Three new sides welcomed into NESFA Welfare League set-up
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BANFF Rovers are among a trio of clubs who have been admitted to the NESFA Welfare League for the 2020 season.
Monday night's AGM in Fraserburgh saw all three proposed newcomers elected by member clubs, with Boddam United (only formed in September) and Station (based in Peterhead) also having their application rubber-stamped.
And Rovers have been given an immediate boost with the news they will begin life in Division One.
This unusual anomaly occurred after the new additions would mean an uneven set-up of nine teams in the top flight with 12 in Division Two, sparking a lengthy debate over how an alternative format should work.
With neither Peterhead United or St Combs (last season's relegated teams), nor Elizabethan Link Up (the third place team in last season's Division Two) wishing to volunteer for a top-flight place, Banff were given the opportunity to be immediately thrust into Division One having consistently been one of the best-performing sides in the Moray Welfare League for a number of seasons.
A proposal for one division with a 'split' after all clubs had played each other once - last used in 2018 - was overwhelmingly rejected due to potential problems with fixture congestion and the likelihood of too many one-sided results.
The new additions see the Buchan League become the largest Welfare FA in Scotland with 21 affiliated clubs.
Fyvie and New Deer will look forward to life in Division One after being promoted last term while Invercairn United will be out for a fourth successive title, but not before the traditional curtain-raiser of the Gordon Leask Cup which gets underway on the weekend of Friday, March 27.
The draw was as follows:- Group A - Ardallie, Cuminestown, Invercairn United, Methlick, Mintlaw, Station.
Group B - Bellslea, Boddam United, Elizabethan Link Up, Glenugie United, Mormond Thistle.
Group C - Banff Rovers, Buchanhaven, Fyvie, Macduff, New Pitsligo.
Group D - Haven, Longside Thistle, New Deer, Peterhead United, St Combs.
