2019–20 South Challenge Cup
The 2019–20 SFA South Region Challenge Cup was the 13th edition of the annual cup competition for senior non-league clubs in the central and southern regions of Scotland. This season saw the competition increase to 70 teams despite the demise of Selkirk and withdrawal of Eyemouth United, thanks to the relegation of Berwick Rangers to the Lowland League plus the addition of Glenrothes and Kinnoull to the East of Scotland Football League.
| SFA South Region Challenge Cup | |
| Country |  Scotland England (2 teams) |
|---|---|
| Dates | 24 August 2019 – 15 August 2021 |
| Teams | 70 |
| Defending champions | East Kilbride |
| Champions | Dunipace (1st title) |
| Runners-up | Broomhill |
| Matches played | 68 |
| Goals scored | 250 (3.68 per match) |
| Attendance | 8,397 (123 per match) |
← 2018–19 2020–21 →
All statistics correct as of 15 August 2021. | |
The defending champions were East Kilbride, who beat Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic 2–1 in the final on 26 May 2019. The competition was won by Dunipace for the first time, beating Broomhill 3–1 in the final, which had been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and took place almost two years after the first round matches.
Format
The competition featured 70 teams from the Lowland Football League (16), East of Scotland Football League (39), South of Scotland Football League (14), as well as SFA member club Glasgow University of the Caledonian Amateur Football League. The reserve teams of Stirling University, Caledonian Braves, and Stranraer do not take part.
The draw was unseeded, with matches proceeding to extra time and penalties if they are tied after 90 minutes.
Calendar
| Round | Main date[1] | Fixtures | Clubs |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Round | 24 August 2019 | 6 | 70 → 64 |
| Second Round | 14 September 2019 | 32 | 64 → 32 |
| Third Round | 12 October 2019 | 16 | 32 → 16 |
| Fourth Round | 9 November 2019 | 8 | 16 → 8 |
| Quarter-Finals | 7 March 2020 | 4 | 8 → 4 |
| Semi-Finals | 27 December 2020 31 July 2021 | 2 | 4 → 2 |
| Final | 15 August 2021 | 1 | 2 → 1 |
First round
The first round took place on Saturday 24 August 2019. The draw for the first and second rounds took place at the South of Scotland Football League's AGM on Thursday 30 May 2019.[2] 58 clubs received a bye to the second round, with 12 taking part in the first round.
| 24 August 2019 | Berwick Rangers | 4–0 | Newtongrange Star | Berwick-upon-Tweed |
| 15:00 | Stadium: Shielfield Park Attendance: 291[3] |
| 24 August 2019 | Broxburn Athletic | 4–0 | Tynecastle | Broxburn |
| 15:00 | Stadium: Albyn Park Attendance: 109[3] |
| 24 August 2019 | Coldstream | 1–3 | Dunipace | Coldstream |
| 14:30 | Stadium: Home Park Attendance: 83[3] |
| 24 August 2019 | Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale | 4–0 | Dalkeith Thistle | Edinburgh |
| 14:30 | Stadium: Saughton Enclosure Attendance: 49[3] |
| 24 August 2019 | Oakley United | 4–4 (a.e.t.) (3–4 p) | Easthouses Lily MW | Oakley |
| 14:30 | Stadium: Blairwood Park |
| 24 August 2019 | Ormiston | 6–1 | Dumfries YMCA | Ormiston |
| 14:30 | Stadium: Recreation Park Attendance: 40[3] |
Second round
The second round took place on the weekend of Saturday 14 September 2019. The six winners from the first round joined the 58 clubs who received a bye.
Seven days after the draw Kinnoull joined the East of Scotland League following the withdrawal of Eyemouth, and were permitted to take-on their home tie against The Spartans.
| 13 September 2019 | Cumbernauld Colts | 1–0 | Dalbeattie Star | Cumbernauld |
| 19:45 | Stadium: Broadwood Stadium Attendance: 93[4] |
| 14 September 2019 | Blackburn United | 8–1 | St. Cuthbert Wanderers | Blackburn |
| 14:30 | Stadium: New Murrayfield Park Attendance: 59[4] |
| 14 September 2019 | Bo'ness United | 1–2 (a.e.t.) | BSC Glasgow | Camelon |
| 14:30 | Stadium: Carmuirs Park Attendance: 275[4] |
| 14 September 2019 | Bonnyton Thistle | 5–2 | Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale | Kilmarnock |
| 15:00 | Stadium: Synergy Arena Attendance: 20[4] |
| 14 September 2019 | Broxburn Athletic | 3–1 | Edinburgh University | Broxburn |
| 14:30 | Stadium: Albyn Park Attendance: 96[4] |
| 14 September 2019 | Burntisland Shipyard | 1–2 | Threave Rovers | Burntisland |
| 14:30 | Stadium: Recreation Park Attendance: 69[4] |
| 14 September 2019 | Caledonian Braves | 4–0 | Crossgates Primrose | Motherwell |
| 15:00 | Stadium: Alliance Park Attendance: 50[4] |
| 14 September 2019 | Creetown | 0–5 | Craigroyston | Creetown |
| 15:00 | Stadium: Castlecary Park Attendance: 57[4] |
| 14 September 2019 | Dunbar United | 1–0 (a.e.t.) | Abbey Vale | Dunbar |
| 14:30 | Stadium: New Countess Park Attendance: 110[4] |
| 14 September 2019 | Edinburgh United | 1–2 | Dunipace | Edinburgh |
| 14:30 | Stadium: Paties Road Stadium Attendance: 37[4] |
| 14 September 2019 | Gala Fairydean Rovers | 2–1 | Newton Stewart | Galashiels |
| 13:00 | Stadium: 3G Arena, Netherdale Attendance: 73[4] |
| 14 September 2019 | Glasgow University | 0–5 | Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic | Airdrie |
| 15:00 | Stadium: Excelsior Stadium Attendance: 71[4] |
| 14 September 2019 | Glenrothes | 3–0 | Lochmaben | Glenrothes |
| 14:30 | Stadium: Warout Stadium Attendance: 105[4] |
| 14 September 2019 | Haddington Athletic | 0–5 | Camelon Juniors | Haddington |
| 14:30 | Stadium: Millfield Park Attendance: 94[4] |
| 14 September 2019 | Hawick Royal Albert United | 1–2 | Easthouses Lily MW | Hawick |
| 14:30 | Stadium: Albert Park, Hawick Attendance: 52[4] |
| 14 September 2019 | Hill of Beath Hawthorn | 2–1 | Whitehill Welfare | Hill of Beath |
| 14:30 | Stadium: Keir's Park Attendance: 133[4] |
| 14 September 2019 | Kinnoull | 0–3 | The Spartans | Perth |
| 14:30 | Stadium: Tulloch Park Attendance: 65[4] |
| 14 September 2019 | Leith Athletic | 1–5 | East Kilbride | Edinburgh |
| 15:00 | Stadium: Peffermill 3G Attendance: 68[4] |
| 14 September 2019 | Linlithgow Rose | 5–1 | Gretna 2008 | Linlithgow |
| 14:30 | Stadium: Prestonfield Attendance: 283[4] |
| 14 September 2019 | Lochar Thistle | 0–5 | East Stirlingshire | Dumfries |
| 15:00 | Stadium: Maxwelltown High School Attendance: 78[4] |
| 14 September 2019 | Musselburgh Athletic | 5–0 | Mid-Annandale | Musselburgh |
| 14:30 | Stadium: Olivebank Stadium Attendance: 183[4] |
| 14 September 2019 | Peebles Rovers | 2–3 | Nithsdale Wanderers | Peebles |
| 14:30 | Stadium: Whitestone Park Attendance: 66[4] |
| 14 September 2019 | Penicuik Athletic | 5–2 | Dundonald Bluebell | Penicuik |
| 14:30 | Stadium: Penicuik Park Attendance: 177[4] |
| 14 September 2019 | Preston Athletic | 3–2 | Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts | Prestonpans |
| 14:30 | Stadium: Pennypit Park Attendance: 43[4] |
| 14 September 2019 | Sauchie Juniors | 1–2 | Civil Service Strollers | Sauchie |
| 14:30 | Stadium: Beechwood Park Attendance: 126[4] |
| 14 September 2019 | St Andrews United | 2–3 | Jeanfield Swifts | St Andrews |
| 14:30 | Stadium: Barnetts Park Attendance: 90[4] |
| 14 September 2019 | Tranent Juniors | 2–1 | Berwick Rangers | Tranent |
| 14:30 | Stadium: Foresters Park Attendance: 303[4] |
| 14 September 2019 | Tweedmouth Rangers | 1–2 | Upper Annandale | Berwick-upon-Tweed |
| 14:30 | Stadium: Old Shielfield Attendance: 45[4] |
| 14 September 2019 | Vale of Leithen | 1–6 | Kelty Hearts | Innerleithen |
| 15:00 | Stadium: Victoria Park Attendance: 105[4] |
| 14 September 2019 | Wigtown & Bladnoch | 0–2 | Heriot-Watt University | Wigtown |
| 15:00 | Stadium: Trammondford Park Attendance: 26[4] |
| 15 September 2019 | Heston Rovers | 4–0 | Ormiston | Dumfries |
| 15:00 | Stadium: Palmerston Park Attendance: 62[4] |
| 15 September 2019 | Stirling University | w/o (Awarded)[A] | Arniston Rangers | Stirling |
| 15:00 | Stadium: Forthbank Stadium |
- ^ A-Arniston Rangers were unable to field a team and withdrew from the competition.[5]
Third round
The third round took place on Saturday 12 October 2019.
Draw
The draw for the third round took place on Sunday 15 September 2019 after the final second round match at Palmerston Park.[6]
| Lowland League | East of Scotland Premier Division | East of Scotland First Division | South of Scotland League |
|---|---|---|---|
Matches
| 12 October 2019 | Blackburn United | 1–2 | East Stirlingshire | Blackburn |
| 14:30 | Stadium: New Murrayfield Park Attendance: 170[7] |
| 12 October 2019 | Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic | 3–0 | Threave Rovers | Bonnyrigg |
| 15:00 | Stadium: New Dundas Park Attendance: 436[7] |
| 12 October 2019 | BSC Glasgow | 3–1 | Gala Fairydean Rovers | Alloa |
| 15:00 | Stadium: Recreation Park Attendance: 82[7] |
| 12 October 2019 | Caledonian Braves | 5–3 | Musselburgh Athletic | Motherwell |
| 15:00 | Stadium: Alliance Park Attendance: 104[7] |
| 12 October 2019 | Camelon Juniors | 4–1 | Heriot-Watt University | Camelon |
| 14:30 | Stadium: Carmuirs Park Attendance: 130[7] |
| 12 October 2019 | Civil Service Strollers | 1–2 (a.e.t.) | Kelty Hearts | Edinburgh |
| 15:00 | Stadium: Christie Gillies Park Attendance: 237[7] |
| 12 October 2019 | Craigroyston | 0–6 | Preston Athletic | Edinburgh |
| 14:30 | Stadium: St Mark's Park Attendance: 55[7] |
| 12 October 2019 | Cumbernauld Colts | 1–0 | Jeanfield Swifts | Cumbernauld |
| 15:00 | Stadium: Broadwood Stadium Attendance: 88[7] |
| 12 October 2019 | Dunbar United | 1–2 | Broxburn Athletic | Dunbar |
| 14:30 | Stadium: New Countess Park Attendance: 196[7] |
| 12 October 2019 | Dunipace | 3–1 | Glenrothes | Denny |
| 14:300 | Stadium: Westfield Park Attendance: 100[7] |
| 12 October 2019 | Easthouses Lily MW | 0–4 | East Kilbride | Easthouses |
| 14:30 | Stadium: Newbattle Complex Attendance: 84[7] |
| 12 October 2019 | Heston Rovers | 0–6 | Linlithgow Rose | Dumfries |
| 15:00 | Stadium: Palmerston Park Attendance: 166[7] |
| 12 October 2019 | Nithsdale Wanderers | 1–4 | Bonnyton Thistle | Sanquhar |
| 15:00 | Stadium: Lorimer Park Attendance: 75[7] |
| 12 October 2019 | The Spartans | 2–3 | Stirling University | Edinburgh |
| 15:00 | Stadium: Ainslie Park Attendance: 181[7] |
| 12 October 2019 | Penicuik Athletic | 2–3 | Hill of Beath Hawthorn | Penicuik |
| 14:30 | Stadium: Penicuik Park Attendance: 230[7] |
| 12 October 2019 | Upper Annandale | 0–3 | Tranent Juniors | Moffat |
| 15:00 | Stadium: Moffat Academy Attendance: 83[7] |
Fourth round
The fourth round took place on Saturday 9 November 2019.
Draw
| Lowland League | East of Scotland Premier Division | East of Scotland First Division | South of Scotland League |
|---|---|---|---|
Matches
| 8 November 2019 | BSC Glasgow | 6–1 | Preston Athletic | Alloa |
| 20:00 | Stadium: Recreation Park Attendance: 75[8] |
| 9 November 2019 | Broxburn Athletic | 2–4 | Tranent Juniors | Broxburn |
| 14:30 | Stadium: Albyn Park Attendance: 204[8] |
| 9 November 2019 | Caledonian Braves | 3–0 | Bonnyton Thistle | Motherwell |
| 15:00 | Stadium: Alliance Park |
| 9 November 2019 | Camelon Juniors | 2–1 | Linlithgow Rose | Camelon |
| 13:30 | Stadium: Carmuirs Park Attendance: 372[8] |
| 9 November 2019 | Dunipace | 1–0 | Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic | Denny |
| 14:30 | Stadium: Westfield Park Attendance: 209[8] |
| 9 November 2019 | East Kilbride | 1–0 | East Stirlingshire | East Kilbride |
| 15:00 | Stadium: K Park Attendance: 150[8] |
| 9 November 2019 | Hill of Beath Hawthorn | 1–1 (a.e.t.) (4–2 p) | Cumbernauld Colts | Hill of Beath |
| 14:30 | Stadium: Keir's Park Attendance: 110[8] |
| 9 November 2019 | Kelty Hearts | 2–0 | Stirling University | Kelty |
| 15:00 | Stadium: New Central Park Attendance: 303[8] |
Quarter-finals
The quarter-finals took place on Saturday 7 March 2020.
Draw
The draw took place at a meeting of the East of Scotland League's board on 27 November 2019.[9]
| Lowland League | East of Scotland Premier Division | East of Scotland First Division |
|---|---|---|
Matches
| 6 March 2020 | BSC Glasgow | 1–1 (a.e.t.) (6–5 p) | Kelty Hearts | Alloa |
| 19:45 | Stadium: Recreation Park Attendance: 212 |
| 7 March 2020 | Caledonian Braves | 0–1 | Dunipace | Motherwell |
| 15:00 | Stadium: Alliance Park |
| 7 March 2020 | East Kilbride | 5–0 | Camelon Juniors | East Kilbride |
| 15:00 | Stadium: K Park |
| 7 March 2020 | Hill of Beath Hawthorn | 5–1 | Tranent Juniors | Hill of Beath |
| 14:30 | Stadium: Keir's Park Attendance: 172 |
Semi-finals
The semi-finals were scheduled to take place on Saturday 4 April 2020, but the matches were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The semi-final draw was made on 5 August 2020 with no date being scheduled for the matches, until they were rescheduled in December 2020.[10]
Matches
| 27 December 2020 | BSC Glasgow | 1–0 | East Kilbride | Alloa |
| 15:00 | Christie  66' |
Stadium: Recreation Park Attendance: 0 Referee: Chris Hughes |
| 31 July 2021 | Hill of Beath Hawthorn | 2–4 | Dunipace | Hill of Beath |
| 14:30 |
|
|
Stadium: Keir's Park Attendance: 120 |
Final
The final was scheduled to take place on Sunday 24 May 2020, however the match was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic until the following year. It was postponed for a second time and later rescheduled to take place early in the 2021–22 season.
BSC Glasgow renamed to Broomhill in July 2021. Both teams played in their away strips.
Route to the final
Broomhill (BSC Glasgow at the time) received a bye in the first round before they began their campaign away to East of Scotland League Premier Division side Bo'ness United. Fellow Lowland League club Gala Fairydean Rovers were next up, then Preston Athletic of the EOSFL First Division. They won on penalties against eventual Lowland League champions Kelty Hearts shortly before the March 2020 lockdown. Their semi-final took place 7 months later where they knocked out reigning champions East Kilbride.
Dunipace's route to the final saw them defeat fellow East of Scotland League First Division sides Coldstream, Edinburgh United, and Glenrothes, before seeing off Lowland League clubs Bonnyrigg Rose and Caledonian Braves. Their semi-final took place after a delay of 14 months, away to Hill of Beath Hawthorn of the EOSFL Premier Division.
        Broomhill
|
   Dunipace
|
References
- "The Scottish Lowland Football League Season 2019-20 Fixture List" (PDF). Retrieved 28 June 2019.
- "70 TEAMS IN SOUTH REGION CHALLENGE CUP DRAW FOR NEW SEASON". DG News-Sport. Retrieved 26 June 2019.
- Severs, David. "Weekend 24/8/19 and midweek attendance / headcount". Twitter. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
- Severs, David. "Weekend attendance / headcount". Twitter. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
- "University of Stirling vs Arniston Rangers". Scottish Lowland Football League. Retrieved 14 October 2019.
- "SFA South Region Challenge Cup draw". East of Scotland Football Association & League. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
- Severs, David. "Midweek & weekend att / headcount 12/10/19 / headcount". Twitter. Retrieved 25 November 2019.
- Severs, David. "Midweek & weekend att / headcount 10/11/19 / headcount". Twitter. Retrieved 24 November 2019.
- "South Region Challenge Cup". Twitter. East of Scotland Football League. Retrieved 27 November 2019.
- FC, East Kilbride. "EK to face BSC Glasgow in 2019/20 SFA South Region Challenge Cup semi-final". eastkilbridefootballclub.co.uk. Retrieved 2020-08-06.