Club 96/285 – Irvine Victoria

Match: Irvine Victoria v Irvine Meadow
Date: 25/08/2023
Venue: Vitoria Park, Irvine
Competition: Marymass Trophy
Entry Fee: £8
Travel: £7.55
Miles completed today: 48
Total miles remaining: 30978

A year ago this week I took my first ever trip into Irvine to see the Marymass derby at Meadow Park. It’s a fixture that has captivated me, there’s nothing like this anywhere else in the country.
I enjoyed myself that night, so much so that I thought I’d go back to see things from an Irvine Vics perspective.
The Marymass is a festival in Irvine, a bit like a gala on steroids. There are a number of events over a week or so and on the Friday night, the two football teams meet. It’s a big deal, the league has even given the two the weekend off so they can contest this – it’s their biggest payday of the year. Incredibly, I don’t even think the football is the main event. There’s even greasy pole contest which is absolutely mental but I’d love to go and watch.
The club are known at ‘The Westenders’ but whether you come from the top or bottom of the town seems to dictate which of the two you support.

Preview

There are three divisions between the teams and although it’s a one off game, taking down Irvine Meadow is a big ask.
The game is technically a friendly – it’s anything but. What other friendly would fetch your largest crowd of the season?
I expect Irvine Meadow to emerge victorious but I’d love to see the Vics give a good account of themselves. Unfortunately, McBookie don’t give odds on this particular fixture, but again, Meadow would’ve been odds on.

The Ground

The scale of this fixture was clear to see, I had to queue to get in! How many non league ‘friendlies’ in Scotland would you have to queue to get in – I’ll give you the answer, just this one. The queue was probably 50 deep with 25 minutes till kick off but in fairness it moved quickly. There were searches in place to ensure pyro didn’t make its way into the ground but this approach failed miserably as we had a pyro show when the teams came out!
Usually, only two sides of the ground are accessible but a third is being used here with makeshift crowd control barriers in the away end. In hindsight, this was probably the place with the best view but as I was in the home end it was impossible to get round. The ground was split exactly 50/50 for this game, and a fence segregated the home and away support.
The terracing behind the goal was good enough for me, until someone stood in front of us and put their umbrella up.
1 – it was spitting with rain, deal with it.
2 – height of ignorance!
The only inaccessible side of the ground is a hill with train tracks at the top. I took the train and you get phenomenal view of the ground from the window.
Lastly, one of the best signs in scottish football. Their pie stall is behind the goal and during the warm up balls are flying everywhere. Next to the price list in the window is another sign telling you to be aware of incoming footballs, can’t say I’ve seen that anywhere else!
To be fair to the Vics, they’ve maximised the potential of their ground remarkably well to stage this event. Great effort from those involved.
I estimate that there were around 800 people in attendance which is a fantastic turnout.

The Game

As the game was due to kick off, the fog from the youngster’s pyro show drifted across the pitch. The first half hour was uneventful. There were big tackles and some long range efforts that flew harmlessly over the bar, but nothing to get excited about.
Meadow opened the scoring as a Louis Kerr corner was met by the head of Jordan Boyd. Soon after, Meadow and Boyd doubled their tally, this time a cross from the left by Sean Ewart was met by the head of Boyd again for 2-0. This was a great goal to be fair.
Despite the slow start, Meadow would go into the break 3-0 up! On the stroke of halftime Kyle Faulds unleashed an unstoppable volley from the edge of the box to put the game to bed. The players have to cross the spectators to get to the dressing room and the Vics players were visibly furious.
Last year at Meadow Park, I watched Conor O’Donnell score a belter of a free kick which helped seal victory. Almost exactly one year later, I watched him do it again. He’s went the goalkeepers near side from distance and bent the ball into the top corner. I can’t think of a real Vics chance to be honest, one to forget for them.

Full time: Irvine Victoria 0-4 Irvine Meadow

MOTM

Jordan Boyd is a new signing for Irvine Meadow but he’ll have found favour with the fans already with two first half goals which essentially killed the Vics hopes. By scoring two headers, he’s obviously good in the air but it’s his movement in the box that impressed me.

Summary

I have mixed feelings about this one. I’m a neutral and was happy enough to see either team lift the Marymass trophy. However, I was here to see things from a Vics point of view and on the park, this is one they’d rather forget.
On the plus side, I got to see Victoria Park at it’s loud and colourful best and I doubt I’ll see many bigger occasions in non league Scottish football.
Irvine Vics are doing well in the league and despite this disappointment, a great season could well be on the cards.
Victoria Park is a fine ground, but the Marymass is a fixture that simply has to be experienced.

Club 95/285 – Harthill Royal

Match: Harthill Royal v Stoneyburn
Date: 23/08/2023
Venue: Gibbshill Park, Harthill
Competition: East of Scotland Division 3 (Tier 9)
Entry Fee: £6
Travel: £9
Miles completed today: 58
Total miles remaining: 31026

Before the midweek cards die off in the darker nights, I’m determined to make the most of them. Harthill was one of these places I was never really sure existed. I knew it as a service station and a service station only. Harthill is one of the many old mining villages in the area and is right on the border of the East/West footballing divide.
Harthill Royal actually entered the pyramid in the West of Scotland where they played for a solitary season before heading back east. The only other club I can think of to play in both is Threave Rovers. If there are anymore, please let me know. The club were (sort of) founded in 1992. They were an amateur club beforehand and 92 is the year they joined the juniors.
It’s been a tough couple of years for the club as two seasons ago they finished bottom of the West of Scotland Football League, moved to the east and finished bottom of that too but things are looking up. The league has still to take shape but two cup scalps over Edinburgh University (4 divisions above) and Blackburn United (two above) leave plenty of room for optimism. I feel that I’m visiting at a good time.

Preview

Harthill’s recent form has them rightfully favourites for the game. Both have 1 win from 3 and there’s an early chance for either to put some distance between themselves and the teams near the bottom. Stoneyburn defeated Harthill 4-0 twice last season, but didn’t win in their last two meetings with Harthill winning the last back in May.
The magic of this division is that there are so many derbies. Tonight’s fixture is included in that – there’s only about 6 miles between the two grounds.

Odds:
Harthill Royal 8/13
Draw 9/2
Stoneyburn 21/10

The Journey

I did this one by train but I was also conscious of getting my steps in for the day. Annoyingly, this is one of the only train lines that charge more to travel between quarter to 5 and quarter past 6 – pure greed from those in charge but it’s an easy journey. Glasgow to Blackridge, then the walk by the side of farms and fields to get to Harthill. It’s not just about the football for me, I enjoy the adventure too. I can’t think of another reason I’d be in Harthill if not for the football. It’s a nice place, but I don’t know what’d bring me here.

The Ground

Gibbshill Park predates the club having been home to Polkemmet Juniors before they went defunct in the late 80’s. Interestingly, the ground isn’t actually in Harthill and is in a different council authority altogether! When I say it’s not in Harthill, it’s about 50 yards outside, in Greenrigg. So Harthill village is in North Lanarkshire, but the ground is technically in West Lothian. That’s a cool quirk.
It’s on the main street and you can’t miss it with large signage on their fence which sits on the main street. As I stared at their club badge on the wall, I noticed that it looks a lot like Chelsea’s and it’d be one hell of a coincidence if the club didn’t base themselves off their English counterparts. I was also given a clue as to where the Royal part of their name came from (or at least I think I was) when I saw the union jack flying from just outside the perimeter.
The ground itself is actually impressive. Picnic benches, a social club and a large covered stand too. Not bad for the level! Spectators have access to behind one goal and one of the longer sides. Most grounds have a ringed fence but here there are crowd control barriers separating the spectators and the pitch. The ground is floodlit although I’m unsure these would pass for licencing criteria but there is something unique here. Inside the ground, there’s a five a side astro pitch. This was left open and one or two kids had a wee kickabout but I can’t recall ever seeing this anywhere else. Maybe the first team do some training here, so not to rip up their pitch.
I’ll only ever take a scotch pie if there’s nothing else on offer but it’s up there with the best scotch pie I’ve had. Packed with meat and plenty of flavour. Did I go back for another one? Yes, yes I did.

The Game

Part of me felt like staying in tonight, watching the Hibs game and having a quiet one. If it wasn’t for the sheer scale of my project that remains I might’ve done just that. I was definitely keen to see Harthill and visit the ground, but it was just one of those flat nights where you can’t be bothered leaving the house you know? I forced myself out and thought “if there’s more goals in this than the Hibs game, I’ve made a good decision”.
I thought this game would be close. I was wrong. Both teams wanted to go over the top more often than not but Harthill were so much better at it than Stoneyburn. Harthill have a lot of pace in their team and constantly asked questions of the Stoneyburn defence. The visitors struggled despite playing the same way. Harthill’s two centre halves are gigantic and they’ll win practically every ball.
The first goal came after just 5 minutes where a long ball in behind Stoneyburn’s defence was latched on to by Mo Sessay who was about 4th favourite to get there first. He nipped in front of the onrushing keeper and maintained his balance and composure to roll the ball into an empty net.
I then had a bout of deja vu as I saw a carbon copy of that move with the same player involved. This time the keeper had caught him and Harthill had a penalty which was excellently converted by Callum Robertson sending the keeper the wrong way in the process.
Cammy Morrison made it 3 as he opened up his right foot from the left side of the box and curled one in to the far corner. Harthill were on easy street.
I have to be honest and tell you that I only caught Mo Sessay’s second goal as he shot for goal and missed the whole move as I was busy eating my second pie of the night but 4-0 at half time is not a scoreline I saw coming.
Stoneyburn to their credit were much better in the second half. It was a very competitive half of football with a lot of fouls and meaty challenges. Barry Frew got one back for the away side jinking past 3 Harthill defenders before slipping the ball into the net – great goal. Harthill really had to weather a storm for the next 10 minutes but did what they had to do and time was getting away from Stoneyburn.
The last goal of the game was a fifth for the home side as Kevin Kalala got in behind on the right and despite the keeper getting a good hand on his strike, couldn’t prevent the ball from bouncing over the line. Someone from a Stoneyburn persuasion proclaimed rather loudly that this was Harthill’s first shot of the second half, and the guy probably wasn’t far wrong. The damage was done in the first half but the better team won. Oh, and there were indeed more goals here than Easter Road!

Full time: Harthill Royal 5-1 Stoneyburn

MOTM

I’m going to go with two goal hero Mo Sessay. Mo had the poor Stoneyburn full back on toast in the first half with his electric turn of pace and managed two goals himself. He also won his team a penalty and despite falling out of the game a bit in the second period, he surely has to go down as the match winner.

After the dust settled

A Harthill win could’ve been predicted beforehand but a 5-1 is a tremendous result. I think Stoneyburn will be disappointed with their first half showing, especially as their second half performance was so much better but Harthill should be credited for taking full advantage.
In the league, Harthill have now won half as many games as they did last season after only 4 matchdays! This coupled with their recent cup exploits are signs of huge improvement and they certainly looked a handy outfit.
Gibbshill Park is in a peaceful and accessible part of the country and looking back at my pictures, I’m not sure I do it justice meaning you’ll have to come and see for yourself.
There’s a lesson here, and it’s about hard work and persistence. It’s been a tough ride the past few years but the club have stuck at it and stayed together and now that things are looking up I can’t help but feel they deserve it. Good on them!

Cheers for having me, and good luck.

Club 94/285 – Newburgh

Match: Newburgh v Albion Rovers
Date: 19/08/2023
Venue: East Shore Park, Newburgh
Competition: South Challenge Cup, 1st Round
Entry Fee: £7
Travel: £13.35
Miles completed today: 136
Total miles remaining: 31084

The South Challenge Cup has been an excellent addition to the football calendar but with the first round being regional there didn’t seem to be many ‘juicy’ ties. Initially, I was on dog watching duty so had planned to attend a game in Glasgow but a last minute reprieve let me go where I like.
I was torn. Queen of the South v Annan was a fixture I had earmarked in June before any fixtures had been announced but this felt like a once in a lifetime fixture and I simply HAD to be there.

I’ll say this a million times, a football club it the heart of the community. Simply by drawing a big team in the cup, Newburgh’s shops and pubs will see an upturn in business – all thanks to the football team. Newburgh normally get around 50 supporters at their games but expect a crowd in excess of 250 descending on East Shore Park to watch the game. Football is magic, it really is.
There’s always been a big community spirit in the village. That was proven in the late 1980’s when Newburgh FC sent a letter to every house in the area asking to donate £10 towards the purchase of their ground. Incredibly, this scheme worked!
Their most successful period came in the 60’s and 70’s where they lifted multiple league titles and made the Junior Cup semis’ twice. As far as I can see, their last trophy came in 1991 when they won the Fife County Western League.

The Journey

Buses trump trains when it comes to travelling to Newburgh. A bus from Glasgow to Glenrothes, then into Newburgh and exactly the same route back. The winding country roads are nice to be on, but I don’t envy the bus drivers – these roads weren’t designed for them. Still, it’s an easy and uneventful journey and the bus even stops just a two minute walk from the ground. One bus ticket gets you from Glasgow to Newburgh (and return) and it costs £11. You can actually use the ticket as far as Brechin or Edinburgh if you wanted to, as it’s valid for as many journeys you can fit into a day. One of the rare occasions where public transport is good value for money.

Preview

I’m fairly well connected on Twitter, and everyone has been talking about this game. Lots of neutrals are heading along but everybody with an interest in non league Scottish football has an eye on the proceedings, quite literally game of the day.
As Newburgh had always been a non licenced junior club, and the Wee Rovers in the professional leagues, it was an impossibility for these teams to meet in a competitive fixture. Only Albion Rovers’ relegation last season made it possible, it’s a real fairytale cup tie.
McBookie are offering 14/1 on a Newburgh victory. For context, they’ve given Greenock Morton more of a chance turning over Rangers away than Newburgh have of beating Albion Rovers at home. That’s the gulf here.
For Newburgh, the result isn’t the main factor. This is a small club who don’t grab the headlines all too often but all eyes are on the club – regardless of the result to come, this is their day.

The Ground

East Shore Park is absolutely gorgeous. Newburgh is build on a hill and the ground can be found right at the bottom just feet from the River Tay. Their setup is impressive with two large covered areas. There’s no seating (well, officially) but there are some old wooden benches installed. It’s almost as if they’ve taken whatever they can get their hands on and made it work. It gives the place enormous character.
My favourite thing about a football ground is a vantage point and there is one here. A small grassy embankment has been taken over by the young team and their drum but it’s the best view in the house.
More importantly, the pie. Newburgh’s steak pies are up there with the very best I’ve had. I heard another guy tell his mate they’re the best in Fife, who am I to argue.
The club also sell match programmes. I’m not a huge programme guy, but the evidence is there to prove they’re still viable and this is about as good a job I’ve seen at this level. Very professional, informative and only £2.
Everything just works here. The backdrop, the stands, the nearby boats that are visible from one end of the ground, the housing that surrounds the park and of course the punters that come to watch. It’s what football’s all about.

The Game

I expected one way traffic and was fearful when Albion Rovers took the lead with their first attack of the game, albeit in controversial circumstances. Bright Price (what a name) had his effort saved and collided with David Chalmers in goals who stayed down injured. The ref was right not to give the foul but surely you stop the game as the ball went out wide? However, play on and Reece Paterson turned the ball into an empty net. Albion Rovers absolutely right to take advantage but the ref has to do better here.
Nothing controversial about the second as Niyah Joseph blasted one home from the edge of the box, straight into the corner of the net.
I thought Newburgh could’ve had a penalty when the ball hit Arnie Kasa’s hand in the box but nothing given and having spoken to a few people about it, I seem to be the only one who can recall the incident!
Newburgh grew into the game but just couldn’t get their final ball right. A respectable 2-0 at the break.
The third came through Bright Prince who was clean through and took his finish really well. More controversy though, as I thought he was offside!
The fourth was the best goal of the day as Josh Tran’s crossfield ball found Dom McMahon who took the ball down and hammered it into the opposite corner, no stopping that one.

Full time: Newburgh 0-4 Albion Rovers

MOTM

Albion Rovers had a striker who led the line excellently. He’s about 6 foot 4, defenders bounce off him, he’s quick and good technically too. He’s raw, but to my amazement, he’s only 17! Bright Prince is half Nigerian, half Spanish and had a stint in Getafe’s youth system.
Not the usual sort of player you’d see at East Shore Park but he was excellent, Newburgh’s defence simply couldn’t live with him.

Summary

Albion Rovers unsurprisingly take the tie but Newburgh were excellent and did their club proud. 4-0 isn’t a disaster by any means and they competed for the most part only being outdone by moments of quality from the Wee Rovers.
I was able to see East Shore Park at it’s very best, busy and bustling with a sense of excitement.
I was able to meet some people that I’d followed on Twitter for a long time who all wanted a piece of the action. I’m slightly jealous of those 50 or so hardcore fans that get to eat those pies every week though!

I think it’d be fair to call East Shore Park a hidden gem and the Newburgh committee deserve massive credit for handling such a big occasion with ease. I’m glad they got the exposure the tie deserved and it’s not just me that’ll be writing about or snapping pictures at this game. The club were founded in 1909, here’s to the next 114 years.

Club 93/285 – Luncarty

Match: Luncarty v Kirkcaldy & Dysart
Date: 16/08/2023
Venue: Brownlands Park, Luncarty
Competition: EOS Qualifying Cup (2nd Round)
Entry Fee: £7
Travel: £11.55
Miles completed today: 134
Total miles remaining: 31220

I don’t tend to travel too far through the week. I find it a little rushed and it’s difficult to make the most of your day out. I’ve done a few to Dundee and enjoyed it, so why not Perth?
It turns out I was extremely naive. I’ve always thought I knew where Luncarty was, just at the top of Perth isn’t it? Aye, and the rest. It’s about 5 miles north but as I had plenty of time beforehand, I fancied a walk.
There’s a coastal path that’ll take you there and it’s a lovely walk along the banks of the River Almond. Sometimes it’s not all about the football, it’s about the journey too.
You didn’t come here to read about my walk, but here’s some pics anyway. The last one Is the King’s Stone in Denmarkfield. There are numerous tales of folklore over why this stone is placed here but my favourite is that a norse king is buried in this spot. What is not for dispute is that this is also the site of the battle of Luncarty in 980AD.

The Club

Luncarty were founded in 1886 by a bleach works in the area and their nickname to this day is still ‘the bleachers’. They’ve played on their current site since 1996 and have won 22 trophies in their history. Last season, they lifted 2 cups – something they’d only done twice previously meaning this is as good a time as any to be involved or follow the club. Now the best stat till last. In 1947, Luncarty manager Peter Gavigan turned down the Galatasaray job to stay at the club!

Preview

Any member of the East of Scotland FA can enter this tournament – it’s not just consigned to the league participants themselves. University of Stirling are the current holders and even Raith Rovers have lifted this trophy in the early days including the inaugural competition in 1898.
Luncarty are a Premier League team in the east but have lost their first three games. However, they’re on a high after defeating Loch Ness in the first prelim round of the senior Scottish Cup.
Kirkcaldy & Dysart are one of the strongest sides outwith the top flight in the region, and I know a few who actually fancied the upset here.
McBookie had Luncarty down as favourites.

Luncarty 1/2
Draw 9/2
Kirkcaldy & Dysart 13/5

The Ground

Right at the very top of the small village of Luncarty site Brownlands Park. The social club at Luncarty actually predates the ground. These clubs are a huge attraction to football fans but they’re wasted on me. That doesn’t mean it’s not impressive, I’m just not a drinker. I did nip in to use the toilet and was massively impressed with this space. As I entered the actual ground I got a strange sense of deja vu. To the best of my knowledge this was the first time I’d ever been to Luncarty in my life but it turns out I’ve actually played here before! A youth Scottish Cup game which I’m sure we won, and it didn’t click until the second half.
Luncarty do printed programmes which are actually very good and even better, the famous Luncarty pie. I’d been told about these and had to try it for myself. It’s full of meat and I’d put it in the upper echelons of pies I’ve had around the country – and at £2.50 it’s reasonably priced too.
Most of the spectators watch from the hill, which you’re automatically on as you enter. You can get down to pitch level, and I thought I’d watch a half from both views.

The Game

The first thing I noticed was the referee who actually had a good game. A big complaint over refs is that they never played the game and don’t understand certain circumstances but that can’t be said here. The ref was former Dundee United & Dunfermline player Jamie McCunnie! Luncarty have a very distinct style of play. They’re very patient on the ball and will always try and build from the back. It’s actually a similar approach to how Brendan Rodgers set up his Celtic team in his first spell. Kirkcaldy didn’t really press the defence meaning we had a slower tempo than most non league games I’d been to.
Within the first 10 minutes, Luncarty had the lead. Rhys Davies found himself clean through on the right hand side and his right footed effort was too powerful for Dion Gear who couldn’t get a strong enough hand on it to keep the ball out of the net. Luncarty were in cruise control and Kirkcaldy rarely threatened. In all honesty they were probably lucky to still be in the game.
In the second half, the tides began to turn and Kirkcaldy really grew into the game. They almost scored from a corner (may have been direct, may have got a touch) but was cleared off the line at the back post.
Luncarty got their second on the counter attack after clearing a Kirkcaldy free kick. Rhys Davies held the ball up well and laid off to Aaron Carlon who took a touch before smashing into the near post top corner. This was a real blow for Kirkcaldy and knocked the wind out of their sails.
Davies made another run and was in behind again from a long throw. This time he cut the ball back to Carlon who got his second. This was a poor goal to lose from Kirkcaldy’s point of view, but to their credit they kept battling until the full time whistle and never seemed to lack belief.

Full time: Luncarty 3-0 Kirkcaldy & Dysart

MOTM

Rhys Davies is known locally as the Luncarty Haaland and he’s my MOTM. The obvious reason is a goal and two assists in a three nil win, but that’s not all that impressed me. He’s great off the shoulder but can also hold off defenders and bring team mates into play. Most strikers have either one or the other.
He was a constant threat and made a few chances out of nothing and the decision making involved in his two assists shouldn’t be overlooked. Top performance.

After the dust settled

What was a potential banana skin for Luncarty turned into a routine win and they’ll be delighted. The team were excellent and after three league defeats, their two cup wins will give them confidence. Luncarty is a tiny village, and as nice at is it, I can’t think of a reason to visit that isn’t football related – I’d have the club down as the villages main attraction. This is a ground the traditionalists will absolutely love. A social club, programmes and top tier pies.
I can’t help but think just how well the club are actually doing at the moment considering the size of village they come from. If you fancy a visit I’d say do it, but don’t be lazy – take the coastal path!

Club 92/285 – Longside

Match: Longside v Glentanar
Date: 12/08/2023
Venue: Davidson Park, Longside
Competition: North Junior Championship (Tier 7)
Entry Fee: £8
Travel: £39.55
Miles completed today: 374
Total miles remaining: 31354

I could write you a whole post on why I began this project. Some of the many include going to Villages I didn’t know existed to see teams I’d never heard of – Longside definitely falls into that category.
I told numerous people that I’d planned to visit Longside (all of them Scottish) and no one knew where it was. I don’t blame them, you have to zoom pretty far in to see it on a map but wedged between Mintlaw and Peterhead is a wee village with a football team.
As someone who enjoys staring out the window thinking about a million different things, the journey was long but pain free.
The morning started at 7:15 with a train into Glasgow, followed by a direct bus to Aberdeen, another to Mintlaw, and a very short jaunt over to Longside. Booking with different companies is one of the many reasons public transport should be nationalised and the costs can add up but even giving myself more stop over time as a buffer in case disaster struck, it can be done.
Longside is a small village with just over 1000 people residing. I didn’t even look at where the ground was on a map or look up a postcode because I was confident enough that I could walk the entire village in 10 minutes, so surely I couldn’t miss it.
Longside FC doesn’t have any kind of social media presence, so finding info on their games is pretty scarce. Although I say I couldn’t miss the ground, it was my sole reason for visiting. Most people will bounce straight through the village not knowing it’s there. It’s far from a ‘local club for local people’ but if you weren’t looking you’d probably never know.

Preview

It’s the first league game of the season but with three League Cup fixtures under their belt already, Longside can be pretty happy with their start.
A disappointing Tuesday night defeat to Deveronside was made irrelevant by the fact they’d managed to qualify from the group stage regardless thanks to wins against Premiership opposition in the form of Fraserburgh United and Buchanhaven Hearts. Only one team qualifies from the groups, so Longside’s progression is an achievement in itself.
Longside hasn’t beaten Glentanar since 2019 (two attempts since) but finds themselves the favourites here.
Nothing is won or lost in the opening fixture of a league season but it looks to be a wide open league this year and it’s the only weekend where every single team is filled with excitement and optimism.

Odds:
Longside 1/2
Draw 9/2
Glentanar 13/5

The Ground
I won’t proclaim to be an expert regarding football clubs in this area but I’ve been around enough to know what to expect. Respectfully, grounds are basic in nature.
I was completely wrong. There are teams all over the country that’d kill to have these facilities and they smashed my expectations.
As you wander through the car park you’re met with the social club. This seems to be an epicentre for the community and is used as an actual pub rather than a football team’s social club. The bar was open to non footballing punters and some caught a bit of the game from the beer garden peering over the wall. It seems a smart move, I’m guessing this goes a long way into how the team is funded.
As I stood in Davidson Park staring at the Alan Davidson stand, I figured he must be of great importance to the club. He passed away just a few years ago but the man played for and ran the club for over 50 years – even writing a book on their history which I’d like to get my hands on. It’s plain and simple, without these people clubs at this level simply don’t exist, and I can only assume that without Alan, there wouldn’t still be a Longside FC to visit.
The ground is floodlit and the stand has 3 rows of terracing and would provide ample cover for all spectators if the weather wasn’t on our side. There’s a pavilion for the changing rooms which obviously I didn’t have access to and another separate building for the kitchen.
I didn’t expect much in terms of facilities from a ‘small’ club from a small village but this is top notch.
My only downside here is that I was overcharged to get in, and didn’t even realise it at the time (ok, that bit is my fault). I handed the guy a tenner and got £2 back, but now that I come to think of it, entry is only £6! I still think I got value for money.

The Game

After the high’s of qualifying in the cup, the anticipation and excitement was quickly drained from the home side as they found themselves 2 down within the first half hour.
There didn’t seem to be too much between the sides and I can’t make my mind up whether Glentanar were better going forward or just better at the back than their opponents, but they were good value for their lead.
The first goal came from a low driven cross from the right. Moroney was sharper than the Longside defence nipping in front of one of the centre halves to blast home from around the penalty spot. Great goal from Glentanar’s point of view, but poor defending too from Longside.
Moroney just about had his second with a similar move but just as he was about to (surely) finish from close range, Longside’s Elrick came from nowhere to make a brilliant tackle and put the ball out for a corner – a goal saving tackle no doubt.
The second did come however, MacKintosh found himself clean through and has the composure to lift the ball over Fraser in the Longside goal making it look easy in the process. I felt that Longside were much better than they were performing. They’d shown flashes of good football and had the odd chance themself, but after the second goal the team were arguing with each other and heads were gone. They needed the half time whistle and fast.
I’ll brag and say that I thought I’d see a different Longside in the second half. Just a few minutes after the second half kicked off, I send a DM in a football group chat on Twitter saying I think Lonside will win from 2-0 down.

You didn’t believe me, did you?

Harry Copeman had one or two promising runs with the ball in the first half but Longside couldn’t get him involved. The second half however, belonged to Harry. The changing room window was open and I was deliberately listening out for Longside’s coaching staff getting the hairdryer out but it was deathly quiet. Whatever he said worked though, Longside came out like an animal possessed and played with a ferocious tempo leaving Glentanar’s midfield chasing shadows. Their failure to clear a long ball fell to Copeman on the edge of the box who calmly placed the ball into the bottom corner and from there on there was only going to be one winner. Copeman had the ball on the edge of the box (right hand side) before cutting in on his left and sending a low drive off the post and in. It’s bounced right in front of the keeper who could maybe have done better but who cares, it’s 2-2.
Copeman again found himself with too much space and with only the keeper to beat, slid the ball underneath him for 3-2.
The only Glenatnar chance I can think of in the second half was an edge of the box strike from Brown which looked a sure fire goal but for a phenomenal reaction save from Fraser. Had that gone in, the game might’ve changed but the team in the ascendency marched on. A ball over the top was plucked out of the sky by Copeman and as Beattie tried to put a foot in, ended up lifting the ball over his own keeper for 4-2. Wouldn’t blame him too much, it’s a challenge he had to make!
We had one more incident to speak of, a red card! As Longside were breaking on the halfway line 2v1, Johnston made a challenge from behind which led to a straight red. It’s one of these that I’d want it to be a red card, but it isn’t. It’s as cynical as they come and Longside quite rightly were aggrieved, but it’s a textbook ‘taken one for the team’ yellow. The only exception (and this might’ve happened, I’m not sure) was that Johnston caught the boy high, in which case I’d have sent him off too. It mattered not though, as the game was dead and buried by then.
What a comeback!

Longside 4-2 Glentanar

MOTM

Do we really need to ask? Harry Copeman’s second half hat-trick is more than enough to hand him the accolade. The difference between the first and second half for Longside was about as big a gap I’d ever seen and the guy was clinical and unplayable. There’s not much to say that I didn’t cover in the match report but I simply don’t think they’d have won without him.

After the dust settled

I picked a belter of a game to watch. Although there’s two teams on the pitch I always come to see the home side and Longside provided entertainment from being both rubbish and brilliant! 6 goals, a red card and an unlikely comeback is great value and the 40-50 spectators were spoiled!
Longside’s facilities dwarf bigger clubs and I wonder if they’ll be one of the few in the area to get their SFA license where they’d be eligible to dream of a road to Hampden in the Scottish Cup. I’m impressed that a village so small has been able to sustain a football team at this level for such a long time and it seems a good time to get along to watch them. I reckon if they spread the word a bit more they’d bring more punters in, specifically young boys which I’ve seen pretty much everywhere in their droves were about the only thing missing here.
For being so far away from home, I was back for 10pm to end a long and productive day.

The geography in the north east of Scotland is still something I’m getting to grips with and I’m enjoying exploring what the areas have to offer. Davidson Park seems to be one of Scottish football’s less travelled roads but you’ll be impressed. With Aberdeen not in action till the Sunday, I wonder if more locals can frequent these games.
Longside was a trip where I got more than I bargained for, and that’s what makes the journeys worthwhile.

Club 91/286 – Lochee Harp

Match: Lochee Harp v Montrose Roselea
Date: 02/08/2023
Venue: New Beechwood Park, Dundee
Competition: Midlands League
Entry Fee: £6
Travel: £19.70
Miles completed today: 174
Total miles remaining: 32026

I’ve had my fun with the SPFL clubs, now it’s time to get back to the tiers beneath. This is a perfect example of why people think I’m mad. There’s about 50 games closer to home, one or two have the potential to be key in the title races, but I’m off to Dundee instead.
It’s about the limit on how far I’m willing to travel midweek, but it’s also my favourite football city.
Dundee is a place full of characters. If you needed inspiration to write a book you’d speak to Dundonians for a couple of days and you’re quids in. this time it’s Lochee Harp against new boys Montrose Roselea.
I call them new, they’ve just moved regions from the north to the Midlands. This makes sense geographically, but I looked back the last 10 years and I’m certain that this fixture has not been played.
I’ll bet my bottom dollar they’ve faced off before, probably numerous times, but it’s something different for everyone.

Irish immigrants are a huge part of recent Scottish history and we have them to thank for forming some of our biggest clubs. Celtic, Hibernian & Dundee United are three good examples and Lochee Harp’s early history is similar to these giants of Scottish football. Harp still boast probably the most Irish crest I’ve ever seen, and play in green and white.
Despite a successful history, the 1980’s were the last time you’d have seen silverware frequent their trophy cabinet. Their last trophy was won in 1998 and the strength of clubs in their region make winning cups a tall order.

Preview

Lochee Harp are hoping to bounce back from a major disappointment at the weekend, losing 6-0 to their most local rivals Dundee Violet. Montrose are tipped to do well in this division. Despite their new surroundings they’ve hit the ground running with 6 points from 9 so far and are the favourite here.

Mcbookie odds:
Lochee Harp 18/5
Draw 6/1
Montrose Roselea 3/10

As it’s Harp I’m here to see, I’d love to see them get the win, but my head says different – I fancy Montrose to emerge victorious.

The Ground

I was told to expect a glorified astro cage and I find that extremely harsh. The club have been at New Beechwood for just a couple of years after moving from their historic home of… you guessed it, Beechwood Park.
However, they’ve done a grand job. A metal, covered terrace has been installed and there’s mounds around the ground that give you a great view of the action, and an even better view across Dundee! Converted shipping containers make up the dressing rooms, toilets and kitchen area. This isn’t a club with a massive fanbase, and they’ve done remarkably well to have the facilities they do.

But the BIG NEWS IS… I’ve always joked that it was my lifetime ambition to win a half time draw at the football and this day will go down in history as the day that happened. My numbers came in and I was a tenner better off. I might frame it rather than spend it!
As I got into the ground I was greeted by an old boy who knew the history of Lochee Harp inside out. I didn’t catch his name, but this guy is a gem of lower league Scottish football. Knowing your own clubs history sounds like something we should all have a grip of, but you’d be surprised at the amount of clubs at this level don’t know for certain how they came to be and how much information has actually been lost over the years. He’d asked if I brought the weather down from Montrose with me and was suitably impressed when I told him I’d come from Glasgow with the sole purpose of watching the Harp.
Nobody is less surprised than me to learn that there’s some great people here, all the Dundee clubs are the same and it’s a pleasure each and every time.

The Game

If the Lochee Harp contingent were looking for a reaction to the weekend’s derby defeat, they got it.
Montrose had a bit more about them ability wise and I expected that but Harp gave as good as they got and battled well. Whilst the coaches will be disappointed to lose the game, the effort and application cannot be faulted.
The first big chance of the game fell to the home side when Riley hit a volley from about 20 yards which had Middleton in the Montrose goal scrambling to tip wide. He had another just moments later when he weaved in between two defenders but put his shot wide.
Ar the other end, Thomson intercepted a loose pass across the defence and raced through on goal but but his near post effort wide. This was a huge let off, the lad simply had to score!
In the second half Montrose started to dominate more. They had one cleared off the line from a corner, but other than that there was very little goalmouth action until the last 10 minutes.
Roselea were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box for a handball (correct decision imo). Rae’s free kick was drilled low into the bottom corner and was booked for his celebration in which he rubbed it in the face of an opposition player. Listen, it’s football, they’ve probably been goading each other all game, I’ve no issue with it, but it was a great strike and came at a time where Montrose were really piling on the pressure.
The game was settled 7 minutes later after McGregor made a good save but Davidson latched on to the rebound to shoot high into the net from a tight angle.

Full time: Lochee Harp 0-2 Montrose Roselea

Summary

I feel for Lochee Harp who matched their opponents and battled well but were undone late into the game. I mean, I’m glad I didn’t turn up for a 0-0 but to put so much into the game and come away with nothing will be gutting for them.
Montrose undoubtedly deserved to win, the midfield was keenly and evenly contested but the away side were better going forward and scored two good goals. No arguments over the result or scoreline whatsoever.
Lochee Harp finished 17th last season, so success for them will likely be to better that, and there’s no reason they can’t.
A trip to Scotland’s friendliest city is a no brainer, and Lochee Harp can be added to a list of clubs I favour. Best of luck with the season!

On a side note, here’s the most random thing that’s ever happened to me at a game. A guy was speaking to me, again impressed I’d travelled a long way for the game. He said he was an artist, whipped out a notepad from his pocket along with one of those pens that have multiple colours and drew me this to take back home. It feels only right to share it…

and now here’s the rest…