Border clubs contemplate 2020-21 fixtures

Local clubs in the Lowland League and East of Scotland Leagues have been pondering the various permutations since the fixtures were issued on successive evenings this week.

Comprehensive as the lists of league and cup matches are, the initial games will be behind closed doors, while all still remain subject to change pending any developments in the efforts to contain COVID-19.

In the Lowland League, Gala Fairydean Rovers host Bonnyrigg Rose, on Saturday, October 10 in the opening match of the league campaign, while Vale of Leithen visit Shielfield Park to play Berwick Rangers.

Assessing the calendar, Gala FR club match secretary Robert Fairburn said the Netherdale club had been “handed a tough start”.

After facing Bonnyrigg, last season’s runners-up, the Braw Lads face a mammoth Tuesday night trip away to Dalbeattie Star for a 7.45pm kick off.

The tough games keep on coming, as then it is away to East Kilbride on October 17, with Gala entertaining Civil Service Strollers the following.

But there is a mouth-watering festive double header with cross-border rivals Berwick Rangers to look forward to.

Berwick entertain Gala FR at Shielfield Park on Boxing Day, Scottish Cup permitting, and then Ian Little’s men will be the first-footers at Netherdale on Friday, January 1.

Gala FR also have another derby match, travelling to Innerleithen on Monday, January 4 to play Vale of Leithen.

Mr Fairburn said:”It was always going to be difficult whoever we played but Bonnyrigg is a real toughie and they still had a chance of winning the league last term before everything was stopped.

“A trip to Dalbeattie on a Tuesday night is something we could have done without, given the logistics of getting there. On the plus side, the double header with Berwick Rangers over the festive period is something the supporters will really be looking forward to, providing they are allowed back in by then.

“But there are a few issues that still need to be resolved such as changing rooms, spectators and also fitting in the Scottish Cup into what looks a really tight fixture schedule already.”

The Innerleithen side’s first home game is on Tuesday, October 13 against newly promoted Bo’ness United, while they were also looking forward to the January 4 New Year derby with Gala FR at Victoria Park.

Vice-chairman John Anderson told the club website: “Everyone is delighted that football is getting under way again.

“Initially, the games will be behind closed doors but we hope spectators will be allowed back into grounds.”

Manager Chris Anderson added: “All the boys are eager to get started.

“We all want to get off to a good start and build momentum. Everyone is looking forward to October 10.”

In the new-look East of Scotland League, Peebles Rovers declared: “All support for the lads appreciated,” on its Facebook page, as the club prepared for a home game on October 10 to welcome league newcomers Luncarty in Division One Conference ‘B’.

The Whitestone Park side travel to Oakley the weekend before Christmas, while their first game of 2021 is a visit on January 9 to the returning Eyemouth United.

Also in Conference ‘B’, Hawick Royal Albert kick off on October 10 at home to Glenrothes. Hawick RAU visit Kinnoull before the festive break, while there’s a New Year meeting at home to Eyemouth United on January 2.