Four teams could face relegation from WoSFL divisions

With the exception of the Fourth Division, a number of teams will have their eye on Clydebank's upcoming promotion play-off.

The Premier Division champions face a two-legged tie against Musselburgh Athletic.

Gordon Moffat's side will face the East of Scotland Premier Division champions away from home on Saturday, May 17 before a second leg at Holm Park on Sunday, May 25.

The winner will be rewarded with a place in the Lowland League next season - but the game will also have major repercussions in the WoSFL.

For much of the season, it was thought that four sides could be in line for promotion if the Bankies were to earn a place in the fifth tier of Scottish football.

However, at that time it was Gala Fairydean Rovers who were languishing in the Lowland League relegation place.

Had they come down, Gala would have been demoted into the South of Scotland ranks - meaning Clydebank's promotion would leave the WoSFL Premier Division 'one team short'.

The solution would have been an additional promotion from each league in the west, with the gap in the Fourth Division plugged by a new team being allowed entry into the set-up.

However, this possibility - and the hopes of fourth-placed sides - was squashed when Gala ended their campaign with a three-match winning run.

This pushed Broomhill FC into last position, with the Dumbarton-based side finishing the season in the dreaded relegation spot.

Given their location, Broomhill are set to be relegated to the WoSFL.

This means, if Clydebank were to win their promotion play-off, it would be business as usual in terms of promotion and relegation.

It would be three teams up, three teams down - with no 'vacancy' to be filled.

However, there is, of course, another scenario which could play out if Clydebank were to fail in their bid for promotion.

If the Bankies fail to earn a place in the Lowland League they would return to the WoSFL Premier Division next season alongside relegated Broomhill.

This would leave the set-up with 'one extra team', with the solution now made clear.

Promotion would remain 'as normal' with three teams still earning a place in the league above.

However, one additional relegation place would be required if this were to take place, leaving the 'extra team' in the Fourth Division.

This could leave a number of clubs in limbo after the WoSFL season draws to a close on Saturday, May 17.

While a number of clubs who may have previously believed they had secured safety could now be looking over their shoulder.

It is safe to say, there will be more than Bankies fans cheering on Gordon Moffat's side in their play-off fixture.

Should Clydebank earn a spot in the Lowland League, they would become the first WoSFL side to do so.

For the past two seasons, champions Beith Juniors have been unable to compete for promotion as they did not have the required SFA licence.

Darvel are the only side from the set-up to have previously competed in the promotion play-off.

However, the East Ayrshire side missed out in 2022 in a 'round robin' tournament with South of Scotland champions St Cuthbert's Wanderers and East of Scotland winners Tranent.

It was Tranent who earned a spot in tier five after a 2-0 victory at Recreation Park, with both sides dispatching St Cuthbert's prior to the tie.