Club 17/279 – Haddington Athletic

Match: Haddington Athletic v Deveronvale
Date: 25/09/2021
Venue: Millfield Park, Haddington
Competition: Scottish Cup, 1st Round – Replay
Entry Fee: £6
Travel: £23.9
Miles completed today: 128
Total miles remaining: 41305

I’m not saying that Haddington is posh, but it’s high street has an artisan cheese shop.
Jokes aside, it’s a beautiful place similar in many ways to Linlithgow.
It’s not the most accessible as there’s no train station but as bus directly from Edinburgh will get you there in decent time. If I haven’t already bored you talking about public transport here’s how my experience was.

Preview

Haddington Athletic Last 5
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Deveronvale Last 5
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Odds:
Haddington Athletic 6/5
Draw 18/5
Deveronvale 6/5

This was a replay after the teams battled out a 2-2 draw last weekend. The prize for the winner was a place in the second round and an away trip to Brechin. Haddington play two tiers below Deveronvale in the pyramid but as last weekend showed, that counts for nothing.

The Ground

This was one of the harder grounds to find. I used the trusty Google Maps app but with limited signal I almost found myself in someone’s garden. However once I arrived I was suitably impressed.
The playing surface, atmosphere and most importantly, the pie – were all on point.
The young team formed a guard of honour and the teams were enthusiastically applauded on to the park. That may seem pretty normal in football but in my experience of games at a similar level it really isn’t common. It’s great to see the level of backing they received from the spectators. It must be said that Deveronvale brought a healthy number of fans to the game too who contributed immensely to the atmosphere. in total over 500 attended the match and £6 entry is more than reasonable.

The Game

This was as good a cup tie as I could’ve asked for. Haddington play in the 7th tier of Scottish football but the way they play the game is most definitely of a higher level. They are organised, they move the ball very well and are comfortable taking the ball under pressure anywhere on the park. Looking at their personnel there’s a good mix of pace, technical ability and physicality. On the pitch they seem to have everything spot on.
It’s no surprise that Haddington are currently unbeaten this season based on this performance.
Despite the strong performance, things were far from straightforward. Deveronvale took the lead inside the opening 5 minutes when Deveronvale’s winger chased down a lost cause and won the ball back just before it was due to trickle out for a goal kick. The ball was cut back to Dane Ballard who slid the ball home for 1-0.
Haddington responded 10 minutes later as some composed passing in the opposition third coupled with lovely footwork from Euan Watson supplied Guy McGarry an opportunity from inside the box and a cool first time finish squared the game.
If you told me there’d be no more goals at that point I’d have a hard time believing you. I’d say Haddington were slightly the better side as they controlled possession more but in terms of clear cut chances there was very little between the sides.
This doesn’t mean it was a boring game – far from it! It seemed the sides were taking it in turns to attack the other’s goal and this was relentless over the 90 minutes.
Neither side could find a winner and the game would go straight to penalties. It’s a shame there was no extra time as I could’ve watched these two go at it all day.
Haddington scored all 5 and saved 1 themselves giving them the victory.
The scenes at the end were of sheer elation. It was great seeing the players and supporters celebrate together, specifically with the youth players that’ve turned out. Everyone coming together – and that’s the power of a community club and a big cup win.

Full time: Haddington Athletic 1-1 Deveronvale (Haddington win 5-3 on penalties).

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 thought about this a lot and I reckon Deveronvale #2 and captain Ross Aitken was the standout player.
Haddington were an excellent unit but I think that’s why they’re so strong. If you asked five people to name Haddington’s best player I think you’d get five different answers – and that’s a compliment.
Aitken had an excellent game at both ends of the pitch. He always took up the right position defensively, nobody went by him and I also can’t remember him ever giving the ball away.

Afterthoughts

This was not only a big scalp for Haddington but also for the East of Scotland league. Deveronvale played pretty well themselves and Haddington deserve extra credit for performing at the level they did. This was a proper cup tie and In some ways it’s a shame that there had to be a loser, but that’s football.
I’ll openly admit I didn’t expect Haddington to be as good as they were, but that’s on me.
As the club are fully licensed there’s room to grow and I don’t think Haddington have found their ‘place’ in the pyramid yet.
If Haddington can get themselves promoted to the East Premier Division I reckon that with the same squad, they’ll compete at the upper levels of that league too.
I’ve recommended a visit to every club I’ve visited so far but all for different reasons. In Haddington’s case, a modern style of football executed to a high standard where the entry fee is only a fraction of the price. I’m confident that a visit here will leave you entertained and impressed in equal measures.
A trip to Brechin in the next round is a tasty away day but it’s no less than they deserve and with one Highland League side fallen victim to the Hi Hi already, why not another?

Club 16/279 – Nairn County

Match: Nairn County v Strathspey Thistle
Date: 18/09/2021
Venue: Station Park, Nairn
Competition: Scottish Cup, 1st Round
Entry Fee: £10
Travel: £0
Miles completed today: 366
Total miles remaining: 41433

I knew I’d be in Nairn this weekend for some time before the cup draw was made. We were due up to visit some relatives regardless of any football. There are two teams in Nairn – County & St Ninian. At the time of finding out the dates for this trip, the cup draw hadn’t been made yet and St Ninian were playing away. Nairn always seem to get a home tie in the Scottish Cup and this is exactly what I needed. The locals were desperate for an away day and I was probably the only one delighted with the draw as Nairn were the first team out of the hat and would play fellow Highland League outfit Strathspey Thistle for a place in the second round.

Preview

Nairn County Last 5
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Strathspey Thistle Last 5
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Odds:
Nairn County 4/11
Draw 5/1
Strathspey Thistle 7/2

Nairn are one point behind Strathspey Thistle in the league but had played a game less. It’d been a tough start for both but this was the cup and anything can happen. I learned that Nairn’s Scottish Cup run just prior to COVID helped keep the club afloat during the lack of games or a crowd that would follow for the next 18 months. A cup run can make a huge difference on and off the park.

The Ground

I was contacted on Twitter prior to the trip by club secretary Ian Finlayson. Ian invited me up to the ground before the game to take a look around.
On top of a friendly chat, Ian told me all about the club along with a tour of the dressing rooms, stands, around the pitch, their office and a hospitality section. I was also gifted a book on the history of Nairn County (I’m on chapter 4, but it’s an excellent read).
Not only was the book a nice touch, but taking the time to show me around when I’m sure they had plenty to be getting on with was admirable and I appreciated this more than they realise.
They’re a real classy and welcoming bunch.
Nairn County are very much a local club. They rely on the town and community and it’s important to them to give back where they can.
Station Park’s pitch is an excellent surface and the seated stand is almost as old as the club. A crowd of around 220 was in attendance.

The Game

Nairn started slow as Thistle had the better of the opening exchanges. Once County got a hold of the game it was one way traffic throughout.
It was on the 30th minute the deadlock was broken. After clearing their lines, some sublime one touch play set Conor Gethins clean through and at an angle, rifled the ball across the goalkeeper and into the net. This was Gethins’ 179th goal for the club!
Early in the second half things got even better for County. Rory Williamson with a cool touch and a composed finish into the bottom corner scoring his first senior goal and putting Nairn within touching distance.
Ciaran Young missed an opportunity to cut the ball back for a certain goal with around 12 minutes left but made no mistake in an identical situation only two minutes later and gave Shewan a tap in for 3-0.
The game was finished but Nairn were not. Young chased down a lost cause and his tenacity was rewarded when he won the ball back as Thistle tried to shield the ball out for a goal kick. Young found Main at the edge of the box who tucked the ball away nicely to give Nairn a fourth.
County could’ve won by more if not for an impressive performance from Strathspey Thistle’s goalkeeper. I was told that Nairn’s lack of conviction in front of goal has cost them some results this season but not today. Both an emphatic and well deserved victory.
I overheard a Thistle committee member (I’m assuming, as he was dressed in a Strathspey Thistle blazer) branding their performance ‘an embarrassment’ at the final whistle but Nairn won’t care – they’re in the second round!

Full Time: Nairn County 4-0 Strathspey Thistle

MOTM

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

Ciaran Young came on as a second half substitute but was simply unplayable. He won the official MOTM award and I wholeheartedly agree. Nairn played well before his arrival into the game but they simply steamrolled their opponents when Young came on. He also assisted two goals. One was extremely unselfish as he had a one on one opportunity before cutting the ball back and the second came from sheer determination and physical strength to muscle the defender off the ball before picking out a cross. It’d be unfair on the others to say he won the game for Nairn but he certainly made it a lot more comfortable than it might’ve otherwise been.

Afterthoughts

I’m going to say it – this is my favourite trip so far. Not only the ground itself or the excellent performance and result, but the club really went the extra mile for me. I have to make clear – I don’t ask for any special attention when groundhopping. I’m there as a spectator as much as the next person but for Nairn & Ian to make me feel welcome and in a way, important, meant a lot.
Nairn is a must visit place, both on and off the park. It’s a beautiful town and if you’re planning a visit I’d fully recommend coming up early to see the beach and the high street. If it was at all feasible I’d be right back up there next week.
Nairn will play Banks O’Dee in the next round. Incredibly I’ve seen both play in the Scottish Cup already this season (v Linlithgow Rose in the prelim round) and not only will it be a cracker of a tie – I’m happy the locals got the away trip they’ve been craving!

Nairn County – what a club!

Club 15/279 – Airdrieonians

Match: Airdrieonians v Alloa Athletic
Date: 14/09/2021
Venue: Penny Cars Stadium, Airdrie
Competition: SPFL League One
Entry Fee: £18
Travel: £5.80
Miles completed today: 42
Total miles remaining: 41799

There’s something peculiar about middle aged men wearing a shirt that has ‘holemasters’ printed across it. In fairness, it’s about the only shirt sponsor I can confidently name from all the clubs I’ve visited so far. Jokes aside, Airdrieonians aren’t actually a phoenix club of the original Airdrieonians as many believe. After going bust, Clydebank (who were inevitably facing the same fate) were bought over and the club re-located and had the name changed to Airdrie United. The name was again changed to Airdrieonians in 2013 and this is the club we see today.
Despite this, Airdrieonians’ fans widely accept that they are a phoenix of the original club and the Clydebank club that was formed after the buyout feel the same way about theirs. All is well that ends well.

Preview

Airdrieonians Last 5
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Alloa Athletic Last 5
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Odds:
Airdrieonians 11/10
Draw 12/5
Alloa Athletic 19/10

Airdrie sat 9th in the league whilst Alloa were 6th – 2 points ahead of their opponents. Both clubs were in a ‘false position’ in my eyes. Alloa had been relegated from the Championship and have a good squad for League One level. Airdrie finished 2nd in the league last season ahead of the well fancied Cove Rangers and Falkirk. They’d endured a tough start but both sides had a game in hand over the rest of the division going into this one and 3 points for either side would help them to stay in touching distance of the play-offs. Granted it’s still way too early to be talking about play-offs, but it’s a big game between two sides that have ambitions to be in the mix come the end of the campaign.

The Ground

The Penny Cars stadium is absolutely massive in terms of capacity. Over 10000 can take in a game here. Although Airdrie’s average attendance is just over 1100, these are good numbers. They comfortably boast the second highest average attendance in League One behind Falkirk.
The pitch is a synthetic surface and is available to book on non-matchdays for 5/7/11 a side.
Only the main stand was open for this game (otherwise known as the West Stand) and home/away supporters are housed at opposite ends of it. Despite having plenty of seats available to choose, someone sat directly next to me pre-match. Around 5 minutes later he moved a few seats along leaving me wondering how I’d suddenly became the weirdo of that situation.

The Game

The first half was a rather drab affair, but we did see a goal! Alloa saw plenty of the ball but Airdrie were more than happy to let their defenders have it as they struggled for any kind of penetration. Airdrie took the same approach but did look more of a threat.
I’ve attended many lower league professional games in Scotland. The typical tactic over the years has been a long ball up to the forward players and see what sticks, however both teams deserve praise for ‘playing football’ the modern way. I was impressed with Airdrie supporters’ patience with this approach too. There were no panicked cries to ‘get rid of it’ or ‘get it up the park’ that you hear throughout Scotland and this was refreshing to see. They took the lead in the 12th minute when Callum Gallagher’s header from an excellent Watson cross was saved by Hutton but the rebound was blasted home from close range. There wasn’t really much else to get excited about in the first half but I’m sure the home fans didn’t mind.
They doubled their lead early in the second half when Adam Frizzell’s outside of the boot effort from 18 yards found the top corner. This goal displayed excellent technique and it’s worth a watch if you get the chance.
Barry Ferguson’s Alloa changed personnel which swung the momentum of the game a little and were rewarded when Conor Sammon’s curling effort from the edge of the box found the bottom corner. Alloa put Airdrie under some late pressure but the home side hung on for a deserved 3 points to end an entertaining second half.

Full time: Airdrieonians 2-1 Alloa Athletic

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 read on the pie and bovril forum before the game that Callum Gallagher shouldn’t be starting off the back of recent performances. He then proceeded to score his teams first and assist the second thus winning my MOTM award. Gallagher worked hard and didn’t see much of the ball but he produced two moments of quality when it counted, helped his side to a massive 3 points and answered any critics he may have had.
A special mention for midfielder Rhys McCabe. He filled in at right back yet was faultless and vocal throughout.

Afterthoughts

Airdrieonians surprised me in a good way. I wasn’t expecting much, which is entirely my own fault for not doing my usual research before the game. I wasn’t expecting a crowd of over 1000. I wasn’t expecting two teams to play football on the deck led by young, hungry managers and I wasn’t expecting to leave as impressed as I was.
I sincerely hope Airdrieonians do well this season and push for the play-offs once more. For their modern style of play and their supporters who turn out in strong numbers, it’s the least the club deserve.

Club 14/279 – Ayr United

Match: Ayr United v Raith Rovers
Date: 07/09/2021
Venue: Somerset Park, Ayr
Competition: Scottish Championship
Entry Fee: £18
Travel: £10.30
Miles completed today: 66
Total miles remaining: 41841

Ayr is a beautiful place. The beach, the river, the areas I walked through and last but not least, Somerset Park. This was my first trip into the SPFL and it looked a tasty clash. Although we’re only a few games in, Ayr had been struggling and Rovers were yet to get going.
The club’s nickname ‘The Honest Men’ comes from Burns’ poem Tam O’Shanter as he describes Ayr’s people as “honest men and bonnie lasses”

Preview

Ayr United Last 5 (All comps)
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Raith Rovers Last 5(All comps)
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Odds:
Ayr United 13/8
Draw 21/10
Raith Rovers 13/8

The odds told us this was anyone’s game. Both sides sat with one league point although Ayr had played one game more than the Rovers.

The Ground

Ayr almost sold the ground in 2006 to be demolished. I’m glad they didn’t! Somerset Park is truly magnificent for a grounhopper or purist like myself. Three terraced areas and one old school seated stand can take you back in time but it’s so pleasing on the eye. Despite expecting a low crowd due to the very early kick off Ayr fans turned up in good numbers. Special mention to the Raith fans too – The 50 or 60 that managed to get from Kirkcaldy to Ayr for a 6pm start must be applauded.
This ground is full of character and I doubt many will top it.
I sat amongst the Raith fans. I don’t dislike Ayr, in fact I probably like the club more after this experience however Raith are a club I used to play for when I was younger and in the youth team, I’d feel dirty not cheering them on!
I was completely bemused to find Dunfermline manager Peter Grant sitting in the Rovers end. I mean, it’s not like they’re Raith’s rivals? He had his notepad out to formulate a game plan for when the clubs meet on the 11th. Jack Ross joined him, presumably to keep an eye on Dylan Tait who he’d just signed and loaned back to the Rovers.
The only criticism of the Raith fans is that Peter Grant didn’t get any stick. Not even friendly banter – perhaps they didn’t notice he was there.

The Game

Whilst Ayr exceeded my expectations off the pitch they had a night to forget on it. In many ways this was a typical Championship game – a physical battle with moments of technical excellence. Raith played the better football and took the lead as new signing Ethan Varian headed home a pinpoint Tumilty cross. Things went from bad to worse for Ayr as Dario Zanatta found the bottom corner from the edge of the box with a side footed effort.
Ayr played very poorly throughout and struggled to put a few passes together at any time. Raith dealt with Ayr’s attacks easily, winning the ball back and trying to create something of their own. Rinse and repeat this for 90 minutes and you’ve got the idea.
The second half was less impressive as Raith were happy with what they had and Ayr struggled to make their mark. More excitement was to come though with 3 second half red cards. Afolabi had only been on the park a matter of minutes when he was given his marching orders for a needless challenge in the corner. Raith had nowhere to go other than to put the ball out for an Ayr throw so for Afolabi to commit any kind of foul let alone one of this nature was a crazy decision.
Riley-Snow soon joined him after receiving a second yellow. He was selected in the SPFL team of the week last time round but he was clumsy and rash throughout here. Aaron Muirhead got himself in on the act for a second yellow.
The referee had a decent game (Although fans will never agree) and all yellows and reds seemed fair enough to me.
Ayr fans turned on manager David Hopkin with chants of ‘sacked in the morning’ to which he’d have heard clear as day.

Final score: Ayr United 0-2 Raith Rovers

MOTM

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

This was a very easy choice today. Kyle Benedictus was colossal for Raith Rovers. Every header, jostle and tackle was absolutely spot on and I can’t think of a single occasion an Ayr United player got the better of him. So much so that in the second half almost all Ayr’s attacks were directed towards Christophe Berra.

Afterthoughts

On such a disappointing night it’s hard to be positive from an Ayr perspective. The fans came in decent numbers and deserved a much better showing than they received. Raith were good, but weren’t pushed and in the second half didn’t get out of second gear… and they didn’t have to! That’ll be the major frustration for the home fans here.
Ayr play Dunfermline next and neither have started well – this is the first cliqued six pointer of the season and a win for Ayr could be the catalyst to kick on. Somerset Park is a wonderful old school ground and I’m extremely keen to get back. I highly recommend a visit, and why not make a day of it and take a walk along the beach too.

Club 13/279 – Dundee St James

Match: Dundee St James v Forfar United
Date: 04/09/2021
Venue: Fairfield Park, Dundee
Competition: Midlands League
Entry Fee: £6
Travel: £28.80
Miles completed today: 178
Total miles remaining: 41907

Welcome to Dundee, where a ball is a ba, a pie is a peh and a sub is a subbie. These are just some of the things I heard at the game. I’m not slagging it, I love it. Dundee St James weren’t part of the old junior leagues and therefore a new name at this level.
This is my first trip into the Midlands League in it’s first season on the pyramid system – I had no idea what to expect.
I chose a bus as the mode of transport this time as Scotrail wanted almost £50 from Glasgow to Dundee. A Megabus/CityLink was half the price and just as quick.

Preview

Dundee St James Last 5 (League)
WLDLL

Forfar United Last 5 (League)
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Odds:
Dundee St James 7/10
Draw 4/1
Forfar United 2/1

St James can describe themselves as a mid-table side. They’re way off the top but comfortably away from the bottom too. As it’s their first season they’d probably take that. Forfar United were only 3 points behind going into this one and a win would put some distance between themselves and the clubs below.

The Ground

Fairfield Park is easy to miss. It’s tucked away behind a small residential housing scheme and seeing only a fenced off building site before getting to the park I wasn’t convinced I was going the right way.
The ground itself is basic with a ringed fence around the pitch and a pavilion with the dressing rooms, a kitchen area and toilets.
The pitch was well maintained and in great condition. Admission was the standard £6 and they do a cracking steak pie for £2.

The Game

The first half was mainly two sides trying to gain control of the game but with limited success. There was a lot of fouls (in both halves) but neither side were able to assert any dominance. St James created a couple of good openings but decision making in the final third let them down. Forfar opened the scoring as the young Dundee keeper dropped a routine cross at Forfar #11’s feet who was all too happy to tap home for 1-0. The young lad in goals will be disappointed but things would work out just fine.
In the second half Dundee St James were much better and put their opponents under constant pressure. They got their equaliser as one of their forwards were quickest to react to a rebound and it looked as though they’d kick on from there.
Forfar were unwilling to go down without a feet and regained the lead a few minutes later with an excellent free kick into the bottom corner from their #8.
St James piled even more pressure on and every attack looked like it’d end up in the back of the net. They did get their reward as their #11’s shot was saved by the keeper but the ball fell back to him and he made sure the second time. He also had to come off injured for his troubles.
We had another 2 red cards – one for each side. I didn’t see anything outrageously bad but a culmination of yellow cards were catching up with the players.
The game was almost win in controversial fashion as Forfar’s keeper lay on the ground injured but the referee allowed play to continue. A good 10 seconds must’ve went by before one of them tried their luck. A long range shot from around 30 yards came back off the bar with the goalkeeper still injured on the deck. After the ball went out of play there was a fair amount of arguing between the players and and spectators and in the end the keeper had to be carried off and replaced.
The game was won with a spectacular goal. Forfar thought they’d cleared the danger but with the ball around 25 yards out and with hit back to goal Dundee’s #17 tried his luck with an overhead kick which looped over the keeper and into the top corner.

Dundee St James deserved the victory in the end as the second half was one way traffic for the most part.

Full time: Dundee St James 3-2 Forfar United

MOTM

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

Dundee’s #7 takes the title for me today. He didn’t get on the scoresheet but the winger carried the ball well and he was involved in most of his side’s attacking play. He’s got plenty of pace about him and a decent final ball.

Afterthoughts

Dundee St James are a club still finding their feet and things are going pretty well for them. After this result they find themselves 11th in a 19 team league and are above a lot of sides who have been round the block in junior football. I’m unsure of the clubs ambitions for this season but I imagine they’ll be pleased with how things are going. I’d like to see the Midland League split into two divisions as the gulf between the top few sides and the bottom sides is pretty considerable in terms of points.
As there’s currently no relegation and only a limited shot at Promotion it means most of these sides will be playing the same opponents each year with nowhere really to go.
It’d be interesting to hear the opinion of those involved.

Club 12/279 – Darvel

Match: Darvel v Hurlford United
Date: 03/09/2021
Venue: Recreation Park, Darvel
Competition: WOSFL Premier Division
Entry Fee: £7
Travel: £11.50
Miles completed today: 48
Total miles remaining: 42085

Darvel have picked up a lot of attention this season. They’ve made significant improvements to their ground, they’ve built a squad with plenty of experience in the professional leagues and they’re backed by Brownings & Black Rooster.
This is a club that want a crack at the higher divisions and they’ve certainly put their money where their mouth is.


Preview

Darvel Last 5 (League)
LWDDL

Hurlford United Last 5 (League)
DLWLW

Odds:
Darvel 1/5
Draw 6/1
Hurlford 11/2

Darvel had started the season well but recent result had taken a turn. They found themselves two points ahead of Hurlford going into this one and with Auchinleck & Clydebank yet to lose a game, a win was much needed in a big derby game

The Ground

In recent month Recreation Park has undergone a makeover and it looks terrific. The pitch would put much of the SPFL to shame, the social club was bouncing and the fence around the pitch is painted in Darvel blue. There are two sheltered areas along one side of the park – one is seated.
Spectators piled in for this one. I reckon a good 500-600 turned out to watch Friday night football under the lights.
Admission is only £7 which is excellent value for what the night served up. There’s also the famous Killie Pie on sale and yes, they’re as good as they’re made out to be.

The Match

There’s a lot to get through so I’ll keep it short and sweet.
The early exchanges were fairly quiet until Darvel took the lead when a low cross found the onrushing Kirkpatrick at the back post to make it 1-0 Darvel. They were pinned back almost immediately when Hurlford were awarded a penalty. I’m not entirely sure what for but I wasn’t well positioned to see. The initial penalty was saved and the home fans cheered. The rebound was put into the net and it was the away fans who cheered. The penalty was ordered to be retaken however, and Morrison made no mistake blasting the ball high into the net.
Four minutes later Hurlford had turned the game on their head. A decent strike was parried by Truesdale and Whittaker was there to put the away side in front.
The second half was excellent viewing. Darvel equalised just after the hour mark Some quick distribution from Truesdale sent the ball in behind and Stirling got there just before the goalkeeper making it two each.
Jordan Allan was sent off for reacting/hitting out off the ball. This was missed by the referee and near side linesman but spotted by the far away lino about 50 yards away! Word from guys near the incident is that it’s the right decision so fair play for spotting that!
Hurlford took the lead with only three minutes left as putting the Darvel defence under pressure paid off as they won the ball back and was cut back to Whittaker to score his second. I reckon there’s a foul in the build up so Darvel can feel a little hard done by here.
Jason Marr was sent off for dissent towards the linesman before the game kicked back off and Darvel were down to nine.
Whittaker scored again in stoppage time to rub salt in the wounds and Hurlford deserved their win in the end.

Full time: Darvel 2-4 Hurlford United

MOTM

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

Hurlford’s Morrison gave Darvel’s defence a tough time but Jack Whittaker takes all the plaudits for scoring a hat-trick in a big derby game and takes home my well sought after MOTM award. Whittaker was in the right place at the right time for all three of his goals and will surely go down as one of his personal highlights.

Afterthoughts

Six goals, two red cards, good scran, a bumper crowd under the lights on a Friday night and all for 7 quid. I cannot emphasise how good of an experience this was, despite the disappointing result for Darvel.
Recreation Park is impressive and I think there’s a lot more to come from them. Despite being early in the season it looks like they may not realise their ambition this season, but Rome wasn’t built in a day either.
Hurlford were excellent throughout and did everything right. They contributed massively to the experience and deserve much credit.
Friday night football is a massive hit and I hope this is something the leagues implement in the future. A lot of guys who will attend their own side’s game or are involved with another game likely turned up tonight when they otherwise wouldn’t. It’s a sure fire way to showcase big games and the large crowds put a few quid in the club’s pocket. More of this please!

On a final note – With the ball out of play in the second half a gentlemen thought he’d roll back the years and volley it back. He got his foot up too high, lost his balance, missed the ball and instead put himself up in the air and flat on the deck.
The young team behind the goal found this hilarious and so did I!
If that man happens to ever read this – we saw it. We all saw it.

Club 11/279 – Caledonian Braves

Match: Caledonian Braves v East Stirlingshire
Date: 31/08/2021
Venue: Alliance Park, Bellshill(ish)
Competition: Lowland League
Entry Fee: FREE
Travel: £5.50
Miles completed today: 30
Total miles remaining: 42133

Caledonian Braves are arguably the most unique club in Scottish football. Founded as Edusport Academy in 2011, the purpose of the club was to give French players a footballing and cultural education in Scotland.
They were the first club to be promoted into the Lowland League after winning the South of Scotland League and this is where they currently play.
All major decisions the club has to make is done through their own app and voted for by their members. Anyone can join and this is what makes Caley Braves unique.
The name ‘Caledonian Braves’ was chosen through one of these votes.
Even they’ll admit that they don’t have a big physical fanbase yet but they have picked up a decent online following and all games are streamed live via their app.

Preview

Caledonian Braves Last 5:
WLLWL

East Stirlingshire Last 5
DDLWW

Odds:
Caledonian Braves 3/1
Draw 9/2
East Stirlingshire 4/9

Braves are the first team I’ve seen play more than once (other v East Kilbride at K-Park) so I had an idea of what to expect.
I last saw East Stirlingshire play in 2006!
I’d watched two Lowland League games this season and both ended in a draw. It couldn’t happen again could it?…

The Ground

After ground sharing with Annan Athletic the club now find themselves at Alliance Park (name chosen via another vote) as an ode to their connection to France.
Alliance Park is situated in Strathclyde Country Park and is astro based. The nearest train station is Bellshill and is around a 45 minute walk. Whilst not ideal I haven’t found that to be too uncommon either.
Entry inside the ground is FREE but donations are welcome which I happily obliged. There are two small seated areas or you can choose where to stand around 3 sides of the park.
Credit must go to East Stirlingshire too, their supporters turned out in good numbers.

The Match

The first half wasn’t much to shout home about. Braves should’ve been in front after their high press forced Shire’s defence into a mistake but after finding themselves clean through the shot was straight at the keeper.
East Stirlingshire had a chance of their own from range after a beautifully struck swerving effort hit the bar.
Whilst the game was keenly contested, 0-0 was the half time score but the second half saw the game come to life.
Shire opened the scoring after a magnificent deep cross was headed home by Fulton. I must emphasise how good this ball into the box was – curve, weight and height all absolutely spot on.
They found themselves 2-0 up shortly after, this time from the penalty spot. No questions over the decision and Hamilton kept his cool with a dinked effort.
At this point I thought the game was done but to Braves’ credit they did get themselves back into it – almost immediately in fact.
Less than a minute after kick off a Braves corner which was half cleared was volleyed into the next from the edge of the box by Marc Kelly (I think).
Their second came from a good old fashioned stramash when Forrester reacted quickest to tuck away the equaliser.
Neither wanted to settle for a draw and we got plenty of fouls and cards as the game was played at a high tempo.
Shire came closest to winning the match as Healy’s effort looped over the keeper but hit the bar. Yes it’s another draw but the second half was a great watch.

Full time: Caledonian Braves 2-2 East Stirlingshire

MOTM

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

This is another tough decision. I think if you ask five people here you’d get five different answers. I’m going for Braves #8 Ross Lindsay. Although you can make a case for a number of players I was impressed by the way and the speed he moved the ball, rarely losing possession under intense pressure and his decision making picking the right pass and setting up a number of promising attacks.

Afterthoughts

Caledonian Braves do things their own way and I like that. Their online presence is something other clubs whether in the regional leagues or SPFL can learn from.
The club are still young and will take time to establish but they’re ambitious and they’ve done incredibly well to get this far! Their goal is the SPFL and I hope they can build a decent physical fanbase to go along with that.
The club have undergone significant change already but having a permanent home will go a long way.
I saw a good standard of football and an exciting game and was under no obligation to pay for the privilege.
I’d like to come back, but I’ve got 268 other clubs to get round first!