GOING LIVE: Kilwinning Rangers and Auchinleck Talbot will be broadcast on Lowland League Live tonight (Image: The Gantry Media via X)
An Ayrshire football match will feature in the first live stream of a new free-to-air digital platform launching tonight.
Kilwinning Rangers welcome Auchinleck Talbot to Buffs Park, with the encounter being broadcast through the new broadcast service Lowland League Live.
The initiative, run by The Gantry Media, has been actively recruiting for positions such as commentators and camera operators to form their matchday teams to bring live coverage of fifth-tier football to supporters.
Gantry Media director Ben Grant told the Lowland League West website that this “exciting new chapter” can produce new opportunities and get relevant clubs on board.
He said: “Live broadcasting is something I have always felt has been missing from tiers 5 and below. Lowland League Live gives us a great opportunity to showcase the players, managers and the stories behind the club on a free-to-air platform.
“It was important to me to have these matches fully accessible to fans not just in Scotland but all over the world. Lowland League Live will allow supporters to connect with their club when they may struggle to get along and support their teams.
“I am very thankful to the Lowland League Board for sharing that vision to have these games free to view live on YouTube.
“I am fortunate to have built a strong team of talented individuals who will be able to put on a high-quality broadcast using their skills both on and off screen, and I can’t wait to get going.”
The upcoming schedule for the broadcast coverage includes tonight’s game at Buffs Park along with Johnstone Burgh’s tie with Pollock on 28 October and East Stirlingshire versus Cowdenbeath in the Lowland League East.
The game also marks the first meeting between Kilwinning Rangers and Auchinleck Talbot in the fifth tier, following their respective promotions from the West of Scotland Premier Division last season.
Both sides head into this game after victories in the Scottish Communities Cup second round. Chris Strain’s Kilwinning defeated Easterhouse 3-0, while reigning holders Talbot recorded a convincing 7-0 away win over Dufftown.
The Buffs currently occupy the top spot in the league after nine games, two points ahead of their East Ayrshire rivals, who could overtake with a victory tonight.
The stream for tonight’s 7.45pm kick-off in North Ayrshire can be found here .
