2012–13 Scottish Third Division


The 2012–13 Scottish Football League Third Division was the 18th season in the current format of 10 teams in the fourth tier of Scottish football. Alloa Athletic were the current champions. Following the liquidation of Rangers' holding company, the members of the Scottish Football League voted to place them in the Third Division.
Rangers were confirmed as champions after a goalless away draw with Montrose on 30 March.
They were presented with the trophy after a 1–0 win against Berwick Rangers on 4 May in front of 50,048.
During their first season in the division, Rangers had one of the highest home attendances in Britain, consistently ranking in the top four in the UK as a whole and first in Scotland. They set the record for the highest attendance in a 4th tier league worldwide. Bottom side Stirling Albion defeated Rangers on 6 October 2012 in what was reported to be a shock result.

Teams

champions Alloa Athletic were promoted from this division, and were replaced by Stirling Albion, who finished bottom of the Second Division. Another promotion spot was available through the promotion play-offs, however this was won by second division side Albion Rovers, who thus stayed in the Second Division. However, losing play-off finalists Stranraer were elevated to the Second Division as a result of Rangers being elected to the bottom tier.
There was no relegation from this division, as this is the lowest in the Scottish League.

Stadiums and locations

League table

Results

Teams play each other four times in this league. In the first half of the season each team plays every other team twice and then do the same in the second half of the season, for a total of 36 games

First half of season

Second half of season

Season statistics

Top goalscorers

RankPlayerClubGoals
1 Andrew LittleRangers22
2 Rory McAllisterPeterhead21
3 Darren LaveryBerwick Rangers17
3 Lee McCullochRangers17
5 David TempletonRangers15
6 Stuart LeslieElgin City14
7 Craig GunnElgin City13
7 Jordan WhiteStirling Albion13
9 Ally LoveAnnan Athletic12
10 Scott ChaplainAnnan Athletic11
10 Lawrence ShanklandQueen's Park11