Vale spared possible relegation as Lowland League season is ended

The board of the Scottish Lowland Football League (SLFL) has today (Monday) decided to end the 2019-20 league competition with immediate effect.
Vale of Leithen, seen here pressurising the Upper Annandale goal in 2017, will be in the Lowland League next term (archive image by Alwyn Johnston)Vale of Leithen, seen here pressurising the Upper Annandale goal in 2017, will be in the Lowland League next term (archive image by Alwyn Johnston)
Vale of Leithen, seen here pressurising the Upper Annandale goal in 2017, will be in the Lowland League next term (archive image by Alwyn Johnston)

The board took into account the points per game average based on the standings at the cessation of football on March 13 and, as such, has declared Kelty Hearts are this season’s champion club.

“Furthermore, the board would like to make it clear it feels no member club should be disadvantaged by the current health crisis we face and, as such, there will be no relegation from the SLFL in season 2019-20,” said the board statement.

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“We are aware of the implications for our fellow pyramid leagues, the EoSFL and SoSFL, and will announce contingency plans to cover this in due course.”

This means Vale of Leithen, who were bottom of the table but not arithmetically certain for the drop when play was suspended by the COVID-19 virus fears, will stay up and play another season in the Lowland League.

The Innerleithen club had made it clear they would oppose any move to relegate them, as they had matches in hand and were only three points behind closest rivals Dalbeattie Star when play stopped.

Manager Chris Anderson told the Victoria Park club’s website: “We believe this is the correct decision and I am now looking to forward to the start of planning for next season’s Lowland League campaign.”

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Vice-chairman John Anderson added: “We would like to congratulate Kelty Hearts on a successful campaign and deserved recognition as champions.

“The decision not to relegate any team based on an incomplete season is the right call and we now look to draw a line under this season and look forward to a successful 2020-21 season in the Lowland League.”

Mr Anderson also said he thought the board had handled matters very professionally in reaching “the correct decision”.

Fellow Borders side Gala Fairydean Rovers also play in the Lowland League, as do Berwick Rangers.