Kelty and Brora declared champions in bid to open up SPFL
The SPFL is under pressure to approve this year’s pyramid play-offs after Kelty Hearts and Brora Rangers were both declared champions by their respective leagues yesterday.
The decision means the Lowland and Highland League champions could now playoff for what they hope will be the right to face League Two’s bottom team for a place in next season’s SPFL.
The pyramid
play-offs involving the same two clubs didn’t take place last season due to the pandemic, giving Brechin City a reprieve. The Glebe Park club are bottom again this season, with one win from the 12 games they had played before last night.
Brora were crowned champions of the Highland League by fellow members – despite playing just three league games. The final table was decided on a points-per-game basis with goal difference as the additional tie-breaker, enabling Brora to finish above Fraserburgh, Buckie Thistle, Formartine and Inverurie as
the other teams with 100 per cent records.
Fraserburgh chairman Finlay Noble believes Brora have earned the right to enter the play-offs. He said: “I know fans will question how you can have league champions after three matches. but the fact of the matter is we had an obligation to put a club forward for the play-offs and Brora are champions in name only.
“We’re fortunate that Brora are in the same position as they were last year and the points-by-game ratio means they can go forward as champions, an opportunity they were denied a year ago.”
Barry Ferguson’s Kelty were declared champions on a similar basis after nine of the Lowland League 17 clubs voted to amend rules it had set at the start of the season.
The SPFL has yet to confirm whether or not the pyramid play-offs will take place. The issue is further complicated because the SPFL board is understood to be considering asking its member clubs to consider expanding League Two to include Rangers and Celtic colts teams, along with Kelty and Brora.
A Lowland League statement explained: “Discussions are ongoing with the Scottish FA, SPFL and SHFL about possible dates for the Pyramid Play-off competition.”