VALE OF LEITHEN have been left in limbo after the Lowland League season was decided on a points per game basis.

The 2020/21 season was brought to a close at a board meeting on Monday evening.

But chiefs at the Victoria Park club say rules state at least 50 per cent of the fixtures must be played for the competition to stand.

The Innerleithen side have only played 12 games this season and were sitting bottom of the division, where they remain under the 'average points per game' system.

Manager Chris Anderson said: “The past year has been a stressful one for everyone with normality coming to a halt in all our lives. The one constant has been the Scottish football infighting and baffling decisions. One minute we were allowed to play, the next we weren’t.

"Let’s be clear. I want to stress that we have not performed as well as we would have liked this year. No excuses.

"We have been far from the level required after 12 games but with 20 games remaining and still not played everyone around us who knows what would have happened.

"That aside – all we’ve listened to over the past year was the SPFL closing the door to pyramids and sporting integrity going down the pan. Well it’s well and truly flushed now.

"For this exact scenario we implemented a rule of reaching 50 per cent games for the season to be called. Rules are there to safeguard competition. That trust is now broken.

"In a day or two people will forget and move on. Whatever our fate, we will regroup and look forward to rebuilding for next season, whatever league we are in."

At the other end of the table, Kelty Hearts were crowned champions and will face Highland League winners Brora Rangers.

That match will decide who plays the bottom club from SPFL League 2 in a playoff game.

However there is still uncertainty surrounding the relegation situation.

Vale chairman Stuart Robertson added: "We feel it is an absolute disgrace.

"We played more games last season and it was called null and void. What is the difference this year?

"We couldn't believe the decision.

"If we were beaten on the pitch than we can accept it, but we have been beaten off the park.

"It has become all about money now and the focus is all on Glasgow and the west coast."

The Lowland League issued a statement on Tuesday (March 30).

It reads: "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.

"Discussions are ongoing with the Scottish FA, SPFL and SHFL about possible dates for the pyramid play-off competition.

"All clubs competing in it will, under current Scottish Government requirements, be required to pay for PCR [coronavirus] tests.

"There are several factors before relegation can be confirmed which includes waiting until the conclusion of the pyramid and lower pyramid play-off competitions."