Kelty Hearts crowned champions as Lowland League season prematurely brought to an end

Kelty Hearts have been crowned champions of the Lowland League after clubs agreed to bring the season to an end and decide the final table on a points-per-game basis.

Kelty Hearts manager Barry Ferguson. Picture: SNS

Barry Ferguson’s men have finished the campaign on top of the pile with 36 points from 13 games, an average of 2.77. That beats out both East Kilbride and Bonnyrigg Rose, who each finished on 2.42.

The Fife side will wait to see if they’re able to compete in the play-offs to enter the SPFL.

Vale of Leithen are set to be relegated having picked up zero points from 12 games, though their fall into the East of Scotland League is yet to be confirmed.

Dalbeattie Star and Edinburgh University are also in limbo as they wait to see if the relegation play-offs can take place.

A statement released on the Lowland League website explained: “Nine clubs wrote to say they supported this recommendation. Three clubs expressed a preference for the season to be declared null and void. This constitutes a majority of clubs in favour of the recommendation. The board has therefore agreed League positions for season 2020/21 will be decided based on average points per game.

“Discussions are ongoing with the Scottish FA, SPFL and SHFL about possible dates for the Pyramid Play-Off competition. All clubs competing in it will, under current Scottish Government requirements, be required to pay for PCR tests.

“There are several factors before relegation can be confirmed which includes waiting until the conclusion of the Pyramid and Lower Pyramid Play-Off competitions.”

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