By Shantanu 
The Scottish League Two is the fourth tier of professional football in Scotland, making it a vital platform for clubs aspiring to rise through the Scottish football pyramid. While it may not receive the same level of attention as the Premiership, League Two remains fiercely competitive, with teams battling for promotion, survival, and sometimes historical pride. In this article, we’ll break down the current standings, key players, upcoming fixtures, and explore the importance of these positions as the season progresses.
Understanding Scottish League Two
Scottish League Two features 10 teams competing over the course of a regular season, which runs from August to May. Each team plays 36 matches, facing every other team four times—twice at home and twice away. The club that finishes at the top of the standings at the end of the season is crowned champions and earns automatic promotion to Scottish League One, the third tier of Scottish football.
The teams placed second to fourth enter into a promotion playoff with the ninth-placed team from League One. The last-placed team in League Two risks dropping out of the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) altogether, as they face a playoff against the champions of the Highland or Lowland Football Leagues.
Key Details of League Two Structure:
Top team: Earns promotion to League One.
2nd to 4th place teams: Enter a promotion playoff with the ninth-placed team from League One.
Bottom team: Faces the threat of relegation out of the SPFL through a playoff.
Now, let’s dive into the current standings and what they mean for the teams involved.
Current Scottish League Two Standings (2023-24 Season)
As of November 2023, the Scottish League Two standings are beginning to take shape. Teams have played approximately one-third of their games, and the battle for promotion and safety is heating up.
Top Teams:
Bonnyrigg Rose
Bonnyrigg Rose is currently at the top of the standings. Having established themselves as a dominant force since their promotion to the SPFL, they have shown impressive consistency. Their strong start to the season has been fueled by a solid defense and a well-organized attack. Fans of the club will be hopeful for another promotion push after narrowly missing out last season.
Stenhousemuir
Stenhousemuir is closely following Bonnyrigg Rose, with only a few points separating the two teams. The Warriors have proven to be one of the most competitive sides in League Two this season, aiming for a return to League One after relegation a few seasons ago. Stenhousemuir’s midfield, led by experienced players, has been key to their current success.
Forfar Athletic
Forfar Athletic has also been in fine form this season. They are not far behind the top two teams and remain in the promotion playoff spots. With a balanced squad that mixes youth and experience, Forfar is determined to get back into League One after a turbulent few seasons.
Mid-Table Teams:
East Fife
East Fife sits comfortably in the top half of the table and is keeping pace with the leading pack. They have been inconsistent at times but have enough quality to challenge for a playoff spot if they can find consistency in the coming weeks.
Elgin City
Elgin City occupies the middle of the standings. While they have shown moments of brilliance, their inconsistency has cost them crucial points. They will need to string together better performances if they hope to move up the table and challenge for a playoff spot.
Bottom Teams:
Albion Rovers
After their relegation from League One, Albion Rovers have struggled to adapt to life in League Two. They find themselves in the lower half of the table but have shown some signs of improvement in recent weeks. Survival is the main priority for them this season.
Stranraer
Stranraer, another former League One team, has also found it difficult to adjust. While they are not in immediate danger of relegation, their form has been patchy. A string of positive results could see them move up the table.
Dumbarton
Dumbarton is currently in the relegation battle, just a few points above the bottom team. They will need to turn their fortunes around quickly if they want to avoid being dragged into a potential relegation playoff.
Clyde
Clyde has struggled throughout the season and is sitting just above the relegation zone. Their defensive frailties have cost them several matches, and they will need to shore up their backline to ensure safety.
Spartans FC
Spartans FC, newcomers to the SPFL, have found life difficult in League Two. Right now, they are stuck at the bottom of the rankings. However, with time on their side, they could potentially turn things around and avoid relegation. If they finish last, they will face a playoff with the winners of the Highland/Lowland League for a spot in the SPFL.
Key Players to Watch
Several standout players have been instrumental for their teams in the League Two campaign so far. A few names to watch are as follows:
Kane Hester (Elgin City)
Kane Hester has been one of the most prolific forwards in the league. His sharp finishing and ability to create chances for himself have made him a key player for Elgin City. If Elgin is to push for a playoff spot, Hester’s goals will be crucial.
Greig Spence (Stenhousemuir)
A seasoned forward, Spence has brought his wealth of experience to the Stenhousemuir side. His leadership on the pitch, combined with his goal-scoring prowess, has been vital in keeping Stenhousemuir near the top of the table.
Ross Meechan (Forfar Athletic)
Forfar’s captain, Meechan, has been a rock at the back for his side. His defensive solidity and organizational skills have played a huge role in Forfar’s push for promotion.
Importance of Standings: Promotion and Relegation
The Scottish League Two standings matter deeply to the clubs, as the rewards and consequences are significant. Finishing at the top of the table offers automatic promotion to League One, while finishing in the bottom spot could result in a club dropping out of the SPFL entirely.
Promotion Race: Clubs like Bonnyrigg Rose and Stenhousemuir are vying for promotion, knowing that a season of consistent performances could see them step up to League One.
Relegation Threat: For the clubs near the bottom, like Spartans and Dumbarton, every point is crucial in the battle to avoid relegation. The consequences of finishing last can be severe, as clubs that fall out of the SPFL lose significant financial support and prestige.
Upcoming Fixtures
As the season progresses, several key fixtures will play a pivotal role in shaping the standings. Here are some matches to look out for:
Stenhousemuir vs. Bonnyrigg Rose: A top-of-the-table clash that could have huge implications for the promotion race.
Forfar Athletic vs. East Fife: A critical game for both sides in the hunt for a playoff spot.
Spartans vs. Clyde: A relegation six-pointer where both teams will be desperate for points.
FAQs
How many teams get promoted from Scottish League Two?
Only the team finishing first is automatically promoted to League One, while the second, third, and fourth teams enter the promotion playoffs.
What happens to the team that finishes last in Scottish League Two?
The team finishing in last place faces a playoff against the champion of the Highland or Lowland League for a place in the SPFL.
Who are the current top goal scorers in Scottish League Two?
Kane Hester from Elgin City and Greig Spence from Stenhousemuir are among the top goal scorers this season.
When does the Scottish League Two season end?
The Scottish League Two season typically ends in May, with playoffs taking place shortly after the conclusion of the regular season.
To Conclude
The 2023-24 Scottish League Two season is shaping up to be an exciting one, with plenty of drama at both ends of the table. Teams like Bonnyrigg Rose and Stenhousemuir are pushing for promotion, while Spartans and Dumbarton are battling to avoid relegation. With key fixtures and standout players driving the action, the standings could shift dramatically as the season unfolds.
To read more, Click Here.