Scottish Football Bucket List #1

Welcome to the Scottish Football Bucket List, where Andy Harrow, Shaughan McGuigan and Craig G Telfer bring you all the reasons you need to visit Ladbrokes Championship, League 1 and League 2 clubs during the Premiership winter break.

There’s nothing quite like watching competitive football on a frosty New Year’s afternoon. While the fixtures might not be on January 1, it means you’ll be fresher to enjoy the whole round of games on the 2nd. From mouth-watering derbies to top-of-the-table clashes, to relegation six-pointers, there’s something for everyone this year. 

Forfar v Arbroath
Start your New Year with a dose of feisty Angus derby action. Forfar and Arbroath duked it out over the course of last season’s League 2 promotion race, with the Red Lichties eventually coming out on top. The Loons went up via the play-offs, meaning League 1 has become the background to this entertaining rivalry. Dick Campbell’s men are just outside the top four and Forfar had a great win at Ayr on Saturday despite sitting bottom of the table. With Arbroath coming out on top in the last fixture, the derby at Station Park provides Forfar with a perfect opportunity for revenge. 

Morton v St Mirren
The Renfrewshire derby is one of Scotland’s most keenly-contested rivalries and over the past few fixtures, the games have certainly lived up to the billing. Last season, both sides traded big wins (4-1 and 3-1) as well as a couple of draws. This season, Morton won handsomely in August (4-1), but things were much tighter in October’s 2-2 draw. With St Mirren top of the table and Morton in the play-off hunt, it’s unlikely either side will give much quarter at Cappielow on January 2 - live on BBC ALBA, kick-off 3.00pm.