The beautiful game – it costs a lot nowadays. Seeing your favourite players link up and play is truly a sight to behold, but the price you pay can be extortionate. Money runs the game now, and not everyone is able to see their heroes play. “Heroes” is a powerful word – there aren’t only the guys who play at the very top, but there is also an undiscovered world of talent in the lower leagues.
The Lowland Football League and Affordable Football
The Scottish Lowland Football League, acting as a feeder to the Scottish Football League Two, sees talent at its rawest sometimes – serving as the fifth tier of Scottish football. However, passion, fans, and support are still all there. This is a big part of the Scottish football pyramid which provides foundations for the top leagues.
The Competition and Format
The format is simple. The league is made up of a single table, with 16 teams competing currently. The competition of the league has recently been very entertaining – seeing Kelty Hearts sitting at the top of the table with Bonnyrigg strong on their tail only behind by three points. East Stirlingshire, BSC Glasgow, The Spartans and Civil Service Strollers all in a mid-table tussle. Last year’s winners, East Kilbride, are struggling lately, showing how much of a reshuffle the league had taken.
The Growth of the League
The reputation is ever-growing, and the league would like to maintain that momentum, moving onwards and upwards. More newspapers and media are covering the league. Both Bonnyrigg and Kelty Hearts are very new whilst occupying the top two spots in the competition. This is a brilliant advert for the league symbolising the improvement and competition it channels through its ranks.
Highlights, Memories and Star Players
BSC Glasgow’s Cup Run
BSC’s recent cup run drew many followers to their club, and even many other fans to cheer them on, when they reached the fifth round of the William Hill Scottish Cup. They overcame many challenges to be faced by giants Hibernian – who ended their fairytale by a 4-1 win. The game, along with several others, appeared on TV, giving the Lowland Football League more valuable exposure.
Players to Look Out For
Striker Nathan Austin of league leaders Kelty Hearts has been named as a reliable talisman, playing a crucial role in their dominant performances. Ex-Celtic and Ostersunds player Michael Tidser, also of Kelty, adds invaluable experience and control to their midfield.
Blair Lyons, who is formerly of Lowland League club Stirling University, is looking set to join Scottish Championship side Partick Thistle in the summer. At 23-years-old, it’s looking likely he has the potential to play at the very top level someday.
Jamie Dishington of East Stirlingshire – formerly with the Spartans – has demonstrated his ability to add quality to any side by contributing with 16 goals from midfield. He was able to replicate his brilliant form at East Stirlingshire with no problem.
BSC Glasgow’s Thomas Collins was also a pick of the bunch when it came to his well-rounded style of play. Complemented by his brilliance, BSC’s game seems well controlled.
Ex-Hawick Royal Albert man Josh Morris, currently of Civil Service Strollers, seems to be getting back on track after an unlucky spell of injury with Cowdenbeath, a move which was well earned after his feats for the now East Of Scotland borders side Hawick.
Overall Summary
The league overall is interesting and full of hidden gems of Scottish football. The coverage and exposure have been grouping together and forming more opportunities for the league to expand, and boost its reputation. A brilliant way to watch some attractive football whenever you feel like saving money, seeing the passion of lower league fans, and examining new areas and grounds.
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