Hearts B vs Caledonian Braves

Hearts B suffered a 4-0 defeat at home against Gala Fairydean Rovers last weekend as they continue their slightly disappointing season in the Lowland League. A tight midweek defeat to the league’s second placed side, East Kilbride, won’t have helped much.

Caledonian Braves could have capitalised on their title rivals East Kilbride’s defeat against Celtic B last weekend, but conspired to lose 3-1 at home to Albion Rovers instead. Celtic B might be on top of the pile at the moment but Ricky Waddell’s side will be acutely aware that the battle for the playoffs is only between his side and Kilby. Dropped points from here on in? They just won’t wash.

East Kilbride vs Gala Fairydean Rovers

East Kilbride beat Hearts B in midweek to allay any fears that they might have had after two defeats on the bounce to top of the table rivals Caledonian Braves and Celtic B respectively. 

They still hold two games in hand over first placed Celtic B, but the East Kilbride management team will know that they need to keep up the pace in order to find themselves with a chance of making the SPFL at the fourth attempt.

Gala Fairydean Rovers have their own end of the table to worry about but put some tension to bed by beating Hearts B last Friday night. They are currently sitting three points ahead of Broomhill, but they’ll have Broomhill’s three games in hand firmly in mind as they look to make the most of their run-in.

Albion Rovers vs Linlithgow Rose

Albion Rovers’ Top 6 push received a boost last weekend as they put Caledonian Braves down 3-1 at Alliance Park. A win in that particular Lanarkshire derby will have been sweetened by a chance to visit Prestonfield this weekend and look for a result against Linlithgow Rose that would take momentum from the 4th placed side going into the run-in.

For Linlithgow’s part, they enjoyed a tight 3-2 victory over their own local rivals Bo’ness United last weekend and will be looking up the table rather than down as they look to reel in third placed Braves.

This one should be a cracker. To be honest, it had a good shout of being Neutral’s Pick but we had Albion Rovers last week… so don’t get greedy.

Berwick Rangers vs Celtic B

Berwick Rangers. Berwick Rangers. Berwick Rangers. Maybe saying their name three times might unjinx them. The Shielfield Park side find themselves in 15th place in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland Football League with a miserable return of one win in their last eight games. While club media might be happy to put their tough run of results at everyone else’s door, they’ll need a serious turnaround to arrest a nosedive towards the bottom of the table. 

Celtic B are probably the last side that you want to come up against in that kind of form. The league leaders have won their last six matches and will be looking for another scalp this weekend.

Bo’ness United vs Broomhill

Bo’ness United lost out narrowly to local rivals Linlithgow Rose at the weekend and could do with a win to keep pace with the teams above them and keep them just a little ahead of the teams chasing them. The return of Lucas Stenhouse is timely and will add impetus to their struggling attack.

Broomhill are another side who look to be in serious trouble, but perhaps it’s more due to their pitch than results on the park. The Dumbarton Stadium pitch has claimed many victims this season (in terms of postponements, it’s not quicksand or anything) and means that Broomhill face a compact fixture schedule in their battle for survival. Good results against Berwick Rangers and Cumbernauld Colts in their last six matches may mitigate some of the worry that comes from losing elsewhere, but dropping points at this stage in the season will put them in even greater danger. Almost all of Broomhill’s remaining matches could be described as six-pointers now…

Civil Service Strollers vs East Stirlingshire

Get yourself to Embra this week for the Neutral’s Pick! You wouldn’t call either Civil Service Strollers or East Stirlingshire form teams (start the music) at this point in the season, but this is BIG JUMP TERRITORY.

One point separates 9th and 13th place in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League and if East Stirlingshire can take three points here they will leapfrog Civil Service Strollers in the league table. 

And you might be thinking… why would that matter? Well this is a chance for both teams to put some impetus back into their seasons with relegation a distant memory for both, a top half finish would be an encouraging way to go into 2025/26.

Cowdenbeath vs Broxburn Athletic

Cowdenbeath would have expected to beat Berwick Rangers last weekend but neither side were able to break the deadlock at Shielfield Park. That being said, Cowdenbeath have done enough to put themselves beyond relegation danger and will be hoping to push on for the top half. 

Broxburn’s slump will be troubling for their fans and a 5-2 defeat away to similarly rocky Tranent last weekend won’t have done much to help. A good result here is vital. 

Tranent vs Gretna 2008

Tranent arrested their slump somewhat with that 5-2 win over Broxburn but they will want to put a marker down with another win as we head into the business end of the season. Gretna for their part are safe as houses having enjoyed their best season for a while, but will be looking to finish as high as possible. 

University of Stirling vs Cumbernauld Colts

Stirling Uni are probably the side who are the end point for relegation danger in 14th place on 31 points. Colts sit two places and 8 points behind them and know that they have to keep getting results to steer themselves clear of relegation. 

Usually I don’t like to reflect on my previous week’s Lowland LeaguebWeekly because, as literally nobody who knows me will tell you, I’m like a shark. I’m constantly moving forward, unwilling to look back upon the bloodied predictions and statements that I leave in my wake. 

But honestly last weekend was just WILD wasn’t it? Everything I suggested came up completely incorrect and I can only apologise for/be delighted by the unpredictability of the Park’s Motor Group Scottish Lowland Football League. 

It’s a slightly reduced card of fixtures this weekend but there are some absolute bangers amongst them. Let’s take a look ahead, shall we…

Hearts B vs Gala Fairydean Rovers

Hearts B come into this one on the back of an encouraging 2-1 win over East Stirlingshire last weekend, but Gala Fairydean Rovers keep picking up points when people don’t expect them to. Expect this one to be an open match with plenty of goals on both sides. 

We’ve already established that you shouldn’t listen to me, but either way it’s going to be a nice way to spend your Friday evening. 

Berwick Rangers vs Cowdenbeath

Berwick Rangers will count themselves unlucky to have lost their clash with University of Stirling last weekend, making it fives matches without a victory. 

Cowdenbeath won a fantastic 3 points as they beat Gretna 2008 2-1 to further allay any fears of being dragged into the danger zone. 

However, for their hosts, thoughts of the drop will be keenly felt at Shielfield Park as Gala Fairydean Rovers and Broomhill are only four points behind them.

Caledonian Braves vs Albion Rovers

You might not call this one a local derby but I would and I’m the one writing the weekly column, so enjoy your derby Braves and Rovers fans! 

And Neutrals… because it’s this weekend’s Neutral’s Pick!

Caledonian Braves come into this one with a big ol’ tick against their season’s objectives after smashing East Kilbride flat last weekend to reignite the title race. Their 4-1 victory will need to be the start of something special though, if they’re to chase down Kilby’s games in hand. 

Albion Rovers conspired to lose 2-1 to lowly Cumbernauld Colts last weekend and they’ll come into this one knowing that their top 6 hopes in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League could fade quickly if they let results like this creep in too often. 

Gretna 2008 vs University of Stirling

Go to Gretna this weekend if you’re at a loose end. This has the makings of a wee cracker of a match. One point separates the sides and both play some enjoyable football. 

Could be the move. 

Linlithgow Rose vs Bo’ness United

This is going to be a cracker as 4th meet 8th in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland Football League! 

Rose got back to winning ways last weekend with a narrow 1-0 victory over Tranent, giving them a 7 point cushion over the Big T. Two wins and two draws in their last five though mean that Linlithgow Rose’s form is a wee bit up and down. 

Bo’ness United drew with Gala Fairydean Rovers last weekend and will be disappointed that they couldn’t heap more pressure on Albion Rovers who currently sit above them in the table. 

This’ll be a good one with plenty of bite and likely a lovely big crowd. 

Tranent vs Broxburn Athletic

Two sides who have inexplicably gone off the boil in the last wee while meet at Foresters Park. Tranent have now lost five matches on the spin and will be looking around for some kind of hope going into this weekend. 

They might have been buoyed by Broxburn’s own struggles with them getting hosed and losing three on the bounce. That might be arrested somewhat with a 4-0 victory over Broomhill last weekend and talismanic striker Errol Douglas finding his scoring boots again.

East Kilbride vs Celtic 

League leaders East Kilbride got a bucket of cold water last weekend as they suffered a 4-1 defeat at the hands of 2nd placed Caledonian Braves. They’ll be aiming to pick things back up as they take on 3rd placed Celtic B this weekend at K Park. 

Celtic B are just two points behind and will be looking to put another marker down in the title race. Could be a fascinating match!

Albion Rovers vs Cumbernauld Colts

Albion Rovers’ detractors will have been beside themselves following a thumping 5-0 victory over Broxburn Athletic which has changed the narrative somewhat after two defeats on the spin. Dom McMahon’s curling strike from the edge of the box was the pick of the goals (although there were a few crackers). 

Cumbernauld Colts succumbed to defeat against their relegation rivals Broomhill last weekend to deepen their worries. They’re still sitting third bottom, above both Broomhill and Gala Fairydean Rovers, but there will be genuine cause for concern with Broomhill still having three games in hand. 

Albion Rovers have to be favourites going into this one, but we all know that the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League is unpredictable sooooo…

Bo’ness United vs Gala Fairydean Rovers

Bo’ness have won three in their last five matches but welcome bottom side Gala Fairydean Rovers to Newtown Park on Saturday having lost out against Celtic B last weekend. They’ll be wary going into this one – Bo’ness don’t score for fun and they’ll know that they’ll need to switched on defensively against GFR.

For their part, Gala Fairydean Rovers come in having narrowly lost out (how many times have I written that this season?) against Albion Rovers last weekend. They currently sit bottom of the table but we know that Gala SCORE GOALS and have actually scored seven more than their hosts in the league this season. 

There might not be a shock in this one, but you can pretty much guarantee that it’ll be entertaining.

Broomhill vs Broxburn Athletic

Zander Diamond’s Broomhill side stepped up to the plate last weekend in their relegation six-pointer with Cumbernauld Colts. A 4-2 win will do them very nicely, but so would a win at home against Broxburn.

Broxburn, for their part, have their own concerns going into this one. While they currently sit in 6th place, they have lost by five goal margins in each of their last two matches and have looked utterly devoid of confidence. Travelling Brox fans will be hoping that they can arrest that slide this weekend.

Callum McKenzie’s panenka penalty last weekend summed up his rich vein of form since rejoining Broomhill. He’s on 7 for the season. On Broxburn’s side it looked as though Errol Douglas would rocket up the goalscoring table when he reached 14 for the season, but he’s without a goal since November.

Caledonian Braves vs East Kilbride

Alliance Park for the Neutral’s Pick? It’s got to be. Not least because, with three games in hand over their hosts this weekend, East Kilbride could take a proper stranglehold on the top spot in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League. 

For Caledonian Braves, this one is a must win. They’re only four points behind but with those matches played over their title rivals, it’s hard to see them reeling the K Park side back in if they lose this.

But it’s not just the permutations for the league trophy that make this one a fascinating prospect! Three of the top four scorers in the league will be on display in this one. Braves’ Ross McNeil has 19, while East Kilbride’s Jack Leith and Cammy Elliott have 18 and 17 respectively. And with goals galore elsewhere in both sides, this one Is all set up to be a cracker.

Celtic B vs Civil Service Strollers

Celtic B welcome Civil Service Strollers to the Excelsior(!) Stadium on Saturday looking to continue their record of four wins in five matches.

Civil Service Strollers are on the right side of the top half, currently sitting in 9th place but know that there are several teams lurking like sharks waiting to strike if they slip up. A win here would be an important confidence booster for them.

Cowdenbeath vs Gretna 2008

Cowdenbeath have arrested their worrying slump in form somehow and I think that if it wasn’t for the BIG MATCH AT THE TOP OF THE TABLE this weekend, this one would be a strong pick for the Neutrals. Both teams are looking to push on for the top ten and there are goals in both sides.

You could do much worse than Central Park this weekend. 

East Stirlingshire vs Hearts B

Shire host Hearts B this weekend and will be keen to get back to winning ways following defeat against East Kilbride last weekend. 

Tranent vs Linlithgow Rose

This one will be a fascinating match up between two evenly matched sides, as fourth take on fifth in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League. 

Rose’s Laurie Devine and Dylan Paterson are both on 9 goals for the season and a good weekend for them could see them both hit double figures. Danny Handling finds himself in a similar situation for Tranent and he’ll be hoping he can find the back of the net too, while Harry Girdwood is already on 10 for the season.

University of Stirling vs Berwick Rangers

Another two teams who occupy neighbour status in the league table are University of Stirling (14th) and Berwick Rangers (15th). They can’t change places this weekend but it will be an interesting test for two teams whose performances have caused concern for their fans this season. 

University of Stirling have the second worst goal difference (-27), on the heels of their visitors in last place in that particular metric (-41). This one could be unpredictable and chaotic and will likely provide plenty of entertainment with two teams who are looking over their shoulders.

(Photo Credit: Phil Dawson)

Today is a day for love. It’s a day for laying down your previous animosities and offering wee kisses to the people that have wronged you in the past. That’s right folks… it’s East Stirlingshire vs East Kilbride day.

East Stirlingshire vs East Kilbride

There’s always a wee bit of needle when East Stirlingshire and East Kilbride meet and as two of the form teams in the league, you can expect this one to be another exciting match under the lights at The Falkirk Stadium.

East Stirlingshire have won their last three Park’s Motor Group Lowland League matches, while Kilby are sitting pretty at the top of the table having won every single one of their last six matches and are two points clear of Caledonian Braves with three games in hand.

Hearts B vs University of Stirling

Hearts B have lost three of their last five matches and find themselves in 13th place in the league. They’re just a point behind their visitors this evening, University of Stirling, who sit in 12th after their 1-0 victory over Albion Rovers last Sunday. 

Both sides have lost three of their last five matches.

Broxburn Athletic vs Gretna 2008

A narrow defeat to East Kilbride last week won’t have hurt the Albyn Park support too much as Broxburn Athletic welcome Gretna this weekend. The Brox are still comfortably in sixth place, while Gretna’s impressive season has seen them leave their pre-season tag as relegation favourites behind and put them on an upwardly mobile path towards the top half of the table. 

Caledonian Braves vs Berwick Rangers

Caledonian Braves needed a last gasp goal at the Dumbarton Stadium last weekend to sink bottom of the table Broomhill and Ricky Waddell and his side will be conscious that they need to avoid underestimating their visitors this weekend, Berwick Rangers. Berwick managed a spirited 2-2 draw with Gretna last time out which has arrested their slump in the league slightly, but they still find themselves in 15th place with teams around them taking points.

This one might not quite be must-win, but the more points they can take from matches like this, the less they’ll need to worry about ending the season in relegation danger.

Celtic B vs Bo’ness United

Bo’ness United visit Celtic B this weekend on the back of a thrilling 4-3 victory over the league’s other B Team last weekend. They will be hoping to continue to reel in Broxburn Athletic and Tranent who sit directly above them, and a win over third-placed Celtic B would help them out no end.

Cumbernauld Colts vs Broomhill

Bottom meets third bottom at Broadwood this weekend. It was suggested to me by Chris at Official Catchup that I would be cancelled if I didn’t pick this one as this weekend’s Neutral’s Pick and – as much as I enjoy winding him up – I’d be daft not to.

This is a real relegation six-pointer and with Broomhill holding a three-game-in-hand advantage over Colts, it’s going to be a real test of both teams’ resolve. Broomhill have lost four of their last five matches, while Colts have picked up two wins in their last two matches to give them a slight cushion over Broomhill and Gala Fairydean Rovers.

Both managers will be acutely aware that this match could define their season and if you need a match to check out this weekend, you’d better get yourself along to Broadwood.

Gala Fairydean Rovers vs Albion Rovers

Gala find themselves second bottom of the Park’s Motor Group Scottish Lowland League despite having scored almost as many goals as Caledonian Braves who sit in second (let’s ignore the fact that they’ve conceded more than three times as many as Braves, shall we?). They can count themselves fairly unlucky to find themselves in the position that they do but it will be vital to improve their fortunes at the back as they welcome Albion Rovers to Netherdale.

Albion Rovers lost to University of Stirling last weekend, adding more fuel to the fire for those who believe that their club should have won more than once in their last five matches. There will be a certain expectation among Rovers supporters who will make the long trip from Coatbridge to Galashiels on Saturday, that they should be coming away with three points. 

Linlithgow Rose vs Civil Service Strollers

Rose have become that club that I talk about quietly going about their business. Three wins in their last five have seen them rise to 4th in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League, only four points behind Celtic B with a game in hand. A win over Gary Jardine’s Civil Service Strollers would put them in a really good place.

That being said, if results go their way, Strollers themselves could jump as high as 7th. This one should be a fascinating contest.

Tranent vs Cowdenbeath

The Big T have lost their last three league matches and have slipped down to 5th. Is that ever since I touted them as being title outsiders? I wouldn’t like to comment, I doubt that my words in these pages have that much influence. It’s a concern though, since Tranent will feel that those matches were ones that they should have been taking more from.

Cowdenbeath are still up and down form-wise but they’ve got themselves a cushion over the bottom four sides and will be looking for a good result in this one to climb away from the danger zone and back towards mid-table obscurity. Given the way they were looking just a month ago, that would likely be seen as a victory for the Central Park faithful.

Happy days are here again. That is to say it’s a weekend with a full card of Park’s Motor Group Lowland League matches and the SUN came out today so they might even all get played.
Can you imagine the joys?

Berwick Rangers vs Gretna 2008

Berwick Rangers are fast becoming the team to watch in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League, but probably not in the way they were hoping for. They’ve lost twice in the league since new manager Kevin Haynes joined the club, and lost out to Broomhill in the Lowland League Cup in midweek. Four losses in their last five games will be giving the Shielfield Park side sleepless nights and they’ll be itching – perhaps even desperate – to get back to winning ways on Saturday.

Gretna’s fortunes could have been similar after an early season sprint was followed up by some fairly patchy form. Given that they’ve been experiencing a bit of an injury crisis of late, it’s safe to say that Vinnie Parker’s side will feel pretty secure with 27 points from 24 matches. They’ve managed to re-sign a significant number of this season’s squad ahead of 2025/26 already, so they’ll be on a high going into this one.

Shielfield Park for thrills this Saturday? It’s our Neutral’s Pick – let us know on the former Bird Platform if you head along to this one.

Bo’ness United vs Hearts B

I always struggle to know exactly what to make of Bo’ness United’s 2024/25 season and I guess that when I tell you that their goal difference is currently +1, you might see what I mean.

They’re going about their business quietly, in no threat of relegation and – perhaps sadly for their supporters – not really looking like troubling the top five in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League. 

They welcome Hearts B to Newtown Park on Saturday, with the Wee Jambos on a fairly inconsistent run which has left them in 12th in the table. 

Broomhill vs Caledonian Braves

Broomhill can count themselves unlucky that they find themselves at the foot of the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League table at the moment. They’re currently sitting on 16 points but have three games in hand over their nearest rivals Cumbernauld Colts thanks to weather call-offs (their midweek League Cup tie against Berwick had to be played at K Park). 

They have second placed Caledonian Braves visiting the Dumbarton Stadium this weekend, and will be looking to build on that impressive cup win in this one. They will also no doubt be hoping that the weather holds.

Caledonian Braves will be looking to continue their strong run of form that sees them fairly comfortable in second place. The momentum in the title race still lies with East Kilbride, but Braves will be looking to convert every three points possible in the run in. 

Civil Service Strollers vs Tranent

Civil Service Strollers are another team going quietly about their business this season. Since joining, Gary Jardine has all-but transformed Strollers into a team that nobody fancies themselves to take points off. Ask half the table who their bogey team is and the chances are they’d say Strollers. 

Tranent have been on a bit of a dip, presumably because I touted them as dark horses for the title a few weeks ago. Sorry about that, Tranent fans. They’ve slipped to 5th in the Park’s Motor Group Scottish Lowland League table and will be looking to turn those Forester’s frowns upside down at Christie Gillies Park on Saturday. 

Cumbernauld Colts vs Cowdenbeath

Cumbernauld Colts might well be coming on to a game despite their woes so far in the Lowland League this season. A 3-2 win over Celtic B in their last league match was as welcome as it was unexpected, but a demoralising 5-0 defeat in the cup, at K Park will drive home the scale of the job that Colts have to do to avoid the danger zone come the end of the season. 

Cowdenbeath on the other hand have come out of their own little slide down the table with two wins and two draws in their last five. Things are looking up for the Blue Brazil but this one will be a really tough match for them, and you could do much worse than a wee trip to Broadwood this weekend. 

East Kilbride vs Broxburn Athletic

K Park is the venue on Saturday as the current champions look to cement their stranglehold on the top spot. They have three games in hand over nearest rivals Caledonian Braves, and already hold a three point advantage. They can afford to slip up a couple of times, is what I’m saying. 

If you’d asked me a few weeks ago I’d have said that this could be that game, with Broxburn Athletic in free-scoring form but a wee mid-season slump saw them take a couple of batterings and the newly promoted side’s morale dip a wee bit. 

Things seem to be on the up for them, and with a renewed focus on finishing as high as they can in the Lowland League standings, this one is bound to be fascinating. 

Gala Fairydean Rovers vs East Stirlingshire

This match will contain more than five goals. You mark my words. 

Where they’ll come from, I honestly have no idea but I have absolute faith that there are goals in them there hills. Why? 

GFR have scored 43 and conceded 65. East Stirlingshire have conceded 51 and scored 40 themselves, all while both clubs have been experiencing a difficult season. 

Could be a classic…

…could be 0-0.

Linlithgow Rose vs Celtic B

Four wins in five matches for Linlithgow Rose sees them in 4th place in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland Football League, just one point behind their weekend visitors Celtic B. 

This one is likely to be a tight affair as two of the league’s best defensive records meet at Prestonfield. Whoever comes out on top will have the momentum in the fight for 3rd spot… and maybe even more.

University of Stirling vs Albion Rovers

This Sunday, SunDAY, SUNDAY it’s Forthbank for uhh… frills as University of Stirling welcome Albion Rovers. Uni have been one of the division’s least consistent sides this season and have lost three of their last five league games, putting them in danger of being sucked into relegation trouble. 

For some Albion Rovers fans, 7th place in the Scottish Lowland League seems the equivalent of being permanently stuck in a pit full of spikes… and snakes… and angry swans, such is their vociferous criticism of their team’s performances this season. 

Some might argue that it’s progress, but two losses and two draws in their last five has taken a bit of the momentum out of their push for the top six. Rovers fans will be looking for a win… and possibly some rope…

We are delighted to announce that the second round of the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League Cup has been drawn.

The ties are as follows:

Tranent vs. Gala Fairydean Rovers

Bo’ness United vs. Civil Service Strollers or East Stirlingshire

Gretna 2008 or University of Stirling vs. Linlithgow Rose

Cumbernauld Colts or East Kilbride vs. Broomhill or Berwick Rangers

Ties will be played on the week of 18th/19th February

This weekend it’s all about Storm Eowyn! At time of writing we weren’t aware of how the storm could potentially affect the fixture card – to be honest we’re still not. 

I presume that some fixtures won’t make it, and I hope it’s not because of damage or injury. Be safe out there. 

It’s only fitba at the end of the day. 

Hearts B vs East Kilbride

This preview was written before the match was called off due to the RED WEATHER WARNING but you might as well have it. You can imagine the match in your head and tweet us what the score was…

East Kilbride are on a run of five wins in five matches and come into this one with a five point advantage over second placed Caledonian Braves… with two games in hand. Confidence is sky high at K Park at the moment and it feels like this match might be a boost rather than a dent to their title chances.

Hearts B go into this match outside the top half of the table despite showing much improved form in the last few matches. They’ll know that Friday night under the Ainslie Park lights might provide them with a slight benefit against the reigning champions, but East Kilbride will be the favourites as the visitors.

Albion Rovers vs Cowdenbeath

You know what? I think this will be one of the best matches of the weekend. Why do I think that? Because both sides are going through a bit of an unpredictable patch. Cowdenbeath have arrested their relegation-seeking form and currently find themselves in 12th place, while Albion Rovers are on a run of fairly indifferent form but remain in 7th. 

In truth, only seven points separate the two sides and it’s not hard to imagine this becoming a battle for positions over the next few matches. 

Broomhill vs University of Stirling

Broomhill’s run of four defeats in the last five belies the fact that their performances have been much improved and Dumbarton’s newest team have been scoring plenty of goals. They’ll need that against a University of Stirling side who lie eight points ahead of them in the league but are sitting on the same goal difference. 

Matches between these two sides are always intriguing and occasionally beguiling fixtures and folk heading along to the Dumbarton Stadium are likely to be in for an enjoyable ninety minutes of action.

Civil Service Strollers vs Broxburn Athletic

Civil Service Strollers exited the EOS Qualifying Cup, beaten on penalties by Linlithgow Rose in midweek. It’s been a bit of a tough run for Gary Jardine’s side recently, with their last win in the league in early December against Berwick Rangers. Plenty of cup involvement has been the name of the game for Strollers since and they’ll be keen to get back to league action and continue their push towards the top half of the division.

Broxburn suffered a rough defeat in the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup last weekend, exiting the competition after a comprehensive defeat at the hands of Ayr United. However, the Brox’s league form has been decent with two wins in their last three and a healthy Goals For column to boot.

Cumbernauld Colts vs Celtic B

Cumbernauld Colts’ new manager John Doyle faces an uphill struggle with his new charges still stuck at the foot of the table. Four defeats in the last five is the story of their recent matches and Doyle will know that things need to change in fairly short order to get things moving in the right direction for Broadwood’s finest.

That will be a challenge this weekend as they welcome Celtic B. They currently sit in 3rd position in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland Football League with two matches in hand over Caledonian Braves who are three points ahead. 

East Stirlingshire vs Tranent

East Stirlingshire are going through it a wee bit at the moment, with Pat Scullion’s side finding themselves back on a negative run of form with three losses in their last five. Lewis Latona and Ben Lamont have both extended their loan stays at the Falkirk Stadium until the end of the season, while mercurial striker Greig Spence has moved on to pastures new. 

Tranent lie in 4th in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League having suffered what, for them, could be described as a blip. A loss and a draw in their last three tarnishing an otherwise staggering record for a team which are not currently hitting the heights. Connor Duthie has signed on loan from Peterhead to strengthen the side, while the talismanic Dean Brett has signed on for another season which will delight the Forester’s faithful.

Gala Fairydean Rovers vs Caledonian Braves

Gala Fairydean Rovers currently sit in 16th in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League, but they’ll be aware that their relegation rivals are sitting with games in hand over them and therefore maximising points is the order of the day. Their last five record includes two wins and you can absolutely never count GFR out of any match that they’re involved in. 

Ricky Waddell’s Braves come into this one with three wins in their last five but their title challenge has stalled somewhat, allowing East  Kilbride to take the momentum from them. They’ll be keen to lay down a marker ahead of the rest of the season by beating Gala Fairydean Rovers on the road. 

Gretna 2008 vs Bo’ness United

It’s the Neutral’s Pick this week as 8th travel to take on 9th in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League. There’s nothing really to pick between Bo’ness United and Gretna (except two games in hand and a 15 goal swing but wheesht) and this game is going to be an absolutely fascinating match up as one of the league’s most improved side come up against one of the league’s steadiest competitors. 

A symbol of Gretna’s improvement on and off the park is in the number of players they have already secured for next season and Vinnie Parker’s side are riding a wave of positivity into this one. 

Bo’ness United are on a run of patchy form and have lost Ryan Porteous (not that one) to Bonnyrigg Rose, while Lucas Stenhouse has been recalled from his loan to his parent club Livingston. They were two influential players for the club, and their absence will likely be felt as Stuart Hunter’s side adjust. 

A wee word also for Bo’ness United legend Michael Gemmell who made it 300 appearances for the BUs last time out against East Kilbride. 

Also, like all forms of high art: I don’t really know what this but I know that I like it. 

Linlithgow Rose vs Berwick Rangers

Linlithgow Rose have three wins in their last five matches and have brought in experienced midfielder James Berry from Stenhousemuir to bolster their squad ahead of the rest of the season. Gordon Herd’s side have been impressive this season and made it through to the next round of the EOS Qualifying Cup with a penalty shootout victory over Civil Service Strollers. 

Will that lead to some fatigue in the ol’ legs as Berwick Rangers arrive at Prestonfield? Who knows! For Berwick Rangers’ part, new boss Kevin Haynes has secured the signatures of some influential members of the squad, while defender Jamie McCormack has been allowed to leave to look for a new club. 

Haynes’ first game will set a precedent for the rest of the season – Berwick’s form is atrocious with four defeats in the last five matches. The new manager bounce is real though, and the Berwick board and Shielfield Park faithful will be hoping that Haynes can turn things around.

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.