Club 87/282 – Kinnoull

Match: Kinnoull v Lochore Welfare
Date: 23/05/2023
Venue: Tulloch Park, Perth
Competition: EOS Division One (Tier 7)
Entry Fee: £6
Travel: £13.35
Miles completed today: 128
Total miles remaining: 31678

Here it is, my final trip of the season. I’ll write about the campaign as a whole at a later date but season two ends here. My last trip is one of the most important. This time of the season is where prizes are won and this is a massive game for both sides. Strangely, that didn’t come into my thinking, I wanted to put a bit of distance in and Kinnoull was about as far as I could go.
When it comes to football geography, Perth is a funny place. One of its clubs play in the Midlands League (two if you count nearby Scone) and two play in the east. Kinnoull have already been promoted meaning we will have a Perth derby next season when they face Jeanfield, has there ever been a competitive one in senior Scottish football before?
Kinnoull is an area of Perth and the club don’t actually play there. Kinnoull is at the other, less busy side of the water but it’s not a city I know well. Just like my Vale of Clyde trip the day before, this is all about the occasion.

Preview

I’m sure Kinnoull would’ve bitten your hand off for promotion before the season started, but there’s still a chance they could lift the league title. It won’t be won tonight, and they need results to go their way on the last day of the season but only a win really keeps their dream alive.
For Lochore, they’re in the relegation places but a win would lift them out and ensure it’s in their hands on the final day. A draw wouldn’t be a disaster, but I expect both teams to go for it.

McBookie odds:
Kinnoull 4/5
Draw 21/5
Lochore 13/8

The Ground

Tulloch Park is a fenced off part of a larger park with the same name. The ground itself has so much space and an area behind the nearside goal has a smaller goal setup for the kids to have a kickabout. It’s always nice to see them accomodated. The pavillion is the main feature where everything from the dressing rooms to the refreshments bar is and the steak pies are amongst the best in the country.
There is something unique about this ground – it’s the first I’ve ever seen with 3 dugouts! It looks like the side with two are newer and will be the way forward but it’s still something I haven’t seen before.
At this point I must give the club a lot of credit. They gave me a message on Twitter offering free entry, pie and a drink but I’m never keen on taking money out of clubs and declined. Still, the offer means a lot, I won’t forget it. There’s a bit of wind but it’s a nice night and the pitch looks good. What do people do that aren’t into football?

The Pavillion

The Game

I think it’d be fair to say that the players were tense and nervous from the first whistle. I’ve absolutely no doubt these are decent footballing sides, particularly Kinnoull who are higher up the table but it wasn’t a night for pretty football. The aim seemed to be to keep the ball as far away from their own goals as possible. Neither team were allowed to settle on the ball and every challenge was full blooded. Everyone knew what was at stake and I’d rather watch that than a tactical 0-0 in the English Premier League for £50 a ticket.
I overheard before the match that Lochore’s keeper is unbelievable and to be fair, he was. He made two excellent saves and in the second half guessed the right way to keep a penalty out.
Lochore won every header from corners but their efforts didn’t trouble the keeper.
The game was decided by Gregor Donald who had a tap in after some excellent work from Kyle Woolley. The roar from the side was deafening!
Lochore put one over the bar in the dying seconds and all 11 of their players dropped to the ground. I wish I’d caught it on camera as it perfectly portrayed the emotions of the occasion.
Either team could’ve nicked it but Kinnoull did have two goals disallowed for offside and made the most of their chances.

Full time: Kinnoull 1-0 Lochore Welfare

If you look really closely, the ball is just about to hit the back of the net at the other end

Summary

That was massive! The ramifications of this fixture were huge and Kinnoull have bagged a vital 3 points. In all honesty Lochore were every bit as good as their opponents and despite the disappointment of narrow defeat, they’re more than capable of staying up.

Remaining fixtures:

Preston Athletic v Kinnoull

They must win and hope Camelon take something from Dunbar yet could still finish fourth!

Lochore Welfare v Coldstream.

They must avoid defeat and better Burntisland Shipyards result – Coldstream are also level on points with Lochore and Burntisland with the worst goal difference.

How great is the league when four teams can still win the title on the last day and 3 are battling for one safety spot at the other end? Phenomenal viewing.

Kinnoull have an excellent setup and there’s room for more as they inevitably work towards a license. I may have to head to Jeanfield to take in the Perth derby.
A big thanks to the club for being willing to go above and beyond for me, and to Ian Jackson who gave me a lift back to the train station afterwards. It was great to meet you all!

Best of luck in the last game!

Club 86/282 – Vale of Clyde

Match: Vale of Clyde v Girvan
Date: 22/05/2023
Venue: Fullarton Park, Glasgow
Competition: WOS Division Three (Tier 9)
Entry Fee: £6
Travel: £1.75
Miles completed today: 18
Total miles remaining: 31806

It’s my intention to use my blogs to capture some of the best moments Scottish football has to offer. Things don’t always pan out that way but I’ve managed derbies, roaring comebacks and a couple of trophy days into the bargain – I’ve done ok. Vale of Clyde are the champs and tonight they’ll be crowned. I’m here to bask in their glory.

In the early days, the Tin Pail were one of the best Junior sides in the country and even lifted the Junior Cup three times. As far as I can see, they haven’t lifted a trophy for 18 years so this is a momentous day in their history.
It’s said that the table never lies, so if you’re looking of an indication of how good Vale of Clyde are… 27 wins from 34 scoring 117 goals in the process. Not bad eh?

In my ignorance, I had no real idea how local Fullarton Park actually was. It’s a bit of a trek from Glasgow Central but a massive straight line that goes past Celtic Park. I’m totally unfamiliar with the Tollcross area, it’s probably the only part of Glasgow I don’t know but I hoped that like me, many would be descending on Fullarton for the first time for trophy day.

Preview

The game itself is immaterial. The league has been won and the trophy will be presented afterwards. For their opponents Girvan, they’re safe from relegation. I think it’s disrespectful to call it a dead rubber but well, it is. It might be an opportunity to rotate the squad and sometimes players are caught up in the occasion and are ‘off the boil’ for the game. In the reverse fixture earlier this season, Vale won 6-0. That was my prediction for this one and I was close!

There are three other games in Scotland and McBookie are offering odds on them all. This game has been missed out which proves that even the bookies aren’t sure how seriously the teams will take it.

The Ground

Fullarton Park is an absolute gem. Terracing, cover, close to the pitch and a great clubhouse – there’s everything you could ever need. I arrived half an hour to kick off and the place was already busy.
Most impressively was their ultras who stand behind the dugouts away from the crowds. These school kid ultra groups are popping up all over the country and I’ve always seen it as harmless fun and of course, the next generation of supporters. These guys will be pleased to know they’re probably the best I’ve seen at this level. They were in full voice 30 minutes before kick off right through to 20 minutes after full time and only stopped for half time. That’s a commendable effort in itself. Plenty of different chants, nothing offensive and the drummer can actually keep a beat – that’s rarer than it looks! Sometimes these guys are discouraged and shunned but Vale of Clyde have embraced them, it’s nice to see.
Most impressively, was their pyro show. Pyro is a divisive subject and a lot of people I know are dead against it. What camp am I in? No pyro no party. Blue, red and white smoke filled the far side before the game and during the trophy lift and it was quite the spectacle.
The near side terracing is where the vast majority of spectators congregate.and there’s a lot of them! I’ve no idea what Vale’s normal crowd is but I’d be impressed if it’s anything like this. If not, they got the occasion they deserve. The ground is surrounded by trees giving it a relaxing backdrop. This is a great place to watch football – I’ll be back.
At half time there must’ve been about 50 youngsters descend to the pitch for a kickabout. You don’t see this very often anymore and was wholesome.

The Game

Remember when I said I wasn’t sure how seriously Vale of Clyde would take things? Ignore that. Vale of Clyde went 1-0 up in the first minute and got another just two minutes later. Paul Donaghy opened the scoring and Dylan McGuigan scored a cracker from the edge of the box side footing into the top corner.Girvan to their credit did not fall apart and actually came into the game having a few chances themselves.
The second half was one way traffic.Thomas Sinclair netted the third with a move that gave me dejavu back to the first goal – a mirror image.Paul Donaghy scored 2 goals in 3 minutes to complete his hat-trick before Darin Walker rounded off a wonderful team goal in what was for me, the pick of the bunch. The scoring was completed by Kieran Christie after just 64 minutes and at that point I feared the worst for Girvan. An emphatic result in the end and that’s why they’re champions.

Vale of Clyde 7-0 Girvan

MOTM

I could make a case for 4 or 5 of the Vale players but Paul Donaghy netted a hat-trick so it simply has to be him. His finishes were instinctive and relied on making the right movements at the right time – a skill that’s hard to teach. Sometimes if you gamble you get the rewards and that was certainly the case for his third goal when he reacted quickest to Girvan’s keeper spilling a shot. 3 goals and a league title. Some day.

The Trophy Lift

In truth, I could see very little! The youngsters brought out the pyro again and headed towards the players. Again, the club embraced their young ultras as the players took turns with the pyro too. The colour and the noise is fantastic. I know some don’t like it but I’m not one of those people. The pitch was flooded with people all looking for a decent angle for a picture and after seeing some crackers on social media, I probably should’ve done the same!

Summary

The occasion was both peaceful yet chaotic and a great watch from start to finish and I loved every minute. The excitement surrounding the occasion was huge on social media beforehand and the occasion certainly lived up the the hype. Numerous Youtubers were in attendance along with a couple of guys like myself that get around the country. Everyone wanted to be a part of their triumph and Vale’s committee did a wonderful job of managing the occasion.
It’s £6 to get in here and kids go free. If you’re after a cheap day out with the family this is the place for you.
I know it’s a big ask, but if you can win the league again next year I’d love to do it all over again! Vale of Clyde, you’ve earned yourself a new fan.

Club 85/282 – Downfield

Match: Downfield v Dundee Violet
Date: 17/05/2023
Venue: Downfield Park, Dundee
Competition: Midlands League (Tier 6)
Entry Fee: £6
Travel: £18.35
Miles completed today: 176
Total miles remaining: 31824

As I have no free Saturdays until the end of the season, making midweeks count is crucial to my project. Normally I try not to travel too far midweek as these tend to be flying visits and being on a timer means you might miss something. 7PM kick-offs in Dundee are an effort from Glasgow but wholly achievable and Downfield are a club I’ve wanted to visit for a while.

I only decided on this fixture the night before, so rather than doing a bit of research on the club, my time was spent working out the best way to get there.
Lesson number one – SPLIT YOUR TRAIN TICKETS. I have a railcard which makes things a bit cheaper, but an off-peak return from my local station to Dundee is £35 (Down from £51!). So one ticket from A to B is £35, with me so far?
Instead of one ticket, here’s what I bought.

Hillington East – Glasgow £1.75
Glasgow – Perth – £11.60
Perth – Dundee £5

It’s exactly the same journey for almost half the price. It’s totally legal and I think rail companies are a shambles for not advertising this. Do your research, it’ll save you loads. I had to change at Glasgow anyway, but you don’t even need to change at Perth as you have a valid ticket (albeit two tickets) to cover the one train ride.

Anyway, on to Downfield. In 1904 Scotland’s oldest club, Queen’s Park, donated a set of strips to the new club in Dundee. Over 100 years, later the club pay homage by calling themselves ‘the Spiders’ and still playing in black and white hoops to this day.
The club were kings of the area in the late 1980’s and things have been up and down since. I’m visiting at a time where things are going well.

Before I get there, I have to give Downfield a lot of credit. After the club found out about my project they slipped into my DM’s and offered free hospitality with a bit of notice. I’ve said a few times but I’ll reiterate – I’m never looking for freebies from clubs, especially at non league level. Hospitality is a big moneymaker for the clubs that have the facilities to do so and I don’t feel comfortable getting that for free and for this reason I’d no intention of taking them up on this.
Still, how nice was the offer? A gesture of little reward for them, but they’re willing to do it to make me feel welcome – top class.

Preview

I’ve seen both clubs play before, but only once. I saw Dundee Violet play Glenrothes in 2015, which is years before I was at all interested in non league football.
I saw Downfield play at East Craigie last season and lose 8-0. This is a 19 team league and Downfield finished 12th that season, this time round they’re fourth and could still finish as high as second. From scoring 51 goals in 21/22 to 100 with 2 games left this term, what a remarkable turnaround!

McBookie Odds:

Downfield 1/4
Draw 6/1
Dundee Violet 9/2

I expect Violet to be competitive but for Downfield to come out on top with tonnes of goals along the way.

The Ground

I love Dundee as a city, but anywhere you want to go is uphill. Downfield Park is right at the top of the city and it’s a steep hours walk from the train station to ground. It seems to be the case that steep mounds are commonplace in the midlands league and Downfield Park is exactly the same. This suits me as I like watching from a vantage point but this is an impressive setup. Wooden picnic like benches sit behind one of the goals where the majority of spectator congregate. I could see their social club but it didn’t look like it was open. This is fairly common for midweek games but I could be wrong. Either way, I’m here for the football.
The biggest feature of Downfield Park is their stand. This provides seating with a lot of cover and would be the envy of many tier 6 clubs.
Pies and hotdogs are on offer for reasonable prices and I can add Downfield Park to a list of grounds I’d like to visit again. Every Midland’s League club I’ve visited are on that list!
The young ‘ultras’ group were in attendance making a bit of noise and set off pyro when the first goal went in! They’re well behaved and not bothering anyone, let them be.

The Game

This went pretty much as expected. Downfield were the more dangerous and able side but Dundee Violet can play and they did cause problems of their own.
Downfield got off to a great start 10 minutes in when Callum McCleary cut inside from the right and blasted one into the bottom corner for 1-0. They were then dealt a blow when he had to go off injured just a few minutes later.
His replacement, Morgan Garden scored the second from a corner, although at the time I thought this was an own goal! Just minutes later Robert Smith added a third with a thunderous effort inside the box with the left back hammering the ball across goal and into the top corner from about 12 yards out. At this point it looked as though Downfield could’ve made the score anything they wanted.
This is where Dundee Violet deserve credit. After the third goal they pulled one back immediately with a well worked 1-2 put Aidan Benvie clean through and he gave the away side a bit of hope.
The second half was much less eventful. Both sides had the odd big chance but this was a half of duels and tussles. The excitement was done in the first half and the match fizzled out. An expected result, but 4 goals and a home win is fine by me!

Full time: Downfield 3-1 Dundee Violet

MOTM

I was really impressed with the performance of Steven McPhee. This is McPhee’s first season at Downfield and he could’ve had the pick of any club in this league but signed for Downfield as that’s where he grew up and the team meant a lot to him.
Aside from his obvious technical ability, he’s an intelligent player. Always in space and never panicked, he reminds me a little of Callum McGregor. Happy to sit in front of the defence, always be available, pick the ball up from deep and move it on. On the rare occasion he decided to venture forward his runs were perfectly timed and almost had a fantastic assist in the second half with a great run and pass across goal but his teammate shot over the bar.
Loved watching the guy, MOTM by far.

Summary

Downfield are a club I’ve come to massively appreciate and I’m glad I made the pilgrimage. Off the park, the place looks great and on the park things are looking rosy.
I’ve come to the realisation that in 5/10 years time Dundee clubs can completely change the complexion of the Highland League and that’s where I see some ending up. I see a number of clubs license ready (or close) with a good team on the park and Downfield fall into that category.
I wouldn’t really blame clubs for not having the ambition to go up but with 4/5 other local clubs in the league, that might change things. I’d love to hear Downfield’s opinion on it.
Downfield deserved their win and my guess is that they’ll finish the season in third. Would they have taken top 4 at the start of the season? Absolutely. Massive credit where it’s due.
Honestly, Dundee, what a city. Their football clubs are brilliant, the people are brilliant and it’s real. Mon the Spiders.

Club 84/282 – East Kilbride Thistle

Match East Kilbride Thistle v Kello Rovers
Date: 15/05/2023
Venue: Show Park, East Kilbride
Competition: WOS Division Three (Tier 9)
Entry Fee: £6
Travel: £3.35
Miles completed today: 28
Total miles remaining: 32000

When you ask followers of the Scottish game about football in East Kilbride, they’ll tell you all about one of the Lowland League’s strongest clubs with an exciting management team and player pool aiming for the SPFL. East Kilbride is a massive place, and one deserving of an SPFL club to back, but I’m going to take you a little further down the pyramid to EK’s older club – Thistle.

East Kilbride Thistle were one of the Junior contingent who moved en masse to the West of Scotland Football League. They were formed in 1968 and for many years were East Kilbride’s only semi pro football club. The club are one of the few to have lifted the coveted Junior Cup during their glory years of the 1980’s but with their last cup success in 2003 (minus a pre-season trophy that they host themselves), it’s been a tougher time on the park in recent years.
Considering that East Kilbride were one of Scotland’s 6 ‘new towns’ created after World War II, the club have a rich history and have won 16 trophies over their 55 year existence.

My visit coincides with a different era. The West of Scotland League has been a fantastic addition to the Scottish pyramid but it’s incredibly cut throat. With many teams still to find their ‘place’ in the setup and the divisions opting for dynamic relegation to get their numbers right – it seems nobody is safe. In last season’s Premier League, 7 teams were relegated of which 3 could still be relegated again! The 19 team Third division in which East Kilbride Thistle play will see 6 teams relegated to form 5 divisions of 16 for next season and they currently occupy the last relegation place.

Preview

I’m usually a neutral and I enjoy seeing what visiting sides have to offer but this one is all about East Kilbride Thistle. Their opponents, Kello Rovers, are safely mid-table. They can’t be promoted nor relegated and it’s fairly unlikely they’ll finish the season anywhere else but their current 7th place. East Kilbride are in a dogfight with Dalry, and possibly Vale of Leven above them with Lugar on their tail.
It’s almost certain that two of these 4 clubs will be relegated and it’s plain and simple – East Kilbride need points.
The last meeting between the two finished 5-4 to East Kilbride Thistle but I expect this one will be a lot tighter and cagier. I expect a little nerves and apprehension – I know I’d be nervous playing in a game of such magnitude. The fight for survival starts here.

The Ground

I hadn’t heard much about the Show Park but it’s fantastic. I saw some ‘shows’ just outside the ground which I’m assuming the ground takes its name from. The club have played here since their inception so I knew it was going to be an old school Junior ground and they’re my favourites. The pitch is still grass which is becoming a rarity these days and it’s only a 10 min walk from the train station.
There are multiple shipping containers inside the ground and I’m still unsure as to what these were used for. The biggest container is the snack bar and this is a brilliant space. I’d already eaten so nae pies for me this time, but I did see a couple of punters walking out with pick and mix sweets which I’m certain I haven’t seen at a game before.
Just off the entrance to the ground is a small covered terrace area which is miles away from the pitch and the view obscured by containers. It’s not in use anymore, but this tells me that at some point, they layout of the ground must have been different.
There’s a lot of space behind one of the goals and along the sides, the potential here is massive.
There’s no floodlights which means midweek games are rare. Only during the lighter nights at the start and end of the season are midweek games possible and this is one of only two games in the entire country on Monday night!
ShowPark is a fantastic ground with some old and new features and it’s obvious their committee work hard to maintain such a place. I don’t know why I haven’t been before now!
My favourite part of grounds is often a simple touch you don’t see many other places and this is no different. On the snack bar door was a handwritten teamline coupled with all remaining fixtures of the season. Next to this was another handwritten A4 sheet with the league table, all columns written out and the format explained. Again, a simple touch but this took one of their committee a considerable time and effort to put together. It may be scrunched up and binned at full time but this didn’t go unnoticed, keep up the good work.

The Game

Until the latter part of the game, there wasn’t really much to talk about. The biggest compliment I can pay East Kilbride is that if I hadn’t seen the table beforehand, I couldn’t have told you which one was safe and which was fighting relegation. Two very evenly matched teams in terms of ability, effort and commitment. There were plenty of big tackles and both teams tried hard but I must compliment both defences who were winning their battles.
In the last 25 minutes East Kilbride really went for it forcing Kello’s keeper into some decent saves. They threw plenty of balls in the box and had a few chances but it looked like a fairly drama free 0-0.
In the last minute EK Thistle were awarded a penalty in which Aaron Connolly would step up to take. The penalty was stuck low to the keepers left and incredibly, it was saved by Jamie Kerr Some of the EK players could bare to watch and I doubt the manager will be too hard on Connolly for missing the pen for a couple of reasons. One – anyone can miss a penalty and it takes guts to step up for one so important and two – he’s also the manager!
90 cagey minutes for one moment of real drama. Thistle looked the more likely but a fair result in the end.

East Kilbride Thistle 0-0 Kello Rovers

MOTM

This award could’ve went to any one of the 8 defenders on the pitch but it has to be Kello Rovers goalkeeper Jamie Kerr. Despite having little to do in the first half, he made a massive save in open play with around 10 to go and then the last minute penalty save. These two saves alone ensured Kello would leave with a point and I’m sure the East Kilbride contingent are still cursing the guy now!

Summary

I can’t help but sympathise with East Kilbride. The fight is still very much alive and staying up is a possibility, but in the context, the difference between one point and three is huge. What their performance did show is that they can compete and they can win these games and whether they stay up or go down, they can be confident heading into next season.
Despite a 0-0, the game was far from boring. The importance of the match really added to the occasion and that’s why this part of the season is brilliant for neutrals.
They’re a friendly club with a good setup and I wish them all the best in their remaining games. There may be two clubs in East Kilbride and Thistle are often overshadowed by their counterparts in tier 5 but this is the better ground of the two and well worth a visit.

Club 83/282 – Whitletts Victoria

Match Whitletts Victoria
Date: 10/05/2023
Venue: Dam Park, Ayr
Competition: WOS Division One (Tier 7)
Entry Fee: £7
Travel: £7.70
Miles completed today: 68
Total miles remaining: 32028

It’s the business end of the season, my favourite part. Every match means something and being able to choose any game in the WOSFL on Wednesday night, the potential permutations of fixtures came into my thinking.
The biggest reason behind picking this fixture is more to do with Dam Park, the ground itself. Whitlett’s are soon to be on the move bringing an 11 year stay at Dam Park to an end. I’m not sure if it’s definitely happening at the end of this season, but I’m taking no chances. Dam Park will still exist as a rugby ground, but that’s no good to me!

Who are Whitletts Victoria?

To be honest, they’re a club I knew precious little about. My knowledge of the pyramid is tenfold on what it was a year back and whilst there’s always people who know regional leagues better, I feel like I’m a strong all rounder. Still, Vics have escaped my attention until now. The club have formed their own charity to get local youngsters playing football and hopefully in time, some of these find themselves in the first team.
Ayr is a big place aside from Ayr United, Whitletts are the only other pyramid representatives. I see a club here with massive potential.

Despite an exciting time off the pitch with a new ground, the team are in a battle to survive the cutthroat Division 1. A couple of months back it looked like Whitletts were as good as gone but a recent resurgence has given them a chance.

The Ground

Dam Park is a phenomenal facility for a club at this level. It’s an old athletics ground with large seated stand. Unlike other grounds with a running track around the pitch, you get a pretty good view here, even from ground level. It’s easily accessible being so close to the train station and seeing as Ayr is on my train line, it made me wonder why I’d never been before.
£7 entry, a steak pie before the game and a seat in the stand on a warm May evening, what’s not to like?
I didn’t get as many pictures as I normally do, mainly because I didn’t fancy walking to the other side of the ground through the grass, but having the option of an elevated view won me over for the first half. The young team were out banging their drum and making some noise. I’ve noticed a lot of this over the last year especially and long may it continue.
Whitlett’s are due to move to New Voluntary Park where they can become even more of a community club and it’d be great to have somewhere they can call home and customise how they like.
Ayr rugby club have bought Dam Park meaning the Vics have to move, but that was in the pipeline anyway. Essentially, this is my last chance to see Dam Park as a football ground, I wanted to take the opportunity.

Preview

This is a relegation 6 pointer. Both Whitletts and Neilston are level on points but the home side have a game in hand. It’s entirely possible that both survive and Bonnyton drop into the relegation zone but that’s a chance neither can afford to make. Although both could do with the points, I’m here to see things from a Whitletts Victoria perspective and from their point of view, it’s a winnable game.

McBookie odds:
Whitletts Victoria 9/10
Draw 4/1
Neilston 6/4

It’s worth noting that despite the teams being inseparable in the table, Whitletts haven’t beaten Neilston since 2018. They played a couple of weeks back on Neilston’s patch and drew 1-1.

The Match

This was a fairly evenly matched encounter with the only difference between the two sides being the ability to deal with crosses into the box.
That seemed to be both teams game plan. It wasn’t a game that hinged on long balls over the top (well, not too much). Both sides tried to get the ball out wide and swing balls into the box.
Neilston tried a ball from left to right numerous times during the first half. The pass split the centre back and left back and got them in behind. This didn’t always result in a chance but the warning signs were there. The first goal looked pretty similar. A ball from the left found the head of Darren Jones who headed home for 1-0. The header was good, but the ball in was even better, a real class goal.
Whitletts didn’t have to wait too long to get themselves back in the game. A ball over the top found Jordan Boyd who had the composure to round the keeper for a tap in.
In the second half Neilston were the team in the ascendancy putting countless pressure on their opponents. They got their goal with another great ball from the left finding Jones again but this time his deft touch volley was enough to find the net.
From here it was hard to see how Whitletts were going to get back into the game but they were given a huge opportunity from the penalty spot to do just that. The penalty was fairly well struck but the credit must go to the keeper who made a phenomenal save.
Neilston would seal the game with a corner which was headed in at close range by Ciaran Friel.
Neilston held on and weren’t shy in celebrating at full time. This was a huge win for them.

Full time: Whitletts Victoria 1-3 Neilston

MOTM

It has to be Darren Jones. Not only two goals, but two high quality ones. The first header was good but I feel that the spectators really underappreciated the technique involved in the second. He could’ve swung a leg and blasted the ball but the delicate controlled touch was enough to find the corner, rather pleasing on the eye.

Summary

I’m really excited to see how Whitletts progress over the next few years. Their own ground and social club will open some new revenue streams and their community coaching projects will surely reap rewards. The club come from a large catchment area and I’d urge all Ayr United fans to come and watch when Ayr are away/not playing.
Short term, this was a disappointing result for Whitletts. This was a massive opportunity to lift themselves out of the relegation zone but it’s an opportunity missed.
It’s not all doom and gloom, as I mentioned earlier, Bonnyton could yet fall into the relegation place and if I had to put some money on it, that’s the outcome I’d go for.
There’s still so much to play for and the next few weeks should be interesting. I think Whitletts might just do it.

Even if they are to go down this season, they’re still a club on the up!