Marten

It's very unlikely, but the game still has to be played. If the players think "ah well, we're stuffed anyway", then you might as well not show up. They simply have to go for the tiny chance there is left and go all out attack from the start. That will probably result in them getting a 2nd stuffing by Cove and there is no way I can see Berwick saving themselves, but they must at least try...

They will start with a 12 point deduction.

Some excellent work going on at Tweedmouth. They are clearly working towards getting licensed. Fair play to them.

Downfield 5-6 Broughty Athletic One of the most bizarre games I've ever seen. After about 30 minutes Broughty were 0-4 up and seemed to be cruising. Downfield scored 2 before HT. Fairly late on they equalised. Then Broughty scored 2 in quick succession and that looked like the game was decided. But Downfield scored again and were even close to 6-6. Broughty were the better side though and deserved the win.

Downfield 5-6 Broughty Athletic FT What a game!

Downfield 5-6 Broughty Athletic

Downfield 4-6 Broughty Athletic

Downfield 4-5 Broughty Athletic

What a comeback! Downfield 4-4 Broughty Athletic

Downfield 3-4 Broughty Athletic

Downfield 2-4 Broughty Athletic HT

Downfield 2-4 Broughty Athletic

Downfield 1-4 Broughty Athletic

Downfield 0-4 Broughty Athletic

Downfield 0-3 Broughty Athletic

Downfield 0-2 Broughty Athletic

As far as I understand, 3 teams get relegated, both champions promoted plus the winner of a play off between the runners up. Glenrothes are already down, so their move doesn't change things.

Downfield 0-1 Broughty Athletic

I doubt Thornton could get into the EOS anyway. They literally play in a public park. If Syngenta & Glenrothes Strollers aren't allowed while having better grounds than theirs, there is no way the EOS can justify admitting Thornton Hibs.

And I can confirm those highlights are a fair reflection of the actual game, the only thing I was wondering myself as I left the ground on Saturday was how Cove didn't score more.

Bonnyton don't have a license indeed, third placed Nithsdale Wanderers don't have a license either, so in your suggestion Penicuik would get promoted without play-off. I fully agree that should be done though.

Agreed, Cove Rangers are clearly the best tier 5 team by far. I've seen Berwick play in the Scottish cup against Gretna this season and they were clearly the stronger side. They ran out deserved 3-1 winners. I would expect them to be a decent side in the LL.

I'd agree with that, I didn't find it nearly as bad as people said on here. Decent ground, nice bar, the people at Cove I spoke to were friendly enough. It will be interesting to see how they'll cope with the chance, as they won't be a big fish in a small pond anymore. However, they are clearly ready for the step up and the club will undoubtedly evolve further in the next few years. Shame to see Berwick go, but that's football. Commiserations & good luck for the future. The LL shouldn't be a death sentence and with ex-juniors coming up it will get better in the next few years as well.

I tried finding some information on the Threave case. All I found so far is this article: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/local-sport/threave-rovers-south-scotland-league-8099347 "Recently, chairman Davie McVitie said they planned to reapply for their place which they would have held on to had no team been promoted from the East or South leagues." This quote suggests they were originally relegated but had the chance to re-apply, which they ultimately didn't do.

It must be very frustrating for you guys, you still don't know what league to plan for after all. That's all down to the SFA's incompetence. Nobody can blame Bonnyrigg for appealing the decision, which did seem very harsh on them. However, that makes uncertainty for WW continue. If the SFA wouldn't have been so slow in this process, everything could have been clear by now. If they'd have made their decision in February as they were meant to, Bonnyrigg could have appealed then and the outcome would have been known by now so all sides know what's happening (assuming Berwick don't perform a miracle on Saturday...). If nothing becomes definite in the next few days, I think the LL should just run with 17 clubs next season with both yourselves and Bonnyrigg. An expansion to 18 would also not be a bad idea imo (if the HL can do it with 18, the LL should have no problems!), the final spot can then be filled by application, maybe Penicuik as the highest finished club with a license in the EOS.