Author: Michael Park

By Michael Park

Spartans crowned League winners

Spartans were crowned League winners last weekend after Vale of Leithen failed to win at home against Whitehill Welfare.

The Spartans gaffer Douglas Samuel spoke “To win the inaugural Lowland League with 2 games to spare is a testament to how well our new squad of players have done this season.

Dougie (Left) is delighted to have won the league (Picture: Thomas Brown)
Dougie (Left) is delighted to have won the league (Picture: Thomas Brown)

“Looking back to the start of the season, our number one goal was to win the league title. The new league has been a great success, a step-up in comparison to the old East of Scotland Premier Division.

“Playing against Dalbeattie and Threave once again, plus visiting a new rival in East Kilbride has been thoroughly enjoyable, it has brought a real freshness to things and made for a more challenging league campaign.

“We look forward to defending the title next season, however, we recognise it will be an even greater challenge as each and every Club looks to strengthen on and off the park”.

Spartans chairman Craig Graham said ““It has been a memorable first season and we’re delighted to pick up the league trophy with two games to play.

“We added six new faces to the squad at the start of the season and once the guys gelled and we got into our stride in the league, we have played very well. I think it’s nine wins and a draw in our last ten league games.

“Congratulations and thanks to Dougie, Gary, Neil, Craig, Gregor, Ralph and Brian plus all the players for their fantastic efforts. We’re looking for a big fans turnout on 3rd May when we pick up the trophy, it will be a great day and the chance to work with the Scottish Sun who have been great sponsors in the first season of the Lowland League”.

League chairman Andrew Waddell said “It has been a terrific season for all the clubs involved in the Lowland League and Spartans have been the most consistent team and are deserved winners.

“This season has given us a chance to prepare for the Pyramid that comes into effect at the end of next season and it’s great that all the clubs have really embraced the changes.

“On behalf of the Board I would like to congratulate Douglas Samuel and his coaching staff as well as the players and committee at Spartans FC on this great achievement.”

 

By Michael Park

Spartans win first Scottish Lowland League title

Spartans have been crowned the first Scottish Lowland champions – on a day they lost at home to Dalbeattie Star.

The Edinburgh team were knocked out of the South Challenge Cup 3-2, but Vale of Leithen’s 2-0 defeat at home to Whitehill Welfare ensured that Spartans could not be caught in the race for the title.

Vale were the only side that could mathematically prevent the Ainslie Park side from taking the crown, but their slim hopes were downed by a Whitehill side who moved into second place courtesy of Darren McGlashan and Aaron Somerville’s goals.

Preston Athletic slipped to a 2-0 defeat at home by Gretna 2008, whose goals were scored by Brandon Longcake and Joe Slattery.

Edinburgh City made the journey to Meadow Park to face Threave Rovers and ran out 5-0 winners, goals from Mark Osborne (2), Mark Torrance, Ian McFarlane and Ryan Wilson.

In the South Challeneg Cup semi-finals, Dalbeattie Star beat Spartans 3-2 at Ainslie Park with Lewis Sloan on target twice, and East Kilbride ran out 5-4 winners against East of Scotland Champions Lothian Thistle.

 

By Michael Park

Seven clubs apply to join Lowland League

The Lowland League is today delighted to announce that seven clubs have applied for membership to play in the League from next season.

The League Board will now look at all the applications over the course of the coming weeks and a decision will be made by the end of this month.

League Chairman Andrew Waddell said: “We are delighted that there has been such an interest in the League and we will now look at each application on its own merits and assess them to ensure that they will be in a position to meet the entry requirements.”

“This process will take a few weeks to complete and clubs will know by the end of April on the outcome of their application.”

Up to four clubs from the seven applications may be elected to play in the League next season. In order to qualify the Scottish Lowland Football League clubs must be assured that they can achieve a club license by May 2015.  Sporting performance will also be important to ensure the quality of play in the League.

By Michael Park

McLeod picks up hat-trick of awards

Spartans striker Keith McLeod picked up his third Colin Campbell Sports player of the month for January, taking his award tally to three.

Speaking after the announcement McLeod said “I am delighted with the award, it means a lot to be named player of the month for the third consecutive month. There are so many good players in the League so to be nominated by clubs that I am playing against makes it all the more special.”

 Keith McLeod January POM winner

“It’s a great league to play in all the clubs are capable of taking points of each other and this is happening week in week out. I am really humbled to receive the award and I look forward to what the rest of the season holds for us.”

Sponsor of the award Colin Campbell said, “We are delighted to be sponsoring the player of the month, Keith is a worthy winner of the award, he is a great player and deserves it. It’s an excellent league and I have seen many great players competing in it.”

Spartans chairman Craig Graham said “Keith’s a worthy winner of this award, when we told he simply couldn’t believe it. Keith’s a great all round player, he is committed to this club and we are delighted that he is part of our club.”