Club 47/279 – Newmachar United

Match: Newmachar United v Whitehills
Date: 23/04/2022
Venue: Charlie Gordon Park, Newmachar
Competition: North Region Second Division
Entry Fee: £5
Travel: £34.60
Miles completed today: 328
Total miles remaining: 36757

Another weekend and another trip to the Shire. I was determined to get at least one more game up north before the end of the season and it’s an early train and bus for this one – I left the house at 06:35!
Newmachar is a village about 10 miles north of Aberdeen. It’s also close to Dyce which I’ve been to this season already so it wasn’t completely alien territory. It’s a rather wee place, I walked the length of it in about 10 minutes and I’d seen it all. Just behind the village lies Newmachar United FC.

It’s their last game of their league season today rounding off a pretty decent campaign. The club are guaranteed a third place finish and considering the two teams above them are Forres Thistle (who I’ve visited this season – a good side) and Rothie Rovers (who have been relentless all season) it’s a respectable league position indeed.
By chance, Whitehills were the opponents when I visited Forres. The game had a little extra edge for Newmachar as this is the final game they’ll ever play in Division 2 with league reconstruction taking place next season (essentially amalgamating Division 1 & 2),

Odds:
Newmachar United 1/4
Draw 6/1
Whitehills 9/2

The Ground

Charlie Gordon Park sits just out of view of the main road at the north end of the village. It’s easy to find as it’s helpfully signposted.
Over social media the club offered to give me a wee welcome at the gate but as I got in a little later than I hoped I thought they’d be busy and left them to it.
The setup is similar to other North Division games I’d attended, It’s basic but neat. Spectators take up one length of the pitch with the dugouts at the other. A thin layer of trees surround the pitch but the grounds main feature is a sizable pavillion and some cool artwork by the dugouts which the glare of the sun ruined my pictures of.
It’s a great afternoon for football. A wee bit of wind but the sun is out and not a cloud in sight.
I ate in Aberdeen before getting to Newmachar so I patched the usual pie but the lady next to me did not and it looked and smelt delicious, slightly regret not picking one up now!

The Game

Whitehills started very well and the first couple of opportunities fell their way including a swerving effort from range that had to be tipped over the bar.
The first goal game shortly after but it was the home side the beneficiaries and it was bizarre. An inswinging corner from Lewis Robertson seemed to catch out the Whitehills goalie who fumbled what looked to be a routine catch into the net. This has officially went down as an own goal but if the keeper wasn’t there at all it’d be going in so I’d have given him the goal.
A second followed before the half hour mark with an excellent crossfield pass finding James McMahon on the left who took a couple of touches inside and struck at the near post for 2-0.
By the second half the home side were in total control of the game and got a third through McMahon again. A fairly similar goal to his first in terms of where the ball went but an improvised slide to get the shot away the impressive part.
Whitehills corner woes continued as Steven Young (I think?) added a fourth. The ball seemed the hit Young’s head, the bar, the keeper and then the back of the net. Absolutely not the prettiest of goals but Young was delighted nonetheless.
I pride myself on being more understanding towards referees than most but I thought he had a shocker this time round. There were a few bizarre decisions that nobody could quite understand and he was in danger of losing control of a game that seemed pretty easy to referee. Not many contentious calls to make, poor challenges or people on his back but I feel the guy struggled. The highlight was a Whitehills forward about 5 yards offside not believing his luck when the ref didn’t give it. His shot was well saved and tipped out for a corner – The referee gave a goal kick. To make matters worse both sets of players were visibly laughing at him as nobody could quite believe what had just happened.
With 10 to go Newmachar added a fifth and you guessed it… from corner. This time an excellent delivery from Robertson again and the header from Dave Black put the icing on the cake and rounded off an immensely comfortable afternoon.

Full time: Newmachar United 5-0 Whitehills

MOTM

If you were to ask me Newmachars biggest strength I’d tell you it’s their left hand side. Left-back Lewis Robertson provided 2 assists (sort of), a questionable goal and a tidy performance but I’ll go with winger James McMahon.
Two well taken goals the obvious standout but he had Whitehills right back on toast for 90 minutes and it’s hard to look past that, mon the lefties.

Summary

A long day of bus times not quite adding up with the welcomed escape of an entertaining game.
Five goals for five quid is great value and it’s an incredible friendly atmosphere. I’ve no doubt this was partly due to the fact there wasn’t much riding on the game in terms of the league but it was all very polite and friendly barring a referee who booked anyone who dared to question him.
In the first 15 minutes it looked as though we’d have an end to end game but once Newmachar found their feet it was never in doubt.
I don’t think there’s much between Division 1 and 2, the club should do well next season in the new ‘Championship’ and good luck to them.

A wee shoutout for the other game that took place in the division. Forres Thistle welcomed Rothie Rovers in a winner takes all clash and Rovers won the title in the 93rd minute. I’m sure the guys at Newmachar would happily join me in congratulations for the newly crowned champs.

Club 46/279 – Fraserburgh

Match: Fraserburgh v Forres Mechanics
Date: 16/04/2022
Venue: Bellslea Park, Fraserburgh
Competition: Highland League
Entry Fee: £10
Travel: £29
Miles completed today: 392
Total miles remaining: 37081

The sixteenth of April would see the Highland League trophy won, but by who? Four serious contenders became three and soon after there were two. Either Fraserburgh, who’d led the way for much of the season or Buckie Thistle, who’d won 28 of their 33 games and still didn’t sit top of the table would be crowned on this day.
A draw is good enough for Fraserburgh but that’s a dangerous game to play. With Buckie heavy favourites away to Clachnacuddin they’d need a favour from Forres Mechanics but the bookies didn’t see that one coming.

Odds:
Fraserburgh 1/10
Draw 7/1
Forres Mechanics 10/1

The Ground

Being from the central belt, Fraserburgh looks closer to Norway than it does to Glasgow. It isn’t of course, but it’s still a big effort. It’s not the most accessible place in the world with the nearest train station 40 miles away in Aberdeen.
I usually take a wee wander about the places I visit before the games but as I passed Bellslea Park at 10 to 2 (an hour & 10 minutes before kick off) there were literally hundreds of people queued round the corner waiting to get the best spots.
With no official figure being given yet, it’s rumoured that the crowd was around 1600 which is phenomenal for a Highland League match. Even kick off had to be delayed by 15 minutes to let the hoards in. Fraserburgh normally have a decent support, normally 500 or so I’m led to believe but going by the good luck messages or Broch scarves/shirts in nearby shop windows along with the crowd it’s clear that the entire town gets behind their club.
The ground itself is a favourite of neutrals. There’s one old school seated stand that’s over 100 years old – one of those still found in few grounds around Scotland and next to this is the magnificent South Kirk which overlooks the ground. Almost everyone who’s ever taken a picture of Bellslea Park has stood opposite to get both of these in the same shot.
It’s one of the best and picturesque grounds in the ‘non league’ of Scotland.
This was a huge occasion and the organisers/club officials handled it well considering the huge number of spectators. Even the hospitality was packed and the club would’ve made a good few quid – great to see.

The Match

This wasn’t going to be a classic. Not due to the ability of the players but the wind was absolutely brutal, so much so that goal kicks against the wind travelled a total of about 30 yards. There were moments of quality but the focus for the players was just to handle the conditions.
Fraserburgh shot against the wind in the first half and Forres had them under some early pressure through Paul Brindle who’s direct dribbling was causing the Broch defence problems.
There weren’t too many first half opportunities but that changed late in the first half as the home side were awarded a penalty.
A cross into the box was handled by Lee Fraser and the referee pointed to the spot. I felt for the defender as it was completely accidental but he did gain an advantage from this as it allowed him to control the ball and make a clearance so the referee had no choice – the correct decision.
Paul Campbell put the penalty past Stuart Knight to rapturous celebrations from the crowds. Even black and white flares were set off but quickly confiscated by matchday security. The guy had a bit of a nightmare as he opened the gate pitchside, presumably to find somewhere safe to dispose of the flares but tripped over and took a tumble right in front of the dugouts. Poor guy!
At half time Fraserburgh led and managed to keep a clean sheet against the wind.
In the second half I thought Broch would race clear but they had to work hard for it and it wasn’t until the 65th minute that they managed a second. A Scott Barbour cross wasn’t cleared and the ball fell to Paul Young who fired the ball into the bottom right corner.
Barbour is usually a serial scorer but turned provider again, this time for Grant Campbell who was picked out and made no mistake.
By this time chants of ‘championies’ had started to ring round but the entertainment wasn’t finished.
Sean Butcher used the wind to his advantage to score a goal of the season contender. After a headed pass from Jamie Beagrie, Butcher decided not to take a touch and control this but instead smash a 35 yard volley over Stuart Knight and into the net. Normally the keeper would be questioned but not here.
The pace of the ball and the distance it’d travelled was almost disproportionate thanks to the strong wind and I thought he had a very good game despite the score. It was a great goal though and the crowd were buzzing off it.
That wasn’t the icing on the cake though, Captain William West (who had his own chant sung relentlessly by a pocket of supporters) added a fifth from the edge of the box firing his left footed strike into the near post. This particular group of fans were delighted.
In the end it’s a comfortable victory for Fraserburgh and more importantly, party time!

At full time Fraserburgh were presented with the Highland League trophy for the first time in twenty years. I’m glad I was part of it. Congratulations!

Full time: Fraserburgh 5-0 Forres Mechanics

MOTM

He didn’t get his name on the score sheet but was directly involved in the first three of his teams goals. Scott Barbour was the real danger man and for more conviction in the box from his team mates could’ve been sitting with four or five assists from the quality of his crosses into the box. His 36 goals across all competitions for the club this season and over 200 in total is undoubtedly a huge factor behind the club’s success.

Summary

Wow. A massive occasion and seeing the Highland League trophy being presented more than justified the lengthy trip.
Bellslea Park is a neutrals favourite for a reason and it’s a great place for a day out – just remember to wrap up for the wind!
Fraserburgh now enter a play-off with Lowland champions Bonnyrigg Rose. The winner will face Cowdenbeath for the right to play SPFL football next season.
The Broch have played Highland League football for over 100 years but you can’t stand in the way of progress and it could be an exciting time ahead.
I’m in the fairly unique position of having seen all 3 clubs involved in the play offs at home this season and I have no idea who comes out on top.
What I am absolutely sure of is that Bonnyrigg or Cowdenbeath won’t relish a trip up the north east coast to Bellsea.
Fraserburgh playing SPFL football may in the future allow them to rekindle their rivalry with Peterhead which would be exciting for the locals and for the rest of the SPFL it’s a cracking away day.
Good luck to everyone in the play-offs – it’ll be tight!

The stand

Queues at 5 to 3!

The picture everyone gets when they visit here

Second half action

Lifting the cup

Club 45/279 – Edinburgh College

Match: Edinburgh College v Whitburn
Date: 15/04/2022
Venue: Oriam (Indoor), Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh
Competition: East of Scotland Conference X
Entry Fee: £6
Travel: £16.90
Miles completed today: 102
Total miles remaining: 37473

It’s been a few weeks since my last post. I’ve been in England for a wee holiday and managed to see Forest Green, Man City & Barnton but none of these gets on the blog as this is for my Scottish football challenge only. With that in mind I’d planned a mammoth trip to Fraserburgh on the 16th and had no intention of heading along here but a rare golden opportunity had presented itself and it’s one I couldn’t pass on.
The Oriam. Edinburgh College and Heriot Watt Uni share the same outdoor ground but standing tall just next to this is a sporting dome and senior football in Scotland was about to be played indoors!
I’m reliably informed that this is only the fifth instance of an indoor game being played in senior Scottish football – all instances at the same venue.
It’s not an opportunity that comes around often and you never know when it’ll arise again so a Friday night trip into the capital it was.

Edinburgh College’s name provide a big clue into how the club came to be but all is not as it seems. The club is ran by the college but are an independant club. I assumed that all players would be students but this is not (necessarily) the case and aren’t confined to such restraints leaving plenty of room for growth.
I’d seen them play before and would warn against using their league position as a gauge of how good the team is – they can play.
The table can definitely be used to gauge the opponents, Whitburn. They’re currently top of the league and it’s an exciting title race with four teams still in with a realistic shot at the title. With this in mind anything less than a Whitburn win would open the door to the chasing pack.

Odds:
Edinburgh College 11/2
Draw 6/1
Whitburn 1/5

I hadn’t seen Whitburn play before and was excited to see part of the title race unfold. I thought the College would be hard to beat but I did think it’d be Whitburn’s day. Then again, upsets are always fun right?

The Ground

The Oriam is a multimillion pound building of sporting excellence. On foot, the entrance is hard to find and had to scour the Uni grounds to find my way in. Once greeted by a reception area I walked past many a game of basketball before making my way up the stairs to the viewing area.
Being indoor, it’s an artificial surface but it’s absolutely massive. I had wondered what would happen if the ball hit the roof whilst in play but after seeing the place there wasn’t much chance of that.
The viewing area is along one side of the ground and there’s no scope for spectators to walk round. There are plenty of seats, all with a good view or you can stand on the concourse just as easily – I chose to stand.
My only grips is that the bistro wasn’t open although I think this is ran by the uni and probably adheres to daytime hours. Still, there was some vending machines by the reception which some used for juice and crisps at half time.
Whitburn brought a good support with them, a few of which were quite vocal. As you’re in a confined space (albeit massive) you can hear a lot more than you normally would on an outdoor pitch.
This is a top facility and I fully recognise the rarity of watching a senior game here.
I was also warned how cold the indoor arena would be but I didn’t find this to be the case at all.

The Game

Two sets of players who went full blooded into every tackle and wound each other up in between. At times it felt like the football was secondary but this makes for a great watch.
Both sides are good with short, sharp passes in the midfield but very rarely did these end with an attack – mainly because one of the opposition players had committed a foul to break up play. A few half chances went by and a couple of ‘nearly’ moments regarding the final ball occurred but there wasn’t too much to report on in the first half hour.
Whitburn then took the lead as Reece Duncan, who had been playing off the left, popped up through the middle whilst running with the ball and shot low across the keeper for 1-0.
I did say the players spent the game winding each other up. The best example of this came from the first goal. After scoring, Duncan ran over to the full back he’d been facing and celebrated in his face.
Is it good sportsmanship? No. Do I love to see it? Absolutely.
Duncan was then annoyed at being booked for his celebration. I admire his audacity but he can have no complaints.
Whitburn’s second goal was scored by Michael McGarahan. A free kick swung in from deep towards the College’s near post was met and guided inat the same post.
The roar felt deafening. There weren’t too many chances in the game before the second goal but Edinburgh College had been putting some pressure on. The loud cheer from the supporters and coaches was a mixture of elation and relief.
I felt for the young referee who had his work cut out but he handled the game very well considering there was always someone in his ear for the amount of tackles that flew in.
Not the greatest game in terms of football but a very entertaining game watching two sets of lads stick the boot into each other. It’s not a complaint, I enjoyed it but Whitburn had the better of the chances and managed to take two – a fair result.

Full time: Edinburgh College 0-2 Whitburn.

MOTM

Andrew Thomson had a fine game in the middle of the park. Full of technical prowess in a frantic game but he was also tenacious despite being one of the smaller guys on the pitch. I enjoyed watching his ability to keep the ball and admired his decision making. Well done!

Summary

If you get the chance to visit the Oriam’s indoor pitch – go. Not many can say they’ve seen a game of senior Scottish football being played indoors but I can after this.
I’ll maintain that Edinburgh College are a good team and I’ve enjoyed the two games I’ve seen them play this season. They play some decent football out from the back and aren’t afraid to get stuck in but maybe just lacked a little firepower on the day – although I’ve no doubt this is partly due to the strength of opposition.
My congratulations go to Whitburn. They rolled up their socks and battled for the victory which may turn out to be crucial in a months time when the season draws to a close.
The Oriam gets a big thumbs up from me.

**Update – Cheers to Whitburn’s Twitter admin who sent me team lines for the game. Big help!

The outside of the inside