Changing Places

A glimpse of the Falkirk Stadium, taken last Saturday and which comes into view if you take a walk from the magnificent Kelpies through the Helix Park to the ground.

Two promotions in successive seasons means the stadium will be hosting Premiership football in 2025/26, as well as being the home of Lowland League club East Stirlingshire FC.

I was then lucky enough to watch the crucial promotion/relegation play-off second leg between Ross County and Livingston on Monday evening.

The hosts took an early two-goal lead, moving 3-1 ahead on aggregate but a Livi goal before the break saw nerves set in amongst the home players and the away side deservedly ran out winners with three second-half goals to secure a Premiership place alongside Falkirk and leave a Highlands-shaped hole in the top-tier of Scottish football next season.

But I really liked the location of the Global Energy Stadium, next to the railway station, in the town centre and with some good, old-fashioned, alleyways leading down to a couple of the stands.

There was also a nice family atmosphere among the home supporters who, having seen their side come through successive relegation play-offs in the past couple of seasons, took their fate with good grace as Livingston supporters cavorted on the pitch.

The end of one domestic season but it won't be long until the next and Scottish Football Fixtures has a comprehensive friendly guide.

A Nod To The Future

Just a few minutes away from the magnificent Kelpies, lies the home of Falkirk FC, currently in Scottish League One but making progress towards a brighter future.

The club this week published a very detailed update on the current financial situation, incliding the investment made by fans into the Falkirk Supporters Society.

Prices have been reduced for the home game against Queen of the South, just two days before Christmas, with adult tickets £10 and concessions £5. Under 12's go free and tickets can also be bought and donated to those who may be struggling at this time of year.

A Falkirk Double-Header

 

I loved The Kelpies when I visited recently, brilliant in their own right but also easily accessible, physically and financially to locals and visitors alike.

Just a short distance away, the Falkirk Stadium hosts a double-header of Scottish Women's Cup semi-finals on Sunday 1 May.

Hearts take on Celtic at 12pm, followed by Partick Thistle versus Glasgow City at 4.30pm.

Tickets cover both games and cost just £5 for adults, £2 concessions and are free for accompanied under 12's. 

Scottish Special: Livi Extend Deal & 'No Nil Nils' at Falkirk

Livingston FC were the subject of an article here on Affordable Football a few weeks ago when we looked at the Scottish Championship side's decision to cut season ticket prices for the 2014/15 season and an open and honest assessment of the reasons why from chairman Gordon McDougall.

Early bird season tickets are on offer at £180 for adults (£10 a game for a season when both Rangers and Hearts will be visiting), £90 for concessions and £54 for children. The deadline has now been extended until the end of June to allow more supporters the time to get the necessary finance together.

Mr McDougall has also issued an updated statement in which he says prices will be held for the 2015/16 season as well while for those who cannot find the money needed in a lump sum a £10 lucky dip Home Ticket scheme has also been launched to extend the principle of attending matches for £10.

Falkirk FC, beaten in the play-offs for a place in the Scottish Premiership recently, have pegged season ticket prices for 2014/15 and have kept in place their 'Under 12's go free' policy.

One new initiative that the Bairns have announced however is 'No Nil Nils' whereby if a game ends in a goalless draw then season ticket holders will be issued with a free ticket to bring a friend along to the next match.

Also in Scotland (just), Gretna FC host their pre-season Raydale Cup tournament on the weekend of 12/13 July with the hosts taking part alongside Stirling Albion, Annan Athletic and Workington Reds AFC. A ticket covering all four games is priced at £10 for adults and £3 for children.