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
