many of the member clubs have performed well when competing against sfl clubs in the scottish cup. however, from the 1990s onwards, the hfl has been a victim of its own success, with various teams defecting to other leagues. furthermore it has also had to contend with overexposure of large teams in the area, such as aberdeen and inverness caledonian thistle, as well as the old firm to the south, and to an extent english football. however, the lack of premier league, and to a lesser extent first division, teams in the area, has worked in its favour, with some football fans being less willing to travel long distances to games in southern scotland.