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Let’s Support The Lower Leagues This January

Date: 30th December 2019

After yet another frantic festive period, Scottish Premiership sides are now embarking on a three week winter break. 

That doesn’t mean that fans from top flight clubs should also take a break from the game. While our best players head for sunnier climes to recharge their batteries, fans from the top teams should head to a local lower league game and sample a different atmosphere. 

I honestly believe that a fan from a Premiership side could find enjoyment at a lower league game or a Junior fixture or a Lowland/Highland League outing. 

Next week you could head to Alloa and see a relegation battle between Partick Thistle and the Alloa Athletic

Or you could head to Ayrshire and watch Junior champs Auchinleck Talbot face Beith Juniors at Beechwood Park. 

In League One, Falkirk haven’t lost in their last five and they’ll be welcoming Dumbarton with The Bairns hoping they can pick up another victory and close the gap on Raith Rovers.

On the 11th of January, Stirling Albion host League Two league leaders Cove Rangers in what should be an intriguing fixture. 

In the Highlands, Rothes FC are trying to catch Brora Rangers in the Highland League and the two  will face off at Mackessack Park within the next fortnight.  

Then you’ve got current Lowland League leaders Kelty Hearts (managed by former Scotland captain Barry Ferguson) travelling to the capital to face Edinburgh University

I can’t guarantee you the best football if you go to a game in the lower leagues but you will see players full of commitment. The standard isn’t going to be dire either. When I was at Maryhill earlier in the year, I saw the host Maryhill FC score two late overhead kicks to seal an vital win! 

The most important thing you will notice is how it’s more relaxed. Most clubs are more inline with their communities and they are very welcoming to new supporters coming through their gates. The fans adore their club. In a lot of the games you will see more freedom too, as you can walk around the ground and catch the action from different vantage points.

The other plus point is that it will cost you a lot less if you regularly spend your money on top flight football. I went to a game at Pollok this season and it cost me just £6 to get in. It was a terrific game, with a fantastic atmosphere. Afterwards I was just a few steps away from the pub too! I’m sure you’ll get the same up and down the country in the next two weeks. 

I urge top flight fans to try something new and different this winter and go to local club, engage and support their community! 

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