Club 82/282 – Pumpherston

Match Pumpherston v Livingston United
Date: 29/04/2023
Venue: Recreation Park, Pumpherston
Competition: EOS Division 3 (Tier 9)
Entry Fee: £6
Travel: £16.20
Miles completed today: 78
Total miles remaining: 32096

In Scotland, there are ‘hot pockets’ where non league football has thrived. Ayrshire for example, have many fantastic clubs – some of which I’ve spoken about at length. West Lothian is another of these hot pockets and one I’m slightly less familiar with. You probably don’t even realise how many clubs actually occupy this space: Bathgate Thistle, Blackburn United, Linlithgow Rose, Livingston, Whitburn, Fauldhouse United, Broxburn Athletic, West Calder United and probably one or two more I’ve missed. It’s an area I’d love to see more of.
That was all the motivation I needed when choosing my next fixture. I’m not sure what counts as a derby for most of these clubs. Is it ALL of the teams in the region or do they have a specific rival they love getting the better of? Regardless, the game here definitely counts.
There’s only three miles between Pumpherston and their opponents, Livingston United’s ground.
Pumpherston is a lot closer to Livingston than I actually realised and on a map, they almost look conjoined. It’s not an obscure place; we’ve all heard of it – but wait till you see how small it actually is! The population is around 2600 and I wonder how many of these people know about the club that represents them.
Both of these clubs were ‘junior till the end’ before following the masses slightly later into the East of Scotland league. Because of this, it’s highly possible that clubs in this division are actually playing below their stature and ability. Whitburn for example, won this division last season and are on course to win the tier above.
I tried to do a little digging about the club and failed miserably, other than wikipedia, info is scarce. The club as they are now were formed in 1990 after folding in the late 70’s. The old club were Junior Cup finalists in the 50’s, but most of the clubs success seems to hail from before the reform. Still, winning a Junior Premier League title in 2018 isn’t bad going!

Preview

Between the blog entries and all my games in between, it’s becoming increasingly unlikely that I attend a fixture having never seen either team play before but that was the case here. I was relying on the league table to guide me through this one and even that was a little deceiving. There are 8 points between the sides but Livingston United have been deducted 6 throughout the course of the season meaning that this is a little closer than it would seem.
The only thing I knew about this one is that Pumpherston would be in the black and yellow. This is part of the reason I started the project, to learn.
On a personal note, this is my 100th ground. For some hoppers these are amateur numbers, but having done the majority of these over the last two seasons it’s a milestone I’m proud of. Before I’ve even stepped foot into the ground, it’s one I’ll always remember.

The Ground

Like many non league grounds, Recreation Park is hidden away. Another that if you weren’t specifically looking for, you’d be unlikely to find. Still, it’s a hidden gem. This is non league football at its most cliched with a wee bit of character.
I know a guy who played a game here in the 1960’s and he said the only thing he remembers is having to walk down stairs at the pavillion to get to the pitch.
I imagined that’d be long gone but no! This still exists. The teams still use the pavillion to this day, although it looks like the upstairs part is now out of bounds. What’s in here I’d love to know.
The most impressive part of Recreation Park is the amount of cover they have. The stand could easily fit a couple of hundred people on wet days but it’s been overtaken by the young team and their drum. I love to see this, too often are these youngsters shunned by clubs (SPFL, I’m looking at you) but here is a safe space for the next generation of supporters.
The other main feature of the ground is the cabin. The wee window is where the pies are served. I was delighted to hear they did bridies, something you never see in Glasgow but I’d already committed to a steak pie and I don’t regret that decision at all. Reasonably priced too! I didn’t go in, and not sure if I was allowed as it looked sort of private but I got a sneak peak at their bar. There’s officially no social club on site which is why I think it was private, but maybe I’m wrong and should’ve had a look in. Either way, impressive stuff.
The pitch is surrounded by a ringed fence in Pumpherston yellow and long throws aren’t a feature here as the fence is so close to the pitch. That’s great for us spectators though, closer to the action. I stood with the 75 other spectators in the calm, peaceful surroundings awaiting kick off.
Last note, it was the cloudiest of cloudy days. Low flying aircraft passed over the ground numerous times over the course of the game and although I could hear their engines roar I couldn’t see a thing.

The Game

Other than a nervy opening 5 when Livingston United looked to take the game to the home side, Pumpherston were in reasonable control for the majority of the game. There’s not a million miles between the sides but Pumpherston looked more dangerous going forward and better on the ball in midfield.
The slippery surface might’ve had something to do with it, but I’ve never seen so many heavy touches and miskicked passes. Pumpherston are very good from the wide areas and were able to fizz some excellent balls into the Livingston box with varying degrees of success.
Testament to this, Pumpherston hit the bar 3 times in the first half! One was unlucky, one overhit cross that almost got lucky and the other probably should’ve found the net. I had mixed emotions. I felt that the goal was coming, but also that it might just not be their day.
At half time we were goalless, but Pumpherston were in the ascendency.
The turning point in the game was Livingston United being awarded a penalty for handball. I, and most of the spectators were at the other side of the ground and I can’t call this with any degree of certainty. The Livi players all shouted immediately and the ref was just as quick to give it. Despite the usual protests from the penalised team, the reaction of the Livi United players was enough to convince me that there was something there.
Pumpherston were frustrated and were in danger of losing their heads. If the penalty had been scored I think they’d have been gone. If not, I thought they’d go on to win the game – no inbetween.
It was goalkeeper to the rescue as the penalty was heroically saved by Marc Anderson and the lift that the Pumpherston got from this was clearly visible.
Shortly after, we finally had the opening goal. The best player on the park for me was Pumpherston’s left winger and it’s no surprise he was involved. He chased a lost cause cross that everyone else thought was heading out for a goal kick and cut the ball back across goal. The ball deflected off a defender but fell to Chris Rooney who’s controlled volley found the top corner.
From here, there was only one likely winner and Pumpherston chased a second. After a header from a corner, Kieran Sweeney took the ball on his chest and shot on the turn finding the bottom corner for the game. Sweeney had missed a few chances during the game including one or two he should’ve scored so I was happy to see his persistence pay off.

Full time: Pumpherston 2-0 Livingston United

MOTM

A close run thing this time, but I’m going to give it to Pumpherston’s left winger (#11) despite not actually knowing the lads name. He’s as direct as they come and beat his full back almost every time having more pace than anyone on the park. I’m not surprised he had a hand in the opener.
The other contender was captain and right back Darren Smith. His composure on the ball was impressive as was his crossing ability. I enjoyed his ability to run past defenders and there was one occasion he rode about 4 challenges keeping the ball!
#11 edges it for me.

Summary

This is a classic junior ground and well worth a visit. The division Pumpherston play in is brilliant. The majority of the teams all come from the same are and every other weeks a derby, what’s not to like! On the pitch, Pumpherston were better than their opponents and despite the penalty scare, the win was deserved. The game had a bit of everything and I was glad to see some goals.
The fact Pumpherston come from such a small community is what really impresses me. 76 came to watch, but that’s not bad when the entire population is only a couple of thousand and there’ll be a fair few Livingston, Celtic and Rangers supporters amongst them no doubt.
If you’re from Pumpherston/Livingston go along and watch the team. Whether it’s the food or the entertainment, the value for money here is second to none.
Pumpherston are next in action on Tuesday… against Livingston United!

Club 81/282 – St Roch’s

Match St Roch’s v Thorniewood United
Date: 26/04/2023
Venue: James McGrory Park, Glasgow
Competition: WOS Division One (Tier 7)
Entry Fee: £8
Travel: £3.40
Miles completed today: 16
Total miles remaining: 32174

Going back to the days where my knowledge of non-league football was extremely limited. St Roch’s were one of the clubs I was aware of. When I first moved to Glasgow in early 2019 my research began on who clubs were and what they were all about. I found a club from the northeast of Glasgow focused on community and charity.
Whether it’s donations to food banks or providing tutoring to kids, St Roch’s have been involved in it and I thought: “They’ll do for me”.
Whilst taking time to learn the city took precedence, I fully intended on taking in one of their games – I even bought a shirt! Unfortunately, between moving areas and COVID keeping us all grounded my opportunity to watch the candy play never arose. I finally had the chance to put that right on a bright April evening.

The Legend

James ‘Jimmy’ Edward McGrory. If you’re a Celtic supporter, this man needs no introduction but if you’re unfamiliar I’ll explain.
Not only is this man Celtic’s all-time top goalscorer, he also holds the British record. There are various figures floating around the internet as to his games and goals but the most reliable I found was 550 goals in 547 games – a goals-to-game ratio we’ve only seen a handful of times in the last 100 years of the sport worldwide.
Like most ex-junior clubs, the holy grail was the Junior Cup. In 1922 a teenage McGrory scored in the final against Kilwinning Rangers to give St Roch’s the biggest day in their history… or so he thought. Kilwinning protested and the game had to be replayed! It mattered not in the end, as the replay ended 2-1 and McGrory scored again. Even 101 years later this achievement has never been surpassed. After the cup final, McGrory was picked up by Celtic and the rest, as they say, is history.
McGrory is arguably THE most underappreciated footballer in Scottish football history. When Celtic announced their all-time XI in 2002 his name was inexplicably omitted. Don’t get me wrong, Lennox Larsson and Chalmers are a formidable front three, but how can you leave out a guy who scored 550 goals?!
Nevertheless, St Roch’s are quite right to celebrate the man, renaming Provanhill Park ‘James McGrory Park’ in 2013. A fitting tribute I’d say! My visit falls on the same day as McGrory’s 119th birthday. Coincidence or fate?

The Ground

There are clubs in the WOSFL who have a bigger on and off-field budget than St Roch’s but what a job they’ve done with James McGrory Park. There’s plenty of terracing and plenty of punters but the best view can be had from the ‘away end’ and this is where I ended up. They’re as well supported as some of the tier 6 clubs I’ve visited and as I stood amongst them pre-match it became apparent that I was the only one that nobody recognised. They all knew each other, it’s not just a football club it’s a meeting place and an important social occasion for the locals.
There’s a lot of spray-painted graffiti around the ground and it’s deliberate. An impressive McGrory mural lines the inaccessible part of the ground behind one of the goals and the other areas have St Roch’s branding and my favourite: No one is illegal – I can get on board with that.
I found a very welcoming and inclusive football club. That’s not unusual on my travels but St Roch’s just seem that wee bit bigger and close-knit, I love it here.
You’ll probably notice a bit of a Celtic connection and you’d be right. A tribute adorning one of the walls is dedicated to their most famous season ticket holder who frequented James McGrory Park before he passed a few years back – None other than Bertie Auld!
Imagine turning up to a local non league game to be in the presence of a guy who’d won the European Cup!

The Game

I’ve fawned over the club so far but I’m sure all in attendance will agree that this wasn’t a classic. Both teams had physical strikers and went long hoping their big guys up front would make something stick but both defences were more than a match and success was very limited.
Thorniewood were the better side and created more chances but St Roch’s took the lead through Dempsey and I cannot decide whether this was brilliant or lucky. Dempsey has either scored a 40 yard free kick seeing the keeper off his line and blasting the ball into the top corner or he’s massively overhit a long ball and it’s dropped in the net. There’s no point in asking him – we all know what he’ll say he meant it! Still, 40 yarders are more than welcome and St Roch’s had the lead.
With about 5 minutes to half time, Thorniewood equalised from the penalty spot through Ally Small with quite possibly the most casual penalty ever, rolled down the middle as the keeper dived to his left.
In the second half I felt St Roch’s would have to improve or face defeat and that’s essentially how the game panned out. A ball to the pack post was met by Dale Kindlan headed down from close range, through the keepers legs for 2-1. To be fair to St Roch’s, they did put more pressure on their opponents from here but Thorniewood were impressive at the back and dealt with most of the dangers.
St Roch’s had a couple of big chances at the end as the best move of the entire game resulted in Paul Brennan striking wide and another right at the end where the ball dropped in a busy box and was blasted at Thorniewood’s keeper who held the ball well.
Ultimately, I think it’s fair to say Thorniewood deserved the victory

Full Time: St Roch’s 1-2 Thorniewood United

MOTM

I thought about this for a while and really struggled to pick a standout player but I want to single out St Roch’s Kieran Daw, purely on the basis I would absolutely hate playing against this guy. He loves a tackle, winds people up, he’s full of energy and all over the park and was easily the most comfortable Roch’s player on the ball. The best way to describe him (and I hope it’s taken the way it’s intended) – A pest.

Summary

Result and performance aside, I got everything I wanted to and more from St Roch’s and James McGrory Park. A traditional Junior club who the community get behind in big numbers. The club come from one of the more impoverished parts of Glasgow and their charity work is a vital part outlet for those that need it. This is what sets them aside and I respect that massively.
Despite the obvious ties to Celtic, the club are first and foremost a local club where all are welcome so head along.

Club 80/282 – Auchinleck Talbot

Match Auchinleck Talbot v Cumnock
Date: 17/04/2023
Venue: Beechwood Park, Auchinleck
Competition: WOS Premier League (Tier 6)
Entry Fee: £7
Travel: £10.70
Miles completed today: 66
Total miles remaining: 32206

Along with my project of seeing every club in the Scottish pyramid play at home, I have a list of fixtures I want to see. All going well many of these will hopefully align with the project but outside of the SPFL there was one fixture I wanted to write about – Auchinleck Talbot v Cumnock.

Although I have much still to conquer, I’m experienced enough to tell you that non-league football doesn’t get any bigger than it is in Ayrshire. I’ve been lucky enough to see a Darvel – Hurlford, a Marymass derby down in Irvine, hopeful I get to see Beith v Kilbirnie but the pull of a Monday night derby showdown in Auchinleck was one I was not going to let pass.

In case you’ve been living under a rock, Auchinleck Talbot are one of the most successful clubs at this level. They’ve won the coveted Junior Cup a record 14 times – 9 more than their nearest challengers! Throughout their history, the club has always had success but there are two ‘golden eras’ if you like – the 1980s and the 2010s. Between 2010-2019 Talbot picked up a staggering 22 trophies and picked up another cup double last season.
Even in the dizzy heights of the senior Scottish Cup, Auchinleck Talbot found fame at national level knocking out both Ayr United and Hamilton Accies in recent seasons. If there are ever a club deserving of huge respect at non league level – it’s these guys.

The Derby

I’ve been open in admitting that before I embarked on this journey, non-league football in Scotland was something my knowledge was extremely limited in. Even so, I knew Talbot v Cumnock is a big game. Normally games being organised at this level are pretty lax but this was taken more seriously. Fans had to go through different gates and were segregated when inside the ground. Plenty of security presence were in attendance and their usually welcoming social club was open to members only.
That sounds a little daunting, but never did it feel like there would be any trouble either inside or outside the ground.
If we’re looking over the last 6 or 7 years the Talbot have dominated the fixture winning 7 of their last 10 encounters. However, Cumnock will feel that it’s a good time to play them.
Even going back to Junior football, teams that do well in cup competitions end up with a backlog of league games to play. The Talbot are no strangers to this but find themselves playing Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays to catch up – that’s tough! Their title hopes have faded after winning none of their last 3 league fixtures and how Cumnock would love to put the final nail in their coffin.
Cumnock themselves have cause to celebrate. Their last game was a Junior Cup semi-final where they defeated another of their rivals in Glenafton to reach the final of a competition where they knocked Auchinleck Talbot out earlier on.
It was all set up nicely to be a spicy fixture with a lot riding on it.

Odds:
Auchinleck Talbot 3/4
Draw 4/1
Cumnock 18/10

I visited Cumnock just a few months earlier and had a great experience, I have no affiliation to either but chose the home end as it’s the Talbot I was here to see.

The Ground

I’ll confess to having been here before, but the derby was the only fixture I was putting in the blog. I knew what to expect but Beechwood Park is all kinds of impressive.
First of all, on the approach to the ground, I counted two houses whose garden gates had the clubs crest welded into them. Then you see the size of the crowd that come to watch Talbot most weeks. I never fail to marvel at how such a small place in Auchinleck can be host to such a big club. Their seated stand was the original from Hamilton’s old Douglas Park ground and there are tonnes of terracing space. From a romanticist point of view I love how close the terraces are to the pitch and of course that the pitch itself is still grass (something less and less common in Scotland these days)!
A nice touch is a grassy mound next to the stand with a full sized goal set up so that the kids can have a wee kickabout. I’ve seen this in a few grounds now and always find it heartwarming. The menu is extensive with an offer of kebab pies, but I went with a cheeseburger this time and it was bang on.
The ground here wouldn’t be out of place in SPFL League Two; honestly, neither would Auchinleck Talbot!

The Game

This has to be one of the strangest games I’ve ever had to describe. There was an edge to the game although not quite the fireworks I had expected. In the first half neither team held on to the ball particularly well and Cumnock were probably the better side with Jamie Wilson pulling the strings in midfield. The first real moment of quality we got in the game resulted in the first goal. Lewis Crawford carried the ball from his own half into a crossing position and his beautiful low curling cross was met by the run of Ross Smith who volleyed home from close range. Barring that the first half was a bit of a non-event but without being at their best, the Talbot were 1 up going into the break.
In the second period, Auchinleck Talbot were much better and more dominant to the point I cannot remember Cumnock having any opportunities to score. It’s cliche to suggest the next goal was crucial but that’s how it felt. If Cumnock got it the game would spark into life and if Talbot scored next it was game set and match. Keir Samson had the golden chance to score from the penalty spot (stonewaller, correct decision) but his effort was saved by Jamie Barclay. A few around me reckoned it was a poorly struck penalty but I think that’s harsh on Barclay was down very quickly to make the save.
It looked like one goal might settle it but Ross Taylor, who’d only been on the park 10 minutes had other ideas. He picked the ball up out wide, cut inside on to his left and struck into the opposite corner for 2-0. On the balance of play this seemed a fair scoreline but the Talbot were desperate to twist the knife and they did, scoring another two goals in the closing minutes.
Fog quickly descended over Beechwood Park and the last couple of minutes were difficult to decipher but Keir Samson did eventually get his goal after meeting a ball from the left with his head, and what a header it was. Straight into the corner of the goal for three.
Young Ross Smith added his second and Talbots fourth with virtually the last kick of the game meaning bragging rights would be staying in Auchinleck.
I did get a giggle when an announcement came over the tannoy instructing both sets of supporters on how to leave the ground at full time. As the PA addressed the Cumnock fans a Talbot supporter in front of me shouted “they’ve all left by now anyway” before shaking his head and turning his attention to giving the linesman pelters. Never change, non league!

Full time: Auchinleck Talbot 4-0 Cumnock

MOTM

Two goal hero Ross Smith takes the award this time round. Both his goals were well taken and I didn’t know this at the time but the 19 year old only made his debut in January yet looks to be a valuable player scoring 5 in his 14 appearances so far. A moment in the first half sticks in my mind when he had the ball on the left hand side and rinsed the same full back 3 times before forcing Jamie Barclay into a decent save. An enjoyable performance from the kid.

Summary

I’m ecstatic to get the derby ticked off! The local clubs are everything to the old mining towns of Ayrshire and Auchinleck Talbot v Cumnock is an absolute must on the bucket list. The Talbot put aside their ropey form and congested calendar to get one over their biggest rivals and sent the fans home happy.
Talbot are one of the clubs banging loudest on the door to move up the leagues. It doesn’t look like it’ll be this season but this is a club I’m almost certain will be playing SPFL football in the not so distant future. The club strike me as Junior purists who’d still be playing at that level if they had it their own way but times have changed in Scottish football and they’re bigger than that.
Cumnock didn’t play well in honesty, and I’m sure Talbot will tell you they can play better too but all four of their goals were of high quality and well taken – that’s the difference.
Beechwood Park is a necessity, you haven’t experienced non league football in Scotland till you’ve been here. One of the biggest, proudest and best clubs at our level and it was a privilege to be there.
In terms of the title race they are praying for a miracle and things are no longer in their hands but if there’s anything I’ve learned in my short time watching non league football it’s that you never ever write off the Talbot.

Club 79/282 – Loch Ness

Match Loch Ness v Alness United
Date: 15/04/2023
Venue: King George V Park, Fortrose
Competition: North Caledonian League (Tier 6)
Entry Fee: £0
Travel: £31.50
Miles completed today: 352
Total miles remaining: 32272

If you ask anyone who had never been to Scotland to name a landmark, Loch Ness would definitely be up there. Scottish myths and legends are fascinating and having a prehistoric monster at the bottom of our largest loch probably isn’t even the wildest. For those not familiar with the area, Loch Ness isn’t a place so how can it have a football team? Is it one of the nearby villages? I’ll have to take you 25 miles north to Fortrose for the answer.
If you stand on the edge of Fortrose and look out towards the Moray Firth you’re much more likely to find something lurking in the water. The area is famous for dolphin spotting and having actually been here before, I can vouch.
When I last visited Fortrose, Loch Ness were an amateur club playing in Inverness. I’m unsure if the town had an amateur club but certainly no representation at senior level. Even now, it’s only their second season representing Fortrose and I’m none the wiser as to whether the plan is to stay.
There are good and bad times to visit football clubs and the timing of my Loch Ness FC visit is no accident. After only joining the senior setup in 2020 they’ve just won their first title and I’m here for trophy day.
Normally, winning the North Caledonian League would secure a play-off place for Highland League promotion but as the club are ‘unlicensed’ promotion is off the table. Apart from the glory and the champions status there is another bonus ball to winning the league and that’s a Scottish Cup berth for next season which has the potential to provide considerable finance for the club.

Fortrose

It doesn’t matter where you go in the Highlands, you’re always spoiled for scenery and Fortrose is no different. It’s well worth taking a walk through the links course to Chanonry Point to go dolphin watching. I’ve done this before and saw them putting on a show, but there were none this time. I don’t know whether it’s the wrong time of year, day or maybe I had to sit a bit longer but the water glistened and the sun was out – I’d happily have sat there for another few hours.

Marketing Genius

If you ask anybody in England with no interest in Scottish football to name a non league team I guarantee you Loch Ness will be in the top 5. I’ve mentioned a few times in these blogs that pre covid and pre pyramid I had very little interest in non league football due to the unbreakable glass ceiling. Loch Ness brought our a series of ‘Nessie’ shirts which gained huge traction online and on the rails of football shirt collectors around the country. I even found myself with 3 Loch Ness FC shirts because they were reasonably priced and looked a bit different. If they can rope me in without knowing anything about the club then they’ve roped others in too.
A play on the clubs link to their namesakes monster was extremely smart and I’m sure they’ve made a few quid from shirt sales and good on them! You can still find these shirts on shirt resale website for between £30-£50. If you know a football shirt collector, ask them if they have one. If they don’t, they’ll recognise the shirts without doubt.

Not this season’s kits, but I have both of these

The Ground

Like many of the North Caledonian grounds, King George V Park is of public use and therefore free to come and watch. I must say, Loch Ness to a pretty good job at making this look as professional as possible. Many sponsor boards line the pitch and the pavilion has club branding up – it looks great. The pitch is chained all the way around in club colours and it looks like many of the locals have come out to watch. If you’re local and enjoy taking in different football games there’s nowhere better to be. Still, I wonder how many of the Fortrose population know there’s a party to be had. The area is popular with tourists, many of whom have kids – how many of them know? Either way, a decent crowd had gathered to watch. If I thought coming from Glasgow was a decent effort I’ve since learned someone travelled up from SOUTHAMPTON just for the game!!
Sweets, soup, and juice are sold too, which not every North Caley club has the facilities to provide. As it’s a public park is may be one of the more basic setups I’ll see on my travels but the ground isn’t why I’m here, watching the best team in the league lift the trophy takes priority today.
The most unique park of the ground was the sub benches which were… deckchairs!

The Game

The last game I blogged were actually the opponents, Alness United. On the day I saw 11 goals – 9 of them belonged to Alness and 6 of those to one man. I expected Loch Ness to win, probably even comfortably but I did not expect to see such a dominant performance. In the warm up I overheard the coaching staff talk about standards and reminding the players that there was still a game to play before the trophy was lifted. The players seemed very relaxed and if there’s one match you’d forgive a little complacency, it’s the one after the league was won but that was not the case at all.
In truth, Alness rarely threatened and the home side could’ve actually won by more goals than they did!
I won’t describe every goal as there were so many, but Calum Neil’s 25 yard strike into the bottom corner for 4-0 was probably the pick of the bunch.
After the 5th goal went in I heard shouts from the Loch Ness players of ‘two more’ and I thought nothing of it at the time. When the 7th goal inevitably went in this was greeted with the loudest cheer and celebrations from all in the Loch Ness camp. Their target today was to score 7!! That was their challenge and their motivation and with a mentality like that it’s no wonder they’re champs!
The goalscorers were;
Conor MacPhee (7)
Shane Harkness (10)
Allan MacPhee (31,68,87)
Calum Neil (61)
Phil MacDonald (66)
Liam Taylor (85)

As I looked at the goalscorers in Loch Ness’ other league games this season I was impressed at how much the goals were spread amongst the team. They all chip an and they’re not a club who rely on one or two for goals. Again, champions for a reason.

Full time: Loch Ness 8-0 Alness United

MOTM

Hat trick hero Allan MacPhee was particularly impressive. Probably the most technically proficient on the park and all 3 goals taken well. Always seems to make the correct run and be in the perfect place at the right time, it’s an art.
Some of his efforts were a tad audacious but it showed his confidence and to be fair, not a million miles away.

The Aftermath

The trophy presentation was done quickly after the full time whistle and some of the local papers had turned up to get their shots. Loch Ness brought out a cooler with beer for all the players and ice cream which was dished out amongst the kids – lovely touch!
The team had the trophy handed over to them and chanted in celebration. This was a great day for the club and for the town of Fortrose, massive congratulations!

Summary

One of Scotland’s most recognisable non league clubs are now showing their worth on the pitch too. Second place last year, first this and the sky really is the limit. Whether they can get their own private/customisable ground will determine how high they can go but winning the North Caledonian league for the first time is a huge moment in their history and I’m glad I was there to see it happen.
Loch Ness are a very good footballing side and will quite rightly fancy their chances of getting through a round or two in the Scottish Cup next season.
To dish out an 8-0 hammering over a team who aren’t so bad themselves – particularly going forward shouldn’t be underestimated. The reverse fixture finished 2-0 in favour of Loch Ness and although Alness may not have been in the greatest of form going into the game, only 3 teams in the league have more goals and they were limited to almost nothing on the day.
Loch Ness themselves have scored 101 goals in 24 games… wow.

Congratulations guys!