THE countdown to the new football season has officially begun.

Pre-season may have just only got under way, but on Monday the highly-anticipated Lowland League fixtures were released.

The Borders will be represented by three clubs this year – Gala Fairydean Rovers, Selkirk and Vale of Leithen.

And all three will kick-off their campaigns on Saturday, July 28.

On the opening weekend, the Fairydean Rovers will host the Cumbernauld Colts at Netherdale. 

The Broadwood side finished sixth last season and won the League Cup.

Selkirk and the Vale are both on the road for their openers.

The Souters will travel to K Park to face Brian Kerr’s East Kilbride.
Meanwhile, Chris Anderson’s Vale will head to the capital to take on Civil Service Strollers.

And just three days later, the first Borders derby will take place when Gala travel to Victoria Park for a 7.45pm kick off. Selkirk will host Gretna on that same night.

When are the Borders derbies?

  • Tuesday, July 3: Vale of Leithen vs Gala Fairydean Rovers (7.45pm)
  • Saturday, September 8: Selkirk vs Gala Fairydean Rovers (3pm)
  • Saturday, November 17: Vale of Leithen vs Selkirk (2pm)
  • Saturday, December 29: Gala Fairydean Rovers vs Vale of Leithen (3pm)
  • Saturday, January 5: Gala Fairydean Rovers vs Selkirk (3pm)
  • Saturday, January 12: Selkirk vs Vale of Leithen (2pm)

Selkirk will be the first Borders team to play new boys Kelty Hearts. They travel to New Central Park on August 11.

Vale will host them on September 1, while Gala will play them away on October 27.

Please note fixture dates and times are subject to change.