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!

Another wonderful weekend in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League done and dusted. Join me as we take a spin through the best of the action and look out for the Lowland League Cup draw on this very website tomorrow at 5pm.

Albion Rovers 5-0 University of Stirling

Albion Rovers were well worth the entry fee on Saturday as they demolished University of Stirling 5-0 at the Reigart Stadium. The goals came from Paul Kennedy, Bright Prince, former scholar Marcus Lavery and Peter Mendy hit a brace. 

University of Stirling would tell you themselves that their side weren’t at the races in this one and they’ll be hoping for stronger performances after the Scottish Cup break to get their season back on track.

As for Rovers, their supporters will be pleased with the scoreline after a few weeks of less than convincing performances. Sandy Clark echoed the notion of football being a results-driven business, and they’ll be looking for more after the break.

Broomhill 3-0 Cumbernauld Colts

I said that Cumbernauld Colts needed to arrest their slide through the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League table with a solid result against Broomhill, so going to Dumbarton and losing 3-0 probably wasn’t on the bingo card.

This result cost David Proctor his job, the Colts manager resigning straight after the match. Goals from Alex Fairlie, Michael Aitken and Andrew Caffrey saw Broomhill take all three points and a clean sheet thanks to a series of excellent saves from stalwart goalkeeper Stephen Barr.

Broomhill have a huge match coming up November 1st against a resurgent East Stirlingshire, while Cumbernauld Colts face a tough away trip to Tranent on Saturday 2nd – both matches will be fascinating to watch for anyone planning a weekend groundhog.

Broxburn Athletic 1-2 Civil Service Strollers

Broxburn failed their bouncebackability test after their midweek draw with Bo’ness United, falling to a 2-1 defeat at home against Civil Service Strollers. 

In truth, 2-1 makes it look like a more even game but the Brox’s consolation goal came in the dying moments with a spectacular finish from Errol Douglas. Alieu Faye and Tom Findlay scored for Strollers on either side of half time to secure all three points.

Both sides are in Scottish Cup action this coming weekend as Broxburn face a trip to Auchinleck Talbot while Civil Service Strollers are off to Ayrshire to take on Irvine Meadow XI in the ‘Interesting Scottish Fitba Names Derby’.

Caledonian Braves 5-1 Celtic B

Caledonian Braves needed a landmark performance against similarly unbeaten Celtic B to continue their run at the top of the Park’s Motor Group Scottish Lowland League. They achieved that and more as they smashed the full-time academy side 5-1. 

Cammy Breadner’s opener was the pick of the goals as Braves dominated the game to leave them as the only undefeated team in the league this season and drop Celtic to fourth.

Cowdenbeath 1-2 Bo’ness United

Another side that are struggling in recent weeks are Cowdenbeath, whose luck didn’t improve much with a 2-1 loss at home to Bo’ness United. 

Cowdenbeath took the lead through Matty McDonald who pounced on a deflection in the Bo’ness box to turn the ball home, but despite the heroics of Ruaridh Lynch in the Blue Brazil goal, they were powerless to stop the turnaround.

Ryan Porteous scored a wonderful flicked header from a corner to make it 1-1 before Louis Kennedy left Lynch planted as he deftly found the postage stamp from just outside the box to seal all three points for Bo’ness.

Scottish Cup action awaits both sides at the weekend as Bo’ness travel to Hill of Beath Hawthorn and former Lowland League champions The Sportans  welcome Cowdenbeath to Ainslie Park.

East Kilbride 4-1 Heart of Midlothian B

Hearts B made it four defeats in five matches as East Kilbride ran out 4-1 winners at K Park. Hearts B took a 1-0 lead into half time but capitulated when it mattered as an own goal served as an equaliser for Kilby, before Cami Elliott, Jack Leitch and Jamie Hamilton sealed the victory for the K Park side to keep the pressure on Caledonian Braves at the top of the table.

East Kilbride are in Scottish Cup action this weekend, welcoming League 2 side Bonnyrigg Rose to K Park.

East Stirlingshire 2-0 Gala Fairydean Rovers

East Stirlingshire eased some of their relegation worries with another win at the weekend. Gala Fairydean Rovers were the visitors and, as a result, drop to the bottom of the table. 

It took until nearly half time for the deadlock to be broken as Chris Inglis rose highest to nod home a corner. As for the second goal? Count me among the people who love it when a forward shifts his weight to allow him to finish on his stronger foot. Lewis Latona did just that as he was released through, shifted onto his right foot and put the ball just beyond the keeper.

Just a note on the absolutely ridiculous quality of East Stirlingshire’s highlights package. The number of statistics and detail on display in it is absolutely incredible. An amazing job from the team over at The Falkirk Stadium.

Gretna 2008 3-0 Berwick Rangers

Berwick Rangers’ trajectory in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League this season could best be described as ‘nosedive’. After a strong start that saw them sitting pretty at the top of the table in the early running, their form has been poor since (three defeats and a draw in their last five) and England’s only Scottish team find themselves in thirteenth.

Gretna 2008 went about their business cleanly and efficiently, not scoring the most beautiful of goals (their first could be described as the most wicked of deflections), but they did what they needed to do and supplanted Berwick in twelfth place.

Berwick will be hoping that the return of former Captain Jamie Pyper from East Stirlingshire can spark their season into life as they face a trip to Forfar Athletic in the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup at the weekend.

Linlithgow Rose 2-2 Tranent

There’s a lot I could say about this game, it was a cracking example of end-to-end non-league fitba played between two evenly matched teams. It reminds me of something you’d have seen on Scotsport in the 1990s. 

Just do yourself a favour, make a wee cup of tea and watch the highlights.

Linlithgow Rose will be hoping for more of this kind of performance as they head into a home Scottish Cup match against Clachnacuddin at the weekend.

And finally…

Here’s the Team of the Month from the lads at Official Catchup – what do you think?

Albion Rovers vs University of Stirling

This weekend’s 8th vs 9th battle is set to be an enticing affair as Uni could leapfrog Rovers (although for the pedants amongst you, Rovers do have a game in hand). 

Albion Rovers fans won’t be much happier than they were going into midweek, having needed a last minute Bright Prince goal to rescue a point against bottom of the table Broomhill. Sandy Clark’s side will need to provide more going forward if they want to get the jump on a Uni side that, on their day, can score for fun. 

Uni took two points from Caledonian Braves in midweek and will be looking to build on that and take the initiative of leapfrogging their positional rivals. 

Broomhill vs Cumbernauld Colts

Broomhill suffered a late sickener against Albion Rovers in midweek and it seems like – at some point – they surely have to gain some kind of reward for their improved play. A 2-2 draw against top half Albion Rovers was creditable but in order to keep in the fight for survival, they’ll have to start picking up wins and fast. 

They’ll see an opportunity against a Cumbernauld Colts side that have struggled hugely in recent weeks and capitulated at their home ground against Civil Service Strollers in midweek. Colts’ slide down the table in recent weeks will be a concern for David Proctor’s side and they’ll be looking to arrest it at The Rock on Saturday. 

Broxburn Athletic vs Civil Service Strollers

Broxburn Athletic played out a cagey nil-nil draw with Bo’ness United on Wednesday night and naturally will be looking to bounce back with a win at Albyn Park on Saturday afternoon. 

Civil Service Strollers for their part dismantled Cumbernauld Colts in midweek and took all three points and a three goal margin in a 4-1 win. Gary Jardine and his side will want to build on that, even if Albyn Park makes for a difficult away day! Strollers will need to shore up defensively, but there are few teams who look brighter going forward in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League at the moment. 

Caledonian Braves vs Celtic B

Caledonian Braves go into Saturday’s match at home to Celtic B, knowing that the momentum lies with their title rivals with them having failed to pick up all three points away at University of Stirling.

Celtic B themselves took down Gretna 2008 4-0 in midweek and are starting to return to the kind of form that put them in third place in the league. This one could easily be one to watch this weekend, but much depends on which Celtic side turns up. 

Cowdenbeath vs Bo’ness United

Cowdenbeath have perhaps been one of the more disappointing sides in the league this season and a visit from Bo’ness United will do little to perk up Blue Brazil fans still reeling from their 8-3 defeat to East Kilbride in midweek. Like Cumbernauld Colts, Cowdenbeath are struggling to impose themselves in games and will need more from their experienced players if they’re to get anything from this one. 

Bo’ness United – who I nearly constantly describe as ‘slow and steady’ – played out a 0-0 draw with Broxburn Athletic in midweek and are going about their business quietly and confidently. They’re currently sitting in 7th place but a wee run of results, either positive or negative, could change their fortunes greatly going into the rest of the season. 

East Kilbride vs Heart of Midlothian B

East Kilbride could probably have won by more in midweek, despite beating Cowdenbeath 8-3 at K Park. They will be incredibly confident going into their match against Hearts B at the weekend, with a chance to put the Premiership youth team whose record in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League has been fairly underwhelming this season, even further behind in their plans. 

East Stirlingshire vs Gala Fairydean Rovers

We said previously that East Stirlingshire needed a big, landmark result to put their season back on track. So them beating high-flying Linlithgow Rose 1-0 in midweek definitely counts. Two wins for the season won’t give Shire fans anything to sing too loudly about, but it’s progress that they can take into this weekend against Gala Fairydean Rovers. 

Gala themselves lost out narrowly to Tranent in midweek in a game where, had they taken their chances, things could have been very different. This match is a chance for both teams to take a huge leap away from the drop zone. Needless to say, The Falkirk Stadium could well be the place to be this weekend!

Gretna 2008 vs Berwick Rangers

Gretna 2008 fell foul of full time football in midweek as they lost out 4-0 to Celtic B. Things have been tougher than Gretna might have liked in this phase of the season, but their fans will still be hoping that the side have enough about them to steer clear of the danger zone over the next few months.

Berwick themselves are struggling a little after a bright start to the season. The former league leaders currently sit in 12th place and following the postponement of their midweek match versus Hearts B, they’ll be rested and raring to go in this one. 

Linlithgow Rose vs Tranent

Rose fans predicting a midweek loss to East Stirlingshire would likely have been run out of Linlithgow on Tuesday, but then imagine the moment of being able to say ‘I told you so’!

They’d probably have preferred to take something out of the game though…

They welcome Tranent who are quietly steamrollering their way through the league and looking good while doing it. The battle of fourth and fifth is another reason to get out to the football this weekend (as if you needed a reason). If you’re in the area, this isn’t one to be missed!

It’s time to look back… and forward! Let’s take a look, team-by-team, at how things are going for your team in the Park’s Motor Group Scottish Lowland Football League.

Caledonian Braves

A 1-1 draw in midweek was a fair result between two strong sides as Braves and Broxburn fought it out at Alliance Park. The league leaders will need to be on top of things as they welcome Hearts B to Alliance Park this weekend and they’ll be looking to get back to winning ways. Ross McNeil will be keen to add to his goal tally.

East Kilbride

Many believed that East Kilbride would win the league at a canter this season, but it seems safe to say that after ten matches of the Lowland League season, things might not be so simple for the K Park men, despite a strong start.

A midweek 5-0 win away at Raydale Park will have the positivity flowing again, but the team who currently sit in fourth place will need to be wary as they travel to meet an unpredictable Berwick Rangers side who themselves are looking to put together a good run of results.

Celtic B

Currently sitting second in the division and yet to lose a match, Celtic B go into Saturday’s match against Bo’ness United in search of more of the same.

Linlithgow Rose

A last-minute sickener at home against struggling Gala Fairydean Rovers in midweek saw Linlithgow Rose’s run of five wins end, but the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League’s third placed team will go into this Sunday’s match at Forthbank hoping that University of Stirling will provide less stern opposition for a team with title aspirations. 

Rose have goals spread throughout their team, but will be hoping that their defence can hold firm against a Uni team that score for fun if they are given enough space.

Tranent

Tranent turned up at Forthbank on Wednesday night and promptly gubbed University of Stirling 5-0. With – shall we say talismanic? – Dean Brett out of action for the next few weeks, it would have been reasonable for Tranent to struggle and a freak 4-0 loss to Dundee North End in the Scottish Cup gave cause for concern. 

What a way to allay those fears as they demolished the students on their home turf. They travel to Dumbarton on Sunday with the intention of doing the same to bottom of the league Broomhill.

Broxburn Athletic

Broxburn Athletic played out a draw with Caledonian Braves at Alliance Park in midweek, a match that neither side would have wanted to lose. The Brox sit in sixth place in the league and show no signs of letting up in their impressive start to the season. 

They welcome East Stirlingshire to Albyn Park at the weekend in what would have seemed to be an easier fixture pre-midweek when East Stirlingshire blew Cumbernauld Colts away 5-0 at The Falkirk Stadium. Goals galore in prospect for this one.

Just wait for it to be a nil-nil draw. Sorry in advance.

Bo’ness United

I feel like Bo’ness United have been the quiet force in the Park’s Motor Group Scottish Lowland League this season, quietly going about their business and putting in strong performance after strong performance. A narrow midweek win against Berwick Rangers gained them another three points, and they’ll welcome Celtic B to Newtown Park with the confidence of gaining another good result to push them further up the table.

Hearts B

Hearts B have been all over the place in terms of results in the Lowland League this season and will be looking to put a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Broomhill two weeks ago behind them as they head to Alliance Park to take on Caledonian Braves who sit at the top of the league. 

Albion Rovers

A season of intense ups and downs for Albion Rovers this season led to in a last ditch win over Civil Service Strollers at the Reigart Stadium in midweek. A tumultuous exit from the Scottish Cup has punctuated what many Rovers fans see as a team underperforming, but they travel to Cumbernauld Colts with a chance to make positive gains on a side that have struggled in recent weeks.

University of Stirling

University of Stirling struggled in midweek, being taken apart by a rampant Tranent side. That 5-0 defeat doesn’t really speak to Uni’s recent form which has been pretty balanced (two wins, two defeats and a draw in the last five matches). This weekend’s home match against high-flying Linlithgow Rose will likely provide a better barometer of where Chris Geddes’ side are terms of their league aspirations.

Berwick Rangers

Berwick Rangers have slipped to eleventh place in the table after three defeats in their last five matches. This weekend’s home match against East Kilbride offers a chance for the Wee Gers to put a marker down to the rest of the league, but they know that they are in for a tough time against the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League champions. 

As always, it’s talismanic (twice in the one preview? Yup!) Liam Buchanan whose goals will be vital if they are to put a dent in Kilby’s title chances and get their own season back on track.

Gretna 2008

Gretna’s early season form has seen them put a buffer between themselves and the bottom of the league, where many pre-season predictions would have had them. Vinnie Parker’s charges have had less luck in recent weeks and suffered a 5-0 home defeat against East Kilbride in midweek, but match-ups with the teams around them in the league provide an opportunity for Gretna to pick up more vital points. That begins this weekend when Cowdenbeath come to town.

Cowdenbeath

You could say much the same about Cowdenbeath as I have about Gretna to be honest, and since they’re so close together in the league (just one point separates them!) I guess I would. Cowdenbeath supporters would have been hoping for more going into the season though and will be looking for their team to kick on towards the top half. Whether they are able to will come down to their ability to beat the teams around them… starting with Gretna.

Cumbernauld Colts

One of last season’s surprise packages, Cumbernauld Colts, have suffered a bit of a collapse this season following a strong start. They find themselves in the bottom half and on a fairly indifferent run. This weekend’s match against Albion Rovers will be seen as an opportunity get their course pointed in the right direction but things will be far from simple for a side who have a significant injury list.

Civil Service Strollers / Gala Fairydean Rovers

We’re combining Strollers and Gala on this list as they are our Neutral’s Choice this weekend. Both sides go into this one level on points and if Gala’s last few matches are anything to go by, literally anything could happen when the Netherdale men are involved. They secured a 1-1 draw with Linlithgow Rose in midweek with pretty much the last kick of the game, having just had a man sent off. 

Strollers on the other hand lost out late on to Albion Rovers to make it three losses in five matches. They need to get their season going and three points at home against a team in their vicinity would help them massively.

East Stirlingshire

Anyone who predicted East Stirlingshire beating Cumbernauld Colts at home might have been seen as normal, but anyone who predicted East Stirlingshire beating Cumbernauld Colts 5-0 at home would likely have been castigated and thrown out of their community. 

That’s what they did though, and Pat Scullion’s side will be looking to keep that momentum going as they head to Broxburn on Saturday. It’ll be a tougher prospect for them at Albyn Park, but wins give you confidence.

And what does confidence make? Points, maybe!

Broomhill

Last but not least we have Broomhill whose last couple of weeks have been punctuated by the highs of their first win of the season at Ainslie Park against Hearts B, the mids of exiting the cup against Turriff United, and then the lows of a capitulation to Cowdenbeath in midweek after looking competitive in the first half.

They are in for a tough prospect as high-scoring Tranent visit the Marbill Coaches Stadium this Sunday. Something has to give for The Broom, but it’s hard to see it coming this weekend.