Scotland League Two is a football league in Scotland that is made up of ten teams. It is the fourth tier of the Scottish Professional Football League and is considered to be an important stepping stone for clubs aspiring to reach the upper echelons of Scottish football. The league is also a great platform for young players looking to make a name for themselves in the game.
For those who are unfamiliar with Scotland League Two, this guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the league. We will cover everything from the league’s history and structure to its current teams and players. Additionally, we will provide insights into the league’s rules and regulations, as well as its key fixtures and results. Whether you are a seasoned football fan or a newcomer to the game, this guide will help you understand and appreciate Scotland League Two.
History of Scottish League Two
Scottish League Two is the fourth tier of the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) and is also known as cinch League Two for sponsorship reasons. It was established in July 2013 after the merger of the Scottish Premier League and Scottish Football League.
Before the formation of the Scottish League Two, the fourth tier of Scottish football was known as the Scottish Football League Third Division. The league was formed in 1994 and was the lowest tier of the Scottish Football League until the merger in 2013.
The Scottish League Two consists of ten teams, and each team plays each other four times during the season, twice at home and twice away. The team with the most points at the end of the season is crowned champions and promoted to the Scottish League One. The team that finishes bottom of the league is relegated to the Highland Football League or Lowland Football League, depending on their geographical location.
The current sponsor of the Scottish League Two is cinch, a UK-based online car retailer. The league is also known for its promotion and relegation playoffs, where the teams from Scottish League Two and Scottish League One compete for promotion to the higher league or to avoid relegation to the lower league.
Overall, the Scottish League Two has a rich history in Scottish football, and it continues to provide a platform for young players to showcase their talent and for smaller clubs to compete at a high level.
Teams in the League
Scotland League Two is a competition that features 10 teams in the 2022/23 season. The teams are divided into two halves of five, and each team plays against the other nine teams twice, once at home and once away. The team with the most points at the end of the season is declared the winner and is promoted to League One, while the team that finishes at the bottom of the table is relegated to the Highland or Lowland League.
Elgin City
Elgin City is a professional football club based in Elgin, Moray. They play their home games at Borough Briggs, which has a capacity of 4,520. The club was founded in 1893 and has been a member of the Scottish Football League since 2000. Their best finish in the Scottish League Two was in the 2012/13 season when they finished in third place.
Forfar Athletic
Forfar Athletic is a Scottish professional football club based in Forfar, Angus. They play their home games at Station Park, which has a capacity of 4,777. The club was founded in 1885 and has been a member of the Scottish Football League since 1921. Their best finish in the Scottish League Two was in the 2018/19 season when they finished in second place.
Clyde
Clyde is a Scottish professional football club based in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire. They play their home games at Broadwood Stadium, which has a capacity of 8,086. The club was founded in 1877 and has been a member of the Scottish Football League since 1891. Their best finish in the Scottish League Two was in the 2019/20 season when they finished in second place.
Peterhead
Peterhead is a Scottish professional football club based in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire. They play their home games at Balmoor Stadium, which has a capacity of 3,150. The club was founded in 1890 and has been a member of the Scottish Football League since 2000. Their best finish in the Scottish League Two was in the 2018/19 season when they finished in first place.
Spartans
Spartans is a Scottish football club based in Edinburgh. They play their home games at Ainslie Park, which has a capacity of 3,000. The club was founded in 1951 and has been a member of the Scottish Football League since 2019. This is their first season in the Scottish League Two.
Stirling Albion
Stirling Albion is a Scottish professional football club based in Stirling. They play their home games at Forthbank Stadium, which has a capacity of 3,808. The club was founded in 1945 and has been a member of the Scottish Football League since 1955. Their best finish in the Scottish League Two was in the 2016/17 season when they finished in first place.
Albion Rovers
Albion Rovers is a Scottish professional football club based in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire. They play their home games at Cliftonhill Stadium, which has a capacity of 1,238. The club was founded in 1882 and has been a member of the Scottish Football League since 1903. Their best finish in the Scottish League Two was in the 2014/15 season when they finished in third place.
Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic
Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic is a Scottish football club based in Bonnyrigg, Midlothian. They play their home games at New Dundas Park, which has a capacity of 3,000. The club was founded in 1890 and has been a member of the Scottish Football League since 2021. This is their first season in the Scottish League Two.
Annan Athletic
Annan Athletic is a Scottish professional football club based in Annan, Dumfries and Galloway. They play their home games at Galabank, which has a capacity of 2,504. The club was founded in 1942 and has been a member of the Scottish Football League since 2008. Their best finish in the Scottish League Two was in the 2013/14 season when they finished in second place.
Dumbarton
Dumbarton is a Scottish professional football club based in Dumbarton, West Dunbartonshire. They play their home games at the C&G Systems Stadium, which has a capacity of 2,020. The club was founded in 1872 and has been a member of the Scottish Football League since 1891. Their best finish in the Scottish League Two was in the 2019/20 season when they finished in fourth place.
Stranraer
Stranraer is a Scottish professional football club that currently competes in Scottish League Two as a member of the Scottish Professional Football League. They have won the Scottish Second Division on two occasions, most recently in 1997–98, as well as coming runners-up in 2004–05 and 2014–15.
Stadiums
Scottish League Two features ten stadiums where matches are played throughout the season. Here is a rundown of the stadiums:
New Dundas Park
New Dundas Park is the home of Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic F.C. The stadium has a capacity of 3,000 and is located in Bonnyrigg, Midlothian.
New Douglas Park
New Douglas Park is the home of Hamilton Academical F.C. The stadium has a capacity of 6,018 and is located in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire.
Dumbarton Football Stadium
Dumbarton Football Stadium is the home of Dumbarton F.C. The stadium has a capacity of 2,020 and is located in Dumbarton, West Dunbartonshire.
Bayview Stadium
Bayview Stadium is the home of East Fife F.C. The stadium has a capacity of 2,000 and is located in Methil, Fife.
Borough Briggs
Borough Briggs is the home of Elgin City F.C. The stadium has a capacity of 4,520 and is located in Elgin, Moray.
Station Park
Station Park is the home of Forfar Athletic F.C. The stadium has a capacity of 6,777 and is located in Forfar, Angus.
Balmoor
Balmoor is the home of Peterhead F.C. The stadium has a capacity of 3,150 and is located in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire.
Ochilview
Ochilview is the home of Stenhousemuir F.C. The stadium has a capacity of 3,746 and is located in Stenhousemuir, Falkirk.
Stair Park
Stair Park is the home of Stranraer F.C. The stadium has a capacity of 4,178 and is located in Stranraer, Dumfries and Galloway.
Ainslie Park
Ainslie Park is the home of Edinburgh City F.C. The stadium has a capacity of 5,000 and is located in Edinburgh.
Each stadium has its unique features and history, making them exciting places to watch football.
League System
The Scottish League Two is the fourth tier of the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) system and comprises ten teams. The league system is more complicated than many other national league systems, consisting of several completely separate systems or ‘grades’ of leagues and clubs.
Promotion
The top team in Scottish League Two is automatically promoted to Scottish League One at the end of the season. The second, third, and fourth-placed teams qualify for the Scottish League Two play-offs. The play-offs consist of two semi-finals and a final, with the winner of the final being promoted to Scottish League One.
Relegation
The bottom-placed team in Scottish League Two is automatically relegated to the Highland Football League or the Lowland Football League, depending on their geographic location. The ninth-placed team enters a play-off with the winners of the Highland Football League and the Lowland Football League, with the winner earning a place in Scottish League Two for the following season.
Play-Off
The Scottish League Two play-offs consist of two semi-finals and a final. The second, third, and fourth-placed teams in Scottish League Two compete against each other in the semi-finals, with the winners progressing to the final. The winner of the final is promoted to Scottish League One.
The Scottish League Two play-off final is held at Hampden Park, the national stadium of Scotland. The match is often referred to as the “League Two play-off final” and is the biggest match in the Scottish League Two calendar.
Overall, the Scottish League Two is an exciting league with a unique league system. Promotion, relegation, and play-off matches provide plenty of opportunities for teams to progress and compete in higher leagues.
Key Statistics
Goal Difference
The goal difference is an important statistic in determining the ranking of teams in Scotland League Two. It is calculated by subtracting the number of goals conceded from the number of goals scored. A positive goal difference indicates that a team has scored more goals than they have conceded, while a negative goal difference indicates the opposite.
According to FootyStats, the 2022/23 season of Scotland League Two had an above average record for goals per game. The team with the highest goal difference at the end of the season was Edinburgh City with +38, while the team with the lowest goal difference was Stenhousemuir with -22.
Goals Scored
Another important statistic in Scotland League Two is the number of goals scored by each team. This statistic can be used to assess the attacking prowess of a team and their ability to create scoring opportunities.
According to SoccerSTATS.com, there were 416 goals scored between the 16th and the 90th minute in the 2022/23 season, averaging 2.38 goals per match. The team with the highest number of goals scored at the end of the season was Edinburgh City with 80 goals, while the team with the lowest number of goals scored was Stenhousemuir with 34 goals.
In summary, the key statistics of goal difference and goals scored are crucial in determining the performance of teams in Scotland League Two. These statistics can be used to assess the strengths and weaknesses of each team and to make informed predictions about future matches.
Notable Players and Goalscorers
Scotland League Two has seen many talented players grace its fields over the years. Here are some of the most notable players and goalscorers in the league’s history.
Players
One of the most famous players to have played in the league is David Goodwillie. The striker played for Clyde FC and scored 23 goals in the 2018-2019 season, earning him the league’s top scorer award. Other notable players include:
- Blair Henderson, who scored 29 goals for Edinburgh City FC in the 2019-2020 season.
- Sean Winter, who played for East Kilbride FC and scored 19 goals in the 2018-2019 season.
- Darren Smith, who played for Stirling Albion FC and scored 17 goals in the 2017-2018 season.
Goalscorers
The league has seen some impressive goalscoring feats over the years. Here are some of the top goalscorers in the league’s history:
| Player | Goals |
|---|---|
| Blair Henderson | 69 |
| David Goodwillie | 66 |
| Peter Weatherson | 64 |
| Shane Sutherland | 63 |
| Rory McAllister | 60 |
| Darren Lavery | 58 |
| Sean Higgins | 53 |
| Martin Boyle | 51 |
| Craig Malcolm | 49 |
| Andrew Stirling | 48 |
Age
The league has also seen players of all ages make an impact. In the 2019-2020 season, Blair Henderson was the top scorer at the age of 25, while the oldest player in the league was goalkeeper John Hutchison, who played for Stenhousemuir FC at the age of 43.
Overall, Scotland League Two has seen many talented players and impressive goalscorers over the years.
The Cinch League Two
The Cinch League Two is the fourth tier of the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) and comprises ten teams. The league is sponsored by Cinch, an online used car retailer. The teams that will contest the league for the 2023-24 season are Bonnyrigg Rose, Clyde, Dumbarton, East Fife, Elgin City, Forfar Athletic, Peterhead, Stenhousemuir, Stranraer and The Spartans.
The league operates on a round-robin basis with each team playing the others twice, once at home and once away. The team with the most points at the end of the season is crowned the champions and is promoted to the Scottish League One. The team that finishes bottom of the league is relegated to the Scottish Highland Football League or the Scottish Lowland Football League, depending on their geographical location.
The current champions of the Cinch League Two are The Spartans, who won the title in the 2022-23 season. The team that finished bottom of the league and was relegated to the Scottish Highland Football League was Albion Rovers.
The league is known for its competitive nature, with many closely contested matches and surprise results. It provides an opportunity for smaller clubs to compete against each other and gain exposure to a wider audience.
Overall, the Cinch League Two is an exciting and competitive league that offers a unique and entertaining football experience for fans of all ages.
The Scottish Cup
The Scottish Cup is the most prestigious football knockout competition in Scotland. It is open to all football clubs in Scotland, from the top-tier Scottish Premiership to the amateur leagues. The competition runs annually, starting in August and concluding in May the following year.
The Scottish Cup has a rich history, with the first tournament taking place in 1873. It is the oldest national football trophy in the world, predating the English FA Cup by two years. The cup has been won by a variety of teams throughout its history, with Celtic and Rangers being the most successful clubs, having won the cup a combined total of 70 times.
In League Two, the Scottish Cup is a significant competition, providing an opportunity for smaller clubs to compete against larger, more established teams. The winner of the Scottish Cup qualifies for the following season’s UEFA Europa League, providing an additional incentive for teams to perform well in the competition.
The format of the Scottish Cup involves a knockout tournament, with teams being drawn against each other at random in each round. The competition begins with a preliminary round, followed by four qualifying rounds, before the 32-team main draw begins. The final is typically held in May at Hampden Park in Glasgow, Scotland’s national stadium.
In recent years, the Scottish Cup has produced some memorable moments, including St Johnstone’s shock victory over Hibernian in the 2021 final. The 2022-23 season promises to be just as exciting, with League Two teams hoping to make their mark in the competition.
Overall, the Scottish Cup is a highly competitive and prestigious competition, providing an opportunity for clubs of all levels to compete against each other. It is a significant event in the Scottish football calendar, and one that is eagerly anticipated by fans and players alike.
References and Further Reading
For more information on Scotland League Two, here are some useful references and websites:
- Soccerway provides up-to-date information on League Two fixtures, results, and tables. Kick-off times are converted to your local PC time, making it easy to follow your favourite team’s progress.
- BBC Sport has a dedicated page for Scottish League Two, with a table that is regularly updated. The website also provides information on top scorers, fixtures, and results.
- Wikipedia offers a comprehensive overview of the Scottish League Two, including a list of all the teams competing in the 2023-24 season. The page also provides information on the stadiums, statistics, and championships.
- FootyStats provides detailed statistics on the League Two, including the number of goals scored, corners and cards. The website also offers match predictions and progress updates.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, these resources will help you stay informed about all the latest developments in Scotland League Two.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do teams get promoted to Scotland League Two?
Teams can be promoted to Scotland League Two by finishing in the top two positions of the Scottish Highland Football League or the Scottish Lowland Football League. The winners of the Highland and Lowland leagues then face each other in a play-off match, with the winner earning promotion to Scotland League Two.
Is Scotland League Two considered a professional league?
Scotland League Two is a semi-professional league, meaning that some players are paid to play while others are amateur and do not receive payment.
Which team recently won promotion to Scotland League Two?
The most recent team to win promotion to Scotland League Two is Kelty Hearts, who won the Scottish Lowland Football League in the 2021-2022 season and defeated Brora Rangers in the promotion play-off.
What is the table for Scotland League Two?
The current table for Scotland League Two can be found on the BBC Sport website. As of July 1, 2023, the table shows that Edinburgh City are in first place with 0 points, followed by Annan Athletic with 0 points.
What are the home and away stats for Scottish League Two table?
The home and away stats for the Scottish League Two table can be found on the FootyStats website. As of July 1, 2023, no matches have been played in the 2022-2023 season, so there are no home or away stats available.
What are the transfer rules for Scottish League One?
The transfer rules for Scottish League One are governed by the Scottish Football Association. Players can be transferred between clubs during designated transfer windows, which typically occur during the summer and winter months. Clubs must adhere to financial fair play regulations and are subject to transfer fees and other restrictions.