Club 117/285 – Lugar Boswell Thistle

Match: Lugar Boswell Thistle v Newmains United
Date: 27/04/2024
Venue: Rosebank Park, Lugar
Competition: WOS Division 4 (Tier 10)
Entry Fee: £6
Travel: £8.05
Miles completed today: 72
Total miles remaining: 28064

We often hear of a triad in East Ayrshire, three clubs that dominate the local landscape. Everyone knows about Glenafton, Auchinleck Talbot & Cumnock but there’s a fourth, often forgotten about club in the area. They’ve played in the senior setup and are older than all the rest – it’s Lugar Boswell Thistle.

Lugar have two remarkable claims to fame. This may need triple checked, but they’re the only side Rangers have played more than twice competitively and never defeated! The club also battered Heart of Midlothian 10-2 in a friendly in 1883 and remains the their heaviest defeat to this day.
Looking through ex players, I found Joe Mason and Bertie Black from the 60’s and a few from way back but there’s one in particular that blew my mind. There’s only one other sport I follow and it’s the darts. Everyone knows Gary Anderson and Peter Wright but there’s another Scot really making a name for himself at the moment – Cameron Menzies.
So imagine my shock when I found Lugar’s old website from 2015, clicked squads and staring back at me in a goalkeepers shirt was Menzies himself. I wasn’t looking for him, purely a chance encounter I’d never have otherwise known.

There we have it. Currently the official 50th best darts player in the world was a keeper at Lugar

Lugar is a tiny place, literally a couple of streets where 221 people live. I did find that William Murdoch was born here and in a nearby cave, held experiments which led to his invention of gas lighting and the steam engine. The cave still exists but it’s in someone’s garden and I didn’t fancy chapping their door to ask if I can see it. Still, he really put the place on the map.

Preview

Lugar are a team that have featured twice on the blog so far. They lost to Bellshill in the very early days of the project, and played out a 0-0 draw at Vale of Leven so they’re due a win.
The good news is that this is a game you’d probably expect them to get it. Lugar haven’t lost to Newmains since before COVID and won the reverse fixture 3-0 back in August. They’re fighting for promotion but with 3 games left and Rossvale hot on their tails, it’s an absolute must win.

They’re currently 8 unbeaten with 7 wins and a draw in that time. I’ve nothing at all against Newmains but it’s hard to look past the hosts here.

Odds:
Lugar Boswell Thistle 1/3
Draw 11/2
Newmains United 7/2

The Ground

The Jaggy Bunnets were founded in 1878 and have called Rosebank Park home for 142 years. This is one of the oldest grounds in the country.
It’s a fantastic time to follow Lugar. Not only are they looking good for promotion, just two months ago they acquired their ground from the council and are the proud owners of the place they’ve looked after for so long.
I walked from Auchinleck, a long leisurely stroll and upon approach to the village I could hear drums being played. There was still 50 minutes until kick off so I figured it couldn’t possibly be coming from the ground but I was wrong. A real early start from the ultras and to their credit, they didn’t stop all game!
For a ‘small’ club, their facilities would put most of their division to shame. There’s not a whole lot of space between the main road and the hill that backs on to the ground so the fact they’ve managed to fit a pavilion, covered stand, terracing, benches and a social club around the pitch is awe-inspiring.
Watching the players warm up, I took a moment to think about the history this place has. Some of the top teams in Scottish football history have graced he pitch. Imagine the tales these old brick terraces could tell. I really like the fact they’ve installed benches on the ‘hill side’ of the ground too.
Rosebank Park isn’t often mentioned in the groundhopping community but it absolutely should be. One of Scottish footballs less travelled roads but for the aesthetics and the history, this should be way higher on football enthusiasts priority list.

The Game

As the teams took to the field captain Adam Lowe ran straight towards the ultras behind the goals and encouraged the youngsters with the microphone and the drum to make as much noise as possible, love that.
From the outset it looked as though Lugar were the stronger team but Newmains were keen to ensure they wouldn’t have things all their own way.
After both sides forcing their opposition keepers into good saves, Lugar would have a golden chance to open the scoring. It’s one of those incidents that you can see coming way before it does as Conan Mackin beat Newmains keeper McDougall to a loose ball in the box and was wiped out for the clearest of penalty decisions. Lewis Kerr stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way for 1-0.
The home side came close again as Wallace’s low drive flew agonisingly past the post and at the break Lugar had a 1 goal lead. Newmains had worked hard to ensure they were still in the game and the cliqued second goal would be crucial.
A fantastic delivery from a corner by Marks was met by the head of Kyle McCulloch and the ball nestled in the net for 2-0.
From then on the second half was one way traffic and it became a case of how many. Lewis Kerr got his second with a side footed controlled volley that he expertly guided into the top corner – one of the most aesthetically pleasing goals I’ve seen all season.
Despite all the away side’s good defensive work they shot themselves in the foot with what would be the last goal of the game. An attempted back pass was intercepted by Conan Mackin who took it round the keeper for the second time in the game. This time there was no foul and he stroked the ball home with his left foot from close range.

Full time: Lugar Boswell Thistle 4-0 Newmains United

MOTM

For me, there were two players that really stood out on the park. Jack Marks, a tenacious winger was at the heart of most Lugar attacks but I’m awarding it to two goal hero Lewis Kerr. He plays central midfield but with an emphasis on attack. Always picks the ball up in space and technique wise probably the best on the pitch. He first caught my eye in the first half with a long range effort that went just over the bar before stroking home the penalty but my mind was made up with the technique of his second goal – sublime.

Summary

I can sum this one up in two words – pleasantly surprised. My expectations were low considering this was a last minute decision, a team in the bottom tier of Scottish football and I’d done absolutely no research but was blown away by the beauty of this place. With the tiny population of Lugar coupled with the powerhouse football clubs that are nearby, it can’t have been a walk in the park keeping the club going and I’m positive there’s been tough times in the past. But, to look at them now when they’ve bought their ground, play some good football and are gunning for promotion – it’s clear those in charge are doing many things right.
Lugar’s second half performance blew Newmains away and on another day could’ve been more than just a four goal margin although they’ll be quite rightly happy with the achieved result.
Considering I know a lot of people who travel around Scotland taking in football matches, I can’t believe nobody mentions Lugar and Rosebank Park as an excellent place to visit. In fairness, I’d never heard any negatives either, but there’s so much to like about the club and the location it should be spoken about more often and I’m happy to take that mantle on.

A real football adventure

Club 116/285 – Dundee North End

Match: Dundee North End v Tayport
Date: 24/04/2024
Venue: North End Park, Dundee
Competition: Midlands League (Tier 6)
Entry Fee: £6
Travel: £22.65
Miles completed today: 174
Total miles remaining: 28136

All aboard the midweek train. The weather over the winter has been dreadful but there is a plus side, and that’s the amount of teams that have a fixture backlog isn’t great for them but it is for me.
Dundee North End are in one of the craziest title races – here’s the lowdown…

– Broughty Athletic are top of the league and have completed all of their fixtures sitting on 103 points
– Dundee North End have 7 YES 7 games in hand and if they win them all they end on 104 points
– If North End drop any points at all, Broughty win the league.

Over the next few weeks North End will be the first score I check but it’s all academic unless they win here against Tayport.

Tayport is a place I’ve still to get to, but they have featured on the blog before when they were unfancied winners against Lochee United a few years back so I know fine well they’re capable of causing an upset.
Looking at North End’s fixtures (and this is just my opinion), Tayport is probably their toughest game on paper.

I reckon the home side will win but the odds look a tad harsh on the visitors. That said, how often are the bookies wrong?

Dundee North End 1/5
Draw 6/1
Tayport 11/2

The Ground

I can wander around the city centre without the use of a map, and can get to Tannadice/Dens with my eyes closed so I was surprised to learn that North End Park was just around the corner. Like all of the Dundee clubs I’ve been to so far, cracking setup.
I’ll always look for a vantage point at a ground and there’s a steep hill behind one of the goals at the far side. There’s a large terraced covered area and it’s instantly become one of my favourite stands – because there’s history behind it.
In 1987 Dundee United got all the way to the UEFA Cup final and were given the UEFA Fair Play award for the conduct of their fans. The cash the club received from UEFA had to be spent on spectator improvements and a stand was erected in 1988. Thirty six years later, I’m looking at the same stand at it’s new(er) home of North End Park.
Can’t praise the place highly enough.
Some of the Broughty Athletic players and staff had turned up to watch too, with champagne on ice just in case.
There are plenty of recognisable faces around the ground tonight. Gary Bollan’s son Luc is in the North End squad, as is keeper and Charlie’s brother Grant Adam. Ryan McCord is in the midfield with Paul Sludden up top – and then there’s the management team.
Co-managers historically haven’t really worked but they certainly have here. Lewis Toshney played for a whole host of SPFL clubs over his career such as Celtic, Dundee United, Ross County & Raith Rovers. Making the big decisions with him is ex Cardiff and Scotland international Kevin McNaughton.

The old United Fair Play Stand witnessing yet another goal

The Game

For the first 15 minutes it was anyone’s game. Dundee North End looked better going forward but Tayport were dangerous. It felt like if the home side got the first goal the floodgates would open, and if Tayport got it the anxiety would set in.
North End made two really good chances with Frankie Devine on the end of both but two fantastic saves from Darryl Burns kept the scores level. The second save was so good that I was close enough to hear Devine ask him how he saved it!
Then for the briefest of moments, disaster struck. Tayport threw a ball towards the back post which was headed in by Jamie Gill. Thankfully for the Dokens, the ref blew for a foul. In my opinion it’s a good decision. How much of a push there actually was I don’t know, but there was two hands on the defenders back and if I was the ref I’d have given it too.
Just a few minutes later, the first goal arrived. A corner was swung in and the resulting header was again excellently saved by Burns but this time Ben Middleton was close by to blast the ball into the net.
Jamie Montgomery made it two with a looping header that dropped into the top corner giving the home side a two goal lead at the break.
Montgomery had his second just a few minutes after the break after a Devine corner was converted and it became a game of how many.
Devine was given the ball with only two defenders on the line but with his back to goal, he unselfishly flicked the ball towards Paul Sludden who volleyed into the opposite corner – HIS 40TH OF THE SEASON!
At this point you could see the Broughty Athletic contingent steam out of the ground as they know they weren’t winning the title tonight.
Brian Clark added a fifth to complete a convincing performance and result.
Tayport weren’t bad, Dundee North End were fantastic.

Full Time: Dundee North End 5-0 Tayport

Summary

Regardless of what happens this season, we’re guaranteed to have a new name on the Midlands League trophy. Ok, it’s only three years old but Carnoustie Panmure are the only winners so far and whether it’s North End of Broughty Ferry, it’ll be exciting to see how this pans out.
It’s not an easy league to win but I can see why the Dokens are up there. They were made to graft in the first half but once they got the first the result never looked in any doubt.

Honestly I wish Dundee was a wee bit closer, I’d be at a game every week.

I’ll leave you with the usual pictures, but the last word from me – Good luck in the title race Dokens!

Club 115/285 – Johnstone Burgh

Match: Johnstone Burgh v Arthurlie
Date: 20/04/2024
Venue: Keanie Park, Johnstone
Competition: Junior Cup Semi Final (2nd Leg)
Entry Fee: £10
Travel: £2.95
Miles completed today: 18
Total miles remaining: 28310

It’s always been my intention to visit grounds at their best. With the size of my project, it’s not always straightforward but I simply couldn’t resist this one. Johnstone Burgh have been one of the most talked about non league sides in the country after significant investment was poured into the club and some big names followed. They brought in two players with 101 caps between them. I’m absolutely certain that there aren’t 101 caps between every other non league side in the country. Graham Dorrans signed and Kyle Lafferty followed along with SPFL star Jason Naismith and some shrewd non league buys such as Darren Christie and Del Esplin. This is a seriously impressive side.

This is the semi final of the Junior Cup and it’s nicely poised after a 2-2 draw in the first leg. The winner will progress to the final and Johnstone Burgh have won it twice before. In 1964 & 1968, the club lifted the most coveted trophy in non league football and last reached the final in 2000. Their league season has been hit and miss, but lifting the cup would be an enormous boost. The winner will face Darvel in the final.

Preview

There’s a division between the sides, but I doubt there will be much between them. In the league, Arthurlie are second bottom of the Premier League and it’s been a tough campaign. Johnstone are 9th in the division below but have plenty games in hand and aren’t yet out of the title race – all to play for!
I’ve looked as far back as 2014, and in the 5 previous meetings between the sides Johnstone haven’t beaten Arthurlie.

Road to the Semi’s

Johnstone Burgh
R1 – 3-0 v East Craigie
R2 – 3-0 v Dundee North End
R3 – 3-1 v Irvine Meadow
R4 – 2-2 (4-3 pens) v Downfield
QF – 3-3 (4-1 pens) v St Cadoc’s
SF 1st Leg – 2-2 v Arthurlie

Arthurlie
R1 – 4-0 v Kilsyth Rangers
R2 – 6-1 v Forfar United
R3 – 3-3 (4-3 pens) v Rutherglen Glencairn
R4 – 3-2 v Benburb
QF – 2-1 v Bellshill Athletic
SF 1st Leg – 2-2 v Johnstone Burgh

The Ground

This isn’t my first visit to Keanie Park, I did a pre season trip here and it’s a terrific wee ground. I arrived about 25 before kick off and as you walk up the hill towards the ground, I noticed the size of the queue to get in. No complaints, it’s great to see it so busy. Kick off was even delayed by 15 minutes so all the punters could get in. I love the two legged system for the semi final as it gives both clubs the opportunity to have their big occasion and make a few quid, even if the Junior association are taking 60% of the gate…
Keane Park really rose to the occasion, their bar was packed and everyone well catered for with a burger and ice cream van on site. I headed into the clubs wee kiosk and picked up a pie & Irn-Bru for £3 which is very reasonable.
An outdoor gazebo sold scarves and signed shirts, it was class. But best of all, the place was rammed and with the numerous cans of Tennents consumed, it looked like a sight from T in the Park.
My favourite part of the ground is the ‘shed’. This must be as old as the ground itself and was packed with the youngsters who I can’t praise enough. The amount of noise that came from their section was unrivalled for this level. Flags, colour, a little pyro and noise – keep it up lads.
There were plenty of stewards, no segregation, everyone drinking and behaving themselves – football fans eh?

Absolute 10/10 this is what football is all about.

The queue at 5:30! Picture Credit: Scottish Junior FA (@ScottishJuniors) via X

The Game

I’m normally fairly good at prediction how games will go and I expected a fast, frantic anxiety filled game with meaty challenged flying in left right and centre.
I couldn’t have been more wrong! The game was played at a slower tempo and both teams tried to take the sting out of it. That’s not a put down on the game, that’s how the teams wanted to play and this was still an exciting encounter.
A Burgh corner was met by Kieran Brophy who couldn’t miss from close range to put the Burgh 1-0 up. There wasn’t much in the game until the goal, and for the next 10 minutes Johnstone were well on top. It was crucial Arthurlie didn’t concede during this period or I felt the game would pass by them. Conor Bulger picked the ball up on the right hand side and dribbled inwards. The longer he ran with the ball the more my internal monologue was shouting PASS, PASS, PASS but he knew best and after beating 3 men he found enough space to fire the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box – an unbelievable goal!
I felt like the first half flew by and it was level at the break, probably fair on reflection.
Arthurlie found themselves in behind early in the second half and Dylan McGuigan‘s controlled effort found the bottom corner. Both teams had spells on top and Johnstone had one that came back off the bar but there weren’t many clear cut chances. Even in the last 5 minutes where Johnstone are expected to throw the kitchen sink at Arthurlie, it was still even between the two sides. A couple of very good goals separated the sides.

Full time: Johnstone Burgh 1-2 Arthurlie

The Match Ticket

Summary

I know I’m here for a Johnstone Burgh perspective but as a neutral it’s important to recognise the significance of this result for Arthurlie and I’d like to congratulate them. A great result in what’s been a tough season.
For Johnstone, they’ll be devastated but there’s a bigger picture to look at. If the investment is a long term thing (and it looks as though it might be) then this is the start and I expect big things to come from the club whether it be this season in the league or the next couple – one step at a time.
This was Keanie Park at it’s absolute best and I’m glad I made it there to witness it.
Another part I thought was brilliant is the amount of Celtic & even more impressively, Aberdeen shirts that were in the crowd. I’ve been banging on for 3 years about fans of big clubs getting along to non league football and the fans that got from Hampden to Keanie Park in time for kick off was commendable.
I’m sorry it wasn’t to be for the Burgh, but the occasion they put on will last long in the memories of those who attended and for that, well done!

Club 114/285 – Troon

Match: Troon v Pollok
Date: 17/04/2024
Venue: Portland Park, Troon
Competition: West of Scotland Premier League (Tier 6)
Entry Fee: £8
Travel: £6.40
Miles completed today: 64
Total miles remaining: 28328

Here’s a place I’ve wanted to visit for such a long time. Troon has always been high on my list, but that’s not how I pick my games. I’ve definitely been to Troon beach before, but other than that the place is a mystery to me. On the train from Glasgow to Ayr, you pass Portland Park and it’s finally time to experience it for myself.

Every club have some famous names that have graced their ground but the names Portland Park can boast are better than most.
The Brazil team in 1966 stayed in Troon and used the ground to train. This squad featured Garrincha, Zico, Jairzinho and the man himself – Pele. Many school kids turned up to get a glimpse of the superstar who signed autographs for them all. Although Pele is the biggest name, there’s many more who have trained/played here.

Eusebio, Kevin Keegan, Gary Lineker, Bryan Robson, Peter Shilton, The Lisbon Lions, Ian Wright & David Seaman just to name a few.

Preview

This division is absolutely mental. I’m at the point where nothing surprises me. For a time it looked as though Troon were in trouble and Pollok might win the league. However, neither of those look likely now. Pollok are one of the form teams in the league but are too far behind to win the title. Troon have been on a good run recently and any chances of being relegated have been dashed. Not impossible, but unlikely.

The teams last played at Newlandsfield in September and played out a 2-2 draw. I don’t know why, but I fancy a 3-4 Pollok win.

Odds:
Troon 11/4
Draw 21/5
Pollok 1/2

The Ground

I can’t explain, but the ground is completely different from the one you see from the train window. They have an impressive and absolutely packed clubhouse. Whilst I didn’t indulge in the food, the options and prices are decent and there’s plenty of great places to watch the game from. A covered and seated stand, a little terracing behind the goal or anywhere along the side of the pitch. All views look pretty good. I’m extremely impressed.
The pitch also looks in good condition for the time of year. The rarest part of the night was the fact it was sunny, something we haven’t seen in Scotland for about 6 months!
One of the committee guys spied us checking out the pictures of the world superstars that’d been to Troon and took some time for a chat, nice touch.
My favourite part of the ground is a small dog kennel and water bowl and encourage people to take pictures. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a dog with me and that would’ve been weird – but it’s cool and something I can’t recall seeing anywhere else.

The Game

We didn’t have to wait long for the first controversial moment of the game – 1 minute in. Pollok were denied a pretty clear penalty as the ball broke favourably and the ref chose to play advantage. The shot was saved and the players incensed. I’m not sure where I stand with this. By the letter of the law the referee probably did the right thing and would’ve been crucified if the shot had gone in and he’d pulled it back for a penalty, however Pollok would’ve rather had the opportunity from 12 yards. Although this was a game without “huge” ramifications it was a fiesty encounter. There were at least 3 or 4 tackles that you’d get sent off for in the professional game, and from both sides. Troon’s first chance came when some nice footwork from Jack Sherrie opened up some space and his strike from range was tipped over the bar by Ben Fry.
Pollok had 3 or 4 themselves which could’ve ended up in the net but to no avail. It looked like the first goal would be crucial and it was Pollok that got it right on half time. A great touch away from the defender and Stephen Docherty does what he does best with a low drive into the corner.
Pollok were dealt a massive set back when star man Adam Forde was sent off for a wild challenge in the middle of the park. In his defence, it wasn’t the only in the match of this nature, but I’ve said it a million times, I don’t see the point of flying into a tackle that way.
Troon had their tails up, but Pollok would get a second when Scott Forrester found himself unmarked at the back post. The Seasiders night would go from bad to worse with a calamitous goal they won’t want to see back. Chris Duff was on hand to fire home the third. It’s little consolation, but Troon deserved a goal for their efforts. Jamie Gallagher out wide with a pinpoint cross for Dean Fulton who’s header across the goal was just out of Ben Fry’s reach.
It’s a rather disappointing night for Troon, but Pollok were excellent in fairness.

Full time: Troon 1-3 Pollok

MOTM

Stephen Docherty – Every time I watch him he scores. His first touch for the opening goal was clever, sending the defender the wrong way before finding the corner, it was like a goal scored on a computer game, very smooth. I’m a big fan.

Summary

Definitely one of those trips where you get more than you bargained for. Looking at Troon’s setup, they’ve got a lot right and it’s a very pleasant place to watch a game of football. Once my project is complete, there are many grounds I know I’ll only see once. Portland Park will be visited time and time again – and I’m looking forward to it.

Club 113/285 – Hutchison Vale

Match: Hutchison Vale v Dundonald Bluebell
Date: 06/04/2024
Venue: Ainslie Park, Edinburgh
Competition: East of Scotland Premier League (Tier 6)
Entry Fee: £8
Travel: £12.60
Miles completed today: 102
Total miles remaining: 28392

I am absolutely sick of weather warnings. It’s April, give us a break! “GAME OFF” dominated football clubs social media on Saturday morning again. Truth be told I didn’t think I’d be heading anywhere today. I’d come back from Portugal with food poisoning through the week but a very last minute reprieve left me hunting for a game on an artificial surface.

Hutchison Vale are a club who’s blueprint has been followed by many. Normally with non league clubs I’d try and highlight one or two ex players who went on to the pro game so let me use the next few lines to give Hutchie Vale the same treatment – I’m sure you’ll have heard of most.

Jason Cummings, Leigh Griffiths, Danny Wilson, Gary Caldwell, Paul Telfer, Gary Locke, Gary Naysmith, Ian Murray, Tommy Younger, John Hughes, Danny Lennon, Kenny Miller, Derek Riordan, Kevin Thomson, Grant Brebner, Darren Dods, George Farm, Mark Burchill, John Collins, Michael Stewart, Allan McGregor and incredibly – Alfred Finnbogason!

Growing up, you’d be lucky if I was able to tell you 10 Scottish clubs outside of the professional setup yet Hutchison Vale were one of the few. An incredibly famous youth side yes, so I was delighted when the club merged with Lothian Thistle and entered the senior setup.
Normally I’d do a little section on the ground and for the past few years Hutchison Vale have played out of Ainslie Park. This ground is run by The Spartans so I’ll talk about the setup whenever the time comes to visit them. I looked for anything different as to when Hutchison Vale are here but couldn’t find anything so for this blog, nothing on the ground.

Preview

Hutchison Vale are 4 places and 12 points above their Fife opponents but Dundonald do have 5 games in hand!
It’s been a fixture that neither side has been able to dominate in recent years with their last 3 meetings ending with a win each and a draw. My pre match prediction was a 5-3 home win and as you’ll soon find out, I wasn’t far off the mark.
Why do I think there’ll be so many goals? The wind. Scotland is a windy country at the best of times, but storm Kathleen is out in force. In the professional leagues, Edinburgh City’s game was abandoned 24 minutes in due to the wind and that’s only about 2 miles from Ainslie Park. I expected shots from distance, keepers and defenders misjudging bounces and the team with the wind to completely dominate each half.

The Game

When the game kicked off, I tried to get a quick pano shot of the ground. The wind made it difficult for me to keep my phone still, and I finished just in time to see Shaun Wringe tap home the opening goal I’m glad I saw it but completely missed the move that led to the goal which is why I’m not working for the BBC. One quickly became two as Joe Viola scored from close range. Bluebell keeper James Lennox made two unbelievable saves to keep the score from getting out of hand. It was fairly evident we weren’t going to see the best of either team, it was all about who could play the conditions best and Dundonald needed the half time whistle. It looked as though they’d limited the damage well until conceding a penalty right at the end of the half. Lennox went the right way but Lewi Signorini hit the penalty with enough power to nestle in the goals.
Dundonald could’ve done a lot better. They were under heavy fire, but clearing their lines high into the air caused them more problems than they solved. I felt the passing had to be shorter and sharper. Still, with the wind at their back things were sure to improve in the second half.
I noticed substitute Callum Strang take to the field for the second half. He’s featured on the blog before with a MOTM performance for Rosyth about a year ago, so it was no surprise to me when he pulled one back. His close range header was saved but tapped home the rebound and the comeback was on… or so I thought.
The best move of the game, and just about the only one which wasn’t wind assisted when Jamie Morrison dragged two defenders towards him whilst bearing down on goal only to slip the ball to Joe Viola who simply couldn’t miss and wrap up the points for Hutchie Vale.
The action didn’t end there though, as Dundonald were awarded a late penalty which Aiden Hendry stroked calmly to his left as the keeper went the opposite way.

Full time: Hutchison Vale 4-2 Dundonald Bluebell

I’ve banged on about the weather a lot, but there’s literally guys in this picture trying to hold up a fence…

Summary

The day probably couldn’t have went any better. I had my eye on 4 other games along with this one today – there was a grand total of 1 goal, so getting 6 is a result in itself.
Dundonald have had a decent run on the blog, this is the third time they’ve featured and they were party poopers on both occasions and Hutchison Vale were deserved winners. I didn’t learn much about either side, it was played to the conditions. The ball wouldn’t stay still at goal kicks, corners or free kicks and I’m sure the Hutchie keeper was trying to score in the first half!
The biggest credit I can give Hutchie Vale is that they matched Dundonald in the second half against the wind and that’s not how I expected the game to pan out. This win moves Vale up to third in the league. There are games in hand all over the place and they may find themselves sliding down a place or two but a top 4/5 finish in a tough league like the East of Scotland Premier isn’t bad going.

I think it’s safe to say I’ve visited the team with the best youth academy in the country over the last 25 years…