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.
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
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