It is hard to believe, but with only a month left of the Scottish Football League (SFL) season to go there is still so much to play for.
Due to the cold snap over the winter months, which brought not only Scottish football to a standstill but also the whole of the UK, SFL clubs are left with as many as seven games to play in five weeks. It makes for an exciting period which is sure to provide many twists and turns in all three lower leagues.
The SFL consists of 30 teams split into three leagues of ten. The First Division sees the top team promoted to the Scottish Premier League, the bottom club is automatically relegated and the second bottom club goes to an end-of-season playoff with the second, third and fourth placed clubs from Division Two. This is the same set up for the two leagues below with the exception of there being no relegation in from the Third Division.
Arguably the Scottish First Division has been the most exciting and entertaining league in Scotland in recent history. With only one spot up for grabs for promotion into the top tier it makes the division such a cut throat league. This season has been no different and it looks set to go down to the final games of the season.
For many reasons it has been an enthralling campaign, from the 25-point deduction of title favourites Dundee to the rise of relegation candidates Raith Rovers. Currently lying in first place are Dunfermline Athletic, however right on their coat tails are Fife rivals Raith Rovers who surprised many by occupying top spot for the majority of the season. Two points separate the teams with Dunfermline having four games left and Raith Rovers five games.
It seems a shame that there is only one promotion place up to the Scottish Premier League, as both these clubs have the infrastructure for the top level and have both enjoyed a wonderful season. However, this is what makes the First Division so intense and fascinating.
With there being nothing between the sides it is all geared up for the second last game of the season where the two clubs meet at East End park, home of Dunfermline Athletic.
It is sure to host a capacity crowd in what will be ultimately the title decider. All the excitement and drama from a season is sure to unfold on that day and it will be a fitting climax to a great campaign.
It could have been so different for debt ridden Dundee.
The club encountered financial difficulties, slipped into administration and incurred a 25-point penalty in the month of November. Since this time the club’s manager and players have banded together and went on an incredible run which would have left them sitting top. Due to the league being so tight the deduction has seen them drop to within touching distance of the relegation positions.
The players that Dundee have at their disposal though should be enough to see them escape the trap door in what has been a rollercoaster of a season.
The bottom two spots are currently occupied by the only two part time clubs in the league. It was always going to be difficult for Stirling Albion and Cowdenbeath to try and compete with the full time sides and it has proven to be the case with both struggling. In recent weeks though Cowdenbeath have shown enough fight and resolve to give them a small chance of surviving.
In the Second Division pre-season favourites Livingston are living up to their billing and currently sit 18 points clear at the top. A run of 13 wins from 15 games since January has projected the side to the summit and helped the building of what looks an unassailable lead. But in Scottish football’s recent history leads of such margins have proved to be treacherous, with teams taking their foot off the gas. Livingston will have to continue their recent run to make sure of success.
Below this the fight for playoffs is becoming tighter with the teams in mid-table finding some form to put some pressure on the playoff spots.
Brechin and Ayr United will do enough to guarantee the first two spots, but with still so many games left the battle for the last place will go down to the wire. It looks as if it will be contested by Forfar, Airdrie and East Fife. The three teams have enjoyed good if not inconsistent seasons. A playoff spot for any one of these will be a tremendous achievement. Look out for high scoring East Fife to sneak the last place.
Towards the bottom of the league things are tightening up, with Peterhead rooted to the bottom the state of play is one playoff relegation spot for one of three teams. Dumbarton, Alloa and Stenhousemuir will all believe they can fight their way out of it. Each must scrap it out and pull themselves away from trouble in what is sure to be a nail-biting finish.
Angus side Arbroath have been the Third Division pacesetters for much of the season and with a wealth of attacking options they have shot to within touching distance of promotion.
However, a 3-0 weekend defeat by title rivals Albion Rovers has been a blow. The top four teams are now separated by only six points and all look to have assured themselves a playoff spot at least.
The four teams of Arbroath, Annan, Albion and Stranraer will contest that precious top spot to assure promotion. Arbroath on paper seem to have the easier run-in with the other three teams set to play each other over the course of the last month. This could leave them to trip over each other and hand Arbroath a clear run to the title.
Over the years the lower leagues in Scottish football have guaranteed an excitement and entertainment that has left fans hooked. There is no politics at this level; there is only passion and love for the game.
This is what the fans want, their players giving everything they have for the jersey they wear and doing everything they can to help the club. Whether it be at promotion or relegation the fans of these clubs will support their team until the last ball is kicked on the last day.
What is guaranteed is a wonderful finale to the season in Scotland’s lower leagues.
