Clubs learn fate in new league set-up

West Lothian’s nine Junior football teams have learned which division they will be playing in for the 2018/19 season.

The East Region has undergone huge changes this summer after 25 teams made the decision to leave for the East of Scotland League and join the senior football pyramid system.

That now means there will be 36 teams in the East Region, split into three leagues of 12: Superleague, Premier League North and Premier League South.

Just two West Lothian sides are in the top flight. Fauldhouse United and Whitburn will be joined by Broughty Athletic, Carnoustie Panmure, Downfield, Forfar West End, Glenrothes, Kennoway Star Hearts, Kirriemuir Thistle, Lochee United, Tayport and Thornton Hibs.

The remaining seven local teams - Armadale Thistle, Bathgate Thistle, Harthill Royal, Livingston United, Pumpherston, Stoneyburn and West Calder United - will feature in the Premier League South with Kirkcaldy YM, Lochgelly Albert, Lochore Welfare, Newburgh and Rosyth.

The league season will kick off on August 4. The reduced number of league fixtures has led to the return of the East Region Sectional League Cup.

The clubs have been split into 12 groups of three, with fixtures and dates to be confirmed. West Lothian Council paid tribute to Livingston FC with a civic reception last week.

The club was invited by Provost Tom Kerr after they clinched a return to the top flight for the first time in 12 years.

Club officials, players and coaches joined councillors and staff for a celebration, with a special trophy presented to the club from the council to mark their success.

Provost Tom Kerr said:“Everyone at the club can be