The University of Stirling has finished the 2020/21 Lowland League season in ninth place after the Lowland League was ended early on a points-per-game basis due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The students had been flying high in sixth position after an impressive run of results in the first half of the season – and hitman Jamie Penker was top goalscorer with 11 goals when the league was called.

Head coach Chris Geddes said: “It was to be expected. We had run out of time. There is no contact training until May 17 and the league playoffs were due the week before.

“Although it might look we’ve not done well in finishing ninth, we had played everyone and played more games so that went against us in the points per game.

“There are a lot of positives – we scored more goals and won more points this season than at the same stage last time. And our striker Jamie Penker ended as the league’s top scorer with 11 goals.”

In a statement, the Lowland League said: “The Board considered responses provided by member clubs.

“Nine clubs wrote to say they supported this recommendation. Three clubs expressed a preference for the season to be declared null and void. This constitutes a majority of clubs in favour of the recommendation. The Board has therefore agreed League positions for season 2020/21 will be decided based on average Points Per Game.”

The final league table:

Following the league’s completion, Stirling captain Craig Brown – who is due to graduate this summer – has joined his predecessor Angus Mailer at Elgin City, on loan until the end of the season. Meanwhile, winger Robbie McGale has joined Montrose on loan until the end of the season.

Geddes and his backroom team will now begin their preparations for the 2021/22 season, due to begin on Saturday 17 July, 2021. Keep an eye on the website for fixture updates.