Kelburne AFC

Hogmanay Heroes isn’t about trophies or noise. It’s about recognising who has helped carry a league through a season — on the pitch, on the touchline, and in the way they go about things week after week.

Kelburne AFC fit that brief.

Last season ended in frustration. They missed out on the league title on the final day — a tough way to finish any campaign. But they still secured promotion, took that disappointment properly, and moved forward without drama. No drop-off. No excuses. Just progress.

This season, the evidence has stacked up quietly. Kelburne have stayed right in the Championship conversation, producing results in different ways — late winners, narrow one-goal games, and performances that required patience rather than rhythm. They’ve beaten direct rivals, handled pressure situations, and stayed competitive across a demanding run of fixtures.

At the mid-season break, they sit second in the table with games in hand and one of the strongest goal differences in the division. They’re represented in the top scorers chart, feature prominently in the league-wide Golden Glove standings, and continue to show balance at both ends of the pitch

But Hogmanay Hero status isn’t just about numbers.

From a Footy Focus point of view, Kelburne are a club that welcomes the roving reporter. They’re open, easy to speak to, and generous with time on matchdays. There’s space for conversation, context is shared properly, and what’s said lines up with what’s seen on the pitch.

They’re also simply a joy to watch. Not because every game is perfect, but because they play with purpose, respond well when tested, and respect the contest. Win or lose, their matches feel honest.

Taken together — last season’s disappointment handled the right way, this season’s consistency, their contribution to the Championship narrative, and the way they engage with the wider league — Kelburne AFC stand as a strong example of what Scottish amateur football looks like when it’s done properly.

That’s why they’re a Hogmanay Hero.

📚 Source Links & Supporting Material

The following pieces form the evidence base for Kelburne AFC’s Hogmanay Hero selection. All published items are linked for transparency. One background piece is noted but not yet published.

Published Sources

Kelburne strike late in Championship Match of the Day

Late winner in a top-end Championship fixture, with pressure handled properly and clear table impact.

Kelburne Strike Late in Championship Match of the Day

Kelburne show steel as returnees shine

Inside Verdict feature highlighting resilience, squad depth, and the impact of players returning from long-term injury.

🟠Inside verdict : Kelburne Show Steel as Returnees Shine

Match Report — Glasgow Diverse 0–1 Kelburne AFC

Tight Championship contest between title rivals, decided by organisation, discipline, and a single moment of quality.

Match Report: Glasgow Diverse v Kelburne AFC

League context

Championship table position at mid-season, top scorers involvement, and Golden Glove standings used for factual context only.

(League graphics published via GDSFC channels.)

Footy Focus note: Our roving reporters look forward to continuing to follow Kelburne AFC through the second half of the season.