By Michael Park

Lowland League Preview – Week 2

Header Photo: Erin Wilson

Albion Rovers vs Caledonian Braves

Rovers’ return to home action against near neighbours Caledonian Braves is likely to be a hotly contested one following Rovers’ 3-0 win over Gretna 2008 and Braves’ 6-0 dismantling of Gala Fairydean Rovers on opening day. 

Last season saw both sides play out a couple of close-run matches with only one goal separating the sides over 180 minutes in what will go down as the most unusually phrased statistic in this preview. Both sides have signed wisely going into the league season. Adam McMillan has recently joined Rovers on loan from Premiership side St Johnstone, and Lennon Walker scored a brace for Braves on his debut last Saturday. 

This match has the potential to be a classic as two of the highest scorers of the nascent Parks Motor Group Scottish Lowland League season go head to head, and it’s the one that we’re picking out as our ‘Neutral’s Pick’ for this week. 

Last Season

Albion Rovers 2-1 Caledonian Braves

Caledonian Braves 1-1 Albion Rovers

Broomhill vs Celtic B

Zander Diamond and his side welcome Celtic B to Dumbarton Stadium on Saturday, looking to put a 3-1 defeat against Broxburn on opening day out of their minds. Diamond was impressed by the show his new charges put on against the newly promoted East of Scotland Champions, but his cautious optimism will be put to the test against the full-time B Team of the SPFL Premiership Champions.

For Celtic’s part, their season got off to a good start last Friday night against Cumbernauld Colts with a Daniel Kelly goal giving them the three points. They’ll be looking to make it two wins out of two and continue their strong record against Broomhill across the last couple of Lowland League seasons.

Kris Amponsah scored Broomhill’s consolation goal against Broxburn last week and the striker will be looking to get on the scoresheet again this weekend, while Celtic will once again be looking to Daniel Kelly to open up the Broomhill defence.

Last Season:
Broomhill 1-2 Celtic B
Celtic B 3-1 Broomhill

Civil Service Strollers vs Cowdenbeath

It was two games, two draws last season as Civil Service Strollers and Cowdenbeath went home with a point each from their away matches. Both sides have undergone some squad changes this season, but it is Civil Service Strollers who are the most unknown quantity going into this fixture. That being said, Gary Jardine always takes his squads and crafts them into warriors and you can expect that Christie Gillies Park won’t be an easy place for any side to go this season despite last week’s difficult opening defeat which saw them concede seven goals away at East Kilbride’s K Park.

Dougie Hill’s Cowdenbeath go into this one off the back of a 2-2 draw with Tranent at Central Park. They’ve lost a few influential players but have bolstered their ranks well and captain Robbie McNab will be looking to lead his charges to their first three points of the season. 

Last Season:
Civil Service Strollers 1-1 Cowdenbeath
Cowdenbeath 2-2 Civil Service Strollers

Cumbernauld Colts vs East Kilbride

David Proctor’s Cumbernauld Colts will feel that they were unlucky to lose their opening match against Celtic B last week and he will be keen to ensure that the new players in his squad bed in quickly as East Kilbride make the short hop to Broadwood on Saturday afternoon.

Not much needs to be said about last season’s Park’s Motor Group Scottish Lowland League Champions. Recruiting the likes of Reegan Mimnaugh from Queen of the South and bringing in Jack Leitch and Jordan McGregor from Stirling Albion has many supporters believing that retaining the title is a foregone conclusion. 

EK attacker Callum Biggar netted four goals at the weekend against Civil Service Strollers and stopping him will be crucial for Colts as they look to build on their fourth place finish last season.

Last Season:
East Kilbride 2-0 Cumbernauld Colts
Cumbernauld Colts 1-2 East Kilbride

East Stirlingshire vs Bo’ness United

East Stirlingshire got their season off to a stuttering start with a 4-1 away to Hearts B. Pat Scullion’s new-look side took victory in the SPFL Trust Trophy against Motherwell B on Tuesday night, a match which will have done much to ease any trepidation they may have had going into this one. Ollie Ecrepont, on loan from Ayr United, especially will be on a high after his penalty saving heroics in that cup tie.

Bo’ness United on the other hand lost out to Rangers B in that same competition. The BUs went in at half time 3-1 down and finished the game with the same scoreline. Stuart Hunter’s side had the better of the second half in that one and will be looking to use it as a platform to push on in their hunt for their first league points of 24/25. Keep an eye out for former Falkirk man Fin Malcolm who scored in midweek – he’ll be looking to open his Lowland League account this weekend.

Last Season:
East Stirlingshire 3-4 Bo’ness United
Bo’ness United 4-2 East Stirlingshire

Gala Fairydean Rovers vs Hearts B

Gala Fairydean Rovers had an opening day to forget as they went to Alliance Park and conceded six goals against Caledonian Braves. Having lost talismanic captain Gareth Rodger to rivals Berwick Rangers, GFR’s biggest signing of the summer has been Keaghan Jacobs from Arbroath. The South African has a significant weight of expectation on his shoulders going into the season, and it will be up to him and Danny Galbraith to use their experience to lead Martin Scott’s young side to victory on Saturday.

Hearts B enjoyed an easy time of things against East Stirlingshire at Ainslie Park last Friday night, and they will be hoping for more of the same from their youngsters (and Jamie MacDonald) this weekend.  

Last Season:
Gala Fairydean Rovers 1-1 Hearts B
Hearts B 3-1 Gala Fairydean Rovers

Linlithgow Rose vs Broxburn Athletic

Two East of Scotland League champions go head to head in the Park’s Motor Group Scottish Lowland League. Linlithgow Rose drew 2-2 in their opening day fixture with Tranent, while Broxburn took their first three points at Tier 5 in a 3-1 victory over Broomhill. 

Exactly how each team will fare in this one is up for debate, but Rose’s additions of experienced Lowland League striker Sean Brown and centre back Craig McCracken from West of Scotland League side Auchinleck Talbot.

Broxburn are a side with significant experience and nous, and overcoming them would be a huge boost in confidence for the season for Rose. Broxburn on the other hand will view a victory against their former East of Scotland rivals as a marker for the rest of their Park’s Motor Group Scottish Lowland League season.

Tranent vs Berwick Rangers

Berwick Rangers have strengthened their side over the close-season and will be looking to capitalise on a win over Linlithgow Rose on the opening day of the season. The addition this week of the experienced Alan Cook from Cumnock adds some steel and experience to the Wee Rangers’ list of young recruits for the new season.

Tranent on the other hand, and forgive me for saying this ‘Big T’ fans, are a team in transition. They’ve signed some interesting young talent and brought in experienced players from the SPFL in Danny Handling, Ross Gray, and Jonny Stewart but there is little doubt that this season’s Lowland League will prove a tougher challenge without some of the team which led them to a fifth place finish last season.

Last Season:
Berwick Rangers 2-2 Tranent
Tranent 0-1 Berwick Rangers

University of Stirling vs Gretna 2008

University of Stirling have endured two nerve-shredding games in opening week with a 3-2 victory over Bo’ness United and a 5-3 win over Arniston Rovers in the cup midweek. 

It’s fair to say that Uni gaffer Chris Geddes will be looking to build on those performances as his side welcome Gretna 2008, who will be looking to bounce back following an opening day defeat at home to Albion Rovers. 

For managers Chris Geddes and Vinnie Parker it’s a chance for two Lowland League playing heavyweights to renew their acquaintance, this time in the dugout. Who will come out on top? Who knows, I’m not clairvoyant. But what I can guarantee you (as an educated guess) is goals goal goals!

Last Season:
University of Stirling 3-1 Gretna 2008
Gretna 2008 1-1 University of Stirling

Parks Motor Group sponsorship
By Michael Park

Lowland League Roundup – Week 1

Well, well, well. Here we are again. It’s Matchday 01 in the Park’s Motor Group Scottish Lowland Football League and it was an absolute cracker to kick things off. Let’s take a look back as we celebrate the goals, the saves, the travelling fans, the pies and the hard work of our club’s media teams!

Join us every Tuesday as we look back on the matchday that was!

FRIDAY

Celtic B 1-0 Cumbernauld Colts

A close-run thing to open proceedings in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League, as Cumbernauld Colts made the short hop down the A73 to visit the Excelsior Stadium, home of Celtic’s academy team. 

Cumbernauld Colts Danny Hatfield in action against Celtic B (Photo: Erin Wilson)

Colts went into the game with several debutants. Joe Murphy and Patrick Moy came in from Broomhill, Robbie McGale joined from Bonnyrigg, and Yan Godik took his place between the posts having joined from University of Stirling. Big things are expected from David Proctor’s team this season but a momentary lapse in concentration punctuated an even game as Daniel Kelly took advantage and gave Celtic B all three points on the opening night.

Heart of Midlothian B 4-1 East Stirlingshire

East Stirlingshire in action against Hearts B at Ainslie Park (Photo: Ashleigh Maitland)

Heart of Midlothian B made their early season presence felt with a convincing 4-1 victory over East Stirlingshire at Ainslie Park. East Stirlingshire endured a tough season by their standards in 2023/24 and their fans would have been hoping for a better result in the capital having gone in level at half time thanks to a goal from new striker Greig Spence whose strike in the 23rd minute cancelled out an early own goal.

Hearts’ fitness told over the piece and despite a very positive performance, East Stirlingshire conceded three goals in the second half with a deadlock-breaker from Sandilands, before strikes from Ross and Plank put the icing on the cake for Liam Fox’s side.

Hearts B coach Liam Fox told club media: “We’ll get better than we were tonight, I know that, but to come away having scored four goals and got the three points, it’s an okay start.”

Attendance: 304

SATURDAY

Berwick Rangers 1-0 Linlithgow Rose

(Berwick Rangers on Youtube)

A goal from returning hero Liam Buchanan was enough to separate the sides at MKM Shielfield Park. An even game was punctuated by a series of excellent saves by Wee Rangers ‘keeper Callum Antell which kept Berwick ahead. Linlithgow Rose manager Gordon Herd bemoaned his side’s early lapse which allowed Buchanan to break the deadlock. From there he told club media: “Over the course of the game we did enough to at least get a point. In the second half we created at least ten, fifteen chances but fair play to Berwick. They put their bodies on the line and were determined not to concede.”

Hear from Linlithgow Rose manager Gordon Herd: 

By their own admission, Berwick spent the latter part of the second half with their backs to the wall and their supporters will be delighted to take all three points. 

Attendance: 513

Bo’ness United 2-3 University of Stirling

(Bo’ness United on Youtube)

A hotly anticipated opening day clash saw Bo’ness United welcome University of Stirling to Newtown Park. Uni opened the scoring following a peach of a ball from new signing Jack Hodge which found Finn Moffett and his touch allowed Ben Woloszyn to open the scoring from close range.  

University of Stirling, dominating the first half and going in 2-0 up, as Moffett took his opportunity to score one of his own. The second half saw University of Stirling continue to press the advantage, but it was Bo’ness who got the next goal with fifteen minutes left in the match. Kieran Mitchell converted a beautiful volley from the edge of the box to bring the BUs back into the match.

Lewis Duffy equalised for Bo’ness with ten minutes to go and it looked for all the world like they might take the three points with a fantastic comeback. 

Uni had other ideas as great work from Jenkins down the left hand side found Tallen who slotted the ball under the Bo’ness trialist goalkeeper to secure the three points for Chris Geddes’ side.

(University of Stirling FC on X, formerly Twitter)

Attendance: Unknown

Broxburn Athletic 3-1 Broomhill

Broxburn Athletic made their debut in the Park’s Motor Group Scottish Lowland League when they welcomed Zander Diamond’s new look Broomhill side to Albyn Park. 

It was the promoted East of Scotland side who took the early advantage as Gary Brass opened the scoring just after the twenty minute mark. Nick Locke doubled their advantage with a deft flick over the goalkeeper just before half time, sending the home fans into raptures as their team looked set for all three points.

(Norrie Work on Youtube)

Broomhill pulled one back through Kris Amponsah, recently recruited from Civil Service Strollers, as the Dumbarton side struggled for fluidity in the midfield. New man in goal Evan Columbine made a series of excellent saves to keep the Broom in it but Errol Douglas, a striker who is no stranger to Lowland League supporters, sealed the three points for Broxburn with twenty minutes to go.

Hear from Broomhill manager Zander Diamond:

(Broomhill FC on X, formerly Twitter)

Attendance: 385

Caledonian Braves 6-0 Gala Fairydean Rovers

Caledonian Braves have had an interesting off-season with Wefunder investment model seeing new co-owners join the club, and many of them were online to enjoy a stream of their new club’s first game of the season. They would have been delighted by the performance too, with Braves running out 6-0 winners over Gala Fairydean Rovers.

(Caledonian Braves on X, formerly Twitter)

In truth, the scoreline could have been worse for the Borders side as a series of last ditch heroics in defence kept the scoreline down. 

Scorer of the first goal, Ross McNeil, was the recipient of the first ‘Weird Lowland League Moment’ as Lowland League match ball sponsors Eagleview Event Center named a Highland calf after him following him opening the Braves’ account for the season,

Hear from Braves debutant goalscorer, Reg McLaren:

Attendance: 91

Cowdenbeath 2-2 Tranent

It was a classic for the neutral as Cowdenbeath rescued a point with a late penalty at Central Park. Four goals, a red card and plenty of entertainment was just what the doctor ordered for the season opener between two historic sides, with former Edinburgh City star Danny Handling opening the scoring for the visitors after fifteen minutes.

Cowdenbeath’s Aiden McLaughlin equalised just before half time before Euan Bauld’s daisy-cutter finish which came accompanied by one of the most satisfying sounds of connection in football history*. The Blue Brazil’s Paul McLean saw red for a challenge on Gray, before Jamie Docherty converted a penalty to level things out after 83 minutes.

*hyperbole…

Attendance: 281

East Kilbride 7-1 Civil Service Strollers

East Kilbride take on Civil Service Strollers at K Park (Photo: Phil Dawson)

Civil Service Strollers went from being East Kilbride’s bogey team over the last few seasons to… err… not being, as Kilby ran out 7-1 victors over Gary Jardine’s side at Ross Commercial Finance K Park. 

By their own admission the first half was poor for Civil Service Strollers as they went in 3-0 down at the break. Things didn’t get much better in the second half as EK went 4-0 up after 54 minutes as the Strollers defence parted in front of them and allowed Callum Biggar to score his second of the afternoon.

Things went from bad to worse as Lewis Bushnell conceded a penalty three minutes after coming on as a substitute which allowed Biggar to net his hat trick from the spot. Popular striker Alieu Faye was able to pull one back for Strollers but by then they were six-nil down and Biggar was able to bag his fourth of the day to send the visitors home disappointed.

Attendance: Unknown

Gretna 2008 0-3 Albion Rovers

Gretna have been making great strides off the park in the close season with new manager and Lowland League stalwart Vinnie Parker making a raft of new signings and they’ve even got a documentary (check out the first episode below).

(Eye Scotland on Youtube)

Sandy Clark’s Albion Rovers have similarly been busy over the close-season and made the trip to Dumfries and Galloway looking to build on a ninth place finish in 2023/24. Barry Duncan’s peach of a free kick opened the scoring for the Wee Rovers after sixteen minutes.

Apart from that though, it was a fairly even match for nearly 80 minutes and Gretna’s supporters will have been excited by the potential on show from the club who needed a last day victory against Edinburgh University to secure their survival last season.

That being said, Albion Rovers showed the greater cutting edge, and Nathan Brown doubled the visitors’ advantage in the 81st minute before Michael Paton nodded home a superb header to secure all three points for Sandy Clark’s side.

Hear from Gretna 2008 manager Vinnie Parker: 

Hear from Albion Rovers goalscorer Nathan Brown: 

Attendance: 397

Park’s Motor Group sponsor photo
By Michael Park

The Scottish Lowland Football League Announce Unique Match Ball Sponsorship With A Transatlantic Twist

The Scottish Lowland Football League are delighted to announce that Eagleview Event Center will be joining the league as Match Ball sponsors for the next three seasons.

This partnership has something of a transatlantic flavour, with Eagleview Event Center being the premier wedding venue in Southwest Virginia, USA!

Owners Chris and Joy Butler are used to working hard to ensure that visitors to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains have the perfect wedding day, and now they will be bringing their passion to providing matchday footballs to teams in the Scottish Lowland Football League.

The three-year agreement sees a significant five-figure investment from the venue commonly known as ‘The View’ and will see each team play their matches with custom Mitre balls emblazoned with both the league’s logo and that of Eagleview Event Center.

Chris Butler, owner of The View, said: “We could not be more excited about teaming up with the Park’s Motor Group Scottish Lowland Football League. With eighteen great clubs set to battle it out for the league championship, we hope to make numerous trips to Scotland throughout the season to catch as many matches as possible! To be locked in as the Official Match Ball Sponsor for the next three years, and to be part of the Lowland League for that amount of time, is exciting for us personally and for our wedding venue.

“Eagleview sits in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, an area that has long maintained a proud connection with the Scottish Highlands. Many of this area’s ancestors hailed from Scotland before making their way to Virginia. You see signs of Scotland in the music and dance all around our area. My grandfather was born in Perth and I’m excited about getting all of us, including our three children, back to my Scottish roots. Joy and I invite all Scots, and especially fans of the Scottish Lowland League, to check out our website and consider having a destination wedding with us in Virginia, USA!”

League chairperson Thomas Brown said: “We are delighted to have Chris and Joy sponsoring match balls for our teams for the next three years.

“Chris and his family are passionate about football and Scotland so this partnership this is a perfect fit for us.

“Everyone involved in the League would like to thank them for their vital sponsorship.

“I look forward to welcoming them to a Lowland League match later this year.”

By Media Team

SLFL Fixtures for 2024/25

The Park’s Motor Group Scottish Lowland Football League (SLFL) has today published the 2024/25 fixture list.

The forthcoming campaign will kick off on the last weekend in July with the following fixtures:

Friday 26th July 2024 (7:45pm)

Celtic B v Cumbernauld Colts

Heart of Midlothian B v East Stirlingshire

Saturday 27th July 2024 (3pm)

Berwick Rangers v Linlithgow Rose

Bo’ness United v University of Stirling

Broxburn Athletic v Broomhill

Caledonian Braves v Gala Fairydean Rovers

Cowdenbeath v Tranent

East Kilbride v Civil Service Strollers

Gretna 2008 v Albion Rovers

SLFL chairperson, Thomas Brown, said: “The publication of the fixture list is always an exciting day for clubs and fans alike.

“This season promises to be another hugely thrilling season for the league.

“I wish all the 18 clubs all the very best for the year ahead and I hope fans will continue to support their clubs and enjoy the season.”

You can download the full fixture list by clicking here.

The Scottish Lowland Football League Season 2024 25 Fixture List

By Lowland League Board

League Statement: Future of B Teams

The Scottish Lowland Football League can confirm that the majority of our members have voted in favour of continuing with B Teams for at least the next 2 seasons.

Following a process which began in October, a democratic vote was held in line with our rules at a General Meeting tonight. 

The Board would like to thank all our members for their contributions to the discussions in recent weeks. 

 

By Sean Whitelaw

Lowland League Sides Look Ahead to Scottish Cup Third Round

Five Park’s Motor Group Lowland League sides look forward to the Third Round of the Scottish Cup, this weekend.

Albion Rovers v Bonnyrigg Rose

Albion Rovers host the 21/22 Lowland League Champions, and now League Two side, Bonnyrigg Rose at Cliftonhill.

Rovers got through the First Round with a 3-1 away win over fellow Lowland League side, University of Stirling, with the match broadcast live on BBC Scotland.

The Second Round saw Albion Rovers defeat East of Scotland First Division side, St Andrews United 2-1 at home.

Currently sitting fifth in League Two, Bonnyrigg Rose entered the competition at the Second Round, where they defeated Highland League side, Fraserburgh 2-1, after extra time.

Cumnock Juniors v Broomhill

Broomhill face an away trip to West of Scotland Premier Division side, Cumnock Juniors.

Broomhill navigated the First Round with a 3-1 home win over fellow Lowland League side, Cumbernauld Colts.

The Broom followed up with another 3-1 victory in the Second Round, this time away to another West of Scotland Premier Division side, Beith Juniors.

Cumnock squeezed through the Second Preliminary Round with a 1-0 home victory over Girvan.

The First Round proper saw them secure a 3-1 victory away to East of Scotland First Division side, Dunipace, after extra time.

Hosting Highland League side, Turriff United in the Second Round, they secured their spot thanks to a 2-1 victory.

Greenock Morton v Bo’ness United

Bo’ness United travel west to face Scottish Championship side, Greenock Morton.

The B.U’s coasted past last season’s Scottish Cup upset kings, Darvel in the First Round – thanks to a 3-0 win at Newtown Park.

Bo’ness then faced East of Scotland Premier Division side, Luncarty, winning 1-0 away from home.

Greenock Morton currently sit bottom of the Scottish Championship with eight points from their 12 games played. This is their first match of the 23/24 Scottish Cup campaign.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle v Cowdenbeath

Cowdenbeath head up the A9 to face Championship side, Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Cowdenbeath knocked out fellow Lowland League side, Linlithgow Rose in the First Round – thanks to a 2-1 at Central Park, after extra time.

The Second Round saw The Blue Brazil squeeze by West of Scotland First Division side, Kilwinning Rangers – winning 1-0 away from home.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle currently sit in 7th place of the Scottish Championship with 13 points from their 12 games played. This is their first match of the 23/24 Scottish Cup campaign.

Tranent v Forfar Athletic

Tranent welcome League Two side, Forfar Athletic to Foresters Park.

Tranent knocked out East of Scotland Premier Division side, Hutchison Vale in the First Round – thanks to a 4-1 home victory.

The Second Round would see The Big T blow fellow Lowland League side, East Kilbride out of the competition with a 7-0 win – made more impressive by the fact that The Kilby are undefeated in their league campaign, with 15 games played.

Forfar Athletic currently sit 8th in League Two with 12 points from their 12 games played.

The Loons entered the competition at the Second Round, defeating Highland League side, Huntly 4-1, after extra time.