Club 25/279 – Hamilton Academical

Match: Hamilton Academical v Queen of the South
Date: 26/10/2021
Venue: Fountain of Youth Stadium, Hamilton
Competition: SPFL Championship
Entry Fee: £20
Travel: £5.50
Miles completed today: 32
Total miles remaining: 40381

Hamilton Academy was regarded as one of the finest schools in Scotland. Opening in 1588, the pupils and staff of the school founded Hamilton Academical in 1874 and the club joined the senior leagues just before the turn of the 20th century.
I hope Hamilton fans wont mind me saying, but in the last 10 years the club have punched above their weight. For years in the Premiership they were tipped to go down but always bounced back. This year they compete in the insanely competitive Championship and despite an admittedly tough start to the season the club are a bit behind where they’d like . I’d learnt through experience never to write off the Accies.
I had read a few fan forums beforehand and Hamilton fans were short of confidence going into this one but it had to be said that Queen of the South aren’t having things all their own way this season either. A win for either side would be massive. Both clubs had only scored 10 goals in 10 games and my expectations if I’m honest were a tightly contested 0-0.

Preview

Hamilton Last 5
DWWLL

Queen of the South Last 5
LWWLD

Odds:
Hamilton 5/4
Draw 23/10
Queen of the South 2/1

On the face of it Hamilton’s form doesn’t seem too bad but the manner of some of their defeats have concerned fans. A 4-0 drubbing to the hands of Arbroath before a 6-1 home defeat to Partick Thistle had left Hamilton only 2 points above the bottom but a win would see them leapfrog the Doonhammers. The play-offs would’ve been an expectation of the club and whilst that seems a tall ask even this early on in the season, 3 points are a big step in the right direction.

The Ground

The Fountain of Youth Stadium is named so due to a sponsorship deal. The ground is often referred to as New Douglas Park as it originally was.
The ground is wedged in between Morrison’s and Sainsbury’s and is very easy to find as it’s about a 3 minute walk from Hamilton West Station.
There are three stands – all of which are covered and home supporters occupy the main stand. A crowd of 942 braved the wild wind and rain to come and watch including 158 Qots fans making the midweek journey from Dumfries.
I saw that steak pies were priced at £4 but I asked for one anyway. I was given a steak bake and charged £3.50, go figure? It was nice though. The seats in the main stand are above the pie stalls meaning everyone gets an elevated view which is perfect as this is my preference when watching football.

The Game

A minute silence for the late Walter Smith was held before the match – undoubtedly a Scottish football legend. The match on a whole was an entertaining watch as both sides were out to win. We’d have had plenty of goals if not for a lack of quality going forward from both sides.
Hamilton fans are very demanding and they were quick to voice there discontent over a backwards on square pass. They want everything going forward and weren’t in the mood for patient possession based football.
Incredibly we had 3 goal line clearances in the match, keeping the score down. All of these were from corners – one to Hamilton’s benefit and twice for Queen’s.
Lewis Smith almost had one in the top corner from range if not for an excellent save by Sol Brynn in the Qots goal.
Josh Mullin was presented with a great chance from close range and with the Hamilton support already celebrating he somehow managed to blast the ball over the bar.
Hamilton struggled to create much more throughout the game. David Moyo is well capable when it comes to holding the ball and bringing others into the game but maybe not so much in front of goal. Would he have been better playing with a partner maybe?
When I checked the team news on Twitter beforehand Hamilton fans were perplexed by the omission of Andy Ryan from the starting squad. He came on for Moyo and won the game for Accies.
It’s no surprise that the one real piece of quality won the match. An unbelievable through ball from Lewis Smith played in Josh Mullin who stroked the ball past the goalkeeper. Whether or not the shot was going in is up for debate but Andy Ryan made sure and tapped home from close range.
The last 15 minutes weren’t the prettiest but Hamilton managed the game really well playing for corners, throw ins and free kicks to run down the clock.

MOTM

For the quality of the through ball alone, I’m going with Lewis Smith. He didn’t get things all his own way throughout the 90 minutes but he never hid and always looked to take responsibility. He’d have added a long range curler to his goal tally if not for excellent goalkeeping and his through ball for the winner was out of this world. This was a pass with a high degree of difficulty but the weight and height of this pass was a joy and this moment of quality was the difference between 1 point and 3.

Reflection

A great win for Hamilton and a deserved one too. Despite the post match jitters from the supporters, Hamilton’s performance was strong. They were solid at the back, worked very hard and got their big moment late on in the game. It’s still early in the season but it’s a huge win.
They’re a club that get slaughtered from fans of other clubs for their ‘lack of support’ but I think this is wholly unfair. They’ve done well to be where they are today and have had a few years in the top flight too. I think that deserves respect more than anything. I enjoyed this, probably more than I thought I would.
The players worked hard for their supporters and sent them home happy, I’d say that’s a good night.

Club 24/279 – Kilwinning Rangers

Match: Kilwinning Rangers v Kilbirnie Ladeside
Date: 22/10/2021
Venue: Buffs Park, Kilwinning
Competition: WOSFL Premier League
Entry Fee: £8
Travel: £7.30
Miles completed today: 46
Total miles remaining: 40413

Kilwinning Rangers are the club that NOBODY call by their full name, even Kilwinning is too much. The club are simply ‘The Buffs’. I can think of an endless number of clubs with a nickname but not any that are universally known by such.
The best park is – nobody knows for sure why the Buffs are called the Buffs! One story refers to an old newspaper report’s description of their shirt back in 1900.
Another story refers to a regiment in the army one of their former players were a part of. The regiment were nicknamed The Buffs and this may have caught on.
The truth is – nobody knows.
In the 24 games I’ve taken in so far, 6 times I’ve been stopped in the street and asked if I knew how to get to a ground. I always answer yes because that’s where I’m heading too – but only because Google maps tell me where to go! I’m unsure if this means I look trustworthy and knowledgeable enough to ask or whether I look the village idiot as they get asked all the time. Either way this is a pretty pointless yet remarkable stat.
I’d never been to Kilwinning or seen their team play before but I do know how strong a side they are and had been told numerous times that I’d enjoy this experience.


Preview

Kilwinning Rangers Last 5
WLWDL

Kilbirnie Ladeside Last 5
DLWLW

Odds:
Kilwinning Rangers 1/4
Draw 6/1
Kilbirnie Ladeside 9/2

I’d already seen Kilbirnie play this season and on the day they lost heavily putting in a really poor performance. It was a different management team and results had picked up so I was intrigued to see how much they’d changed. Kilwinning sat 4th in an extremely competitive league and I hoped they’d show me why.

The Ground

It’s a shame I’ll never get to experience Abbey Park but Kilwinning have done a good job with Buffs Park to make it feel like home.
For a start, it’s very easy to find. Straight off the main road. As I walked along there were cars parked along the grassy verges for about 1/4 of a mile prior to reaching the ground – their owners all coming along to the game.
This game was a Friday night showpiece and again, a bumper crowd turned out just because they can. Kilbirnie brought a fair support, particularly a large group of youngsters who made plenty of noise.
There’s a fair sized seated stand and 3 large sheltered standing areas.
The pitch was in immaculate condition, the floodlights were on and the social club bustling. There’s honestly nowhere else I’d rather have been at that moment in time. It felt exciting, it felt big and I anticipated a cracker of a game.
I’d definitely recommend a steak pie but there’s plenty of choice available – almost like a high street takeaway café.

The Game

This game wasn’t for the faint hearted. In the first half especially. Hard tackles flew in from both sides and there were a lot of fouls. Both teams showed they can keep the ball under pressure and some of this was good to watch although not too many of these ended in a goal scoring chance. Defences were on top but there were still opportunities to score. Kilbirnie had the first big chance as they found themselves one on one but the onrushing Jamie Barclay made an excellent save.
Kilwinning tried to play on the front foot but their two best chances from open play came from counter attacks as they found themselves in behind the Ladeside defence. On both occasions poor finishing let them down.
The Buffs were awarded a penalty shortly before half time. The Kilbirnie fan in the stand in front of me was adamant it was a dive but there’s absolutely no way he can confidently call that from there. My first instinct was penalty, and the ref with a much better view agreed.
It mattered not as David Syme’s effort was saved by Joe Wilton and somehow we were goalless at half time.

Kilbirnie started the second half with a series of corners but like much of the game, they were well defended. Kilwinning grew into the half and their midfield were seeing more of the ball than previously. Their goal came from sheer persistence as they lost the ball twice in the move leading to the goal but had won it back within seconds. This time Carlo Monti was quickest to react to a rebound off the post and despite the away side’s best effort’s the ball found it’s way into their net. The place literally erupted and the celebrations were wild. From here Kilwinning had a lot more control over the match and got their second as Gavin Millar beat both defender and goalkeeper to the ball to find the corner of the net.
Kilbirnie worked hard and did have the ball in the net but it was ruled out for offside. They had a couple of half chances but I was impressed with the way the Buffs managed the game in the latter stages.
They often get stick but I was also very impressed with the referee. For how rough and tumble the game was at times he managed to keep control of the players and wasn’t going to be pushover. Very professional and very efficient.

Full time: Kilwinning Rangers 2-0 Kilbirnie Ladeside

MOTM

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

It’s becoming increasingly difficult to pick these. Over the last few games I’ve seen real team performances where a number of players could’ve justified the award. However scorer of the second goal Gavin Millar just edges it for me. In the first half, every piece of success Kilwinning had came from him. He was always in the right place, made excellent runs – one of which almost led to an opener. It was deserving that he’d get on the score sheet, again from being in the right place at the right time and having that determination to get there first. A goal and a victory, he’s had a good night.

Afterthoughts

I’m aware I go on and on about the benefits of Friday night games but they’ve been an excellent spectacle with a bumper crowd and this was no different.
Kilwinning are an excellent side and fully deserved their victory. They’re keeping pace with the top sides and have some big, season defining games coming up. Kilwinning play 4 of their next 5 games at home so if you haven’t been yet now’s your chance.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. They’re a side full of grit and determination but they can play. The match was entertaining throughout and I certainly got my eight quid’s worth.
I know this night was all about Kilwinning Rangers, but I feel like I need to praise Kilbirnie too. They’ve improved tenfold in such a short space of time and I was pleasantly surprised with how much they contributed to the game.
Non league football in Ayrshire is massive and you have to experience it.

Club 23/279 – Carluke Rovers

Match: Carluke Rovers v Newmains United
Date: 12/10/2021
Venue: John Cumming Stadium, Carluke
Competition: WOSFL Conference C
Entry Fee: £5
Travel: £7.50
Miles completed today: 52
Total miles remaining: 40459

West of Scotland football or international football? I’ve sat in front of the TV a million times, but I’ve never been to Carluke. I didn’t expect much in the way of a crowd or atmosphere on the basis Scotland were playing in such a big game. In fact I heard the referee before the game say he was surprised there was more than 1 spectator here, but I reckon a crowd of just under 50 turned out.

Preview

Carluke Rovers Last 5
LWLWL

Newmains United Last 5
LLLLD

Odds:
Carluke Rovers 2/7
Draw 11/2
Newmains United 21/5

Carluke’s form was indifferent but their recent losses came to top sides Auchinleck Talbot & Cambuslang Rangers (twice).
Newmains had yet to win a game this season and it’d be fair to say were struggling. 9 points separated the teams in the league and I really didn’t know what sort of game to expect.

The Ground

I struggled to find the ground at first. Putting the postcode into Google took me the wrong way and even once I reached the leisure centre where the ground is located it wasn’t obvious where to go. However it didn’t take long to find my bearings and I found myself outside the John Cumming Stadium.
The ground is named after a player who didn’t play for Carluke all too long but achieved much with Hearts playing 612 games and is still to this day their most decorated player. This connection clearly means a lot to the club and it’s fitting that a great Carluke who once pulled on the jersey before achieving more at a top level should be remembered in this way.
There’s a sheltered stand by the pavilion and a running track all the way around the pitch. There aren’t many grounds that look like this and for that reason alone it’s an interesting one for groundhoppers to come see.

The Game

Neither team really asserted any dominance throughout the game and it really did feel like it could go either way.
Newmains took the lead after a header from a corner saw the ball cleared off the line before Michael Barton was first to react to volley the ball into the net.
They almost doubled their lead when a close range free kick came back off the post. The keeper was beaten all ends up and could only watch the ball fly past him.
Carluke could’ve squared the game just before half time after a 1v1 chance was saved by Newmains’ onrushing keeper.
In the second half Newmains doubled their lead through Marc Howson and it looked as though their was an upset on the cards.
Carluke deserve credit for their approach to the game. They try and play out from the back and I won’t criticise a team for trying to play this way. Newmains shut them down superbly and often nicked the ball back from the defenders but couldn’t get a shot away to kill the game.
That being said, Carluke goalkeeper Dean Wilson’s distribution was excellent both with his feet and throwing the ball out. This is a difficult skill he’s mastered well and was a highlight of Carluke’s performance.
The home side got themselves back in the game when an exquisite corner delivery was met with an equally impressive header from Douglas Frame and it was game on.
Kris Jarvie was sent off with 15 minutes left to play – a second yellow for diving. I was too far away to give an opinion either way but the Carluke player’s were immediately irked and the referee didn’t hesitate at all.
The last 15 minutes were probably the best of the game. Carluke came close a few times and really pushed for an equaliser.
The sides showed their desperation as every time the ball went out of play both teams were convinced the decision should go their way and whenever a ball was played in behind there were multiple shouts for offside.
I felt for the referee but he handles it pretty well considering 22 men plus coaching teams were on at him for any decision they could get.
For all Carluke’s late effort it wasn’t to be

Full time: Carluke Rovers 1-2 Newmains 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

Not really a game with many standout performances, but scorer of the match’s first goal Michael Barton takes the award this time. Not only did he take his chance very well, he was particularly at carrying the ball from deep and starting a counter attack which caused Carluke problems all evening.

Afterthoughts

I came to see Carluke but I feel this was very much Newmains night. It was a good game, even in the last minutes I wasn’t sure what the final result would be but it’s a disappointing score line for Carluke in the end.
They do have a unique ground and if you can get yourself on top of the grassy mount behind one of the goals there’s a cracking vantage point to watch the game and get some photo’s.
Result aside this was still an enjoyable experience and it looks as thought Carluke have some winnable games coming up which they’ll be keen to take advantage of.
There are no passengers in this team. I saw a side that really do give everything to try and get a result.

Club 22/279 – Sunnybank

Match: Sunnybank v Longside
Date: 09/10/2021
Venue: Heathryfold Park, Aberdeen
Competition: North Region First Division
Entry Fee: £5
Travel: £38.40
Miles completed today: 310
Total miles remaining: 40821

Sunnybank are one of the most respected names in the juniors. There are certainly bigger clubs in terms of stature and support but Sunnybank have 82 trophies to their name. Do many (if any) others?
The pinnacle of their success came in 1954 when they defeated Lochee Harp 2-1 at Hampden Park in front of a 22,600 strong crowd to lift the Junior Cup.
Sunnybank were the first Aberdeenshire club to lift the Cup and only Banks O’Dee have managed it since.
The historic importance of the club shouldn’t be forgotten in Aberdeenshire and should be acknowledged around the country.
These days Sunnybank ply their trade in the North Region First Division. This is the second tier of the North Junior leagues and the seventh tier in the Scottish football pyramid. Today’s opponents were Longside.

Preview:

Sunnybank Last 5 (League)
WLLLW

Longside Last 5 (League)
LWLLD

Odds:
Sunnybank 6/5
Draw 18/5
Longside 6/5

Only 1 place and 4 points separate the sides in the league. A Sunnybank win would see them go 3rd in the table.
Longside have won this tie on the last 2 occasions but no more than a goal has decided this match since 2018.
The bookies weren’t willing to call this one and I expected to see a close match.

The Journey & Ground

My groundhopping top tip says that if you’re coming to Aberdeen via the central belt – take the bus.
The time difference isn’t massive and you save yourself at least £20 by doing so. My other top tip would be to give yourself plenty of time. I’ve done A LOT of walking on my adventures so far and I thought that by getting Aberdeen at 12:30 I’d have plenty of time to walk to the ground.
I didn’t take into account that the bus would be 20 minutes late, that it’d be pouring down with rain or that a 3.5 mile uphill walk is harder than it looks. Despite an estimated arrival time of 14:10 for a 14:00 start, I managed go get there pre kick off with about 5 minutes to spare.
Sunnybank or Longside aren’t the most active on social media and with the rain showing no signs of mercy, I feared I’d get there and the game would be called off but thankfully this wasn’t the case
I can’t describe how miserable I felt being soaked and hurried (and temporarily lost) on the way to the game but the buzz I felt when I first spotted the ground was twice as much as usual.
The social club looked huge although I didn’t have time to peek inside.
Sunnybank have played at Heathryfold Park since 1957 and it’s very much an old school setup. A white painted concrete wall forms a barrier around the pitch and most spectators (even more so with the weather) watched the game from a slightly elevated sheltered pavilion.
As I’ve said on most posts in the last few weeks – I believe every club has a niche. No matter how big or small, they all have something that’s different to other clubs. When you buy a tea from the Sunnybank kiosk, it’s served in a mug – As if you’ve just popped down to your maws. I find this quite welcoming.
The crowd just shy of 50 I reckon, Longside were represented too.

The Game

This wasn’t a match for the purists but it had a lot going for it. An old fashioned battle was on show. Most of the football was played long whilst both team’s strikers wrestled with the opposition defence. In the midfield, tackles flew in left right and centre. It was a rough yet honest game of football. The referee had a difficult match but I don’t envy him whatsoever.
Sunnybank took the lead early on with a volley hit so hard that if the net hadn’t halted the ball’s progress it’d still be travelling now.
Longside really should’ve equalised shortly before half time with a close range effort that bobbled in front of their striker and ballooned over the bar. The first half went by without too many chances but the away side would be put well and truly to bed in the second.
Sunnybank scored 5 second half goals in what felt like a constant stream of attacks. By the second goal the away side’s heads dropped and the game looked done – but Sunnybank were not.
The pick of the goals came from …….. as he hammered home a volley at an angle and on the spin – straight into the opposite top corner.
The second half showing was too much for Longside and it finished

Sunnybank 6-0 Longside

MOTM

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

These awards have been particularly difficult to hand out in the last few weeks but this one was easy in my eyes. Sunnybank #11 Dylan Cumming stood out a mile. From my experience of watching football at this level, the thing missing from most players, he had in droves – good decision making. Always took his man on or made a pass at the right time and seldom lost possession leading to the creation of several goalscoring chances. This is something incredibly difficult to coach a player and therefore why so many lack the ability to make the right decision under pressure and execute the skills with ease – but not Dylan.
He scored two, most notably one of the best goals I’ve seen in the 22 games I’ve been to. I describe the goal in ‘the match’ section of this piece and I have genuinely no idea how he’s managed to pull that off. A goal that wouldn’t have looked out of place on the Champions League goals show – you know it’s good when the spectators reaction is a collective ‘wow’ rather than the usual cheer.
At 6-0 he was still closing down opponents as if his life depended on it and he had the full back on toast. Top marks.

Afterthoughts

Sunnybank are a hugely important junior club and for this reason alone are well worth a visit on a Scottish football pilgrimage.
At only £5 entry, I was treated to 6 goals, an emphatic home win and as many 50/50 challenges as I could possibly digest.
As this was international weekend I wondered what the 9-10k Pittodrie faithful were up to. It’d be great if the locals got out to these games as in Sunnyside’s case it’s cheap, entertaining and an easy day out – especially if you’re getting the kids out of the house for a few hours.
I found the locals friendly. Especially the guy who referred to me as a well spoken, university educated gentleman. I can assure you that I’m neither of those things but I’ll absolutely take it.
I’ve read about the club going through some difficult periods, most recently around 10 years ago and it’s to their committee’s credit that the club still operates as it always has. As a footballing romanticist I believe their place at the table worthy of the North Superleague – a division above where they currently are. It’s a big ask to get there this season going by how the table looks but I sincerely hope that in the next couple of years I can see them back where I feel they ‘belong’.
Away from speaking about the club, I learnt some valuable lessons in preparation and timekeeping. All is well that ends well.

Club 21/279 – Easthouses Lily

Match: Easthouses Lily v Glenrothes
Date: 02/10/2021
Venue: Newbattle Complex, Easthouses
Competition: East of Scotland Conference B
Entry Fee: £7
Travel: £8.66
Miles completed today: 116
Total miles remaining: 40821

Easthouses is a place born to accommodate a mining community. The football club changed their name in 1989 to ‘Easthouses Lily Miners Welfare’ as an ode to their humble beginnings. Although the colliery is gone, the club remain are one of a growing number of clubs to hold a full SFA license. It’s a competitive area to build a football team. Newtongrange Star, Bonnyrigg Rose & Dalkeith Thistle are all within a couple of miles but Lily still pull in crowds of 100 or so on matchdays.
Incredibly, manager David McQueenie has been in charge since 2003!

Preview

Easthouses Lily Last 5
LDLWL

Glenrothes Last 5
LLDWW

Odds:
Easthouses Lily 21/5
Draw 11/2
Glenrothes 2/7

With the Glens flying high in third this was always going to be a tough test. Easthouses aren’t doing too badly themselves and are comfortably in mid table. This division is extremely competitive and whilst Lily are out with the promotion chasing pack they’re one of the ‘best of the rest;.

The Ground

One I had paid my admission Easthouses set the atmosphere with a live DJ armed with decks and a speaker belting out dance tunes. This beats a PA system hands down! There’s a small seated stand providing a little shelter but there’s a grassy mound at the other end perfect for providing a vantage point. This is almost always my preferred way to watch games – from a little elevation. I wouldn’t recommend this when wet. It’d been raining on and off all day and I had visions of slipping but thankfully that didn’t happen – and I’m sure I wouldn’t have been the first. From this position you also get an excellent view of a hilly skyline – a view I’m sure you won’t get at many grounds in Scotland. The bonus ball here – is a chicken Balmoral pie filled which chicken, haggis and peppercorn sauce. I’m sold before a ball has been kicked!
The Lily also boast an impressive playing surface.

The Game

This was definitely a game of two halves in terms of entertainment. The first half was ok – plenty of decent passages of play at either end but it was the Glens that took the leas with a close range Walker header.
The second half was a fantastic spectacle. Glenrothes doubled their lead after a good cross and finish gave Walker his second. I thought the game was over and I’m sure I wasn’t alone, but Easthouses weren’t willing to go down without a fight. With the Glens failing to clear their lines Lewis Sives capitalised to steal the ball and put his team back in contention. Things got even better when he was played through and scored again. A little controversy over this goal as he was at least 3 yards offside. However without linesman I have no idea how referee’s manage to make these calls with any degree of certainty.
Glenrothes regained their lead with 10 to play and added another 2 in the dying minutes.
Easthouses put up a spirited performance, but Glenrothes showed their strength in the end.

Full time: Easthouses Lily 2-5 Glenrothes

MOTM

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

As his team won by three and he scored a hat-trick, Glenrothes’ Graeme Walker takes the title. The striker worked incredibly hard for his team and it must be said that there were periods of the game where things didn’t go his way but he showed an impressive attitude to keep working hard and he got his rewards. His third goal with the last kick of the game was a particular highlight.

Afterthoughts

Easthouses Lily worked hard to make their groundhopping guests feel welcome and they pulled it off. I have no idea if the DJ is a regular thing or a one off but it was something not often seen. On the pitch their team are full of hard work and spirit in the true fashion of where the club came from and who they are.
Visit here for a pie you don’t get elsewhere and remember to get a glimpse at the view – especially if it happens to be an evening game in October!

Club 20/279 – Bonnyrigg Rose

Match: Bonnyrigg Rose v Dalbeattie Star
Date: 02/10/2021
Venue: New Dundas Park, Bonnyrigg
Competition: Lowland League
Entry Fee: £7
Travel: £8.66
Miles completed today: 112
Total miles remaining: 41081

“This love will last forever” says a large banner found inside New Dundas Park. It’s been said that Bonnyrigg is the most romantic town in Scotland. I have no idea the criteria for this award – but it’s a thing – seriously, google it!
Thinking back around 10 years or so I knew very little about the juniors as they were then. I could’ve named the two or three most local to me, Auchinleck Talbot, Linlithgow and Bonnyrigg Rose. In my eyes they’re one of the most famous non league clubs and with opportunities now given to these clubs to enter the professional leagues, Bonnyrigg will fancy themselves as strong contenders.
Bonnyrigg have been a staple in midlothian since 1881 and none other than Sean Connery pulled on the red & white hoops before landing the role of James Bond.
These days The Rose find themselves in the Lowland League and things are going pretty well. They’re currently top, and whilst there’s a long way to go in the season it’s an exciting time to support the club.

Preview

Bonnyrigg Rose Last 5
WLWWW

Dalbeattie Star Last 5
WWLDW

Odds:
Bonnyrigg Rose 4/11
Draw 5/1
Dalbeattie Star 7/2

Bonnyrigg are setting the pace in the Lowland League with 31 points from 13 games. Dalbeattie aren’t doing so badly themselves with 24 from 12. The bookies had Bonnyrigg as clear favourites but this wasn’t going to be an easy game. Rangers colt side are only 4 points behind the Rose and have 2 games in hand so it was imperative the home side picked up 3 here.
I’d seen Bonnyrigg play away at Cumbernauld Colts earlier in the season and was impressed with their fans backing. I’ve been to 3 Lowland League games and all have ended in a tie so I was more than keen to see a Rose victory here.

The Ground

New Dundas Park is a fantastic facility. It’s clear that a lot of care and effort goes into making the ground look the way it does and they’re one of the friendliest clubs I’ve visited so far. The pitch is on a slight slope and there’s nets behind the goals so balls aren’t lost in the surrounding housing estate. Bonnyrigg also boast a bustling social club and with cheap admission on offer the club is a sociable, affordable and enjoyable place to come and spend your Saturday.
Many supporters of non league clubs have a big team. Many support Celtic & Rangers whilst Bonnyrigg is a catchment area of Hearts & Hibs. This is of course absolutely fine but I did notice that Bonnyrigg Rose fans ARE Bonnyrigg Rose fans – first and last. This is their passion and this is their club.
This was part of the groundhop day, so there were many new faces at the club, including myself. I’m sure a lot of them were blown away by the doner kebab pie on offer.

The Game

If I’m ever asked the difference between Lowland League teams and East/West of Scotland sides its’ in the physicality. I mentioned in my Dalkeith blog that their forward line were too physical for their opponents, but Bonnyrigg’s front 2 are on a different spectrum.
It was clear from the get go that these were two good sides but it was Bonnyrigg that took the lead in the first half. A loose ball from a corner was laid off to Lewis Turner who thumped the ball through a cluster of bodies from the edge of the box and the ball was in the net before the goalkeeper knew what day it was.
The second half had barely begun when Star levelled the match. Lewis Todd skipped past the Bonnyrigg midfield before passing wide and getting on the end of the resulting cross. his initial header was saved but was first to react to equalise from close range.
It was from another corner that Rose won the game. Exactly the same scenario as the first goal, right down to the lay-off but from slightly close range. This time it was Kerr Young on hand to side-foot the ball high into the net
To Dalbeattie’s credit they battled well and pushed for another equaliser but Rose held out for a deserved victory and it’s another big 3 points.

Final score: Bonnyrigg Rose 2-1 Dalbeattie Star

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 is Alan Horne. The defender won the majority of his duels and brought calmness and composure to the Rose’s back line. His player profile on Bonnyrigg’s website labels him ‘mr consistent’ and it’s easy to see why. With Dalbeattie throwing everything forward in the latter stages of the game Horne dealt with the pressure immensely and although goal scorers get all the credit, Alan’s performance played a big part in Bonnyrigg being able to grind this one out.

Afterthoughts

At Dalkeith earlier in the day, I was told I’d enjoy Bonnyrigg as they had a good setup. This was absolutely true.
A competitive match, unbelievable scran and one of the most reputable non league sides in the country – I’m suitably impressed.
I would absolutely love to see Bonnyrigg in the SPFL one day. I believe they have the ground, reputation and support to hold their own there. It won’t be an easy ride of course, but why not?
If you’re visiting here then spend a bit of time and mix with the locals. Relax in the social club, see a winning team and enjoy the atmosphere.

Club 19/279 – Dalkeith Thistle

Match: Dalkeith Thistle v Tweedmouth Rangers
Date: 02/10/2021
Venue: Kings Park, Dalkeith
Competition: East of Scotland Conference A
Entry Fee: £7
Travel: £8.66
Miles completed today: 112
Total miles remaining: 41193

Groundhop weekend. The time of year where these nomadic and extremely keen punters make their way up from the depths of England to take in some Scottish games. An advantage of this is that everyone else gets to tag along too!
I learned a lot about groundhoppers in Dalkeith. There’s the type who walk round the pitch with a clicker to count the crowd, there’s the type that obsess over the teamlines, goalscorers and programme and those who (and I’m not joking) draw the ground with a birds eye view in a notepad with rough dimensions added.
I also learned that I don’t feel like one of these people. I have no critcism of groundhoppers, I believe everyone should be able to take in a game in whichever way they see fit. For me, it’s purely about the football and everything else is secondary.
I didn’t know much about Dalkeith apart from it’s near Edinburgh and Darren Fletcher hails from there.
This was the first of 3 games on the same day for me and Dalkeith’s opponents were Tweedmouth Rangers.

Preview

Dalkeith Thistle Last 5
DWWLW

Tweedmouth Rangers Last 5
LLLWW

Odds:
Dalkeith Thistle 4/6
Draw 21/5
Tweedmouth Rangers 2/1

Dalkeith have had a steady start to the season and had picked up some good results of late. If I’m honest I thought the odds on a home win would’ve been a little shorter. Tweedmouth have had an admittedly tough start but have picked up two wins on the bounce v Edinburgh South & Thornton Hibs.

The Ground

Kings Park is pretty easy to find – it’s inside a larger named Kings Park. There’s a car park round the side but I missed this completely and headed through the park itself catching 10 minutes of a youth rugby match in the process. The ground is a good set up – so much so that they’re SFA fully licensed and therefore qualify to compete in the senior Scottish Cup. There is one sheltered area behind the dugouts which can house a fair amount of spectators but the whole way around the ground is accessible. The groundhoppers were well accommodated with an array of badges on sale. The tunes over the tannoy felt like they came from my personal Spotify playlist and I’m going to make a claim at the end of this post regarding their steak pies.
Overall – what’s not to like?
I noticed some Bonnyrigg fans take advantage of the early kick off along with the vast array of groundhoppers. I reckon the crowd as around 300.

The Game

I’ll be completely honest and say that I didn’t expect much from Tweedmouth but they proved me wrong as they move the ball very well. They often beat Dalkeith’s press and whilst they didn’t always create a chance at the end of a move, they were always going to get a few playing this way. They took the lead twice in the first and both goals were initiated by composed passing in the midfield.
Dalkeith were arguably the better side and looked dangerous every time they attacked. Their forwards were stronger and more physical than the Rangers defence and it looked as though they could score with every attack. Still, Tweedmouth led at the break 2-1.
Nobody in the ground could’ve foreseen the second half’s events. A red card for an elbow (I didn’t see it, I’m going on others word) shortly after the break left the away side a man down and they suffered a catastrophic collapse afterwards.
Dalkeith hit 7 in the second half without reply and hit the bar 4 times throughout the match. On another day, it could’ve been more again.
There’s no doubt Dalkeith upped their game, but I’ve never seen a red card affect a team as much as it did here.
It was an excellent attacking display from the home side and the first time I’ve seen a team score 8 on my travels.
After a scare, Dalkeith were clear and deserved winners.

Full time: Dalkeith Thistle 8-2 Tweedmouth Rangers

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 the first half I was suitably impressed with the home side’s Burrows & Tweedmouth’s Cummings. Dalkeith had a host of players who played well, but for me the standout was Ryan Weston. Ryan scored two of the eight goals but had a hand in most of Thistle’s forward play. His pace and strength was devastating and the Tweedmouth back line couldn’t cope. I recall one instance where the defender had about 5 yards on him and still came off second best. His only disappointment will be not completing his hat trick before being subbed late on but if that’s your only grumble, you’ve had a pretty good afternoon!

Afterthoughts

Dalkeith were given a scare but on reflection performed much better than their opponents as the score line suggests. As a team they press intensely led by a manager who will accept no less as I heard from behind the dugout throughout the game. Their pace and power up top will be a handful for most teams and Tweedmouth learnt that the hard way.
They’re a friendly club and the groundhoppers were well accommodated.
It’s also worth mentioning that in Dalkeith’s last 5 games, there has been 35 goals. I’m not sure where else in Scotland you’ll find that. Entertainment value here for sure.

I always say that every club has a unique selling point and for Dalkeith I’m claiming that they have the best steak pie I’ve ever tasted at a football match. Don’t believe me? Head down and try it.

Club 18/279 – Raith Rovers

Match: Raith Rovers v Dunfermline
Date: 29/09/2021
Venue: Starks Park, Kirkcaldy
Competition: SPFL Championship
Entry Fee: £20
Travel: £9
Miles completed today: 132
Total miles remaining: 41173

Starks Park, home to Raith Rovers since 1891. I’d tried to attend this fixture the first time round, but the lights went out! This time, we had power.
Kirkcaldy is a deceivingly big place and is one of Fife’s 3 major towns. The clubs name comes from an area of Fife once known as Raith. Although the area is now long gone and divided the name is more commonly associated to ‘the battle of Raith’ fought near Kirkcaldy in 596 where the Germanic Angles defeated the Picts & Scots.
John McGlynn in my eyes is one of the best managers in the SPFL. When he first took over Raith Rovers he turned them from a mid table league one side to a promotion chasing championship team. In his second spell, he’s done exactly the same again.
He certainly gets the most out of a group of players and whilst Dunfermline refer to the Rovers as ‘the wee team’ Raith knocked them out in the play-offs last season and sit well clear of them so far this.
This is a derby game and having attended this fixture many a time before, it can be juicy.

Preview

Raith Rovers Last 5
WLWLW

Dunfermline Last 5
LLLDD

Odds:
Raith Rovers 10/11
Draw 23/10
Dunfermline 23/10

The Championship is probably the toughest league in Scotland to predict. Anyone can beat anyone and the fact that two of the better sides on paper (Dunfermline & Hamilton) occupy the bottom 2 so far speaks volumes.
Dunfermline are a club in crisis. The fans held a mass walk out at home to Inverness the week before and aren’t happy with how things are on the park at the moment.
Raith are the opposite. Having reached the play-offs last season they currently sit in the qualifying places again. They play good football and have a strong squad of players. There are clubs in the league with bigger budgets than the Rovers, but not many better.

The Ground

Starks Park has been home to Raith Rovers since 1891. The main stand dates back to 1925 and covers half of the length of the pitch.
The two stands behind the goals are the most populated on matchdays. Most of the Rovers fans take up the South stand whilst the other houses away fans. The crowd was just shy of 3000 which is pretty poor for this fixture. A mixture of the game being rearranged, on TV and Dunfermline fans being disillusioned with their start to the season led to a smaller attendance than usual but the Raith Rovers fans (particularly the young team up the back) are the loudest I’ve encountered so far. The team were well backed.
Kirkcaldy band Shambolics were guests for the half time draw whilst Gordon Brown was also in attendance.

The Game

The tempo started at 100 mph before Raith settled down and controlled the first half. They got their goal through talisman Dario Zanatta as he made a run into the box from wide, cut inside and slid the ball past Fon-Williams in the Pars goal.
Raith dominated possession but didn’t create much or maintain a high tempo. The longer this went on the more chance Dunfermline had of getting themselves back into the game and that’s exactly what happened. Kevin O’Hara met a low Edwards cross to equalise from close range with just over 10 to go.
Raith then battered Dunfermline for the last 10 minutes. For this spell the Rovers were excellent and were really unlucky not to have scored in this period. A wonder save from Fon-Williams kept the score at 1 each and that’s the way it’d finish.
An entertaining game, but a lack of quality going forward keeps the score down.

Full time: Raith Rovers 1-1 Dunfermline 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.

Rovers Dario Zanatta takes the award. Raith were on top for much of the game, particularly the first half. Whenever Zanatta had the ball he looked as if he’d make something happen. He’s a player that gets you off your seat and the Rovers fans seem to idolise him. He took his goal well and created the space for himself to score. A top performance.

Afterthoughts

In terms of the game, Raith will be ruing their missed opportunities. I thought they could’ve put the game to bed in the first half but didn’t do enough. Once Dunfermline equalised Raith played with tempo and intent and you can only speculate that if Raith had played like this throughout the game then they’d had probably won.
That being said, it’s obvious they’re a good side and it’s no surprise to see them where they are.
It’s a decent point for Dunfermline, they’ve been struggling and I think a loss here would’ve almost certainly been the end of Peter Grant’s tenure.
Rovers fans will be disappointed, but it’s not the worst result either.
Visit here to see a team entertain.
It’s the second time I’ve watched Raith this season and I still haven’t seen Kyle Benedictus lose a ball in the air.

“No, no, no, no, Geordie Munro
No, no, no, no my wee laddie,
I don’t want to go to Idaho,
I’d rather stay here in Kirkcaldy.”