Exodus to the seniors

There was plenty of change in the local football scene as the number of senior clubs in West Lothian jumped from one to four during the summer following a mass exodus from the East Region Juniors to the East of Scotland Football League.

Blackburn United were the first side to join Livingston in the senior ranks and were swiftly followed by Linlithgow Rose and Broxburn Athletic.

The trio were among the 25 teams to join the pyramid system, mostly from the East Juniors, which in turn led to a restructure in that organisation.

Blackburn, Broxburn and Linlithgow were all placed in the new East of Scotland Conference C with the first West Lothian derby in senior football for many a year taking place at Albyn Park in September as Broxburn Athletic defeated Blackburn United 5-2 in a thrilling affair.

Linlithgow Rose go into the new year sitting at the top of the table and hopeful of grabbing a play-off spot that could lead to promotion to the Lowland League, while Broxburn are hot on their heels.

In the Juniors, the restructure was bad news for Pumpherston as despite winning the South Division last season they were not promoted – but they look all set to win the Premier League South this term as they sit well ahead of the chasing pack.

Fauldhouse United’s spell outside of the top flight was brief as they won promotion on merit while Whitburn benefitted from the changes as they were elevated to the top division and have since shown they belong their with some fine displays.

The senior/Junior debate rages on, though, and is sure to be a talking point once again in 2019.