Club 5/280 – Bellshill Athletic

Match: Bellshill Athletic v Lugar Boswell Thistle
Date: 31/7/2021
Competition: WOSFL Conference A
Entry Fee: £6
Travel: £5.50
Miles completed today: 34
Total miles remaining: 43190

Many a football man has hailed from Bellshill. Sir Matt Busby, Ally McCoist, Brian McClair, Hughie Gallacher & Peter Grant among many others – Bellshill has earned it’s place in Scottish football before their football team has even kicked a ball.

The club have moved around a lot over the past few years before finding a home at Rockburn Park. Word has it that they plan to move again once a facility is ready for them but for now this is home.

Bellshill have had a decent start to the season with a respectable 7 points from 4 games sitting 6th in the table.
Lugar on the other hand were third from bottom having picked up 3 points so far.
Bellshill were 2/9 with McBookie before the match – the clear favourites in their eyes.

Another easy train journey followed by around a mile walk and I was there.

The Ground

I walked through an estate to find the ground tucked away nicely behind all the houses. I’d heard of a fire which had hampered the clubs facilities – but whilst their facilities were basic I liked the look of the ground. In line with the common theme of groundhopping so far everyone was extremely friendly. I bought a raffle ticket (not sure if I won?) and headed along a walkway that runs up the side of the park.
I’m not much of a food reviewer or a scotch pie lover but it’s worth mentioning that for £1.50 you can have one of the best pies you’ll find at this level – sourced from a local butchers I was told. A solid 9/10 pie.
The club’s kit is simple in style but I’m a huge advocator for the colours and wish more teams played in yellow & black.

The Game

Speaking to one of the regulars before the game I was told that despite a decent start to the season they were ‘absolutely terrible’ midweek and they couldn’t possibly play that badly again today.

Just before kick-off I noticed that Lugar had only one sub with them. I’m unsure how much of a squad they have but it looked as though they were depleted for this one. That didn’t seem to matter much as they found themselves 1-0 up in the first couple of minutes with a well taken finish into the corner. The tightness of the ground was clearly affecting players of both teams as time on the ball was at a premium and there were significant stoppages due to the balls being kicked over the fence that runs all the way around the ground.
Lugar then scored again with a lovely left footed curler from just inside the box.
Score line aside – the first half was a pretty even game. Bellshill had opportunities too but the difference between the sides was the quality of finishing.

Even at 2-0 it felt like anyone’s game and that there were still goals to be scored – I was right.

In the second half Bellshill were a completely different side and had Lugar under pressure for almost the entire 45 minutes. a roaring comeback starting with an excellent header from Ryan Cherrie followed by a tap in from David Menelaws levelled the game.
With Bellshill on the attack again Menelaws was then barged into the back of at speed just as he was about to shoot sending him to the ground. To my amazement – he was then booked for diving. Sorry ref, you’ve had one there.
Bellshill’s persistence paid off as they raced away in the latter stages of the game eventually winning 5-2 as MacNeil & Moore x 2 finished off the scoring.

Despite the early scare at 2-0 down I feel Bellshill fully deserved the victory and certainly had the chances to justify scoring 5 goals.

All 7 goals hit the back of this net

MOTM

I’ll pick a MOTM each game I attend. This isn’t the official MOTM, just who I feel was the standout player.

The official MOTM was given to Matthew Clark and to be fair he was excellent however I’m going to go with #9 Jordan Moore. A frustrated man in the first half but a constant menace in the second as he linked up play well with the midfield and was involved in almost all of Bellshill’s attacking onslaught in the second half. He had to be patient for his goals – but took both of them well and ensured a comfortable victory for his team. If a little more luck was on his side he might’ve had 5 or 6 but 2 isn’t a bad day at the office.

Afterthoughts

Overall they’re a friendly club. You’re made to feel welcome from the moment you walk through the gates and I didn’t tell them I was a groundhopper or was going to give them a write up after – it’s just how they are and that’s great to see.

A £6 admission fee seems to be pretty standard for their level but I got to take in a thoroughly entertaining game justifying the price and more. Having read other’s accounts of their time here the entertainment factor seems to be a common theme and I’d definitely recommend a visit here if you want value for money.

A good 3 points for Bellshill and a lot of credit is due for coming back from 2-0 and bombarding Lugar in the second half. 10 points from the first 5 is a pretty decent return too. Based on an admittedly limited knowledge of the teams around them I’d expect Bellshill to continue their strong form and finish in the top 4/5 this season.

As always, I wish them luck!

Final score: Bellshill Athletic 5-2 Lugar Boswell Thistle

Club 4/280 – East Kilbride FC

Match: East Kilbride FC v Caledonian Braves
Date: 27/7/2021
Competition: Lowland League
Entry Fee: £8
Travel: £5.10
Miles completed today: 32
Total miles remaining: 43224

East Kilbride is best known locally for it’s roundabouts (or circles if you need this translated into Dundonian). My only real disappointment I’ve found so far is that midweek games don’t give you much time to see the local area – and this was my only real observation. Still, a warm night with the threat of thunderstorms that never came. Can I really complain?

East Kilbride is the sixth most populated area in Scotland and the club were founded in 2010 in the hope that they can bring a successful senior side to the town. Many made the club favourites for the league this season and with the squad they currently have coupled with what they have already achieved it’s a realistic ambition for EK to play in the SPFL.

East Kilbride have some good players many will recognise. Chris Millar had been a staple in the St Johnstone team for many years, Chris Erskine has plenty of Premiership experience and Gregg Wylde has played in the Europa League for Rangers. These aren’t the only East Kilbride players with SPFL experience. Make no mistake – they are a right good side on paper.

East Kilbride have had a tough start to the season but performed admirably in the Premier Sports cup holding Morton & Clyde to draws, narrowly losing to Stranraer and a respectable 2-0 defeat to Kilmarnock.
They’d only played one game in the league – a 1-1 draw with Celtic B.
Caledonian Braves have had mixed fortunes so far. 2 defeats from their first 2 games followed by a 4-1 victory over the University of Stirling.
Mcbookie had set the odds at 1/6 for an East Kilbride victory & 13/2 for both a draw and a Caley Braves win.
My expectations were fully set on an home victory.

The train journey was another quick one – Glasgow Central run trains to East Kilbride frequently. K-Park is around a 35 min walk from the station. Google maps never let me down but I was seriously doubting myself when I had to walk down into the woods to find the park!

A football ground in the woods?

The Ground

I couldn’t see the ground signposted anywhere – I had a couple of ladies ask me where the ground was, so I know I wasn’t the only one a little confused. The setup is actually really nice. The club official at the gate was impressed I had downloaded the track and trace app so he didn’t have to write down my details by hand. I bought a half time draw ticket for £1 and a pie for £2.50. It’s my prerogative to only take the positives about my experiences when putting them into written format – so that’s the last time I’ll be mentioning a £2.50 pie. A small shack with EK merchandise – including this seasons kits were on sale and there was a real friendly atmosphere around the ground prior to kick off.
There are 2 stands. The main stand has a fair capacity and this was busy throughout. Another healthy crowd was in attendance!

The Game

This was my second Lowland League fixture in succession, and after the last finishing in a goalless draw I was desperate to see the ball hit the back of the net.

In the first 25 minutes it looks as though McBookie had called this one spot on. A great save from Braves’ keeper denied Joao Victoria a goal with the best chance of the first half and it seemed only a matter of time before East Kilbride took the lead. However, injuries to Victoria and Chris Erskine (who I thought pulled all the strings early on) forced EK into two early subs and the game was very even from then on.

In the second half East Kilbride took the lead through Stranraer veteran Craig Malcolm. It was a bit of a scrappy goal but a just reward for his tenaciousness and determination to close down and get to the ball before the Braves’ defence could deal with the danger.
From then on I thought East Kilbride would kick on to victory, but to Caley Braves credit they had equalised within a couple of minutes. Scott Forrester headed home a set piece to restore parity. I’m sure the home side will be disappointed with their marking but it was still an excellent header from Forrester to stoop low and direct the ball into the corner.
Neither side were content with the draw and both attacked looking for a winner but despite the bar being struck twice and some decent chances for both sides it wasn’t to be.
A real competitive match and a fair score line.

MOTM

I’ll pick a MOTM each game I attend. This isn’t the official MOTM, just who I feel was the standout player.

Craig Malcolm was given the official man of the match but for me veteran captain #8 Chris Millar stood out as the best player. It was easy to see why he’s played at a higher level as he dictated the tempo when East Kilbride had the ball and was very effective in winning it back. He was vocal throughout as he tried to motivate and encourage his teammates. A real captain’s performance indeed!

It’d be unfair if I didn’t also mention Caley Braves #3 Jamie Walker. The left back was effective defensively and going forward and was very close to finding the net twice with long range efforts.

Afterthoughts

I really like K-Park and admire East Kilbride as a club. I’m determined to get back here before long to see them play again.
They are a club that’ve done well so far with bags of room for growth and if they can get themselves into the SPFL then the sky is the limit.

I tend to use the odds as a guide to the games I attend. With this in mind you’d think that East Kilbride would be desperately disappointed not to win whilst Caley Braves would’ve revelled in the point they gained. However on reflection of the 90 minutes it was a good battle between two good teams that could’ve went either way.
I expect East Kilbride will come good – especially once they have their full strength team back. Caley Braves look a decent side too and I expect they’ll do well. I wish both clubs the best of luck.

Final score: East Kilbride 1-1 Caledonian Braves

Club 3/280 – Cumbernauld Colts

Match: Cumbernauld Colts v Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic
Date: 21/7/2021
Competition: Lowland League
Entry Fee: £8
Travel: £5.80
Miles completed today: 36
Total miles remaining: 43256

When is the best time to visit ‘the coldest stadium in Scotland’? When it’s 27 degrees of course. Although still in the early stages of the groundhop, taking in a game in the Lowland League was the highest level of football I’d seen so far.

Cumbernauld Colts are not in fact Colts, they’re a senior side. Whilst I can’t find anything to back the following up – I’m guessing they played on their reputation of bringing through young players, the most notable of which is former Celtic captain Jackie McNamara.

The Journey

Another easy train journey. This time the destination is Croy – as it’s much closer to the stadium than getting the train to Cumbernauld. Who’d have known? Not me if I hadn’t checked nonleaguescotland.org trying to find out a little about the place.
It’s a twenty minute walk from the station to the stadium and when it’s as warm as it was there were no complaints here.
I arrived at the stadium a hot sweaty mess.

The Ground

Similar to my Finnart post last time out, I’ll be back here again for Clyde at some point so I’m trying to spread info on the ground over 2 posts. I was surprised to learn Cumbernauld Colts hold the main lease so really it’s their ground, right?
Anyway I’d bought my ticket online beforehand and was subject to a temperature check before being allowed in. With the sweat rolling down my face and most certainly feeling the heat I was slightly surprised to be given the all clear and I made my way into the ground.
I chose a seat, sat in the sun and let the atmosphere build in the ground whilst keeping up with the lower league scores which kicked off slightly earlier.
Broadwood is actually a nice stadium. Still fairly new, looked good and definitely fitting of League One and the Lowland League.
I was pleased to see a paper programme on offer too, although I didn’t notice these at the gate and failed to pick one up.

The Game

Looking at the odds beforehand I couldn’t believe Cumbernauld Colts were 7/1 for the victory. Not that I’d claim to be an expert, but surely that price was absolutely mental? Bonnyrigg on the other hand were 1/7. Were they THAT strong a side in comparison to the Colts?

The answer… is no.

This was as much of a 0-0 as you’ll ever see. Both teams can play good football, the technical ability was impressive but neither team could find that cutting edge and both sets of defenders made sure the keepers were well protected. The tempo was a little slower than my previous games too, but as I was knackered walking to the stadium in that heat I can only imagine how the players felt!
Bonnyrigg brought over a good support and they cheered their team on well.

MOTM

I’ll pick a MOTM each game I attend. This isn’t the official MOTM, just who I feel was the standout player.

I planned on giving the MOTM to the home side each game. That’s who I’m here to see after all. However it’d be very hard to look past Bonnyrigg’s George Hunter for the accolade this time round. He held the ball up well and worked hard giving the Colts defenders more problems than any other player caused. If anyone was going to score my money would’ve been on him.

Afterthoughts

Nobody wants a 0-0, but I don’t think the score should’ve gone any other way.
Neither team did enough to win it but played well enough that a defeat would’ve been unfair.

Again I’m seeing this from the outside looking in so I may be well off the mark, but with The Rose being such heavy favourites beforehand it looks like a good point for Cumbernauld Colts.
After seeing how strong the Colts were compared to what I expected (and the bookies) – I doubt Bonnyrigg will be too upset either.
A fair result in the end and both sides on 4 points after 2 games.

One final point. Why on earth is there a Fox on top of the stand?

Club 2/280 – Finnart FC

Match: Finnart v Glenvale
Date: 19/7/2021
Competition: WOSFL Division 4
Entry Fee: £3
Travel: £3.80
Miles completed today: 16
Total miles remaining: 43292

After noticing a local fixture on a Monday it was hard to say no as I headed to Shettleston to watch two sides new to this level.
As I arrived at Glasgow United (Shettleston)’s ground I asked a few of the supporters how they thought they’d do. All gave roughly the same reply;

“It’s hard to say, don’t know a lot about the teams in this league yet, but I hope we win”

Although played on neutral ground, Finnart were the ‘home’ side and that’s the team I’d be cheering on and ticking off.

The Journey

Another easy ride as 2 short train journeys totalling 19 minutes (Plus a short walk from Glasgow Central to Queen Street station) got me to Carntyne followed by a short walk to the ground. The longer slogs are coming… I promise!
On the reverse journey back, I was asked ‘Celtic or Rangers’ and ‘have you got a spare fag’ in Glasgow city centre.

The first train destination of many

I’m going to skip talking about the ground for now – I’ll be back to watch Glasgow United at some point where the social club and snack bar will be open. However the pitch was in excellent condition and admittance into the ground stood at 3 pounds! Yes that’s 3 pounds. A healthy crowd of around 150 piled in to watch the match.

The Game

Glenvale were the opponents this time and are in a similar situation to Finnart making the step into the WOSFL this season. Whilst Finnart won their opening game, Glenvale’s was called off so you’d be hard pressed to find any sort of form guide to base an opinion.
Finnart were outstanding for much of this game and I feel that they have an excellent squad who are all good at their job. By this I mean;

– A goalkeeper who claimed almost every cross
– Dominant centre halves & full backs that dealt with the opposing wingers well
– Central midfielders very comfortable on the ball, whilst the wingers were quick and direct
– The ability of the strikers to be physical holding the ball up AND get in behind posing multiple threats

They fully deserved to win and nobody could’ve really argued if the score was 4 or 5. There were a few nearly moments – the bar was struck twice and the Glenvale keeper made an unbelievable 1v1 second half save to name a few.

Glenvale deserve credit too – they stayed in the game at 2-0 and again at 3-1 and made sure their opponents didn’t get an easy ride but it was pretty clear from about the 20th minute that Finnart would go on to win the game.

MOTM

I’ll pick a MOTM each game I attend. This isn’t the official MOTM, just who I feel was the standout player.

My man of the match this time round is Finnart’s Craig Johnston. He showed fantastic technical ability throughout capping his performance with an assist and scoring directly from a corner, something I’m certain I won’t see too often on my travels!
I’ve since found out that he was given the official MOTM too – justification that I know my stuff!
There were a number of players that had an excellent game and I’m sure Finnart are extremely pleased with the performance and result.

Afterthoughts

This season is about finding your feet in this division, both for the new clubs coming in and the WOSFL to allocate leagues for next year. However based on this performance I see no reason Finnart can’t go on to compete at a higher level with the group they have.
Two wins from two is a dream start and if they aren’t to finish top of their division then it’ll be a very good side that finishes above them.
A thoroughly enjoyable game of football on a warm summers night.

Final score: Finnart 3-1 Glenvale

Club 1/280 – Benburb FC

A new season kicks off in the sun

Match: Benburb 1-0 Kirkintilloch Rob Roy
Date: 17/7/2021
Competition: WOSFL Premier Division
Entry Fee: £6
Travel: £0
Miles completed today: 4
Total miles remaining: 43308

This was my first ‘official’ ground on the road to getting round all 280 clubs and it was a local one to start.

I always try and do a little research before visiting a club but as I had planned to visit St Anthony’s this weekend before the game was postponed, I was a little short of time here.

I did however find out that Alex Ferguson used to watch Benburb often growing up – so if it’s good enough for the greatest manager of all time, it’s good enough for me!

Neither team had played competitively much in the last 18 months due to coronavirus so I’m not sure many knew what to expect.

The Journey

This was one of the easiest journey’s in the entire Pyramid. New Tinto park is only a 2 mile trip for me so I strapped the fitbit on and took a leisurely stroll on one of the warmest days of the year. After getting halfway there and turning around (I forgot a mask) I eventually made it through the cemetery and on to the ground.
I also met a fellow groundhopper at the game – who turns out to be from the same area as I grew up before moving to Glasgow.

New Tinto Park

I was a bit taken back by the friendliness and camaraderie at their social club. Perhaps this is something I’ll discover a lot of throughout my travels (I certainly hope so anyway) but seeing everyone enjoying a pint, catching up and even being able to enjoy their beverage on the touchline watching the match was a little surreal. I’m not sure why – maybe it’s because I’m used to being searched as I approach a football stadium whilst being made to feel like a criminal for cheering on your team – but this is a world apart and long may it continue.
I was also a huge fan of the trees providing the perfect amount of shade whilst I sat in the stand. This was probably more luck rather than design, but I could’ve sat there all day regardless.
Everyone I spoke to couldn’t have been nicer and I’d highly recommend a visit here.

The Match

The opponents today were Kirkintilloch Rob Roy and the odds had the visitors down as slight favourites so I was expecting a close game.
The ball was in the air… a lot! I don’t mind this at all, as every few seconds we were treated to a tackle, an aerial duel and plenty of players hitting the deck after a challenge. This doesn’t mean it was a dirty game, most of the battles were fair and there was nothing really between the sides.
Benburb scored not long before half time when Lowden scored what can only be described as a tackle (keeping up with the theme of the game).

There were a number of good performances on either side, both defences dealt with the dangers extremely well. This kept the goalmouth chances to a minimum in one of the most even games I’m likely to see.

Straight from winning Euro 2020 with Italy, Bonucci decided to come visit the country that supported him the most.

MOTM

I’ll pick a MOTM each game I attend. This isn’t the official MOTM, just who I feel was the standout player.

In this case I’ve picked Benburb #5 Ryan Docherty. Docherty got a toe or head to every ball fired at him and won the physical battle with Rob Roy’s striker. Without him in the side I feel as if the visitors would’ve gotten a little more success in their attacks – a rock at the back today.

Special mention to Bens manager Paul Lovering who kicked every ball and won every header. One of the most animated yet passionate manager’s I’m sure to come across.

Afterthoughts

In a 20 team league where 7 go down this season every point is going to be invaluable, and even though it’s only gameweek one, I feel that Benburb have picked up a massive 3 today.

One final side note – Benburb’s blue & white home kit is indeed a thing of beauty.

Final Score: Benburb 1-0 Kirkintilloch Rob Roy

New Tinto Park stand