Amateurs introduce League Cup after 'null and void' decision

The decision was taken on Tuesday evening after it became apparent that the chances of the various divisions finishing their campaigns was now unlikely.

Scottish League One and League Two sides, plus the Scottish Women’s Premier League, were this week given the green light by the Scottish Football Association and Scottish Government to resume again immediately. This follows a suspension on all football below the Championship in January.

Fife Thistle confirmed that, at a recent meeting of the Kingdom of Fife AFA and member clubs, amateur leagues in all three divisions were declared null and void owing to this continued ban on football by the government.

"Instead a new League Cup competition has been set up involving clubs from all the divisions, with the trophy in memory of Jon Harrison, who recently died having dedicated a number of years to football and in particular Rosyth AFC Saturday Amateurs. So a fitting tribute," added the club.

Fixture dates for the new cup competition will be announced as soon as there is movement from the Scottish Government, but it’s hoped it can be played towards late spring.

Thistle have been drawn in Group A, a four team group, where they will face Markinch Amateur FC, Balgonie Scotia and Kettle United home and away.

The top two sides in each group will progress to the next round of 16.

Fife has a real depth of amateur football clubs and another looking forward to the new League Cup are Newburgh AFC.

They have been drawn in Group F which will provide a few local derbies.

Auchtermuchty Bellvue, Freuchie, Strathmiglo and Rosyth will join Newburgh AFC in Group F.

The Scottish Amateur Football Association this week also added: “We urge our members once again to contact their local MSPs and MPs to canvass their support to ensure a higher degree of importance is placed on the return of grassroots football for both make and female players.”