2022–23 South of Scotland Football League

The 2022–23 South of Scotland Football League was the 77th season of the South of Scotland Football League, and the 9th season as part of the sixth tier of the Scottish football pyramid system. The season started on 30 July 2022 and ended on 8 May 2023. St Cuthbert Wanderers were the reigning champions.

South of Scotland Football League
Season2022-23
Dates30 July 2022 – 8 May 2023
ChampionsAbbey Vale
Matches played132
Goals scored616 (4.67 per match)
Biggest home winMid-Annandale 18–0 Wigtown & Bladnoch
(11 March 2023)
Biggest away winWigtown & Bladnoch 0–9 Creetown
(5 November 2022)
Highest scoringMid-Annandale 18–0 Wigtown & Bladnoch
(11 March 2023)
Longest winning run8 matches:
Creetown
Longest unbeaten run20 matches:
Creetown
Longest winless run10 matches:
Wigtown & Bladnoch
Longest losing run9 matches:
3 teams
All statistics correct as of 8 May 2023.

The title was won for the first time by Abbey Vale, winning their last seven games of the season to overhaul long-time league leaders Creetown, who were also chasing a first league title. Abbey Vale were ineligible for promotion however, as they do not hold an SFA club licence. As champions, they will enter the 2023–24 Scottish Cup at the preliminary-round stage.

Teams

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The following team changed divisions after the 2021–22 season.

From South of Scotland League

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Transferred to West of Scotland Football League

Team Location Home ground Capacity Seats Floodlit
Abbey Vale New Abbey Maryfield Park 1,000[1] 0 No
Caledonian Braves reserves Motherwell Alliance Park 500 100 Yes
Creetown Creetown Castlecary Park 1,000[2] 0 Yes
Lochar Thistle Dumfries Wilson Park 1,000[3] 0 No
Lochmaben Lochmaben Whitehills Park 1,000[4] 0 No
Mid-Annandale Lockerbie New King Edward Park 1,000[5] 0 Yes
Newton Stewart [SFA] Newton Stewart Blairmount Park 1,500[6] 0 Yes
Nithsdale Wanderers Sanquhar Lorimer Park 1,000[7] 0 Yes
St Cuthbert Wanderers [SFA] Kirkcudbright St Mary's Park 2,000[8] 0 Yes
Stranraer reserves Stranraer Stair Park 4,178[9] 1,830 Yes
Upper Annandale Moffat Moffat Academy 1,000[10] 0 No
Wigtown & Bladnoch [SFA] Wigtown Trammondford Park 888[11] 0 Yes

SFA Club with an SFA licence[12] eligible to participate in the Lowland League promotion play-off should they win the league.

Caledonian Braves reserves and Stranraer reserves are ineligible for promotion.

League table

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Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1 Abbey Vale (C) 22 19 1 2 100 24 +76 58 Ineligible for the Lowland League play-off
2 Creetown 22 17 4 1 66 17 +49 55
3 Lochar Thistle 22 15 4 3 75 30 +45 49
4 Stranraer reserves 22 14 1 7 66 36 +30 43 Ineligible for promotion
5 Newton Stewart 22 13 1 8 57 48 +9 40
6 Mid-Annandale 22 11 5 6 62 38 +24 38
7 St Cuthbert Wanderers 22 8 2 12 45 57 −12 26
8 Upper Annandale 22 5 4 13 33 56 −23 19
9 Lochmaben 22 5 2 15 36 60 −24 17
10 Nithsdale Wanderers 22 5 1 16 26 79 −53 16
11 Caledonian Braves reserves 22 4 2 16 37 70 −33 14 Ineligible for promotion
12 Wigtown & Bladnoch 22 2 1 19 13 101 −88 7
Source: [13]
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Number of goals scored
(C) Champions

Results

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Home \ Away ABB CAL CRE LOT LOC MID NEW NIT SCW STR UPA WIG
Abbey Vale 8–2 0–3 1–1 4–1 3–0 9–2 9–1 2–1 3–1 2–0[a] 10–0
Caledonian Braves reserves 0–2 0–1 0–7 2–1 2–2 1–6 2–3 5–3 0–2 7–0 5–0
Creetown 3–0 4–1 2–0 4–0[b] 1–1 3–1 4–0 4–0 1–4[c] 3–2 6–1[d]
Lochar Thistle 2–5 7–2[e] 1–1 5–2 3–0 2–0 5–1[f] 3–1 5–2 3–0 3–0[g]
Lochmaben 0–4 1–0 3–4 0–4 0–1 2–0 2–1 2–3 1–3 1–1 6–0
Mid-Annandale 2–5 5–0 0–0 1–7 2–1 3–1 2–1 2–2[h] 1–5 3–0 18–0
Newton Stewart 1–5 6–3 2–2 6–5 4–3 0–3 5–0 1–3 3–0 2–1 2–1
Nithsdale Wanderers 2–6[i] 2–1 0–2 1–5 5–1 1–3 0–5[j] 0–4 3–9 3–2 2–0
St Cuthbert Wanderers 0–6 2–2 1–2 1–2 6–3 1–7 1–2 5–0 2–3 2–1 3–1
Stranraer reserves 0–3[k] 4–0 0–2 2–3 2–2 3–1[l] 0–1 6–0[m] 5–0 6–3 2–1[n]
Upper Annandale 2–5[o] 3–2 0–5 1–1[p] 4–2 1–1[q] 0–5[r] 0–0 2–0 1–2[s] 5–1
Wigtown & Bladnoch 0–8 1–0[t] 0–9[u] 1–1 1–2[v] 1–4 1–2 1–0 2–4 0–5 0–4
Source: [36]
Legend: Blue = home team win; Yellow = draw; Red = away team win.
Notes:
  1. ^ Match played at Dumfries High School.[14]
  2. ^ Match played at Blairmount Park, Newton Stewart.[15]
  3. ^ Match played at Blairmount Park, Newton Stewart.[16]
  4. ^ Match played at Stranraer Academy 3G.[17]
  5. ^ Match played at North West Community Campus.[18]
  6. ^ Match played at North West Community Campus.[19]
  7. ^ Match played at North West Community Campus.[20]
  8. ^ Match played at Galabank, Annan.[21]
  9. ^ Match played at North West Community Campus, Dumfries, as Lorimer Park was unplayable.[22]
  10. ^ Match played at North West Community Campus, Dumfries.[23]
  11. ^ Match played at Stranraer Academy 3G.[24]
  12. ^ Match played at Stranraer Academy 3G.[25]
  13. ^ Match played at Stranraer Academy 3G.[26]
  14. ^ Match played at Blairmount Park, Newton Stewart.[27]
  15. ^ Match played at New King Edward Park, Lockerbie.[28]
  16. ^ Match played at New King Edward Park, Lockerbie.[29]
  17. ^ Match played at Dumfries High School, Dumfries.[30]
  18. ^ Match played at Raydale Park, Gretna.[31]
  19. ^ Match played at New King Edward Park, Lockerbie.[32]
  20. ^ Match played at Blairmount Park, Newton Stewart.[33]
  21. ^ Match played at Blairmount Park, Newton Stewart.[34]
  22. ^ Match played at Blairmount Park, Newton Stewart.[35]

References

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  1. ^ "Abbey Vale". Non League Scotland. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  2. ^ "Creetown". Non League Scotland. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  3. ^ "Lochar Thistle". Non League Scotland. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  4. ^ "Lochmaben". Non League Scotland. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  5. ^ "Mid-Annandale". Non League Scotland. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  6. ^ "Newton Stewart". Non League Scotland. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  7. ^ "Nithsdale Wanderers". Non League Scotland. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  8. ^ "St Cuthbert Wanderers". Non League Scotland. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  9. ^ "Stranraer Reserves". Non League Scotland. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  10. ^ "Upper Annandale". Non League Scotland. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  11. ^ "Wigtown & Bladnoch". Non League Scotland. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  12. ^ "Licensed Clubs - August 2022" (PDF). Retrieved 2 August 2022.
  13. ^ "Tables". South of Scotland Football League. South of Scotland Football League. Retrieved 8 May 2023.
  14. ^ Abbey Vale [@AbbeyValeFC] (7 January 2023). "Vale kick off 2023 with a game against @uppers1966 in the @SOSFLeague. Kick off at Dumfries High School is 2pm. #vale 🐝⚽️🐝" (Tweet). Retrieved 7 January 2023 – via Twitter.
  15. ^ "Creetown FC vs Lochmaben FC". South of Scotland Football League. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
  16. ^ "Creetown FC vs Stranraer FC". South of Scotland Football League. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
  17. ^ Creetown FC [@CreetownFC] (13 January 2023). "⚽️⚽️ 🆚 Wigtown & Bladnoch FC 📆 Friday 13th January 2023 🏆 Utility Hut @SOSFLeague 📍 Stranraer Academy 3G ⏰ 19:45 🎟 £4/£2 U16s Free #montheferry" (Tweet). Retrieved 13 January 2023 – via Twitter.
  18. ^ "Lochar Thistle FC vs Caledonian Braves FC". South of Scotland Football League. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  19. ^ Lochar Thistle FC [@LocharThistleFC] (25 November 2022). "**VENUE CHANGE** South of Scotland League Lochar Thistle v Nithsdale Wanderers Saturday 26th November 2pm KO North West Community Campus" (Tweet). Retrieved 26 November 2022 – via Twitter.
  20. ^ Lochar Thistle FC [@LocharThistleFC] (7 January 2023). "GAME DAY:- Lochar Thistle v @WBFC3 🏆South of Scotland League ⏱️ 3pm KO 📍North West Community Campus, Dumfries 💷 £4 Adults, £2 Concessions 🥧☕️ Pies, Tea, Coffee, Bovril on sale. #monthistle 🔴⚪️⚫️" (Tweet). Retrieved 7 January 2023 – via Twitter.
  21. ^ Mid Annandale AFC [@TheMidsFC] (14 January 2023). "Todays [sic] senior game is against @StCuthberts1879 in the @SOSFLeague the game is getting played at @AnnanAthleticFC Galabank kick off 2pm 💛🖤⚽️#comeonthemids" (Tweet). Retrieved 14 January 2023 – via Twitter.
  22. ^ Nithsdale Wanderers Matchday [@FCNithsdale] (4 November 2022). "This Saturday we welcome Abbey Vale to North West Campus Dumfries as Lorimer Park unplayable for our South of Scotland League fixture . Another tough game for the Dale as Vale having a very good season. Kick off 2pm North West Campus 78-30 Alloway Rd Dumfries DG2 9lu #monthedale" (Tweet). Retrieved 6 November 2022 – via Twitter.
  23. ^ Newton Stewart FC [@The_Creesiders] (12 January 2023). "This weekends [sic] Utility Hut @SOSFLeague match against @NWanderersFC has been moved to the North West Community Campus in Dumfries after all the recent rain and we thank our hosts for this switch which will ensure the game goes ahead ⚫️⚪️⚫️" (Tweet). Retrieved 14 January 2023 – via Twitter.
  24. ^ Abbey Vale [@AbbeyValeFC] (1 April 2023). "@abbeyvalefc starting line up for todays [sic] @SOSFLeague match against @StranraerRes at Stranraer Academy 🐝⚽️🐝" (Tweet). Retrieved 7 April 2023 – via Twitter.
  25. ^ Stranraer FC [@StranraerFC] (25 April 2023). "Tuesday Night Football! ⚽️ The Stranraer South of Scotland team return to league action tonight with another midweek game at home under the lights. 🌙 🗓 Tuesday 25th April 🆚 Mid-Annandale FC 🏆 @SOSFLeague ⏰ 7:45pm 🏟 Stranraer Academy 3G #MONBLU 💙" (Tweet). Retrieved 25 April 2023 – via Twitter.
  26. ^ Stranraer FC [@StranraerFC] (7 April 2023). "‼️ FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL ‼️ The Blues South of Scotland team are in league action tonight under the floodlights! 📅 Friday 7th April 🆚 @NWanderersFC 🏆 @SOSFLeague ⏰ 7:45pm 🏟 Stranraer Academy 3G #MONBLU 💙" (Tweet). Retrieved 7 April 2023 – via Twitter.
  27. ^ Newton Stewart FC [@The_Creesiders] (25 November 2022). "We welcome neighbours @StranraerRes and @WBFC3 to Blairmount tonight for an @SOSFLeague derby. This feisty encounter is sure to be the biggest game on this evening 🔵⚪️🔵 🔴⚪️🔴" (Tweet). Retrieved 25 November 2022 – via Twitter.
  28. ^ Abbey Vale [@AbbeyValeFC] (19 April 2023). "It's off to Lockerbie tonight for Vale as we head to take on @uppers1966 in the @SOSFLeague. Kick off at New King Edward Park is 7.45pm. #vale 🐝⚽️🐝" (Tweet). Retrieved 21 April 2023 – via Twitter.
  29. ^ "Upper Annandale FC 1 - 1 Lochar Thistle FC". South of Scotland Football League. Retrieved 14 April 2023.
  30. ^ Mid Annandale AFC [@TheMidsFC] (1 April 2023). "Change of venue today as we play @uppers1966 in the @UtilityHut @SOSFLeague at Dumfries High School it's a 2pm kick off 💛🖤💛🖤#comeonthemids" (Tweet). Retrieved 1 April 2023 – via Twitter.
  31. ^ Newton Stewart FC [@The_Creesiders] (6 April 2023). "This weekend we make the long journey to Raydale Park home of @GretnaFC2008 for our @UtilityHut @SOSFLeague match against @UpperAnnandale ⚫️⚪️⚫️" (Tweet). Retrieved 8 April 2023 – via Twitter.
  32. ^ "Upper Annandale FC vs Stranraer FC". South of Scotland Football League. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  33. ^ "Wigtown & Bladnoch FC 1 - 0 Caledonian Braves FC". South of Scotland Football League. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
  34. ^ "Wigtown & Bladnoch FC 0 - 9 Creetown FC". South of Scotland Football League. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
  35. ^ "Wigtown & Bladnoch FC 1 - 2 Lochmaben FC". South of Scotland Football League. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  36. ^ "South of Scotland League Results". South of Scotland Football League. Retrieved 8 May 2023.
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