Starved for football?

While we were all preoccupied with continued EPL transfer rumors and Becks' shenanigans, play quietly started north of the border this weekend. No, I'm not talking about Rangers' dismantling at the hands of Liverpool, I'm talking about Divisions One, Two and (go figure) Three of the SFL. Sure, I can't write about Aberdeen, as is my wont, but at least one league has started on time (I'm looking at you Poland).

Since you are undoubtedly as starved as we are for actual action, join us after the jump for a light dissection of the lower levels of Scottish football.

The big story of the weekend was Annan Athletic, the new boys on the block. Annan, who finished seventh in the East of Scotland League last season went behind early to the relegated-from-Division-Two Cowdenbeath. Annan rose to the challenge. They put in four goals while The Blue Brazil just rolled over. On the heels of the shock win, Annan finds themselves at the top of the Division Three table based on the third tiebreaker, goals scored. Stenhousemuir, Forfar and other relegatee Berwick Rangers also won in the first round.

In Division Two, the most interesting match up was between East Fife, who won Divison Three in a romp last season, and MJD's favorite place name, Peterhead. Despite being pegged as Divison Two favorites, East Fife had nothing to offer on the day, giving up two first half strikes. East Fife fought back furiously in the second half, but had troubles with placement and an efficient netminder. Peterhead took the match 2-0. Joining Peterhead on three points after one round are the Angus double Arbroath and Brechin City.

Finally, in the top not-the-top-flight divison, UEFA Cup qualifiers Queen of the South hosted promotees Airdrie United. By all accounts it was a dour affair with QotS showing no attacking verve and Airdrie content to sit back. Even the match's straight red card, normally an exciting event, was for no more than the pulling back of an opponent, presumably by the last man back. A nil draw, just what the fans want. St Johnstone take the immediate lead at the top of the table, while Dundee and Partick Thistle (nil) also pulled all three points.

Alright, you can go back to not caring now. I hear there is trouble in La-la land.