Happy new year! From everyone at the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League we wish you nothing but health and happiness for 2026.
To ring in the new year, we asked Chris Pow from Official Catchup to take you through each team’s chances for the rest of the season!
Clydebank
The majority of pundits predicted Clydebank to challenge this season and they have lived up to that expectation – maintaining top spot in the Lowland League.
It almost feels strange to say that a team that has scored the most goals and has a top three defensive record, could find another gear, but that’s how I feel about the Bankies. Certainly over the last couple of months they have done what good teams do and found a way to win, while not necessarily playing their best football. The 4-1 loss to Caledonian Braves last month would have been a major warning against complacency as there’s been a lot of examples of close games, and then there’s been other times where Clydebank have won by 4 or 5 goals, they need more of the latter to lift the title at the end of the season, especially with all their remaining home fixtures being against top half sides, including a massive fixture against Bonnyrigg Rose, who beat them in the reverse fixture.
Key Player – Technically gifted Neil McLaughlin has been in fine form for the Bankies this season, scoring 14 goals in 20 league games.
Bonnyrigg Rose
Early on, my predictions for as many as four or five clubs to be in the title race looked to be up in smoke, however, over the last couple of months the two horse race between Clydebank and Linlithgow Rose turned on its head. Bonnyrigg Rose have gone on an impressive 10 match winning run in the Lowland League to put themselves back in contention.
The Rosey Posey started the season playing at Whitehill Welfare’s Ferguson Park and it’s tough to say how much of an effect these things can have on results but Bonnyrigg were clearly not at their best early on, considering the quality of their squad. Losing one of the best defenders in the league, Kerr Young, to injury would have been a blow to any team’s chances, however, moving back to New Dundas Park seems to have galvanised the club.
It’s no secret I wasn’t a massive fan of Bonnyrigg Rose the last time they were in the Lowland, mainly with differences in opinion on how the team set up and played. Rose still won the league and promotion to the SPFL, in fairness, however, this time round, the football feels a little more captivating from a spectators point of view. Of course, they have the best defensive record in the league to counteract my point. Something which could be key to finishing top of the league again down the stretch.
Key Player – Due to the run the Rose have been on lately, an argument could easily be made for any of the starting XI. Cammie Ross has scored 17 goals in 21 league games so I’ll stick with the very safe option.
Broxburn Athletic
It was clear to almost everyone that Broxburn were building a team to challenge at the start of the season and they have for the most part.
John Millar returned to the club to take over as manager in late August and there’s been a few ins and outs in terms of the playing squad. But with the strength of the current team, the Brox remain in contention, only trailing league leaders Clydebank by 6 points. It’s hard to really judge what’s going to happen when you’re hoping teams above you slip up. The Brox need to be as consistent as possible now, if they have any chance of winning the league.
Key Player – There’s more than a few candidates but I have to go with big Errol Douglas – 16 goals in 19 league games.
Caledonian Braves
The season has been largely disappointing for the Braves, despite sitting in fourth place in the league, currently.
Whether it’s my own personal expectations or a general feeling for many, I wanted to see more from a clearly talented squad. Last season’s third placed finish was built from the back, and there’s been times where I’ve seen Braves concede the sloppiest of goals, reminiscent of the static defence of the old Edusport days, that would frustrate me, as a spectator. I’m not going to throw out the famous “consistently inconsistent” line to describe this squad because it’s not a true reflection. The Braves have just failed to turn up on several occasions and it’s potentially cost them a chance to challenge this season, which was the expectation. Hopefully, the Braves can stay relevant in the title picture for the remaining fixtures.
Key Player – Easily, Braves best player this season, Lennon Walker, with 18 goals in 20 league games. I’ll cut short of calling Lennon a revelation as he was decent at Tranent and Bo’ness United before, but in more of a channel forward role, he’s been a massive bright spark for the Braves.
Linlithgow Rose
Rose were on a tear in the early part of the season, fighting it out with Clydebank for the top spot, winning 10 league games in a row, the most of the season, only recently equalled by Bonnyrigg Rose.
So, what happened? Why the fall off? Like everything else in life, it’s never just one thing. The injury to talisman Dylan Paterson certainly wouldn’t have helped. Dylan had scored 13 goals in 13 league games up until October. Since then he has been out. Every club deals with players getting injured but it’s extremely difficult to replace a player who was averaging a goal a game. Defensively they haven’t been good enough recently, which would be a criticism. They have missed Ciaran Greene over the last few months, also due to injury, I believe, to add to the woes.
Key Player – Connor McMullan is always a stand out for Rose and they will need to rely on his experience and leadership to help get through this poor run of form and back to winning wins, if they have any chance of progressing back further up the table.
Tranent
Tranent similar to Bonnyrigg Rose and Broxburn Athletic were another club that had a real purple patch during October and November. Unfortunately for the Belters, less so this month, which has halted a wee bit of momentum in the league.
The keen eyed amongst us will have spotted I stated Bonnrigg have the best defensive record in the league, when actually, Tranent have only conceded 21 goals also, though Rose have played one more game. A hallmark of any Robbie Horn side is a good defence, which always puts his team in contention. Tranent do have a couple of games in hand over teams above them, so nothing can be ruled out in terms of their chances at the moment.
Key Player – A team with an outstanding defensive record, I kind of need to pick a defender. I feel like Euan Bauld doesn’t get enough credit from me sometimes and as Tranent captain, I don’t think I can go wrong with highlighting him here.
Bo’ness United
What to really say about Bo’ness United? They’ve had two fantastic results recently, beating Linlithgow Rose in the derby and Broxburn Athletic on Saturday with the one-two punch of Shaun Brown and Kieran Mitchell. I just want to see more of it, as do the Bo’ness United faithful, I’m sure.
I don’t want to put a dampener on the BU party but too many times the BUs have had a really good result but go on to lose games in the following weeks, they were likely the favourite for. Just finding that extra motivation and consistency is the difference between Bo’ness United and the top sides, in terms of results.
Key Player – I actually think there are a few candidates but I said at the start of the season, any success Bo’ness United will have will be down to Kieran Mitchell staying healthy and scoring goals and I’m delighted he’s done that with 14 goals in 22 league appearances.
Cumbernauld Colts
I think Cumbernauld Colts are doing fine. The top half is where I believe they should be.
I do often show a wee bit bias to the Colts, simply cos I am a fan of them giving opportunities to players from their development side, which we’ve seen consistently this season from manager John Doyle. Staying in the top half will be the goal for the remainder of the campaign.
Key Player – It’s tough not to maybe give Josh Jack a mention here but taking into consideration a few other factors, Liam Allison gets my vote. For a player that was out injured for the majority of the last campaign, Liam has been solid since his permanent move to Broadwood. Colts had a young squad last season and were missing that wee bit of experience and leadership and Liam has provided it this campaign.
Celtic B
Not many believed me when I said Celtic B would take a step back this season, as we have been so used to them pushing at the top end of the league in previous years.
This season has been different because the squad is a lot younger. Celtic signed a lot of the under 18s side to professional deals last June, essentially pushing them to play for the B team, while the older age bracket are loaned out to the SPFL. Whether Celtic and Hearts will remain in the league after the split, that I can’t answer, but given the approach, I think it’s less likely than before.
Key Player – It’s hard to pick from a talented group of youngsters. Personally, Conor Daly has impressed me. The 16 year old Scotland international has been solid and doesn’t look out of place against senior players. A big future ahead of him, hopefully.
Cowdenbeath
I don’t think Cowdenbeath fans would forgive me if I didn’t mention they only had two players signed up at the start of the season.
Paul McLean has done a fine job and credit to football operations coordinator (I think that’s his title) Colin Nelson also, for putting the team together this season. I talked about the potential of the side and certainly there’s a few players at Cowdenbeath, who have impressed, some of which coming from pretty much obscurity. The main aim this season was always going to be building for the future.
Key Player – Speaking of obscurity, I always say it’s rare for me not to have at least heard of a player’s name before and that’s exactly what happened with Finlay Ness. Coming from the amateurs, the 23 year old has been impressive in his first season at tier 5.
Gala Fairydean Rovers
Gala must be magic cos they’ve done things in spells this season (excuse the humour). They had a surprisingly strong start and then dropped off and then had another wee winning run recently.
It’s no secret, Gala play entertaining and attractive football under Martin Scott, This doesn’t always translate to good results. The major thing hampering Gala’s progress last season was the amount of goals they conceded, which has been resolved this campaign, but they have also cooled off on the amount of goals they were scoring, so midtable is where they find themselves. A push for a top half finish isn’t out of the question for the rest of the season.
Key Player – Jared Lyons has been impressive for Gala this season while covering multiple positions throughout.
Berwick Rangers
Berwick Rangers are a bit like the Stranger Things finale, just okay. It’s actually a bad example because the Dream Team is far less predictable. They have had their moments of brilliance, but other times, you’re just never certain what’s going to happen.
The best thing about Berwick Rangers this season has been their X spaces. The guys that do the commentary on the games are fantastic, always enjoy listening in, regardless of the result, In terms of the football, it really has been hit and miss. The club have made it clear they are looking ahead to next season already, allowing club stalwart Liam Buchanan to leave in December.
Key Player – The experience and leadership of Mark McConnell would help any team in the league.
University of Stirling
If I’m honest, I’ve not seen as much of Stirling Uni as I would like this season.
The Uni have been very impressive with the amount of goals they have managed to score in the league, however, the BUCS competitions might take precedence, especially this month, with the opportunity to win another BUCS Premier North title on the line. Heriot-Watt host Stirling at the Oriam on the 14th, a must win game if Stirling want to take it to the final day, where Stirling Uni take on league leaders Nottingham at Gannochy on the 28th of January.
Key Player – Finn Moffett has been lethal this season, scoring 15 goals in 23 league appearances.
Civil Service Strollers
I’m never going to rule out Strollers from claiming a top half finish. They do have a few games in hand over the teams above them but it might take some Gary Jardine magic to make it happen this season.
It’s been one of the tougher seasons for Strollers, perhaps even their toughest season in the Lowland League so far. But like I say, I’m not silly enough to doubt Gary Jardine.
Key Player – Chrissy McGinn has been solid this season and deserves his plaudits.
Albion Rovers
I think people are getting sick of me praising Albion Rovers or they are just jealous, or both. Who knows? Anyway, I wasn’t praising them necessarily for their performances on the pitch but the fact the club is now in a stable financial position.
It allows them to move forward into next season and hopefully, not only survive, but thrive, in the new Lowland League West, especially if they can keep hold of some of their younger players.
Key Player – Rovers legend and club captain – Alan Reid. It just has to be.
Hearts of Midlothian B
See Celtic B…
A lot of what I said about Celtic B applies to Hearts B. Both are in similar, if not identical positions, where it’s a wait and see if they will continue to be a part of the Lowland League after the split next season.
Key Player – 16 year old forward Connor Dow looks like a top prospect for Hearts. Been really impressive in the league scoring 7 goals in 21 appearances.
Gretna FC 2008
The biggest issue Gretna have had this season has been their disciplinary record. They are way ahead of any other Lowland League club on yellow cards and sending offs.
Admittedly, they have been on the wrong end of some dubious decisions from what I’ve seen, but aside from Jack Dickinson leaving the club before the season started, it’s been their biggest downfall in terms of progressing. I believe Vinnie Parker will rectify these issues going forward. Most teams at the bottom end of the table will be looking ahead for next season now but hoping to finish as high as possible in the table.
Key Player – Sean McKenzie has done well stepping up the levels again, the Anvils forward has scored 12 goals in 22 league appearances.
East Stirlingshire
It’s always easier to talk about the teams at the top than those at the bottom.
Shire fans will be thankful there isn’t any relegation to worry about before the league split but it will be somewhat unsettling to see their team perform so poorly. The majority of them were happy to see the club return to Ochilview ahead of this season but it’s done them no favours and Calum Tapping would have been under no illusions how difficult a job he had when taking over from Pat Scullion in September. It will be interesting to see what happens in the next few months at the club and whether they can build a team that can compete post split.
Key Player – Jay Cantley is still a top keeper in the league, it’s been a very difficult season in all respects for the Shire.
