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).

Hello! We haven’t caught up in a wee while thanks to cup competitions and the big freeze that hopefully we all got through unscathed. 

But we’re BACK (weather permitting) with a full card of white hot Park’s Motor Group Lowland League action. 

Albion Rovers vs Tranent

Albion Rovers come into this weekend on the back of a 4-0 hounding from Celtic B, but that was back in late November and Sandy Clark will have had plenty of time (as with many managers in the league), to reflect and drill his players ahead of a busy festive season. 

Of course, a change is as good as a rest, and Tranent enjoyed a 3-0 win over West Park United in the Scottish Junior Cup last weekend. Their lethal recent form (four wins in their last six) will make this a tough prospect for Rovers, but this one will be an excellent match. 

Berwick Rangers vs East Stirlingshire

Thirteenth meet twelfth as Berwick Rangers welcome East Stirlingshire to Shielfield Park in a fixture that, for some reason, I think of as being particularly Christmassy… I will not be explaining myself further. 

Recent matches have both sides on opposite trajectories, Shire are on their way up after a tough start to their Park’s Motor Group Lowland League season, while Berwick Rangers have suffered a rough run of results and will be hoping to arrest their slide and cement themselves firmly in mid-table going into the New Year. 

Broomhill vs Hearts B

Broomhill’s early season woes have come to an end with the lethal form of Callum McKenzie firing them out of the relegation zone for the foreseeable. However, Zander Diamond’s side narrowly lost out to University of Stirling last weekend and they will want to put themselves back on the front foot against a Hearts B side against whom they have performed well this season. 

Broxburn Athletic vs University of Stirling

Broxburn have enjoyed a week of cup victories, beating SPFL opposition in Stranraer at the weekend in the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup, setting up a tie with Ayr United. They then took on and beat Jeanfield Swifts in the EOS Qualifying Cup in midweek. All in all, a great week for the Brox. 

They’re riding high while University of Stirling have their own reasons to be cheerful after a fantastic comeback victory against Broomhill in the league last Saturday.  

Civil Service Strollers vs Bo’ness United

Civil Service Strollers host Bo’ness United at Christie Gillies Park this weekend, as both sides look to solidify their places in the chasing pack. Strollers have enjoyed two morale-boosting cup victories over Harthill Royal and Irvine Meadow XI (and their substitutes) in recent weeks and will be hoping to take that form into league action where they have won once in their last three matches. 

Bo’ness United lost out to Musselburgh Athletic to exit the Scottish Cup last weekend and are experiencing a bit of a win drought in the league. They have a chance to go seventh with a win in this one though, and they’ll be aiming to do so. 

Cowdenbeath vs Linlithgow Rose

Cowdenbeath’s slip down the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League table will give their supporters cause for concern and the visit of Linlithgow Rose may not be the festive mood-booster that the Blue Brazil might be hoping for. 

Cowdenbeath exited the Scottish Cup after a 4-1 defeat against Brechin City, and are without a win in their last five league matches (although you could point to some misfortune in that regard). 

Linlithgow Rose lost 4-0 to Raith Rovers in the Scottish Cup but have fared much better in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League of late. 

This one could be fascinating. 

Gretna 2008 vs Caledonian Braves

Third placed Caledonian Braves travel to fourteenth placed Gretna 2008 looking to capitalise on any slip-ups from the two teams above them in the Lowland League. Braves have endured a tough few fixtures in recent weeks but will still hold belief in their title pitch.

Gretna 2008 will be keen to put their best foot forward and go into the festive period with a positive result. They’re without a win since October but have shown quite a few times this season that they’re capable of getting incredible results and putting in spectacular performances in the right circumstances. 

We have two fantastic Neutral’s Picks this week, because how often do the top two and the bottom two meet in the same round of fixtures? 

Exactly. Split yourself in two on a quantum level and get along to both…

Celtic B vs East Kilbride

East Kilbride are on a run of four wins in their last six matches and have two games in hand over their hosts on Saturday. 

This match at the Excelsior Stadium will be a fascinating clash as Celtic B have gone about their business in an understated fashion and are sitting three points ahead in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League. 

Whoever wins here, this one is going to be well worth watching. 

Cumbernauld Colts vs Gala Fairydean Rovers

The two teams who currently find themselves in the relegation zone meet at Broadwood on Saturday with a chance to put a little daylight between them and their rivals. 

Colts hold a game in hand over their guests, but besides that there’s not much to pick between the two. Both sides play an entertaining brand of football and you can expect to see goals in this one if you make the trip to Cumbernauld this weekend. 

And finally… we’re putting a mid-season(ish) fan roundup together for our website. We’re looking to hear from a supporter from each club who can contribute around 100-150 words. 

Just tell about your team’s season so far and your hopes for the rest of 2024/25. Easy! If you’d like to get involved email michael@slfl.co.uk

Celtic B vs Albion Rovers

Albion Rovers are consistent, they’ve got three wins out of five, and are firing on all cylinders up front. Friday night in Airdrie won’t be an easy test of their credentials by any stretch, but they will be looking to avenge a 2-0 loss last time out against Berwick Rangers and will be hoping that Peter Mendy can continue his fantastic run of recent form. 

Hearts B vs Broxburn Athletic

Friday night also sees Broxburn Athletic travel to Ainslie Park to take on Hearts B. The Brox have suffered a bit of a dip in form recently, characterised by a 4-0 loss at home to Clydebank in the South Challenge Cup. 

They’ll be hoping to get back to winning ways on the road on Friday night. 

Berwick Rangers vs Cowdenbeath

Our Neutral’s Pick this weekend is two former SPFL sides who are eager to pick up points to ensure that a relegation battle doesn’t become an issue. 

Berwick picked up their first win in six matches last time out against Albion Rovers, while Cowdenbeath are on a run of six matches without a win which has seen them drop into third bottom in the division with only two points separating them from Cumbernauld Colts and Gala Fairydean Rovers. 

Bo’ness United vs East Kilbride

Bo’ness United are going about this season with the energy of a team who will be comfortably in the top half come the end. Solid, but unspectactular, they have three draws in their last five games and will be acutely aware of the job they have on their hands when free-scoring East Kilbride come to Newtown Park on Saturday. 

East Kilbride are fresh from a 7-0 demolition of Blackburn United in the South Challenge Cup and Bo’ness United exited the competition losing their Scottish Cup warm up match with Musselburgh Athletic in extra time. 

East Stirlingshire vs Civil Service Strollers

Four wins and a draw in their last five? Comfortably in tenth place in the table after being in the drop zone for months? Don’t make me tap the sign, Shire fans!

This match is a face-off between 10th and 9th in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League and it will likely be a closely contested affair. Civil Service Strollers have lost their last two matches but will be aiming to turn things around and get back on a winning run. This match is definitely one to watch!

Gala Fairydean Rovers vs Gretna 2008

Gala Fairydean Rovers currently sit at the foot of the Lowland League table but they can feel hard done by after a series of impressive performances where the final score just hasn’t gone their way. 

Gretna 2008 are the visitors this weekend and are hoving into Rovers’ sights after a strong start to the season has seen its momentum arrested in recent times with three losses in their last five. There’s plenty at stake in this one, and it will be intriguing to see where the three points end up at 5pm on Saturday!

Linlithgow Rose vs Cumbernauld Colts

Linlithgow Rose welcome Cumbernauld Colts to Prestonfield at the weekend with a chance to leap as high as second in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League if everything goes their way. 

They’ve enjoyed a mixed run in recent weeks but that’s in sharp contrast to Cumbernauld Colts whose current run of collapse is one of the stories of the Lowland League season so far. They’ve gone from a strong start to joint-bottom of the table having lost four of their last five games and are without a win in the league since August. 

Linlithgow Rose will be expecting this one to be fairly straightforward, but new Colts interim manager Craig Malcolm has had a couple of weeks to put his brand on the young Colts. Anything could happen!

Tranent vs Caledonian Braves

This match would be our Neutral’s Pick if it wasn’t for the fact that Tranent were in the last one! 3rd vs 2nd. Both sides have a chance to end the weekend at the top of the league. 

Need I say more? This one has the potential to be a cracker. 

University of Stirling vs Broomhill

Two of the league’s most inconsistent sides meet on Saturday with a chance to boost their prospects for the season. Broomhill are on a run of two wins, which will have filled them with confidence going into this one, while University of Stirling sit in 11th in the league having won last time out against Civil Service Strollers. 

This one is tough to call (thankfully I don’t have to!) but those banking on a draw could be well-served at Forthbank. 

Berwick Rangers vs Albion Rovers

A midweek draw with Bo’ness United was the tonic that Berwick needed after a tough run of results in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League. Ben McCrystal netted for Berwick and will be hoping for more of the same on Saturday as they come up against an Albion Rovers team on a strong run of form. 

It was tough going for Rovers on Tuesday night as Civil Service Strollers proved tough opposition. It looked like it was destined to be a 1-1 draw until Peter Mendy popped up in the dying moments of the match to convert and, as Strollers social media put it, smuggle all three points onto the bus back to Coatbridge. 

A trip to Tweedmouth is no small task and both sides will be itching to take all three points. 

Broomhill vs Gala Fairydean Rovers

Broomhill’s biggest test of their mettle so far comes this week and they got it off to the best possible start by beating Cowdenbeath at The Rock on Tuesday night. The win took them level on points with the Blue Brazil and they’ll be itching to keep it going as they welcome their Park’s Motor Group Lowland League rivals Gala Fairydean Rovers on Saturday. 

Gala Fairydean Rovers have had a similarly tough season so far and find themselves one point ahead of the automatic relegation place, albeit with a game in hand over Cumbernauld Colts. 

This one is huge for both clubs. Whoever wins takes another step away from danger while consigning their vanquished foe to another week of worry. A real six pointer, if you will.

Caledonian Braves vs Linlithgow Rose

Caledonian Braves lost to Broxburn in midweek to lose the momentum in the title race and give East Kilbride a game in hand over them. This match against Linlithgow Rose will be vital to keep up the pressure. 

Rose took points away from East Kilbride at home before a shaky midweek performance against Gala Fairydean Rovers secured them another three points. Their form hasn’t been world-beating, but on their day Rose are one of the strongest teams in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League. 

Both know the importance of three points in this one, and it will almost definitely be worth a look for any neutrals in the area. 

Celtic B vs Broxburn Athletic

Broxburn Athletic’s strong season had a boost in midweek with a tight 1-0 win over Caledonian Braves. That has put them in pole position to overturn Celtic B, who could only manage a draw with struggling Cowdenbeath last weekend, and move into 4th place in the league with a win in Airdrie on Saturday.

Cumbernauld Colts vs Bo’ness United

Things have picked up in terms of goals for Cumbernauld Colts since Craig Malcolm has taken over, but the results still aren’t coming for the Broadwood side who have now lost each of their last four matches. 

Bo’ness United have hit a little run of troubling form themselves, although being comfortably mid-table means that you won’t find this writer speaking about them as anything other than ‘solid’. They can’t move out of 8th place from this match, but they’ll be itching to keep the pressure on Albion Rovers who currently sit in 7th place. 

The onus is very much on Cumbernauld Colts to arrest the slide here as this relegation battle, in which the entire bottom half of the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League could find themselves in trouble, is hotting up. 

East Kilbride vs Tranent

Could our Neutral’s Pick be any other game this weekend? Hell no. 

Top of the table East Kilbride and 3rd placed Tranent have five wins and a draw in their last six games and they will both be fighting tooth and nail for all three in this one. 

This fixture is always pretty feisty and Tranent go into it two points back from Kilby, knowing that the could supplant last season’s Champions at the summit if results elsewhere also go their way. 

If you have nothing on this Saturday afternoon, you want to get yourself to K Park because this game could be a classic (now watch it be 0-0…). 

Gretna 2008 vs East Stirlingshire

Gretna 2008 have three losses a draw and a win in their last five matches. Two of those losses were their last two, both 3-1 losses against Civil Service Strollers and East Kilbride respectively. Their season has been one of growth and had you given Vinnie Parker’s men this fixture a month ago they would have had confidence of taking all three points at Raydale Park. 

However, they now sit three points behind their opponents this weekend as Shire have gone on a run of four wins on the bounce to move them clear of the relegation mire that they found themselves in from the beginning of the season. 

I guess you could say…

This one ought to be fascinating.

University of Stirling vs Civil Service Strollers

Sunday sees 11th meet 9th at Forthbank. Civil Service Strollers are four points ahead of their hosts and will be confident that their form will see them through. Four wins in their last five against Uni’s record of four losses in their last five would give any casual onlooker a view of what they can expect…

…but this is University of Stirling we’re talking about here. Anything can happen, and it often does. You can expect goals in this one!

East Stirlingshire vs Broomhill

You wouldn’t call East Stirlingshire a form team in the Park’s Motor Group Scottish Lowland Football League… or would you? Would you? Could you? Sure, why not!

Three wins and a draw in the last five for Pat Scullion’s side have seen them rise from relegation trouble to… slightly above relegation trouble in 14th place. 

Broomhill could be described as ‘coming onto a game’ themselves having scored three without reply at home to ailing Cumbernauld Colts before the Scottish Cup break. 

Both sides will be hoping to take further steps away from Gala Fairydean Rovers at the foot of the table, and capitalise on any problems for teams around them that are out of form. This one will be one to watch this weekend and we’re making the match at The Falkirk Stadium on Friday night our Neutral’s Choice!

Albion Rovers vs Heart of Midlothian B

Albion Rovers were so good against University of Stirling that Peter Menay managed to win SM Media’s Player of the Week award without needing to even exist. 

In all seriousness though, award recipient Peter Mendy was on fire as Rovers put Uni to the sword and they’ll be hoping for more of the same from him and the rest of Sandy Clark’s side. 

Hearts B are coming into this one on the back of an unusual midweek lunchtime fixture against Celtic B, but that is yet to be played at the time of writing so if you’re reading this after 2pm on Tuesday… insert your own observation here:

Thanks for that.

Bo’ness United vs Caledonian Braves

League leaders Caledonian Braves exited the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup at the weekend, losing out to Musselburgh Athletic 2-1. Ricky Waddell’s men will take the positive of ‘focusing on the league’ and will be keen to make the trip to Newtown Park as fruitful as their last league match, a 5-1 trouncing of Celtic B. 

Bo’ness United went into the Scottish Cup Third Round draw after an extra time victory over HOB Hawthorn and set up a match with the conquerers of this weekend’s opponents, Musselburgh. 

That result will be just as welcome as a tight 2-1 victory over Cowdenbeath last time out in the League. They’ll be hoping to build on 7th place in the Park’s Motor Group Scottish Lowland League and climb as high as 5th!

Broxburn Athletic vs Berwick Rangers

Broxburn will visit Stranraer in the Third Round of the Big Cup after a nerve-jangling 1-0 win over Auchinleck Talbot. Their league form has been a little bit patchy of late but they are sitting pretty in 6th place and will be looking to rediscover their free-scoring form as they welcome Berwick Rangers. 

The Wee Gers exited the Cup with a spirited 1-0 loss to Forfar on Saturday but their troubled league form will be giving them pause as they go into this one. They’ve slipped to 13th in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League and are without a win in four matches. 

A big performance will be needed on the road on Saturday. 

Civil Service Strollers vs Gretna 2008

Okay so we might not have chosen it as our Neutral’s Pick this week, but this game will be one to keep an eye on. Matches between Strollers and Gretna are usually entertaining but since this one could be for league position, you can expect some fireworks (ah! ahhhhh!) in this one. 

Civil Service Strollers found Irvine Meadow XI too hot to handle at the weekend as they exited the Scottish Cup, but they’re on a decent run of three wins on the spin in the league. 

Gretna meanwhile have had a weekend off and will want to build on their convincing 3-0 win over Berwick last time out in the league. 

Cowdenbeath vs Celtic B

Cowdenbeath’s tough season doesn’t get any easier with the visit of Celtic B to Central Park on Saturday. 

The Blue Brazil had a confidence-boosting 2-1 win over The Spartans in the Scottish Cup, setting up a former-SPFL-side-classic against Brechin City in the Third Round. 

On league duty though, they’ve found things much tougher and are currently in 15th place on 11 points, well within striking distance of the  three sides sitting below them. Anything less than a convincing performance against Celtic could result in them finishing the weekend in relegation trouble. 

Gala Fairydean Rovers vs University of Stirling

Predict this one? Absolutely not. 

Gala Fairydean Rovers go into this match bottom of the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League but this is one of the most intriguing relegation battles we’ve had in recent years with six teams in immediate danger of distress. 

Gala lost to Tranent last time out but their performance was encouraging and the result was respectable against one of the league’s highest scoring teams. Gala tend not to play on the back foot and that has led to some fascinating and entertaining matches so far. 

Like their hosts, University of Stirling are another of this season’s mysteries wrapped in an enigma. Capable of incredible wins and crushing lows, they are without a win in their last four matches and will be keen to do some damage in the Borders to get their season back on track. 

Linlithgow Rose vs East Kilbride

This is another one that could easily have been our Neutral’s Pick as 2nd meets 5th in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League. 

Rose come into this one off the back of a hugely entertaining 3-0 win over Clachnacuddin in the Scottish Cup, setting up a fascinating Third Round tie with Raith Rovers. Kilby also made it to the Third Round, beating Bonnyrigg Rose 3-1 to set up an equally fascinating tie with Falkirk. 

East Kilbride have four league wins in five while Rose’s form is a little more patchy with two wins and two draws. If all goes right, this one will likely be a fairly cagey affair. One for the tactics afficionados… 

Tranent vs Cumbernauld Colts

The East Lothian side are Tranentless (as in relentless? No? You don’t deserve me) in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League this season, turning around a stuttering start to rise up to 3rd. 

Cumbernauld Colts have yet to get going and parted company with manager David Proctor following a 3-0 defeat away at Broomhill. Lowland League icon Craig Malcolm has taken the hotseat on an interim basis and he will be hoping for a landmark result in his first game in charge.

In truth, going to Foresters and getting anything is a tough ask at the best of times and Colts will have to turn a run of four defeats and a draw on its head to come away with a good result. 

The draw for the First Round of this season’s Lowland League Cup has been made, and is as follows!

Civil Service Strollers vs East Stirlingshire
Gretna 2008 vs University of Stirling
Broomhill vs Berwick Rangers
Linlithgow Rose vs Caledonian Braves
Cumbernauld Colts vs East Kilbride
Cowdenbeath vs Gala Fairydean Rovers
Tranent vs Broxburn Athletic
Albion Rovers vs Bo’ness United

Some great ties in prospect as we look ahead to the competition. The ties will take place from Saturday 1st to Wednesday 5th February – keep an eye out on your side’s social media for the exact dates!