The Football Nation Qualifying Cup Semi-Final Draw...

This afternoon at Football Nation we hosted the semi-final draw for the East of Scotland Football League's famous qualifying cup competition. As the official sponsors of the Football Nation Qualifying Cup we were more than happy to use our Edinburgh store to make the draw. 

One of Scottish football's oldest cups making an appearance at Edinburgh's favourite football shop.

We've compiled a quick bio of the four clubs which are battling out for this famous old trophy below...

The Spartans

Spartans were formed in 1951 and ply their trade in the Lowland Football League, 1 tier below the SPFL. Their home ground is Ainslie Park in Edinburgh and features a high quality artificial pitch.

Spartans won the Lowland Football League in the 2013-14 season, having previously dominated the East of Scotland League between 2008-2011. The team are easily spotted in their distinctive white and red kits and are known for their attacking style of play.

East Kilbride

East Kilbride have been hitting the headlines lately thanks to a blockbuster tie they played against Glasgow giants Celtic. The team put in a fantastic performance and went down swinging by a scoreline of only 2-0, allowing them to hold their heads high.

Their amazing Scottish Cup run is made even more astounding when you consider East Kilbride were only formed in 2010. Like Spartans, they also play their football in the Scottish Lowland League. They can be recognised by their distinctive half and half navy & gold shirts.

Civil Service Strollers

The oldest team left in the competition, the Civil Service Strollers were founded in 1908, making them 116 years old! The team plays in the East of Scotland Football League and overcame Vale of Leithen to make the semi-finals.

The team are the only East of Scotland League team left in the competition and currently sit in 9th place, however they have several games in hand over every team placed above them in the table.

Gala Fairydean Rovers

Technically Gala Fairydean Rovers were founded in 2013, though they can trace their history all the way back to 1894. The club became two separate sides in 1907, before WW1 halted operations. They both reformed after the war, before eventually merging three years ago.  

They are another Scottish Lowland League side and have won the Qualifying Cup eleven times in their history, last lifting the trophy in 1991. Gala Fairdyean Rovers wear red and black striped kits in the traditional AC Milan style. 

The Draw

The semi-final draw took place at 3pm at our Lothian Road store in Edinburgh. 

East Kilbride vs Civil Service Strollers | Spartans vs Gala Fairydean Rovers