Scotland's League 1 and League 2 return this weekend as clubs get congested fixture lists under way

Clubs in Scotland’s third and fourth tiers were recently given the go-ahead to resume an adjusted remainder of the season.

First plays third in League 1 as Falkirk host Montrose

Each club has until April 23 to complete 18 league fixtures , with some teams having more ground to make up than others.

The plan means some clubs will have to play seven matches in 14 games; a tall order given the distances involved in some matches and the fact many players are juggling a full-time job during the week.

Many teams have been frantically adding to their squads to try and offset potential concerns over injuries and fatigue with a string of Lowland League players having a chance to impress higher up the pyramid.

Battle of the Cities at Borough Briggs as Edinburgh City look to take something against Elgin

But amidst the mini pre-seasons that players are going through, and the prospect of long journeys three days apart, there are still promotion spots to fight for and relegation to avoid.

First plays third in League One on Saturday as Falkirk host Montrose. Second-placed Cove Rangers could have a say on the order of the table if they can defeat fifth-placed Partick Thistle at Firhill.

It could be all change at the bottom of the table too. Basement boys Forfar Athletic have a great chance to get some points on the board and haul themselves off the foot of the division when they travel to face Dumbarton. Ninth-placed Clyde will be looking for a positive result at home to East Fife, with the Fifers looking to put pressure on the teams above them including Airdrie, who are at Balmoor to play Peterhead – level on points with East Fife.

In League Two, just six points separate second from sixth with leaders Queen’s Park enjoying a five-point gap over Elgin City, Stranraer, and Stirling Albion, who are all on 18 points.

The Spiders have a home match against Stranraer, who have played a game more than other teams in the top half, while Elgin host Edinburgh City, who will be looking to kickstart their season after a bit of a see-saw start to the campaign.

Seventh plays eighth as Annan Athletic host Cowdenbeath while Brechin, who prop up the division, face a daunting trip to Stirling Albion.

Albion Rovers, meanwhile, have a chance to increase their own survival hopes if they can take something from their trip to Stenhousemuir.

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