Club 112/285 – Stonehaven

Match: Stonehaven v Hermes
Date: 23/03/2024
Venue: Glenury Park, Stonehaven
Competition: North Junior Premier League (Tier 6)
Entry Fee: £6
Travel: £42
Miles completed today: 280
Total miles remaining: 28494

Well, this was a happy accident. Like most clubs I’ve still to visit, I had no idea when it’d be Stonehaven’s turn but there was a bonus ball here that swayed me.
On the astro next to Stonehaven’s ground, Shetland FA were due to play against the Fife Sunday AFL. Now amateur football is not my bag nor have I must interest in getting involved but how often do you get to see Shetland play? So I planned my timings, booked the transport and found out about 3 hours later the game had been moved to Dyce.
Jumping prematurely forward, there was a game on at the astro still, surely they hadn’t double booked? If I have to provide any justification for shunning the ammy’s, that’s it!
So two games became one but what a happy accident it turned out to be. This gave me an opportunity use the extra time to explore more than I normally would.
As a place, Stonehaven is one of the very best I’ve visited and the pinnacle of this was Dunnottar Castle. It’s a place I’ve always had the notion to visit but never found the time. It’s an uphill trek along the cliff edge with cold wind hitting your face and the rain battering down but it’s worth every single second. This is one of the rare occasions my day hasn’t focused solely on the football. I could explain it further, but why would I do that when these pictures speak for themselves (Don’t worry, the football you all came for is below).

Stonehaven FC’s nickname is The Hive due to the club’s black and gold hooped shirts (think Alloa Athletic). Definitely one of the cooler nicknames.

Preview

Here is a very rare ‘two teams I’ve never seen play before’ klaxon.
Traditionally, this fixture has been well and truly dominated by Hermes, until the last time they played just a few weeks back in the McLeman Cup where Stonehaven ran out 2-0 winners. However, before that you have to go back 11 meetings to 2018 for the last Stoney victory. It’s certainly a rarity.
Despite Hermes dominance, there’s not a lot between the two in the table – just one point in fact. Stonehaven finished 4th last season and are looking good to do so again.

Predictions? Not a clue.

The Ground

In the middle of Mineralwell public Park is the fenced off Glenury Park. Like many of the North Junior grounds, the club rely on a little honesty to make their money. You can head through the front gate and pay your way or you can stand outside the perimeter and watch for free. Of course my money was going to the club though, I’d never do that. The cafe options were better than anticipated and I tell you what, I’ve been well and truly spoiled for scran recently.
A couple of days back I banged on about Jeanfield being one of the best steak pies in Scotland – Stonehaven’s version certainly runs it close. Another tremendous effort for £3. You can get around the entire perimeter of the pitch to view the game and you’re right on top of the action.
The young team were out in force banging their drum and making plenty of noise and even setting off a flare at kick off. In fairness, the young lad opened the gate and stood outside with the flare which is a whole lot more respectful than most but the lot of them decided to patch the second half and head home!
I definitely feel that this is one of the better grounds in the North Juniors.

The Game

Honestly, is it ever not windy in Aberdeenshire? Weather wise, this was the strangest day. I can look up to see beautiful blue skies, and two minutes later I’m getting pelted with cold rain – the worst kind. It’d be fair to say that in the first half, conditions played their part as Hermes caused a lot of problems with their through balls.
Despite having much of the early possession and pressure, it was Stonehaven who came close to opening the scoring when Kidd unleashed one from range which came crashing back off the bar.
Hermes played some nice stuff in tight areas and after 26 minutes they had their opener as Duncan in the Stonehaven goal rushed out to narrow the angle of a 1 on 1 but the ball was passed to Youngson and with the keeper out of the equation he picked his spot and made it 1-0 to the visitors.
Stonehaven gave as good as they got and there were lots of physical duels and niggly fouls and almost capitalised on a rare Hermes mistake at the back when Gordon stole the ball of the last defender and cut back to Beattie who blasted over the bar with space and time.
Hermes made it 2 just before the break when a free kick was met by the head of McKenzie who’s header looped into the top corners.
At half time I certainly didn’t think Stonehaven were out of it but much to their annoyance the wind died down significantly for the second half, or part of it anyway.
Hermes made it 3 as Craig’s corner was headed in by Rae leaving Stonehaven with a mountain to climb.
No game is complete without a little controversy and there’s a decision I’m really not sure about. Duncan spilled a shot and the Hermes striker tried to go round him with the ball but was caught in the process. Penalty right? I agree. However, the stiker stayed on his feet, set himself and shot at goal but was blocked on the line and cleared. The ref blew for a penalty which I sort of get but also, hasn’t he had the advantage? It was immaterial anyway as Duncan made up for his initial error by saving the spot kick, one of 3 very good saves I remember him making throughout the match.
I was hit by a moment of deja vu when Stonehaven pulled a goal back with a carbon copy of Herme’s second. This time it was Ingram’s header looping into the top corner and Stonehaven had their tails up. In fairness, Hermes did look a little rattled as their calmness, composure and impressive use of the ball became frantic was some uncharacteristic mistakes. Stonehaven battled away in search of a second but time wasn’t on their side. It was Hermes who got revenge in the end.

Full time: Stonehaven 1-3 Hermes

Summary

I got way more than I bargained for. Unfortunately, a defeat for Stonehaven but the ground was better than I’d anticipated, and Stonehaven as a place blew me away. It’s now no wins in 3 for Stonehaven but two of those games have been the top two teams in the league. Stonehaven impressed everyone with their 4th place finish last campaign, and if they can do so again in what’s probably a more competitive division this year, I’d say that was pretty good going.
If visiting Stonehaven, see all the town has to offer and pick the one day a year where the wind won’t turn your cheeks blue. Here’s the football pictures you all came for.

Club 111/285 – Jeanfield Swifts

Match: Jeanfield Swifts v Kinnoull
Date: 20/03/2024
Venue: Riverside Stadium, Perth
Competition: EOS Premier League (Tier 6)
Entry Fee: £7
Travel: £14.55
Miles completed today: 32
Total miles remaining: 28904

Two days, two games, two derbies – It’s great to be back! This time I’m off the Perth to sample what every other groundhopper in the UK sampled over the weekend – Riverside Stadium. Non league football in Perth confuses me, some play in the East of Scotland like the two tonight, and some play in the Midlands League. Maybe it’s purely preference over which league you’d go into if promoted. East = Lowland League & Midlands = Highland League. Jeanfield are certainly one of the sides I can see making that step at some point in the not so distant future.

Preview

There is just over a mile between the two sides but there’s 41 points separating them in the table. Jeanfield are probably just to far back to win the league but that’s testament to Broxburn who have been relentless. Kinnoull are a team I have time for having visited last season and having a great experience but this campaign has been tough. Just one win and 5 points in the league, I think it’s fair to say they’ll likely be relegated. They’ve only met 4 times in the last decade, Kinnoull haven’t recorded a victory in that time. They’ve played twice this season already and on both occasions Jeanfield scored five! With that in mind, I’m expecting one way traffic.

The Ground

The first thing that stands out at Jeanfield is the welcome you get as soon as you walk through the gate. The social club entrance is right next to the gate and as soon as you hand your cash over you’re encouraged to head into the social club and ‘get out of the cold’ as the gent said.
It’s only £7 entry which is a pound or two below the going rate for this level but there’s one part of the club that everyone in groundhopping circles talk about – the pies.
Widely regarded as one of the best in Scotland, i made a beeline for the pie stall straight away. I ate the pie, then went straight back for another, they’re that good. None of your mass produced nonsense, sourced from a local butcher and believe me when I say they’re the best of gear. I’m not sure of the best pie I’ve had in Scotland but Jeanfield’s are certainly in the conversation. There’s a bit of modern terracing next to the pavillion where 90% of the punters congregate.

A top, top effort

I don’t usually mention the playing surface but I feel Jeanfield’s is worth complementing. There have been 4 games in a week on the grass surface with plenty of rain in between and it’s in a fantastic state considering, kudos.
Behind each goal is another 11 a side goal lying down and a poor guy thought it’d be a good idea to walk through it only to get tangled in the net and fall over. We asked if he was ok, he said yes then got back up, took a few steps and fell again. If you’re reading this I’m sorry, but we did have a giggle at your expense.

The scene of the crime…

The Game

Jeanfield weren’t quite at full strength but still dominated most of the game. An early effort was saved by the Kinnoull keeper but unfortunately for him straight back into the path of Dayle Robertson who put it into the corner for 1-0.
Fraser Smith added a second just a few minutes later with a powerful effort that krept under the keeper, probably one the young goalie should’ve kept out. WIth the dominance of Jeanfield it looked like it’d be a long right for the away side but they had a remarkable knack to score every time they got themselves up the park.
Their first goal was arguably goal of the night as Reece Bernard performed a roulette turn on a defender at the edge of the box and fired into the bottom corner. Game on?
Then for something you don’t see every day. An indirect free kick 6 yards out and a golden opportunity for Jeanfield to score but their effort was wide of the post. However, they were given a penalty just a minute later.
There was actually 3 big penalty calls in the first half. The ref got the one he gave right in my view, and one of the one’s he didn’t – the other was stonewall! Robertson stepped up and fired the ball into the same corner he scored the opener and Jeanfield took a 3-1 lead into half time.
Against the run of play in the second half, Kinnoull once again got themselves back in the game. This time it was an excellent cross box finish from Jack Robertson
Next up, and you know where I’m going with this don’t you… penalty to Jeanfield! Robertson stepped up once more and scored his hat trick, he was subbed shortly after with his work done.
However, back came Kinnoull and a second of the night for Jack Robertson who scored from close range after an excellent pull back to give Jeanfield a nervy ending. This was the only part of the game Jeanfield were put under real pressure but they held on for a 4-3 victory.

Full time: Jeanfield Swifts 4-3 Kinnoull

MOTM

There can only really be one. Dayle Robertson and his 3 goals makes him an obvious choice this week – all 3 right in the corners too. He’s had a few clubs in his career but seems to have found a home at Jeanfield and the club are reaping the rewards. He’s played in League One in the professional setup with Arbroath and looks a really good all round striker.

Robertson nets his third

Summary

My favourite thing about Jeanfield is that their strong squad is made up of mostly local lads and it’s great to see that paying off. I think both sides will be fairly happy with the night’s work. Kinnoull beaten, but ran a top team close and that must be encouraging. For Jeanfield with some key players missing, they’ve won the derby and picked up another 3 points.
Jeanfield are well worth a visit. Good side on the park, great committee, god tier pies and if you’re lucky you’ll see a grown man tangled in a goal net!
For an evening match, it’s hard to get good pictures on an iphone as the floodlights are quite low, but below you’ll see the best I got.

Wee shout out for Matt for keeping me company, always a pleasure!

Club 110/285 – Albion Rovers

Match: Albion Rovers v Cumbernauld Colts
Date: 19/03/2024
Venue: Reigart Stadium, Coatbridge
Competition: Lowland League (Tier 5)
Entry Fee: £11
Travel: £3.70
Miles completed today: 32
Total miles remaining: 28904

Here’s one I should’ve ticked off years ago. Albion Rovers have been a league club for as long as anyone reading this can remember but have fallen victim of the SPFL trap door. Those that only follow league football see that as a death sentence but there’s life in the tiers beneath and in 5 years time I’d guess that the Lowland League will be the most exciting in Scotland.
In reality, the league are lucky to have a club like Albion Rovers compete with this history and prestige of this great club.
They were founded in 1882 when Albion FC & Rovers FC decided to merge. Surely they’re the only club with two suffixes in their name?
Ever since 1919 Albion Rovers have played at Cliftonhill (Reigart for sponsorship purposes) and I’m ashamed to admit I’ve never stepped foot in it. Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve stepped foot in Coatbridge full stop.

Albion Rovers greatest achievement was reaching the Scottish Cup final in 1920, losing 3-2 to Kilmarnock in front of 95,000 people! In the semi’s however, Rovers knocked out Rangers… at Celtic Park!
Tommy Gemmell, Frank Beattie, Harry Hood, Andy Ritchie & Alex Ferguson’s brother have all managed the club and had one of Scottish football’s greatest ever managers, Jock Stein, here as a player. Their place in Scottish football folklore cannot be denied. The current manager is another big name – Sandy Clark, who turned out for Airdrieonians, West Ham United, Rangers & Hearts.

The one fact I found most interesting wasn’t a hard one to find, literally on their Wikipedia. How’s this for a sentence?
Albion Rovers once had the most expensive player in the world. Man City signed Jimmy Conlin from Bradford City for £1000 making him the worlds joint most expensive footballer at the time. Bradford had previously signed him from Albion Rovers. I love for these type of facts!

I’m here for a North Lanarkshire derby – the first time it’s ever been played at this ground.

Preview

Despite being fairly local, Albion Rovers and Cumbernauld Colts have only ever met once before – a 1-1 draw earlier in the season. Rovers have found the Lowland League a tough nut to crack and sit 9th in the table.
Colts have probably defied expectations and sit fourth! A Rovers win would essentially kill Colts faint chance at the title. I don’t want the dreaded 0-0, but I feel like it could be – or a narrow win either way.

Odds:
Albion Rovers 5/4
Draw 23/10
Cumbernauld Colts 17/10

In the Rovers team is Alan Reid, who is celebrating his 450th appearance for the club tonight!

The Ground

I didn’t spend a whole lot of time in the town beforehand, but I did make one observation. Coatbridge must be the most accessible place in Scotland. There are FOUR train stations within a mile of the ground!

If you’ve followed the journey for a while you’ll know I prefer the old grounds and Cliftonhill is fantastic. It’s hard to picture how the ground looks from the outside, but as you walk up the steps and you’re met with the floodlights and the terracing opposite, there’s a nice aesthetic to it. Unfortunately the terracing on the far side is no longer accessible on a match day but I’d get to sit in an old school stand – a rarity in football now. I love that all features of the stand have been painted red and yellow giving it a little character. As I sat down I tried to imagine the people who have sat in these seats all those years ago and the games they would’ve seen. Looking round, I couldn’t quite comprehend how 27,000 people crammed in here to watch Albion Rovers v Rangers in 1936.
I can also safely say that they have one of the best tasting scotch pies in Scotland. I know that’s a big claim but I’m sticking to it!
There’s a modern terracing area behind the goal that the club have had to close due to crowd trouble in the form of youngsters taking things a wee bit too far. I’d see that first hand on the night too!
Let’s be clear, this isn’t a modern football stadium lego set, but that’s what’s great about it! There’s a certain charm to the older grounds, long may it stay this way.

The Game

First things first, I want to give Cumbernauld Colts a whole lot of credit. They’re an organised side off the ball but in possession they’re a joy to watch. They move the ball quickly and with purpose and controlled much of the first half. The first real chance of the game fell to Luke McCarvel who went on a mazy from the middle of the park and was denied a certain goal by a fantastic save from Ross Connelly to keep it goalless. Colts kept the pressure on and Reg McLaren volleyed wide when 1 on 1 and probably should’ve scored. The first half ended without Albion Rovers having a shot on target (I think) and Colts will feel they should’ve been ahead.
The second half started in the same manner as a cross from the left found Connor McLaren who’s first time effort was tipped over the top from Connelly again.
Rovers were given a free kick on the edge of the box and if there’s only going to be one goal in a game it better be a good one. Barry Duncan’s powerful left footed effort went in off the post at the keepers near side – a goal worthy of winning any game.
From then one, both sides battled for supremacy and it was a nervy ending as Colts threw balls into the box throughout a sizeable chunk of injury time but Rovers defended well and held on for the win. Again, Colts will be disappointed, but you have to take your chances – Albion Rovers did just that.

Full time: Albion Rovers 1-0 Cumbernauld Colts

MOTM

This is hard. Firstly, it’s Alan Reid’s 450th game. The unwritten rule suggests it should be given to him but a player from each side caught my eye. Particularly in Scotland, you’ll find teams made up of grafters who win the physical battles first and the match second, so I always look for someone who’s a step up on the technical side. I thought Josh Tran of Rovers and Luke McCarvel of Colts were exactly that.
However, If Ross Connelly hadn’t made the two big saves at 0-0, considering how dominant Colts were at the time, I feel the game would’ve gotten away from Albion Rovers. Big moments change games, so he’s my pick this time!

Summary

Firstly, a great win for Albion Rovers. They had to be content with staying in the game for long periods of the first half, took their chance when presented and the three points that come with it. Ultimately, this is a season of consolidation and getting used to their new surroundings, but this win against a good Colts side will send the supporters home happy.
The crowd was given as 206 but it certainly looked higher and I think it’s fair to say the the club deserve the community’s support. So here’s my weekly plea – Coatbridge is commonly known as a ‘Celtic area’ and winning back fans from the Old Firm is a common issue clubs face in Scotland, but on a Tuesday night when Celtic aren’t playing, why not get along and see some live football?
Secondly, an apology. I’ll put on record that this is one of my favourite grounds in Scotland, it’s been on my doorstep for years now and I ignored it for long enough. Places like Ayr’s Somerset Park and Arbroath’s Gayfield are among my favourites as they’ve hardly changed over the years and I’ve stumbled upon another I can put in that category. I’ll leave you with some pictures for now. Tomorrow, we go again.

Club 109/285 – Drumchapel United

Match: Drumchapel United v Ashfield
Date: 05/03/2024
Venue: Donald Dewar Centre, Glasgow
Competition: WOS Division One (Tier 7)
Entry Fee: £7
Travel: £2.90
Miles completed today: 12
Total miles remaining: 28936

Time to get back out there and this time I’m staying local. Various commitments have halted my projects progress so it made sense to take in some local midweek football.
Despite Drumchapel being only 6 miles from my home, I can confidently say I’ve never stepped foot in it before. I haven’t deliberately avoided the Drum, I’ve just never had a reason to be there – but I do now (one of the major selling points of my project)!
I’ve always heard that Drumchapel is a rough place, and I saw nothing to sway me one way or the other on this trip but it’s certainly an identity that the locals are immensely proud of. Billy Connolly, James McAvoy, Andy Gray and Danny McGrain all grew up here and I was here to see the main event – the football team.

The Club

Five years ago I’ll admit to being unfamiliar with Drumchapel United. They were founded in 2001 but joined the WOSFL from amateur football. I knew all about the other Drumchapel amateur team however, who brought through the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, David Moyes, Walter Smith, John Robertson and Archie Gemmell!
As I read up on the club I found their story strikingly similar to some others I’ve visited. I liken them to West Park United, Gartcairn & St Cadoc’s. All of these clubs are a huge part of the community not necessarily for the senior side, but the hundreds of kids that play in the youth academy. In Drumchapel United’s case, that number was over 500 in 2020 (most recent figures I could find). In an area that’s had it’s fair share of anti-social behaviour problems, that’s 500 kids off the street and kept busy, I can’t stress how important that is.

The Ground

The ground is a short walk from the train station but tucked just out of sight. It’s part of the larger Donald Dewar Centre that hosts many different sports with grass pitches and tonight’s venue – the astro. When visiting astro cages I always say there’s not much to it. I don’t mean it in a rude way, I think it’s fair – does exactly what it says on the tin.
The club are fairly well supported and despite the rain bucketing down, there wasn’t many spaces at the barrier left as the punters piled in.
There’s two tower blocks overhanging the ground which would be a great photo on a clear day and every 15 minutes a low flying plane will pass over before landing at Glasgow airport. These aircraft are so low that I pondered the possibility of leathering a ball at them. Is it possible? You wouldn’t be far away that’s for sure.

Preview

As the table begins to take shape – this looks like a massive game. We’re two thirds into the season and in this 16 team league I’d say 9 still have a realistic chance of winning the title! There are games in hand all over the shop but there’s a lot at stake for both clubs. If the Drum win they’ll move up to second. If Ashfield take the points they’ll be a point behind their opponents with a game in hand.
Between the two, they’ve played 37 league games and scored 103 goals so my expectations are high.

Looking through the Drumchapel team is like a who’s who of the SPFL. Firstly, there seems to be an ex-Dunfermline contingent in Ryan Scully, Andy Geggan (who didn’t play) and David Hopkirk who all represent the club. I remember big defender Martin McNiff, spotted Grant Anderson on the bench and last but not least, ex Rangers & Hearts man David Templeton. I think it’d be fair to say the club pay well?
I’m not finished there though, starting for Ashfield was lower league journeyman Bobby Barr!

The teams have only played once before back in September where Drumchapel won 5-1 away from home but Ashfield’s form has been pretty consistent since. I fancy home side, but I don’t think it’ll be as straightforward this time round.

Odds;
Drumchapel United 4/7
Draw 9/2
Ashfield 9/4

The Game

There wasn’t too much goalmouth action in the first half. Ashfield looked good without creating much and Drumchapel looked the most likely. I’m not sure this was deliberate or not but Ashfield seemed to have a very distinct pattern on moving the ball. Goalkeeper to right back, right back to right winger’s feet who played the ball first time inside to the midfielder and they played from there. Drumchapel were a bit more varied in their play and looked to play through David Templeton as much as possible (and why wouldn’t you?).
Getting into half time at 0-0 would’ve suited Ashfield but it was snatched away from them just before the break. Templeton’s deep free kick was headed home but Martin McNiff for 1-0. The delivery was exquisite with plenty of whip and pace, certainly won’t be too hard on the defence for that one.
The second half was much the same. A battle for supremacy with Drumchapel having the edge. The game would be settled by a David Templeton free kick hit low into the goalkeeper’s near side corner and these moments of quality from set pieces is what set the teams aside.
Not a classic by any means, but 3 huge points for the Drum.

Full time: Drumchapel United 2-0 Ashfield

MOTM

I have to give him it don’t I? David Templeton has still got it. It’s great he’s back out of retirement after a career full of injuries and clearly still has much to offer. He was heavily involved in most of Drumchapel’s attacks and finished the game with a goal and assist after two excellent set pieces. Quite clearly the difference between the sides.

Summary

Was it the greatest game in the world? No. Was it unnecessarily cold and wet? Yes. Almost every time I brought my phone out to try and get a picture the image was blurred due to the rain! However, looking at the context of the result it could be massive come the end of the season. Ashfield looked handy without threatening the goal too much and Drumchapel certainly edged the game – I think the result was fair.
People talk about the Championship being the best league in Scotland but in the West we have a division with 9 teams I still can’t rule out!
I will stick my neck out and say Drumchapel to win the league. Aye, easy said when it’s them I’m writing about but I believe they have the quality to get over the line and edge out the challengers.
Regardless of the title situation, I’m pretty sure we’ll be seeing Drumchapel United in the Premier League lineup next season.