an aside, is it not wild how we’re ten teams into an eighteen team league and we’re not even at D in the alphabet?

East Kilbride

Some East Kilbride supporters bemoaned their opponents at the weekend for playing ‘anti-football’ as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Cumbernauld Colts at Broadwood. Needless to say the supporters of the current Park’s Motor Group Lowland League champions will be expecting an attacking masterclass from the Navy & Gold when they make the short trip to Dumbarton to take on Broomhill on Tuesday night. Former Berwick Rangers defender David Ferguson got Kilby’s goal at the weekend but it will be Cammy Elliott and Calum Biggar who the East Kilbride coaching staff will be looking towards as they look to get back to winning ways.

East Stirlingshire

Shire’s match with Caledonian Braves has been switched to Alliance Park following floodlight issues at The Falkirk Stadium. Shire’s start to the season hasn’t been too bright (sorry) but a 1-1 draw with Bo’ness United will give them cause for optimism. Jamie Penker, whose goalscoring exploits for University of Stirling a couple of seasons ago are legendary, found the back of the net in that match and Pat Scullion will be hoping that the boost to his confidence will see him (and Shire!) go on a bit of a run.

Gala Fairydean Rovers

GFR have had a tough start to the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League season. Travelling to Airdrie to face Celtic B after two heavy defeats against Caledonian Braves and Hearts B respectively is a tough ask for the Borders side but you can never rule out one of the league’s most interesting attacking sides. Manager Martin Scott was impressed with his charges despite the result at the weekend and is looking positively towards Tuesday night’s match.

Gretna 2008

Vinnie Parker got the perfect birthday present from his side on Saturday as they got their first three points of the season away to University of Stirling. Former Dalbeattie Star striker Dean Brotherston got the goal that sealed the three points and proved a point to doubters who had tipped Gretna to struggle this season. They’ll be hoping for more of the same as they face a tough trip to Broadwood to face Cumbernauld Colts. 

Hearts B

Liam Fox’s Hearts B have been scoring for fun so far this season having netted nine in their last two outings. Things might be tougher for them this week when they face Linlithgow Rose, who themselves have found goalscoring form at the weekend. 

Linlithgow Rose

Rose smashed rivals Broxburn Athletic at the weekend and Gordon Herd’s side will be after more of the same as Hearts B visit Prestonfield. Whether that will be the case against the free-scoring B team remains to be seen but Laurie Devine will be the danger man for Rose as they look to make it two wins out of three. 

Tranent 

The Big T have struggled to get going in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League this season with a draw and a late defeat to Berwick Ranger for their troubles. They’ll be keen to see off Bo’ness United at home to give their season a kick start. 

University of Stirling

Chris Geddes’ Uni might have been surprised to find themselves on the end of a defeat at home against Gretna on Saturday but truth be told it was 90 minutes to forget for the students. They welcome Cowdenbeath to Forthbank on Wednesday night, looking to produce a performance closer to their opening day win over Bo’ness United. Their defence will be the focus with the Uni looking to avoid the shakiness which has punctuated their opening two fixtures. 

By Michael Park

Lowland League Preview – Week 2

Header Photo: Erin Wilson

Albion Rovers vs Caledonian Braves

Rovers’ return to home action against near neighbours Caledonian Braves is likely to be a hotly contested one following Rovers’ 3-0 win over Gretna 2008 and Braves’ 6-0 dismantling of Gala Fairydean Rovers on opening day. 

Last season saw both sides play out a couple of close-run matches with only one goal separating the sides over 180 minutes in what will go down as the most unusually phrased statistic in this preview. Both sides have signed wisely going into the league season. Adam McMillan has recently joined Rovers on loan from Premiership side St Johnstone, and Lennon Walker scored a brace for Braves on his debut last Saturday. 

This match has the potential to be a classic as two of the highest scorers of the nascent Parks Motor Group Scottish Lowland League season go head to head, and it’s the one that we’re picking out as our ‘Neutral’s Pick’ for this week. 

Last Season

Albion Rovers 2-1 Caledonian Braves

Caledonian Braves 1-1 Albion Rovers

Broomhill vs Celtic B

Zander Diamond and his side welcome Celtic B to Dumbarton Stadium on Saturday, looking to put a 3-1 defeat against Broxburn on opening day out of their minds. Diamond was impressed by the show his new charges put on against the newly promoted East of Scotland Champions, but his cautious optimism will be put to the test against the full-time B Team of the SPFL Premiership Champions.

For Celtic’s part, their season got off to a good start last Friday night against Cumbernauld Colts with a Daniel Kelly goal giving them the three points. They’ll be looking to make it two wins out of two and continue their strong record against Broomhill across the last couple of Lowland League seasons.

Kris Amponsah scored Broomhill’s consolation goal against Broxburn last week and the striker will be looking to get on the scoresheet again this weekend, while Celtic will once again be looking to Daniel Kelly to open up the Broomhill defence.

Last Season:
Broomhill 1-2 Celtic B
Celtic B 3-1 Broomhill

Civil Service Strollers vs Cowdenbeath

It was two games, two draws last season as Civil Service Strollers and Cowdenbeath went home with a point each from their away matches. Both sides have undergone some squad changes this season, but it is Civil Service Strollers who are the most unknown quantity going into this fixture. That being said, Gary Jardine always takes his squads and crafts them into warriors and you can expect that Christie Gillies Park won’t be an easy place for any side to go this season despite last week’s difficult opening defeat which saw them concede seven goals away at East Kilbride’s K Park.

Dougie Hill’s Cowdenbeath go into this one off the back of a 2-2 draw with Tranent at Central Park. They’ve lost a few influential players but have bolstered their ranks well and captain Robbie McNab will be looking to lead his charges to their first three points of the season. 

Last Season:
Civil Service Strollers 1-1 Cowdenbeath
Cowdenbeath 2-2 Civil Service Strollers

Cumbernauld Colts vs East Kilbride

David Proctor’s Cumbernauld Colts will feel that they were unlucky to lose their opening match against Celtic B last week and he will be keen to ensure that the new players in his squad bed in quickly as East Kilbride make the short hop to Broadwood on Saturday afternoon.

Not much needs to be said about last season’s Park’s Motor Group Scottish Lowland League Champions. Recruiting the likes of Reegan Mimnaugh from Queen of the South and bringing in Jack Leitch and Jordan McGregor from Stirling Albion has many supporters believing that retaining the title is a foregone conclusion. 

EK attacker Callum Biggar netted four goals at the weekend against Civil Service Strollers and stopping him will be crucial for Colts as they look to build on their fourth place finish last season.

Last Season:
East Kilbride 2-0 Cumbernauld Colts
Cumbernauld Colts 1-2 East Kilbride

East Stirlingshire vs Bo’ness United

East Stirlingshire got their season off to a stuttering start with a 4-1 away to Hearts B. Pat Scullion’s new-look side took victory in the SPFL Trust Trophy against Motherwell B on Tuesday night, a match which will have done much to ease any trepidation they may have had going into this one. Ollie Ecrepont, on loan from Ayr United, especially will be on a high after his penalty saving heroics in that cup tie.

Bo’ness United on the other hand lost out to Rangers B in that same competition. The BUs went in at half time 3-1 down and finished the game with the same scoreline. Stuart Hunter’s side had the better of the second half in that one and will be looking to use it as a platform to push on in their hunt for their first league points of 24/25. Keep an eye out for former Falkirk man Fin Malcolm who scored in midweek – he’ll be looking to open his Lowland League account this weekend.

Last Season:
East Stirlingshire 3-4 Bo’ness United
Bo’ness United 4-2 East Stirlingshire

Gala Fairydean Rovers vs Hearts B

Gala Fairydean Rovers had an opening day to forget as they went to Alliance Park and conceded six goals against Caledonian Braves. Having lost talismanic captain Gareth Rodger to rivals Berwick Rangers, GFR’s biggest signing of the summer has been Keaghan Jacobs from Arbroath. The South African has a significant weight of expectation on his shoulders going into the season, and it will be up to him and Danny Galbraith to use their experience to lead Martin Scott’s young side to victory on Saturday.

Hearts B enjoyed an easy time of things against East Stirlingshire at Ainslie Park last Friday night, and they will be hoping for more of the same from their youngsters (and Jamie MacDonald) this weekend.  

Last Season:
Gala Fairydean Rovers 1-1 Hearts B
Hearts B 3-1 Gala Fairydean Rovers

Linlithgow Rose vs Broxburn Athletic

Two East of Scotland League champions go head to head in the Park’s Motor Group Scottish Lowland League. Linlithgow Rose drew 2-2 in their opening day fixture with Tranent, while Broxburn took their first three points at Tier 5 in a 3-1 victory over Broomhill. 

Exactly how each team will fare in this one is up for debate, but Rose’s additions of experienced Lowland League striker Sean Brown and centre back Craig McCracken from West of Scotland League side Auchinleck Talbot.

Broxburn are a side with significant experience and nous, and overcoming them would be a huge boost in confidence for the season for Rose. Broxburn on the other hand will view a victory against their former East of Scotland rivals as a marker for the rest of their Park’s Motor Group Scottish Lowland League season.

Tranent vs Berwick Rangers

Berwick Rangers have strengthened their side over the close-season and will be looking to capitalise on a win over Linlithgow Rose on the opening day of the season. The addition this week of the experienced Alan Cook from Cumnock adds some steel and experience to the Wee Rangers’ list of young recruits for the new season.

Tranent on the other hand, and forgive me for saying this ‘Big T’ fans, are a team in transition. They’ve signed some interesting young talent and brought in experienced players from the SPFL in Danny Handling, Ross Gray, and Jonny Stewart but there is little doubt that this season’s Lowland League will prove a tougher challenge without some of the team which led them to a fifth place finish last season.

Last Season:
Berwick Rangers 2-2 Tranent
Tranent 0-1 Berwick Rangers

University of Stirling vs Gretna 2008

University of Stirling have endured two nerve-shredding games in opening week with a 3-2 victory over Bo’ness United and a 5-3 win over Arniston Rovers in the cup midweek. 

It’s fair to say that Uni gaffer Chris Geddes will be looking to build on those performances as his side welcome Gretna 2008, who will be looking to bounce back following an opening day defeat at home to Albion Rovers. 

For managers Chris Geddes and Vinnie Parker it’s a chance for two Lowland League playing heavyweights to renew their acquaintance, this time in the dugout. Who will come out on top? Who knows, I’m not clairvoyant. But what I can guarantee you (as an educated guess) is goals goal goals!

Last Season:
University of Stirling 3-1 Gretna 2008
Gretna 2008 1-1 University of Stirling

Parks Motor Group sponsorship
By Michael Park

Lowland League Roundup – Week 1

Well, well, well. Here we are again. It’s Matchday 01 in the Park’s Motor Group Scottish Lowland Football League and it was an absolute cracker to kick things off. Let’s take a look back as we celebrate the goals, the saves, the travelling fans, the pies and the hard work of our club’s media teams!

Join us every Tuesday as we look back on the matchday that was!

FRIDAY

Celtic B 1-0 Cumbernauld Colts

A close-run thing to open proceedings in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League, as Cumbernauld Colts made the short hop down the A73 to visit the Excelsior Stadium, home of Celtic’s academy team. 

Cumbernauld Colts Danny Hatfield in action against Celtic B (Photo: Erin Wilson)

Colts went into the game with several debutants. Joe Murphy and Patrick Moy came in from Broomhill, Robbie McGale joined from Bonnyrigg, and Yan Godik took his place between the posts having joined from University of Stirling. Big things are expected from David Proctor’s team this season but a momentary lapse in concentration punctuated an even game as Daniel Kelly took advantage and gave Celtic B all three points on the opening night.

Heart of Midlothian B 4-1 East Stirlingshire

East Stirlingshire in action against Hearts B at Ainslie Park (Photo: Ashleigh Maitland)

Heart of Midlothian B made their early season presence felt with a convincing 4-1 victory over East Stirlingshire at Ainslie Park. East Stirlingshire endured a tough season by their standards in 2023/24 and their fans would have been hoping for a better result in the capital having gone in level at half time thanks to a goal from new striker Greig Spence whose strike in the 23rd minute cancelled out an early own goal.

Hearts’ fitness told over the piece and despite a very positive performance, East Stirlingshire conceded three goals in the second half with a deadlock-breaker from Sandilands, before strikes from Ross and Plank put the icing on the cake for Liam Fox’s side.

Hearts B coach Liam Fox told club media: “We’ll get better than we were tonight, I know that, but to come away having scored four goals and got the three points, it’s an okay start.”

Attendance: 304

SATURDAY

Berwick Rangers 1-0 Linlithgow Rose

(Berwick Rangers on Youtube)

A goal from returning hero Liam Buchanan was enough to separate the sides at MKM Shielfield Park. An even game was punctuated by a series of excellent saves by Wee Rangers ‘keeper Callum Antell which kept Berwick ahead. Linlithgow Rose manager Gordon Herd bemoaned his side’s early lapse which allowed Buchanan to break the deadlock. From there he told club media: “Over the course of the game we did enough to at least get a point. In the second half we created at least ten, fifteen chances but fair play to Berwick. They put their bodies on the line and were determined not to concede.”

Hear from Linlithgow Rose manager Gordon Herd: 

By their own admission, Berwick spent the latter part of the second half with their backs to the wall and their supporters will be delighted to take all three points. 

Attendance: 513

Bo’ness United 2-3 University of Stirling

(Bo’ness United on Youtube)

A hotly anticipated opening day clash saw Bo’ness United welcome University of Stirling to Newtown Park. Uni opened the scoring following a peach of a ball from new signing Jack Hodge which found Finn Moffett and his touch allowed Ben Woloszyn to open the scoring from close range.  

University of Stirling, dominating the first half and going in 2-0 up, as Moffett took his opportunity to score one of his own. The second half saw University of Stirling continue to press the advantage, but it was Bo’ness who got the next goal with fifteen minutes left in the match. Kieran Mitchell converted a beautiful volley from the edge of the box to bring the BUs back into the match.

Lewis Duffy equalised for Bo’ness with ten minutes to go and it looked for all the world like they might take the three points with a fantastic comeback. 

Uni had other ideas as great work from Jenkins down the left hand side found Tallen who slotted the ball under the Bo’ness trialist goalkeeper to secure the three points for Chris Geddes’ side.

(University of Stirling FC on X, formerly Twitter)

Attendance: Unknown

Broxburn Athletic 3-1 Broomhill

Broxburn Athletic made their debut in the Park’s Motor Group Scottish Lowland League when they welcomed Zander Diamond’s new look Broomhill side to Albyn Park. 

It was the promoted East of Scotland side who took the early advantage as Gary Brass opened the scoring just after the twenty minute mark. Nick Locke doubled their advantage with a deft flick over the goalkeeper just before half time, sending the home fans into raptures as their team looked set for all three points.

(Norrie Work on Youtube)

Broomhill pulled one back through Kris Amponsah, recently recruited from Civil Service Strollers, as the Dumbarton side struggled for fluidity in the midfield. New man in goal Evan Columbine made a series of excellent saves to keep the Broom in it but Errol Douglas, a striker who is no stranger to Lowland League supporters, sealed the three points for Broxburn with twenty minutes to go.

Hear from Broomhill manager Zander Diamond:

(Broomhill FC on X, formerly Twitter)

Attendance: 385

Caledonian Braves 6-0 Gala Fairydean Rovers

Caledonian Braves have had an interesting off-season with Wefunder investment model seeing new co-owners join the club, and many of them were online to enjoy a stream of their new club’s first game of the season. They would have been delighted by the performance too, with Braves running out 6-0 winners over Gala Fairydean Rovers.

(Caledonian Braves on X, formerly Twitter)

In truth, the scoreline could have been worse for the Borders side as a series of last ditch heroics in defence kept the scoreline down. 

Scorer of the first goal, Ross McNeil, was the recipient of the first ‘Weird Lowland League Moment’ as Lowland League match ball sponsors Eagleview Event Center named a Highland calf after him following him opening the Braves’ account for the season,

Hear from Braves debutant goalscorer, Reg McLaren:

Attendance: 91

Cowdenbeath 2-2 Tranent

It was a classic for the neutral as Cowdenbeath rescued a point with a late penalty at Central Park. Four goals, a red card and plenty of entertainment was just what the doctor ordered for the season opener between two historic sides, with former Edinburgh City star Danny Handling opening the scoring for the visitors after fifteen minutes.

Cowdenbeath’s Aiden McLaughlin equalised just before half time before Euan Bauld’s daisy-cutter finish which came accompanied by one of the most satisfying sounds of connection in football history*. The Blue Brazil’s Paul McLean saw red for a challenge on Gray, before Jamie Docherty converted a penalty to level things out after 83 minutes.

*hyperbole…

Attendance: 281

East Kilbride 7-1 Civil Service Strollers

East Kilbride take on Civil Service Strollers at K Park (Photo: Phil Dawson)

Civil Service Strollers went from being East Kilbride’s bogey team over the last few seasons to… err… not being, as Kilby ran out 7-1 victors over Gary Jardine’s side at Ross Commercial Finance K Park. 

By their own admission the first half was poor for Civil Service Strollers as they went in 3-0 down at the break. Things didn’t get much better in the second half as EK went 4-0 up after 54 minutes as the Strollers defence parted in front of them and allowed Callum Biggar to score his second of the afternoon.

Things went from bad to worse as Lewis Bushnell conceded a penalty three minutes after coming on as a substitute which allowed Biggar to net his hat trick from the spot. Popular striker Alieu Faye was able to pull one back for Strollers but by then they were six-nil down and Biggar was able to bag his fourth of the day to send the visitors home disappointed.

Attendance: Unknown

Gretna 2008 0-3 Albion Rovers

Gretna have been making great strides off the park in the close season with new manager and Lowland League stalwart Vinnie Parker making a raft of new signings and they’ve even got a documentary (check out the first episode below).

(Eye Scotland on Youtube)

Sandy Clark’s Albion Rovers have similarly been busy over the close-season and made the trip to Dumfries and Galloway looking to build on a ninth place finish in 2023/24. Barry Duncan’s peach of a free kick opened the scoring for the Wee Rovers after sixteen minutes.

Apart from that though, it was a fairly even match for nearly 80 minutes and Gretna’s supporters will have been excited by the potential on show from the club who needed a last day victory against Edinburgh University to secure their survival last season.

That being said, Albion Rovers showed the greater cutting edge, and Nathan Brown doubled the visitors’ advantage in the 81st minute before Michael Paton nodded home a superb header to secure all three points for Sandy Clark’s side.

Hear from Gretna 2008 manager Vinnie Parker: 

Hear from Albion Rovers goalscorer Nathan Brown: 

Attendance: 397