Lowland League football fixture lists released for 2021-22

Clubs and fans in the lower reaches of the Scottish football pyramid received confirmation this week that their game is coming back.
Vale of Leithen, in blue, in action against Cumbernauld Colts at Victoria Park last November (archive picture by Bill McBurnie)Vale of Leithen, in blue, in action against Cumbernauld Colts at Victoria Park last November (archive picture by Bill McBurnie)
Vale of Leithen, in blue, in action against Cumbernauld Colts at Victoria Park last November (archive picture by Bill McBurnie)

The Scottish Lowland Football League, in tier five of the national game structure, has announced its fixture list for the 2021-22 season, kicking off on Saturday, July 17.

For the two Borders clubs in the league, Gala Fairydean Rovers and Vale of Leithen, and also Berwick Rangers, it’s major step forward, marking a return to full competitive action after blowing the cobwebs off during pre-season friendlies.

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Vale of Leithen will open the season at home to Cumbernauld Colts on July 17, and the Old Firm colt teams – controversially admitted to the league this year for one season only – will visit Innerleithen’s Victoria Park on Saturday, August 14, in Celtic’s case and on Boxing Day in Rangers’.

Vale travel to Netherdale on New Year’s Day for a Borders derby match with Gala.

The first round of the Scottish Cup is on Saturday, September 18.

Vale manager Chris Anderson told the club website: “With pre-season well under way, everyone is looking forward to the league campaign getting under way.

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“This will be our ninth season in the Lowland League having been founding members, and our first priority is to ensure we remain in the league for its tenth season.”

This Saturday, the club will be welcoming spectators back to Victoria Park when Hawick Royal Albert United are the visitiors for a pre-season friendly beginning at 2pm.

Earlier this week, Vale visited Arniston Rangers for a friendly and were 2-0 up within 20 minutes, through goals from Jack Blaikie and Matteo Crolla, before Arniston levelled it at 2-2.

Gala begin their season on July 17 at home to East Stirlingshire, and they’ll face Celtic B away on September 8 and Rangers B at home on September 25.

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Their warm-up for the new campaign continues with a friendly match against League Two side Edinburgh City at Netherdale this Saturday, kicking off 3pm.

Premier club members will get in free as thanks for supporting the club during the Covid-19 lockdown.