Strathspey Thistle FC

AWAY MATCH v WICK ACADEMY FC
BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE
HARMSWORTH PARK, WICK, KW1 5NH
SATURDAY 11 OCTOBER 2025 – KICK OFF 3pm

We’re on the road again this Saturday with a mighty long trip all the way up the A9 to Wick and a Breedon Highland League game at Harmsworth Park against Wick Academy Football Club.
Wick currently sit in fifteenth place in the league and although they had a good win against Rothes in the Scottish Cup a couple of weeks ago and a win at Huntly at the start of August, their league form has been a bit topsy turvy which is in keeping with their form in the league over the past couple of seasons or so – they seem to have indifferent form before Christmas but find another gear in the New Year!
All said our results at Harmsworth Park over the past couple of seasons have resulted in narrow defeats a stat we would like to reverse on Saturday and go back down the A9 with at least a point. 
With the addition of three new faces to the squad Jags’ head coach Ryan Esson should have more or less a full squad to pick from – provided there were no injuries picked up in the game against Forres on Wednesday night.
As ever we wish the boys well.

WELCOME MATTHEW WRIGHT 

We’re delighted to announce 22-year-old striker Matthew Wright joins Strathspey Thistle from Brora Rangers on a three-year deal! 
Born in Stornoway, Matthew began his full-time career with Ross County in 2020, gaining valuable experience with loan spells at Brora Rangers, Montrose, Falkirk, Elgin City and Brechin City.
After leaving Ross County in 2024, he enjoyed a short spell at Nairn County before returning to Brora Rangers.
Matthew now makes the move to Seafield Park, bringing proven attacking quality and a sharp eye for goal to the Jags’ front line.
Welcome to Strathspey Thistle, Matty.

WELCOME GEORGE ROBESTEN

We’re also delighted to announce the signing of 19-year-old midfielder George Robesten from Ross County Football Club on a loan deal. 
George is no stranger to the Highland League, having played with Nairn County, Clachnacuddin, and most recently Brora Rangers.
Manager Ryan Esson said “George is a talented young midfielder with good experience already at this level. He’s got great energy and composure on the ball, and we’re really pleased to bring him in.”
Welcome to Strathspey Thistle, George!

WELCOME BACK STEVEN MACDONALD

Fresh from lifting the Camanachd Cup with Newtonmore Shinty Club, and with the shinty season almost finished, Steven returned to his role in defence for us again on Wednesday night against Forres …..and we welcome him back – hopefully for a few months before the start of the 2026 shinty season.

LEWIS MACKIE

As we welcome three new players we are sad to confirm that Lewis Mackie has left the club following the mutual termination of his contract for personal reasons. Lewis, was a popular figure at Seafield Park and we would like to thank him for his contribution to the Jags during his time here and wish him all the very best for the future.

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WEDNESDAY NIGHT’S GAME v FORRES MECHANICS – 8 OCTOBER 2025

On what was first perceived a nice night for football under the floodlights of Seafield Park, the wind became stronger and stronger and rather spoiled what was a close encounter between the teams.
The Jags’ with three new faces in the squad had a horrendous start finding themselves a goal down after only two minutes when a shot across goal found the net.
For the rest of the first half it was nip and tuck with the Jags dominant for the first half hour but the Can-Cans dangerous on the break – but we could not break down the Forres defence and it stayed one-nil at half-time.
Ten minutes into the second half Cammy Lisle fired in a cracker to equalise for the Jags- but it was to no avail as more or less directly from the restart Forres were back in front.

As the wind got stronger both teams found accurate passing difficult and many times Danny Gillan in the Jags’ goal found his kick outs hanging in the wind.
Again Danny had a strong game making crucial saves in both halves.
Unfortunately we weren’t able to get back on level terms so that is how the game finished – two – one to Forres – a disappointing result as we thought we could have got a least a point out of the game.
We welcomed to the squad George Robeston, who played all ninety minutes, and Matt Wright, who came on for the final ten. We also welcomed as a trialist the return in defence, now that that his successful shinty season is finishing, Steven MacDonald.
All three will be great additions and we look forward to seeing their contributions over the next few months.

HALF-TIME RAFFLE

The winning ticket at the Forres game belonged to Ross Nixon, father of Jags’ defender Ali, and for the eagle eyed, you will remember Ross being successful a few months ago – this time he very generously donated his winnings back to the Club….thanks Ross, very much appreciated.

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QUIZ NIGHT DATE CHANGED

Unfortunately the date for our Quiz Night has had to be changed due to a clash of dates within Grantown.
Our new date is Friday 28 November.

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LOTTERY NOW £13,200
IT’S A RECORD AMOUNT WAITING TO BE WON ON THE JAGS’ FUNDRAISING LOTTERY!!!

£13,200 for you to win by playing our online fundraising lottery today- click here if you want to play this Sunday …

LOTTERY CH-CH-CHANGES
After the current jackpot has been won therefore completing that game, there will be some changes.
There will still be a weekly prize of £100 for a consolation winner if their entry matches four of the five numbers drawn, however instead of a weekly increase in the jackpot of £100, this will now be increased monthly. 
The game is to forecast 5 winning numbers, which are drawn at random, from 1-20. The 5 numbers chosen are to be marked by a cross (X).

1. The Jackpot prize starts at £1,000 and the game continues until it is won and starts afresh. As applicable, the Jackpot increases by £100 immediately after the first draw in each calendar month, up to a maximum of £5,000. The Jackpot is then capped at £5,000 until it is won in a weekly draw. 
2. If more than one player has 5 winning numbers, the Jackpot will be divided equally among the winning players. 
3. Should no entry forecast all 5 winning numbers, then any player matching 4 numbers will be entered into a draw for a single Consolation Prize of £100. 
4. THE DRAW will take place every SUNDAY at 7pm unless otherwise advised.
5. The entrant named on the ticket must be at least 16 years of age.
6. All winners will be notified.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT SEAFIELD PARK FOR OUR NEXT SATURDAY FIXTURE v NAIRN COUNTY – 18 OCTOBER  – 3PM KO

HOME MATCH v FORRES MECHANICS FC
BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE
SEAFIELD PARK, GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY, PH26 3HE
WEDNESDAY 8 OCTOBER 2025 – KO 8PM

Following on from the disappointment of Saturday’s game against Inverurie Loco Works being postponed because of Storm Amy, we welcome players, officials and fans of Forres Mechanics FC to our re-arranged Breedon Highland League match on Wednesday night (8 Oct).

The game originally scheduled for September 13 was moved because both teams had to play in a preliminary round of the R Davidson League Cup, with Forres winning theirs and the Jags losing to Brora.

So the scene is set for what could be a cracker of a game with ourselves one point ahead of the Can-Cans in the league on fifteen points, with us winning five games and Mechanics four with two draws.

Over the years we have had limited success against Forres, notably a home win three years ago and a draw at Mosset Park last season, so it would good to emulate the score from 2022 and keep going the Jags decent start to this season.

Head coach Ryan Esson should have the bulk of the squad available for selection although Daniel Whitehorn and Ali Morrison are still very doubtful.

As always there is a certain amount of je ne sais quoi about games of football under floodlights so I hope the weather behaves and we get a magical evening.

We wish Ryan and the boys all the best to pick up a point or three.

If any of the travelling support want a resumé of what’s happening in Grantown click here

OCTOBER FIXTURES

As we did last year we have contacted the clubs we play at home between November and earl March to offer the possibility of a change of time by bringing the kick off an hour earlier and so for two clubs have responded – please keep an eye out for more.

Please note that the below fixtures at Seafield Park now have an earlier kick-off time of 2pm.
Saturday 13th December 2025 vs Brechin City
Saturday 28th February 2026 vs Fraserburgh

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QUIZ NIGHT

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LADIES DAY

Email to book – hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk

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LOTTERY
Another rollover – a multitudinous amount of spondoolicks to win

Click here if you wish to play this Sunday 12 Oct – thank you.

Storm Amy has knocked out the entire Highland League programme for today (Saturday 4 October) except for the game in Brechin between Brechin City and Fraserburgh.

We look forward to welcoming you to Seafield Park on Wednesday evening for our league match against Forres Mechanics KO 8pm.

CLIVE’S NEWSLETTER – SEPTEMBER 2025

Click here to read this month’s newsletter

HOME MATCH v INVERURIE LOCO WORKS FC
BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE
SEAFIELD PARK, GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY, PH26 3HE
SATURDAY 4 OCTOBER 2025 KO 3pm

For the second Saturday in a row we have football at Seafield Park – however, please check our social media for up-to-date information regarding the possibility of cancellation thanks to Storm Amy.
If all good we welcome players, management and supporters of Inverurie Loco Works FC. 

ILC were the first HL team to visit Seafield Park, way back in August 2009 and to say our record against them is dire is an overstatement and it would be great if we can manage to take some points off them on Saturday.
Locos haven’t had the start to the season they were looking for, but wins in their last two league games have put them in fourteenth place, with eleven points, but much like ourselves they were unable to advance to the second round of the Scottish Cup having been beaten at home last week by Perth side, Sauchie Juniors.
If any of the Loco’s fans want a resumé of what’s available in Grantown click here...

Jags’ head coach Ryan Esson will still have Ali Morrisan and Daniel Whitehorn unavailable through injury.
As ever we wish the boys all the best and hope we can continue our decent start to the season.

SCOTTISH CUP TIE v DUNDEE NORTH END – 27 SEPTEMBER 2025

Dundee NE made the 240 mile round trip to Grantown for our Scottish Gas sponsored Scottish Cup First Round match.
As winners of their league for the past two seasons it was no surprise that they were a very competent outfit but the Jags were very unlucky to lose a goal in the 118th minute to a well taken header, and if we had gone to penalties who knows what the outcome could have been.

Before the game local piper Lyall Kinnaird (lkbagpiping@gmail.com)piped both teams onto the pitch, which has been featured on the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/scottishcup 

Every player in both teams gave their all in what was an excellent game of football, and I think, come extra time, this began to show as both teams were beginning to falter.

The Jags started well but it wasn’t long before DNE were very much in the game and chances were created by both sides in a very entertaining first half. The Jags got the breakthough on the twenty-ninth minute when the ref awarded a penalty and Liam Shewan converted well sending the DNE keeper the wrong way.

It was only ten minutes into the second half when DNE equalised through Bobby Linn.
Both teams then continued creating chances and as they could not be separated after ninety minutes, extra time was needed and again, both teams battled really hard to get a winner and unfortunately for us, from a free kick from outside the box two mintues from time it was DNE’s Ryan Cruickshanks who headed home from close range .

Everyone attending the match would have, in my opinion, left the ground satisfied they had seen a decent game o’fitba’ – it was just a pity that we were not able to advance into the next round – we wish Dundee North End all the best in their next tie – an away trip to Edinburgh to play Tranent.

PRESENTATION

At half-time in the Committee Room, Jags’ Chairman Donly McLeod  presented a keepsake shield to his counterpart at Dundee North End, Gary Irons as a memento of their visit to Seafield Park.

HALF TIME RAFFLE

Congratulations to Craig Lawson, our Half-Time Raffle winner from Saturday’s cup tie.
Craig is a local lad who’s now living away, but made the trip back to Grantown for the game. As he was leaving the ground, he spotted the winning ticket notice in the front gate ticket box window and realised he was the lucky winner!
Great to see the prize going to a familiar face, well done, Craig!

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QUIZ NIGHT

Our annual QUIZ NIGHT run by committee member Tom Clarke will take place on Friday 24 October in the RBL club situated in The Square, Grantown. Great prizes to be won and if it’s anything like last year a great night out!

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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

As you can see four out of the next five matches are at home and it would be great to see you at Seafield Park.
Both Wednesday night’s match against Forres Mechanics and the match v Huntly on 25 October are re-arranged fixtures – Forres from 13 September – and the Huntly one brought forward from Jan 31 as both teams missed out last week on progressing to the second round of the Scottish Cup so in case of inclement weather ie ice and snow on the pitch both clubs agreed on January’s match being brought forward. 

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LADIES DAY 
Due to unforseen circumstances the Ladies Day planned for this Saturday in the Mackellar Suite has had to have been postponed, but the Ladies can look forward to a new date – 28 February 2026 – date of the our home game against Fraserburgh. More information in the New Year but for early booking now click here.

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THE HAPPY FORKERS

Yes we’re back……. it’s Tuesday morning, it’s ten o’clock, and it’s ForkingTime…. but this year the task has been greatly improved with the advent of the Committee Room, and now thanks to Charlie’s wife Audrey, we now are rewarded with a bacon roll and a cup of tea/coffee….marvellous!

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LOTTERY NOW £13,100
IT’S A RECORD AMOUNT WAITING TO BE WON ON THE JAGS’ FUNDRAISING LOTTERY!!!
£13,100 for you to win by playing our online fundraising lottery today- click here if you want to play this Sunday or any Sunday…..see lottery page for details

LOTTERY CH-CH-CHANGES
After the current jackpot has been won therefore completing that game, there will be some changes.
There will still be a weekly prize of £100 for a consolation winner if their entry matches four of the five numbers drawn, however instead of a weekly increase in the jackpot of £100, this will now be increased monthly. 

The game is to forecast 5 winning numbers, which are drawn at random, from 1-20. The 5 numbers chosen are to be marked by a cross (X).

1. The Jackpot prize starts at £1,000 and the game continues until it is won and starts afresh. As applicable, the Jackpot increases by £100 immediately after the first draw in each calendar month, up to a maximum of £5,000. The Jackpot is then capped at £5,000 until it is won in a weekly draw. 
2. If more than one player has 5 winning numbers, the Jackpot will be divided equally among the winning players. 
3. Should no entry forecast all 5 winning numbers, then any player matching 4 numbers will be entered into a draw for a single Consolation Prize of £100. 
4. THE DRAW will take place every SUNDAY at 7pm unless otherwise advised.
5. The entrant named on the ticket must be at least 16 years of age.
6. All winners will be notified.

APOLOGY
HAVING JUST BEEN DELIVERED THE OCTOBER PRINTED ISSUE OF SPOTLIGHT MAGAZINE OUR GAME AGAINST WICK ACADEMY IS ADVERTISED AS A HOME GAME – THIS IS AN AWAY GAME AT HARMSWORTH PARK, WICK – THIS HAS BEEN CORRECTED ON THE SPOTLIGHT WEBSITE – APOLOGIES FOR OUR MISTAKE, NOT SPOTLIGHT’S. For more information on Spotlight – click here

HOME MATCH v DUNDEE NORTH END FC
SCOTTISH CUP
SEAFIELD PARK, GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY, PH26 3HE
SATURDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2025 KO 3pm

The Dokens’ fans’ view on Saturday will be something completely different from their normal Saturday afternoons with hopefully the spectacle of the Cromdale Hills bathed in Scottish sun.
This is one of the big footballing weekends in Scottish Football – Round One of The Scottish Cup – and countless fans and players will be travelling the length and breadth of the country to a game, a lot going to grounds for the first time and that is exactly what will be happening at Seafield Park…..

So, we welcome all the way from Fife, players, management and supporters of Dundee North End, a Scottish junior club, who play in the SJFA Midlands League, and have been league winners for the past two seasons so this is probably going to be very tough match against what I imagine to be a very strong team.
The fascination of cup games like these is there is no real means for the layman of identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the teams in relation to each other, as both play in completely different leagues and environments, and as a one off game anything is possible.
Admittedly the Cup has not been kind to the Jags over the years but again this year we hope to start an adventure which will probably not lead us to Hampden, but, look what happened to Buckie Thistle a couple of seasons ago – and our opponents, Fraserburgh, from last week’s Highland League encounter  – a trip to Ibrox last January.

I would imagine Jags’ head coach Ryan Esson, ex-Aberdeen keeper, Scotland U-21 international and a former winner of the cup with Inverness Caley Thistle and the co-manager at Dundee North End, former Scottish internationalist, Aberdeen and Caley Thistle player Kevin McNaughton, know each other very well as their careers have intertwined throughout and I expect after the inititial pleasantries it’ll be very much game on! 
It should make for a captivating afternoon.
At the time of writing there was no information on this week’s Jags’ playing squad.

If any Dokens’ supporters want some information about the sights and sounds of Grantown – click here – and we wish all supporters travelling to the game safe journeys.

There will a commemorative programme on sale at the gate on a first come first served basis, and the Mackellar Suite will be offering the following packages, see below – usual SFA rules will apply –  and our Snack Bar will be available for pies etc before and during the game.

There are two fantastic ways to enjoy the day at Seafield Park on Saturday. 

£45 Package
• Two course meal
• Complimentary drinks (1.30pm – kick off)
• Programme & teamsheet
• Match ticket
• Half-time tea/coffee & pie
• Post-match cash bar

 £30 Package
 • Burger
• 3 drinks
• Match ticket
Both home and away supporters are welcome.
Spaces are limited and bookings are first come, first served.
Please contact for more information
hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk

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SATURDAY’S LEAGUE GAME AT FRASERBURGH 20 SEPTEMBER

Cliché time – a game of two halves.
The Broch with the wind behind them and the sun shining, started the game very smartly scoring four in a twenty minute spell – probably the standout goal was the their second on seventeen minutes – a thirty yard lob by Sean Butcher giving Jags’ keeper Danny Gillan no chance. We did create some chances nearing the end of the first half but no goals.
As the second half started the heavens opened and although Fraserburgh were still dominant we had a lot more of the ball and we had a couple of decent chances to score, before sub Dylan Lawrence headed a fine goal in the eighty-second minute to make the final score 4-1.
We now move to eleventh spot in the league sitting on fifteen points and look forward to our next League game – at home to Inverurie Locos on Saturday 4 October followed swiftly by another home game, this time under the floodlights on the Wednesday night 8 October 8pm KO against Forres Mechanics.

As we mentioned last week our broadband and WiFi provider is Scotnet and cannily enough our scorer on Saturday, Dylan Lawrence  just happens to be sponsored by them….. 

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LOTTERY NOW £13,000

Although there are negative connotations to the number thirteen it is believed that in days of yore it meant that it was a new beginning so……
IT’S OFFICIAL – IT’S NOW A RECORD AMOUNT WAITING TO BE WON ON THE JAGS’ FUNDRAISING LOTTERY!!!
£13,000 for you to win by playing our online fundraising lottery today- click here if you want to play this Sunday …

LOTTERY CH-CH-CHANGES
After the current jackpot has been won therefore completing that game, there will be some changes.
There will still be a weekly prize of £100 for a consolation winner if their entry matches four of the five numbers drawn, however instead of a weekly increase in the jackpot of £100, this will now be increased monthly. 
The game is to forecast 5 winning numbers, which are drawn at random, from 1-20. The 5 numbers chosen are to be marked by a cross (X).

1. The Jackpot prize starts at £1,000 and the game continues until it is won and starts afresh. As applicable, the Jackpot increases by £100 immediately after the first draw in each calendar month, up to a maximum of £5,000. The Jackpot is then capped at £5,000 until it is won in a weekly draw. 
2. If more than one player has 5 winning numbers, the Jackpot will be divided equally among the winning players. 
3. Should no entry forecast all 5 winning numbers, then any player matching 4 numbers will be entered into a draw for a single Consolation Prize of £100. 
4. THE DRAW will take place every SUNDAY at 7pm unless otherwise advised.
5. The entrant named on the ticket must be at least 16 years of age
   All winners will be notified.

It goes without saying we wish Ryan, our coaching staff and our players all the best for Saturday.

AWAY MATCH v FRASERBURGH FC
BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE
BELLSLEA PARK, FRASERBURGH AB43 9BB
SATURDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2025 – KICK OFF 3pm

On the road again this week, and on one of our furthest away visits we head to Fraserburgh and our Breedon Highland League match at Bellslea Park, home of Fraserburgh FC. Over the years it hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for league points and I would imagine Saturday afternoon will be no different.
Fraserburgh currently sit in fourth position in the league on twenty three points from eleven games, and last year finished in fifth place so they are an established team who will be there or thereabouts come season’s end in April.

Head coach Ryan Esson believes that in the last couple of games against league leaders Brora Rangers, one a league match and one a cup game, we competed for most of both games but the score lines were very disappointing especially in the last quarter of the league match – and something we hope is behind us and we look to correcting that against The Broch – a task that will not be easy, but as we have proved against other top teams this season it is something that is not beyond us.
With more or less a full squad available for selection and a wee bit of a rest from a gruelling start to the season, with most weeks having midweek matches, we wish the boys all the best and with a good performance …..you never know!

AWAY MATCH AT BRORA SATURDAY 13 SEPTEMBER

Out of the frying pan and into the fire was what many observers were worrying about and sure enough that was what happened.

After a very one sided first half we played a lot better in the second half, and unfortunately the result was not one to write home about, but there were aspects of our play which showed much improvement and we had some good chances in both halves actually, and, maybe if a couple had been taken who says what the outcome would have been – but as in the previous game Brora proved what a top outfit they are!

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SCOTNET

We would like to thank Stuart Glendinning of Scotnet for being our supplier of broadband enabling us to use more up-to-date electronic gadgetry around Seafield Park.

JORDAN LAIDLAW 

We all wish Jordan Laidlaw all the best in his future football journey as this week he signed a two-year deal with Rothes FC.

Jordan, who signed for us along with Conor MacPhee in early May of 2024, and after missing a substantial part of last season with a serious knee injury, returned to competitive play and produced many a good performance, and this coupled with his friendly personality made him very popular with the Jags’ fans.

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SCOTTISH CUP HOSPITALITY

Next week sees us host Dundee North End in the first round of the Scottish Cup.

For more information email – hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk

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LOTTERY NOW £12,900

It’s a ginormous amount –  £12,900, yes £12,900, for you to win by playing our online fundraising weekly lottery – click here if you want to play…

LOTTERY CH-CH-CHANGES
After the current jackpot has been won therefore completing that game, there will be some changes.
There will still be a weekly prize of £100 for a consolation winner if their entry matches four of the five numbers drawn, however instead of a weekly increase in the jackpot of £100, this will now be increased monthly. 
The game is to forecast 5 winning numbers, which are drawn at random, from 1-20. The 5 numbers chosen are to be marked by a cross (X).

1. The Jackpot prize starts at £1,000 and the game continues until it is won and starts afresh. As applicable, the Jackpot increases by £100 immediately after the first draw in each calendar month, up to a maximum of £5,000. The Jackpot is then capped at £5,000 until it is won in a weekly draw. 
2. If more than one player has 5 winning numbers, the Jackpot will be divided equally among the winning players. 
3. Should no entry forecast all 5 winning numbers, then any player matching 4 numbers will be entered into a draw for a single Consolation Prize of £100. 
4. THE DRAW will take place every SUNDAY at 7pm unless otherwise advised.
5. The entrant named on the ticket must be at least 16 years of age.
6. All winners will be notified.

AWAY MATCH v BRORA RANGERS FC
R DAVIDSON HIGHLAND LEAGUE CUP
DUDGEON PARK BRORA
SATURDAY 13 SEPTEMBER 2025 – KICK OFF 3pm

Well…..this Saturday finds us travelling up the A9 to Dudgeon Park, Brora for our second encounter in four days with the reigning treble-winning Brora Rangers – a task made even more difficult with regards to the result against them in our league encounter in Grantown on Wednesday evening. In betting terms we are very much the underdogs but as Greavsie would say “ It’s a funny old game, Saint” – you never know…..

This is the start of two difficult Saturdays away from Grantown and we return to Seafield Park for another difficult encounter in our Scottish Gas Scottish cup first round tie against Dundee North End on Saturday 27th.

MATCH v BRORA RANGERS, SEAFIELD PARK, WEDNESDAY 10 Sept

On a hellish night for football with strong winds and heavy rain showers, Brora Rangers showed the hardy folks who turned up to spectate what an excellent football team they are.
Everyone who attended, left the ground, some earlier than others, with nothing but praise for last year’s winners of the League and both cups.
The game as a contest was over by half time when we were three down and a fourth goal added on the hour mark – and really that should have been it, but again we seemed to think the game was over after eighty minutes and succumbed to four quick goals in the last ten minutes which made the scoreline look worse – but this is a frailty we have to eliminate from games.
Our player of the match was probably keeper Danny Gillan who pulled off one or two really good saves, especially with the horrid weather making concentration difficult.
In our conversations after the game with the very amiable Brora committee they thought that was probably the best performance by The Cattachs all season, and they were also very complimentary in the improvements around the ground and in the way our league season had gone so far….

Again, we would like to thank everyone who attended the game, especially the travelling fans……it was not a night to be standing about watching a game of football.

HALF TIME RAFFLE WINNER

Probably the only Jags’ fan going home with a hint of a smile on his face was Darren MacPhee, Zach MacPhee’s dad, whose ticket was drawn to win the £50 half time raffle.

Again, we would like to thank everyone who buys a ticket every week and helps with club’s finances .

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ALAN MCKENZIE

We as a club are very sorry to be losing the services of Alan who is returning south to Tunbridge Wells. 

Alan, originally from Paisley and a staunch Buddies fan, started attending Jag’s games more or less immediately he arrived in Grantown in April 2022, and by doing so, he was “press-ganged” in a friendly way into joining the committee – and his financial skills and wisdom helped us through some dark times a couple of years ago of which the club will always be grateful.
We will also miss him on a Tuesday morning when a select few meet to repair the pitch after a Saturday game and listen to his very knowledgeable take on said game!

We wish Alan and his wife Angela all the best down south and look forward to him soon visiting Seafield Park, when he next visits his daughter in Grantown.

LADIES DAY AT SEAFIELD PARK

We’re delighted to announce the very first Strathspey Thistle FC Ladies Day on Saturday 4 October / Strathspey Thistle v Inverurie Locos.

This is a day you won’t want to miss and with the last few tables remaining, now’s the time to grab your spot!

Book now via email – hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk

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LOTTERY NOW £12,800

It’s a ginormous amount –  £12,800, yes £12,800, for you to win by playing our online fundraising lottery – click here if you want to play…

LOTTERY CH-CH-CHANGES

After the current jackpot has been won therefore completing that game, there will be some changes.
There will still be a weekly prize of £100 for a consolation winner if their entry matches four of the five numbers drawn, however instead of a weekly increase in the jackpot of £100, this will now be increased monthly. 

The game is to forecast 5 winning numbers, which are drawn at random, from 1-20. The 5 numbers chosen are to be marked by a cross (X).

1. The Jackpot prize starts at £1,000 and the game continues until it is won and starts afresh. As applicable, the Jackpot increases by £100 immediately after the first draw in each calendar month, up to a maximum of £5,000. The Jackpot is then capped at £5,000 until it is won in a weekly draw. 
2. If more than one player has 5 winning numbers, the Jackpot will be divided equally among the winning players. 
3. Should no entry forecast all 5 winning numbers, then any player matching 4 numbers will be entered into a draw for a single Consolation Prize of £100. 
4. THE DRAW will take place every SUNDAY at 7pm unless otherwise advised.
5. The entrant named on the ticket must be at least 16 years of age.
6. All winners will be notified.

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Well that’s it for this week sports fans as we wish Ryan and the boys all the best for this weekend and we’ll be back next week for a review of the week and a preview of next Saturday’s game in Fraserburgh.

HOME MATCH v BRORA RANGERS FC
BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE
SEAFIELD PARK, GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY, PH26 3HE
WEDNESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2025 – KO 8PM

Wednesday evening sees us welcome players, management and supporters of Brora Rangers FC. It is the first of two games on the bounce against Brora as we head to Dudgeon Park on Saturday for an R Davidson Highland League Cup tie KO 3pm.
Currently sitting on top of the league with twenty-four points from nine games – their only defeat was more than a month ago when visiting Fraserburgh – so it looks like being another tough evening under the floodlights of Seafield Park.
In previous seasons we have had some hammerings from Brora, but hopefully this season in light of most of our recent results that will not be the case, and if we bring our A-game perhaps we can get something out of it, especially if we can cut out some of the recent mistakes we have been punished severely for.
We should be welcoming back one of our star players from a couple or so years ago in Craig MacKenzie, who has played a large part in Brora’s success over the past season, after his transfer from Forres Mechanics in July 2024.
If any of the Brora travelling support want a resumé with what’s available in Grantown – click here– and we will have full snack bar facilities open from about 7.15pm.
We also wish them safe travel to and from Seafield Park and appreciate their attendance. 

The Jags will be raring to go after our result in Huntly and head coach Ryan Esson should have a more or less full squad to choose from.

SATURDAY’S VISIT TO HUNTLY

It had always been a very difficult place for us to take points from, so it was great leaving Christie Park with all three on Saturday after our first win against Huntly for ten years and especially after last year’s resounding defeats.

Huntly opened the scoring through their top marksman Angus Grant after only eight minutes, but LIam Shewan equalised for the Jags eight minutes later. Daniel Whitehorn deftly headed us into the lead on thirty-eight minutes from an excellent Zac MacPhee cross. 
We added a third on fifty eight minutes when Filip Franczak won the ball close to the half way line, and proceeded to get to the goal line before cutting it back for Calum Brown to expertly finish – his fourth goal in six games. It was good to see Ali Morrison make his first start in defence and the Jags’ fans at the game said he had an effective debut so all the parts of the jigsaw are beginning to piece together.

Jags’ head coach Ryan Esson was rewarded for his visit to Christie Park in midweek to watch the home side in cup action against our opponents from last week Formartine, and he was able to put a plan together which obviously worked – and was delighted with the work rate the boys are beginning to put in both in training and on the pitch where it matters.

Check out the excellent goals here

GRANT MORTIMER

It was with sadness that Strathspey Thistle FC learnt of the passing of Grantown business man Grant Mortimer.
Grant was proprietor of Mortimers of Speyside and following in the footsteps of his father, built up the business over the past sixty years or so, from their small shop for local anglers to one of international renown.
Grant agreed to become the club’s first ever shirt sponsor for the season 1997-1998 and, we won our first ever trophy wearing that strip.
We send our condolences to his wife Marjory, his family and friends.

AWAY MATCH v HUNTLY FC
BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE
CHRISTIE PARK HUNTLY AB54 8JE
SATURDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2025 – KICK OFF 3pm

After last week’s disappointing result against Formartine, we head across country to Huntly’s Christie Park and a Breedon Highland League match against The Black and Golds. We haven’t got a great record against Huntly and you would have to go back to, I think, 2015 to our last victory – a home win by five goals to two.
Huntly lie in seventh position on fourteen points, two points more than ourselves and after a two-nil defeat in the local derby against Keith last Saturday, and a mid-week cup tie losing to Formartine, they will be wanting to bounce back but The Jags will be wanting to do the same, so it looks as it could be another cracker of a game. Jags’ fans travelling to the game should be aware of the annual Huntly Hairst festival which may cause traffic interruptions.
Jags’ head coach Ryan Esson will have more or less a full squad to pick from, missing are Aaron Doran and Conor MacPhee, and after having no mid-week game again this week everyone else will be raring to go..

SATURDAY’S GAME v FORMARTINE UTD AT SEAFIELD PARK

Both teams started the game well with the visitors having slightly more of the play, but it remained much the same until half-time.
Two minutes after the break Formartine were slightly fortunate with Julian Wade taking full advantage of a ricochet to put United one up. However ten minutes later the Jags’ Josh Race scored a great goal. He took posession of the ball just inside his own half and raced towards goal and and from about twenty yards out smashed a curling shot into the top right hand corner levelling the score.

However Jags’ joy lasted only three minutes when a defensive mix-up allowed Wade to score his second of the afternoon and that was that. It was a shame as we had taken the ascendancy before and after our goal and had we been able to maintain that and not lose the second goal the outcome could have been different….but……
Head coach Ryan Esson was generally pleased with the overall performance especially as Formartine sit in third place in the league, but again he was disappointed with both goals conceded.
HALF TIME RAFFLE

A situation arose which hasn’t happened for a while in that the winning ticket drawn at Saturday’s match was not claimed – so if you have the other half of the ticket pictured, please produce it at the next home match and collect your winnings.

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WELCOME TO A NEW SPONSOR

Strathspey Thistle FC are delighted to welcome LJF Powder Coating Ltd as a new Back of Shirt Sponsor for the season! 
We’re excited to have them join the Strathy Jags family and proud to carry their name on the back of our shirts as we compete across the Highland League.
A huge thank you to everyone at LJF Group for their support, it means a lot to the club. “We’re thrilled to welcome LJF Group on board. Their support is a fantastic boost for the club, and we look forward to building a strong partnership together.”– Grant Mackellar, CEO Strathspey Thistle FC

SEPTEMBER DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

SCOTTISH CUP DRAW
On Sunday evening live on SFA’s YouTube channel was the First Round of the Mens’ Scottish Gas Scottish Cup and we were were handed a home tie on Saturday 27 September against Dundee North End FC – who have won the SJFC Midland League Championship for the last two years and whose journey in their first ever Scottish Cup last year ended with Airdrieonians beating them in the Third Round.

For all information contact : hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk

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OTHER NEWS

STFC would like to send congratulations to both Aberlour Villa and Badenoch United. Aberlour Villa won the Donald McNair Cup making them Scottish Welfare Champions and Badenoch United won our local Welfare League – The Strathspey & Badenoch Welfare League….well done guys! 

However, we were disappointed to learn a couple of weeks ago that Don Cowie had left Ross County – Don who is married to Shelley, a Scottish Football Internationalist herself along with her twin sister Suzanne, and who grew up in Grantown so the Jags’ have always taken a great interest in Don’s career from his playing career with Ross County, Inverness Caley Thistle, Watford, Cardiff City, Hearts and his return to Ross County where he became Assistant Manager before taking over as gaffer – unfortunately results over the past few months didn’t go his way so he offered his resignation last month. Always the gentleman we wish Don all the very best in his next career move. We also wish incoming boss Tony Docherty all the best in his quest in taking The Staggies back to the Premier League.
We have also loaned out Bailey Black to North Caley League newcomers Inverness Thistle joining our other loanee Lewis Mackie and we expect to see them back in the New Year.

LOTTERY NOW £12,700

It’s a ginormous amount –  £12,700, yes £12,700, for you to win by playing our online fundraising lottery – click here if you want to play…

LOTTERY CH-CH-CHANGES
After the current jackpot has been won therefore completing that game, there will be some changes.
There will still be a weekly prize of £100 for a consolation winner if their entry matches four of the five numbers drawn, however instead of a weekly increase in the jackpot of £100, this will now be increased monthly. 

The game is to forecast 5 winning numbers, which are drawn at random, from 1-20. The 5 numbers chosen are to be marked by a cross (X).

1. The Jackpot prize starts at £1,000 and the game continues until it is won and starts afresh. As applicable, the Jackpot increases by £100 immediately after the first draw in each calendar month, up to a maximum of £5,000. The Jackpot is then capped at £5,000 until it is won in a weekly draw. 
2. If more than one player has 5 winning numbers, the Jackpot will be divided equally among the winning players. 
3. Should no entry forecast all 5 winning numbers, then any player matching 4 numbers will be entered into a draw for a single Consolation Prize of £100. 
4. THE DRAW will take place every SUNDAY at 7pm unless otherwise advised.
5. The entrant named on the ticket must be at least 16 years of age.
6. All winners will be notified.

Wednesday 30^th July: We left last month’s newsletter just before the away game at Rothes and what a game it turned out to be as the Jags recovered from losing an early goal to take a 3-1 lead, Shewan, with two, and Morrison on target, before the hosts scored twice in eight minutes to make it all square on 70 minutes. 
Up stepped skipper James McShane with six minutes left to get the winner and make it two wins from two.

Saturday 2^nd: A long trip to Brechin City to face one of the pre-season title favourites and a sign of the Jags’ mentality this year is that we were disappointed to come away from Glebe Park having lost 3-0. 
The home side’s goals all came in the first half and their manager Ray McKinnon told the Press & Journal afterwards: “I was a bit frustrated with the way the match went in the second half.
“Strathspey are a much improved side from last season and they made things extremely difficult.”

Saturday 9^th: Banks o’ Dee were the visitors to Seafield Park and for 78 minutes the game was goalless with chances for both sides. However, it was the men from Aberdeen who finished the stronger and netted three times to take away a similar number of points.
Jags manager Ryan Esson, although annoyed that a first-half penalty shout wasn’t given, was disappointed with his side’s defending which contributed to the final scoreline.

Wednesday 13^th: A day that will long be remembered by Jags’ supporters after a scoreline that will have turned heads across the Highland League and deserves to be written in bold.

Buckie Thistle 1-4 Strathspey Thistle (Morrison 2, Brown 2)

Manager Ryan spoke to the Strathspey Herald after the game and said: “It was a whole different level last night and I can’t speak highly enough of the players.
“The effort and the way they approach things: everything that I’ve asked them to do they did.”
Possibly the club’s best ever result in our time as members of the Highland League, certainly away from home, and one that was rightly celebrated by the players and travelling fans at the full-time whistle.

Thursday 14^th: Thanks to stalwart STFC committee member Mags Clark for attending Grantown’s Farmers Show on behalf of the club, publicising the weekly lottery draw and its ever increasing jackpot while also selling a range of merchandise.

Click here to visit STFC on Facebook

Saturday 16^th: A fine afternoon weather-wise and yet another excellent result for the Jags as they despatched Deveronvale 3-0 thanks to goals from Shaun Morrison, Calum Brown and Daniel Whitehorn.
That made it four wins out of six in the opening weeks of the Highland League season.

Wednesday 20^th: A short trip to Inverness Caledonian Thistle’s Sarens PSG Stadium for a North of Scotland Cup tie and, after a difficult couple of seasons, the ‘other’ Jags showed that they are firmly on the up under their new ownership. 
The SPFL League One club scored six goals in the first-half but were held at bay after the break in what was a positive experience overall for STFC and we thank Caley for their hospitality and wish them well for the season.

Thursday 21^st: It was confirmed that both Keiran Duffty and Lewis Mackie had left the Jags – Keiran on a permanent deal to Nairn St Ninian and Lewis on a loan deal until the end of the year with Inverness Thistle of the North Caledonian League.

Saturday 23^rd: A heavy defeat at Clachnacuddin brought the Jags back to earth a little following recent good results in the league. 
The visitors thought they had taken the lead only for an offside flag to rule out the strike but after that there was little to shout about as the home side scored six without reply.

Saturday 30^th: A hard-fought home game against Formartine United went the way of the visitors who scored twice in the second-half in between a superb equaliser from Josh Race.

Sunday 31^st: Head to our social media pages to find out who the Jags will play in the First Round of the Scottish Cup following this evening’s draw.

Seafield Park Community Trust

The newly-formed Seafield Park Community Trust (SPCT) is getting ready to give the old Scout Hut in Grantown-on-Spey a new lease of life. Set up in April 2025 as a registered Scottish charity, the Trust is run by a team of six local volunteers who want to create a warm, well-equipped space that adds to what’s already on offer in the town, and also helps groups who don’t currently have the right kind of venue. The plan is to transform the building into a hub for local uniformed groups such as the Scouts, Brownies and Guides, as well as sports teams in the town.

SPCT Chair, Charlie Sinclair, said: “We’re really keen to build something vibrant and inclusive that gives local young people the kind of facilities thet deserve.”

The Trust will soon be engaging with local groups and residents to gather ideas and make sure the final plans match what the community needs.