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How final SPFL play-off places were decided

How final SPFL play-off places were decided

BBC News03-05-2025

The final play-off spots have been decided in the Scottish Professional Football League's three lower divisions on a dramatic final day of the regular season.Here's how it panned out.
Stenny beat Alloa to League 1 play-off spot
With Arbroath crowned League 1 champions, Cove Rangers and Queen of the South had already booked their play-off places, but they, Alloa Athletic and Stenhousemuir could all have ended up fourth.Cove started and finished the day second, winning 4-2 away to second-bottom Annan Athletic.Queens drew 1-1 away to Arbroath to seal third spot, but Alloa blew their hopes with a 2-1 defeat away to Kelty Hearts, who were playing their first game after handing the player-manager job permanently to Thomas O'Ware.That allowed Stenhousemuir to leapfrog the Wasps into fourth spot after their 2-1 win over bottom side and already relegated Dumbarton.It means Cove will visit Queens in the first leg of the play-off semi-final on Tuesday, with Stenhousemuir hosting Airdrieonians, who finished second bottom of the Championship.The second legs are next Saturday.
Edinburgh edge Elgin to set up East Fife tie
The League 1 play-off places had already been decided, with East Fife runners-up to fourth-tier champions Peterhead, but Edinburgh City and Elgin City were still vying for third spot.Edinburgh lost their city derby away to Spartans 3-1, but they remain in third after Elgin were beaten 2-0 away to East Fife.Meanwhile, Peterhead, who secured the title and automatic promotion by beating the Fifers last weekend, slumped to a 6-1 defeat away to Clyde.It means Edinbugh will host East Fife in Tuesday's semi-final first leg, with Elgin entertaining Annan, who finished second bottom of League 1.Again, the second legs are on Saturday.
East Kilbride set up Bonnyrigg showdown
Bonnyrigg Rose face a relegation play-off against East Kilbride to remain in the SPFL despite a 1-0 win away to Stranraer.Forfar Athletic, who had spent much of the season at the foot of the table, completed their escape with a 0-0 draw at home to Stirling Albion to edge out Bonnyrigg on goal difference.Lowland League champions East Kilbride, meanwhile, completed an aggregate win over Highland counterparts Brora Rangers.East Kilbride, who won their title by seven points from Celtic B, drew 3-3 in Brora following last weekend's 4-1 home victory.Bonnyrigg visit East Kilbride for the first leg next Saturday, with the return a week later.

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