Next Saturday (21June) sees the Club’s second annual funday with a visit from an Inverness Caledonian Thistle XI, various fun activties throughout the afternoon, the Player of the Year Awards for last season taking place after the game and local rock band Cadence playing in the marquee at night – something for everyone and a great day to be had by all – we look forward to seeing you at Seafield Park – see poster for details.
GOLF DAY Our annual fund-raising Golf Day takes place on the 12 July – four weeks away – at Grantown Golf Club and all details are on the poster – another cracking day out!!
SAF AUDIT The SFA’s Stuart Brown visited us on Friday May 30 to conduct the audit that every senior club in Scotland participates in. Happily the audit was completed successfully so we are all set for Season 2025-2026. Thanks go to Club Secretary Clive Wolstenholme for the tremendous effort and work he puts in enabling the Club to pass.
L to R – Clive Wolstenholme, Charlie Sinclair, Donly McLeod and the SFA’s Stuart Brown during the Club’s SFA Audit.
STRATHSPEY ROVERS The third annual Strathspey Rovers Festival and fundraiser was another resounding success on Saturday May 31. They hosted 27 teams across U8, U10, and U12 categories, with over 300 players plus their coaches, families, friends, and supporters joining us from 9am to 4pm. The weather held up beautifully, and the day ran smoothly without a hitch. Rovers send their thanks to our incredible community for supporting this event, cheering teams and making this a special day for the kids taking part.
Attendees at the Strathspey Rovers Festival
PRESEASON FIXTURES
As ever any changes will be on our social media pages.
SEASON 2025-2026 ADMISSION PRICES
LOTTERY NOW £11,500
It ’s still a ginormous amount for you to win by playing our online fundraising lottery –click here if you want to play…jackpot £11,500……
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).
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.
If more than one player has 5 winning numbers, the Jackpot will be divided equally among the winning players.
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.
THE DRAW will take place every SUNDAY at 7pm unless otherwise advised.
The entrant named on the ticket must be at least 16 years of age.
All winners will be notified.
……..AND WE WOULD LIKE TO WISH THE VERY EXCELLENT TEAM AT THE GRANTOWN DINER A HAPPY FIFTH BITHDAY…….CONGRATULATIONS……
Stop press: Late news from last month and a special delivery to Seafield Park as our new clubhouse was delivered. This will be used to welcome visiting committee members next season.
The Eagle has landed……the new Clubhouse descends…..
Saturday 3rd: Brora Rangers will still be amongst those visiting after losing over two legs to Lowland League champions East Kilbride for the right to play Bonnyrigg Rose in the promotion/relegation play-off. Later in the month East Kilbride would go on to win promotion to the SPFL.
Tuesday 6th: The Jags announced the first signing of the summer, striker Shaun Morrison on a three-year contract. The 21-year-old, formerly of Forres Mechanics and Rothes, worked with manager Ryan Esson at Inverness Caley Thistle previously.
The Strathspey Herald quoted Ryan as saying: “Great to get Shaun over the line. He’s still young but has good experience at this level.”
Thursday 8th: Club historian Rob Clark shared his memories of David Ritchie, father of former manager Brian Ritchie and grandfather of former player Davie Ritchie, after his sad passing, describing him as a ‘pivotal figure’ in the history of Strathspey Thistle FC.
‘On the day of the Highland Council meeting to decide the future development of Seafield Park, it was Mr Ritchie who quietly stepped away during a recess and returned with the news that we had secured the crucial votes,’ said Rob.
‘Without his efforts, Strathspey Thistle may never have been able to accept the invitation to join the Highland League. Our thoughts are with the Ritchie family at this time.’
Wednesday 14th: The Press & Journal reported that agreement was close on a new structure for Tier 5 of the Scottish game. For the Highland League that means two, rather than three, feeder leagues in the shape of the North Region Juniors and the North Caledonian League.
The Midlands League, which Jags supporters and officials have often kept an eye for potential league winners who would qualify for a play-off against the HL’s bottom club, would feed into a new Lowland League East from 2026/27 while clubs from Angus and Tayside, such as Brechin City, would move into the new Lowland section.
Highland League president Sandy Sinclair told the P&J: “We feel the proposal that was put forward makes economic and geographical sense and we’re pleased it has been adopted by all the relevant bodies.”
Friday 23rd: Members of the STFC committee enjoyed the Highland League’s annual dinner at the Kingsmill Hotel in Inverness, where Angus Grant of Huntly was named as the league’s player of the year.
Friday 30th: A busy day of fixture news…The Jags were given the toughest possible draw in the opening round of the Highland League Cup, away to holders Brora Rangers on Saturday 13th September, and also learned of their league fixtures for 2025/26 as below…
With the fixtures now out, want to enjoy matchday in style?
Register your interest in matchday hospitality and sponsorship now and get ahead of the game.
Strathspey Thistle Club Lottery – Jackpot Now £11,400!
We would love to see a jackpot winner scoop the big prize and with our jackpot currently sitting at an impressive £11,400, now is the perfect time to enter.
You can enter online through the link below and be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize. Don’t miss out – help us spread the word.
We have two exciting events coming up this summer that we would love for you to be a part of! Mark your calendars and save these dates:
Saturday 21st June – Strathspey Thistle FC Family Fun Dayand Caley Thistle friendly at Seafield Park
Bring the whole family along for a fun-filled day of activities, games, and entertainment at Seafield Park, including music from Cadence and a pre-season test against an Inverness Caledonian Thistle XI (kick-off 2pm).
Saturday 12th July – Strathspey Thistle FC Golf Day at Grantown-on-Spey Golf Club
Team Scramble event which starts at 9am, with participating teams leaving the first tee at twelve minute intervals with some fantastic prizes.
Details are available from Club Chairman Donly McLeod – tel. no 07709 990 286
Well. what’s been happening over the past two or three weeks in Jagsland…..
SHAUN SIGNS, AARON EXTENDS
Starting with excellent news regarding Shaun Morrison and Aaron Doran……
We were delighted to confirm the signing of 21-year-old forward Shaun Morrison on a permanent three-year deal from Forres Mechanics. A graduate of the Inverness Caledonian Thistle youth academy, Shaun moved to Forres in January 2022 and most recently gained valuable experience during a loan spell at Rothes. Manager Ryan Esson, who has previously worked with Shaun, said: “I know Shaun well and I’m delighted to bring him to Strathspey Thistle. He’s a talented forward with real potential and a great attitude. I’m excited to work with him again and watch him develop with us.”
And more excellent signing news we’re also delighted to announce that Aaron Doran has signed a one-year contract extension continuing as a player/coach.
Aaron arrived at the club alongside manager Ryan Esson, bringing immense experience — most notably making over 350 appearances for Inverness CT, where he cemented his status as a club legend. While a long-term injury has prevented him from making his debut for Strathspey so far, his influence behind the scenes has been invaluable. With his recovery progressing well, we’re hopeful Aaron will rejoin the squad during pre-season and finally make his long-awaited debut in Strathy Jags colours next season. Ryan Esson said: “Aaron’s quality and experience are clear, but it’s the way he’s applied himself around the club during a difficult year that’s been outstanding. Having him continue as player/coach is a big boost, and we’re all excited to see him back on the pitch soon.”
Pre-season starts 9 June ………
ANNUAL PITCH MAINTENANCE
Mike and Malcolm from Highland Landscapes and Designs (https://www.highlandlandscapedesign.co.uk) started last Thursday (22May) our annual pitch maintenance programme – the pitch as you can see from the photo was showing signs of the good weather and the lack of water over the past month or so, but fortunately Friday night brought a fair bit of rain- so I would imagine we are back to our normal Scottish weather so drought should be now be averted…
SANDWICHES GALORE According to our sources it was National Sandwich week last week, and we couldn’t let the celebration go past without a big shout out to the Premier team that provides the sandwiches for our visiting teams, committees, and guests at Seafield Park.
Premier Grantown, as you know, are one of Strathspey Thistle FC’s major sponsors and this hardworking crew led by the legendary Mani, prepares for Premier Shops all over Scotland, over 3,000 sandwiches, wraps, baguettes, and salad boxes every week – fresh and full of flavour! They’re our behind-the-scenes sandwich stars that keep everyone fed and happy! Their Coronation Chicken sandwich must be one of the finest in existence!!
HIGHLAND LEAGUE ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER
Pictured enjoying themselves at the recent Highland League Annual Awards dinner at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness are three of the Jags stalwarts – L to R – committee member Mags Clark, Babs McLeod, wife of Chairman Donly McLeod, and Laura Mackie, our Commercial Director.
FAMILY FUN DAY – SATURDAY JUNE 21
The details of our Family Fun Day have been finalised for THREE weeks this coming Saturday .. 21 June…..the longest day – more time to enjoy yourselves …..see poster for details
AND CLOSELY FOLLOWING ON IT’S HEELS OUR FUND RAISING GOLF DAY
The Golf day will be taking place again at Grantown-on-Spey Golf Club which is situated next door to Seafield Park on Saturday July 12….a Team Scramble event which starts at 9am, with participating teams leaving the first tee at twelve minute intervals with some fantastic prizes. Details are available from Club Chairman Donly McLeod – tel no 07709 990 286
LOTTERY NOW £11,3000……
As ever we close with details of our fundraising Club Lottery and the jackpot is now a whopping great £11,300…….
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).
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.
If more than one player has 5 winning numbers, the Jackpot will be divided equally among the winning players.
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.
THE DRAW will take place every SUNDAY at 7pm unless otherwise advised.
The entrant named on the ticket must be at least 16 years of age.
Wednesday 2nd: No game for the Jags but all eyes were on Kynoch Park where Keith edged past Rothes by a single goal to keep STFC three points clear of Rothes at the bottom of the Highland League table.
Saturday 5th: We entertained Wick Academy at Seafield Park, the match sponsored by LG Simpson, Highway Contractors, on a beautiful day for football. The visitors took an early lead before James McShane equalised midway through the first-half. Wick went back in front before the break and extended their lead shortly after before a Jags fightback nearly earned a point, Daniel Whitehorn scoring and then what we thought was an 85th minute equaliser being disallowed. Defeat for Rothes all but ensured we would not finish bottom of the Highland League this season.
Wednesday 9th: Our turn to visit Keith and, with the pressure off for the Jags in the battle to avoid finishing bottom, we turned on the style to record an excellent 4-1 victory. Daniel Whitehorn netted twice, to continue his goalscoring form, with Cameron Lisle and Paul Brindle, with a penalty, also on the mark.
Saturday 12th: A sunny day at Seafield Park but no win to end the season as Turriff United ran out 4-1 winners, Paul Brindle scoring the Jags’ goal. That left the final table looking like this…
Wednesday 2nd: No game for the Jags but all eyes were on Kynoch Park where Keith edged past Rothes by a single goal to keep STFC three points clear of Rothes at the bottom of the Highland League table.
Saturday 5th: We entertained Wick Academy at Seafield Park, the match sponsored by LG Simpson, Highway Contractors, on a beautiful day for football. The visitors took an early lead before James McShane equalised midway through the first-half. Wick went back in front before the break and extended their lead shortly after before a Jags fightback nearly earned a point, Daniel Whitehorn scoring and then what we thought was an 85th minute equaliser being disallowed. Defeat for Rothes all but ensured we would not finish bottom of the Highland League this season.
Wednesday 9th: Our turn to visit Keith and, with the pressure off for the Jags in the battle to avoid finishing bottom, we turned on the style to record an excellent 4-1 victory. Daniel Whitehorn netted twice, to continue his goalscoring form, with Cameron Lisle and Paul Brindle, with a penalty, also on the mark.
Saturday 12th: A sunny day at Seafield Park but no win to end the season as Turriff United ran out 4-1 winners, Paul Brindle scoring the Jags’ goal. That left the final table looking like this…
Last season’s record, for comparison, was played 34, won 3, drew 1, lost 30, goals for 35, goals against 151, goal difference -116 and points 10 so an improvement in every area this time around.
Some milestones along the way this season…we make the first goal in the game at Keith to be our 250th away goal in the Highland League and our 55th league win on the road…thanks to Rob Clark, Stephen MacLean and Clive Wolstenholme who are busy compiling the club’s complete HFL record.
As the season ends, thanks to everyone who has supported the club during 2024/25, our fantastic volunteers, loyal supporters, sponsors and lottery players. Thanks too to the Press & Journal and Strathspey Herald for their coverage of the league and club.
Plans are already underway for next season and the club are pleased to have agreed new contracts with Cameron Lisle, Daniel Whitehorn and Caelan Mutch.
News from elsewhere…
Congratulations to Brora Rangers on their league title win and League Cup success. The Cattachs face a tough task in gaining promotion to the SPFL, however, having lost 4-1 to East Kilbride in the first leg of their play-off game, the return being held on Saturday 3rd May.
Good luck to former manager Robert MacCormack after being appointed as the new boss of Alness United.
Strathspey Thistle Club Lottery – Jackpot Now £10,900!
We would love to see a jackpot winner scoop the big prize and with our jackpot currently sitting at an impressive £10,900, now is the perfect time to enter.
You can enter online through the link below and be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize. Don’t miss out – help us spread the word.
Dates for the Diary
We have two exciting events coming up this summer that we would love for you to be a part of! Mark your calendars and save these dates:
📅 Saturday 21st June – Strathspey Thistle FC Family Fun Day at Seafield Park
Bring the whole family along for a fun-filled day of activities, games, and entertainment at Seafield Park!
📅 Saturday 12th July – Strathspey Thistle FC Golf Day at Grantown-on-Spey Golf Club
More details to follow, so stay tuned to our social media pages and club website over the summer.
Last season’s record, for comparison, was played 34, won 3, drew 1, lost 30, goals for 35, goals against 151, goal difference -116 and points 10 so an improvement in every area this time around.
Some milestones along the way this season…we make the first goal in the game at Keith to be our 250th away goal in the Highland League and our 55th league win on the road…thanks to Rob Clark, Stephen MacLean and Clive Wolstenholme who are busy compiling the club’s complete HFL record.
As the season ends, thanks to everyone who has supported the club during 2024/25, our fantastic volunteers, loyal supporters, sponsors and lottery players. Thanks too to the Press & Journal and Strathspey Herald for their coverage of the league and club.
Plans are already underway for next season and the club are pleased to have agreed new contracts with Cameron Lisle, Daniel Whitehorn and Caelan Mutch.
News from elsewhere…
Congratulations to Brora Rangers on their league title win and League Cup success. The Cattachs face a tough task in gaining promotion to the SPFL, however, having lost 4-1 to East Kilbride in the first leg of their play-off game, the return being held on Saturday 3rd May.
Good luck to former manager Robert MacCormack after being appointed as the new boss of Alness United.
Dates for the Diary
We have two exciting events coming up this summer that we would love for you to be a part of! Mark your calendars and save these dates:
📅 Saturday 21st June – Strathspey Thistle FC Family Fun Day at Seafield Park
Bring the whole family along for a fun-filled day of activities, games, and entertainment at Seafield Park!
📅 Saturday 12th July – Strathspey Thistle FC Golf Day at Grantown-on-Spey Golf Club
More details to follow, so stay tuned to our social media pages and club website over the summer.
The Eagle has landed……the new Clubhouse descends…..
After some months of research, we would like to thank Wernick of Nairn (www.wernick.co.uk) for the supply and delivery of, to us, our brand new unit. Specifically we would like to thank Angela and Martin at Wernicks, Davie the delivery driver and our own Charlie Sinclair who negotiated the deal.
The guys that made it possible – Davie from Wernicks, James Gordon, Charlie Sinclair and Denis Smith.
We can now look forward to offering a more relaxed and salubrious surrounding for hosting the committees from the visiting teams to Seafield Park and thank them for their patience this past season as we continue to evolve.
The new Clubhouse in situ at Seafield Park 30.04.25
PLAYER UPDATE We are delighted that Cammy Lisle, Caelan Mutch and Daniel Whitehorn have extended their contracts with the Jags and look forward to seeing them again next season.
Cammy LisleCaelan MutchDaniel Whitehorn
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
It has been confirmed that this year’s Golf Fundraising Day at Grantown Golf Club will be on Saturday 12 July and our now annual FunDay will be held on Saturday June 12 with various activities which will be confirmed nearer the time…..but if it is anything like last year a good day will be had by all! More details soon…..
LOTTERY NOW £10,900
the jackpot now stands at £10,900 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).
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.
If more than one player has 5 winning numbers, the Jackpot will be divided equally among the winning players.
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.
THE DRAW will take place every SUNDAY at 7pm unless otherwise advised.
The entrant named on the ticket must be at least 16 years of age.
All winners will be notified.
PLEASE KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE JAGS’ HAPPENINGS ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES……
STRATHSPEY THISTLE FOOTBALL CLUB WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE INVOLVED – PLAYERS, MANAGEMENT, COMMITTEE, MATCH DAY HELPERS AND OUR FANTASTIC SUPPORTERS FOR ALL THEIR HELP AND INPUT THROUGHOUT THE SEASON.
CONGRATULATIONS BRORA! Firstly congratulations must go Brora Rangers FC on their winning of the Breedon Highland League Season 24/25 and we wish them all the best in their forthcoming tie against the winners of the Lowland League, East Kilbride FC for a place in Scotland’s Division Two. Obviously with league reconstruction again we do not know the component teams of next years league as there are various scenarios. But all will be revealed before what will probably the opening of the league season on Saturday 19 or 26 July.
SATURDAY’S MATCH v TURRIFF UNITED
Saturday’s Match report from Ian Davidson Strathspey Thistle went into their final league match of the season against Turriff United with renewed confidence following an excellent second half performance from their league encounter with Keith, at Kynoch Park, only days earlier. Goals from Daniel Whitehorn with a brace, Cammy Lisle and a Paul Brindle penalty eventually gave the Badenoch side a comfortable win. So, confidence was high going into their meeting with the Turra, even though the visitors had won the reverse fixture at the Haughs back in November convincingly. Boss Ryan Esson made two changes to his starting line-up from the side that had overcome the Maroons days earlier with Paul Brindle and Jordan Laidlaw coming in to replace Sam Morrison and Daniel Whitehorn respectively. With former Scottish FA Chief Executive, Scotland International and Rangers striker Gordon Smith the VIP for the home side, the home side got off to the worst possible start to proceedings, conceding three quick fire goals inside the opening twenty-five minutes. The visitors were ahead as early as the ninth minutes. The deadlock was broken from a corner to the far post where Owen Kinsella climbed above a static rearguard to power home a superb header for the opener. Four minutes later they increased their advantage when a ball into the home penalty area caused all sorts of problems for the defence and Reece McKeown weaved his way through to plant a right foot effort into the corner of the net beyond the helpless Euan Storrier. With the home side struggling to break down a stubborn Turriff rearguard the visitors duly netted a third effort after twenty-five minutes, when Mackenzie Taylor weaved his way into the penalty area before swivelling to beat the keeper with a low drive into the net. The home side hit back and two minutes later they reduced the leeway when Lewis Mackie raced to the edge of the box to drive in a powerful cross for Paul Brindle to apply the finish from close range. Storrier was again called into action with ten minutes of the first period remaining when he made an excellent full length save to deny Taylor his second of the afternoon as the visitors looked to restore their three goal advantage. The home side had a let-off twelve minutes after the resumption when a long clearance from keeper Cameron Reid found John Allan on the edge of the box, however, his well struck effort drifted inches wide of the far post. The home side countered and two minutes later a powerful run from Zach MacPhee following a Dylan Lawrence through ball ended with the full back forcing the keeper into a fine save at his near post as the home side looked to reduce the leeway. Any hopes of the home side rescuing something from the match ended after sixty three minutes. Euan Storrier could only parry an effort from Mackenzie Taylor and Archie Gibson reacted the quickest to fire the loose ball high into the net. With two minutes remaining striker Paul Brindle attempted an audacious lob from fully thirty yards that beat the keeper but failed to hit the target. Boss Ryan Esson will be looking to add to his squad during the close season in an effort to clearly improve their league position next time round. Priority will be to stop conceding early goals something that occurred consistently throughout this season if they are to give themselves a chance of winning matches.
Jags’ boss Ryan Esson was quoted in the Press and Journal after the game saying “Strathspey finished 17th and I think playing on Wednesday night took its toll, the boys looked leggy as well as playing 15 games in two months” “I’m not happy with this performance, but I can’t criticise the boys for the effort they’ve put in over the course of the season and I’m proud of them. “We’ve got more points than last season, we’ve scored more goals and we’ve conceded fewer goals than last season, but we need to try to make further improvements going forward.”
MOTM
Our final Man of the Match award went to Scot Docherty.
He was presented with his award by our special guest on the day, Gordon Smith – former SFA Chief Executive, Rangers and Scotland international.
HALF TIME RAFFLE
It’s that man again……we said last week that lightning never strikes in the same place twice…..well, for the third time in two months Ken Crake was the lucky recipient of the money!!
THANKS From everyone at Strathspey Thistle Football Club thank you to everyone who came to the games, played the lottery and made a noise when we scored!
On a personal level I would like to thank for their help and support throughout the season with the website and with the tasks I am involved with : Rob Clark for furnishing me with a few historical details and articles when needed, Caci Horton for helping find the Half-Time raffle draw winning ticket holder, Laura Mackie for updating me with future match arrangements, her Dad, Ian Davidson for sending me some match reports for inclusion on the website, Marty Wares for team lines before our home games, Mike “The Fraz” Fraser on Bradenstoke Radio in the Cotswolds for adopting us, Jim Beveridge and Ken Croke for helping the pitch committee with repairs after every home game, Gavin, Tom and Frances at “the Strathy” for their continued support and also to the rest of the committee for their support and craic throughout the season.
OFF THE PITCH And as the season closes we start, preparations for the new season begin with the annual pitch maintenance programme and are expecting the arrival very soon of a new, to us, boardroom and committee/hospitality unit for welcoming the committees of our Highland League colleagues.
So that should keep us busy until the middle of July when the hoopla returns………
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Keep up to date with the happenings by checking out our Facebook, X and Instagram pages and any other socials we may have for information regarding….
This year’s Golf Fundraising Day at Grantown Golf Club on Saturday 12 July and our now annual FunDay will be held on Saturday June 12 with various activities which will be confirmed nearer the time…..but if it is anything like last year a good day will be had by all!
LOTTERY NOW £10,700
It ’s still a ginormous amount – £10,700 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).
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.
If more than one player has 5 winning numbers, the Jackpot will be divided equally among the winning players.
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.
THE DRAW will take place every SUNDAY at 7pm unless otherwise advised.
The entrant named on the ticket must be at least 16 years of age.
All winners will be notified.
SO THAT’S IT FOLKS FOR SEASON 2024/2025 – THANKS VERY MUCH IF YOU HAVE BEEN KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH THE GOINGS ON AT STFC THROUGH THE WEBSITE AND THERE WILL PROBABLY THE OCCASIONAL POST DURING THE SUMMER – SEE YOU MID-JULY FOR THE 2025-2026 SEASON.
HOME MATCH v TURRIFF UNITED FC BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE SEAFIELD PARK, GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY, PH26 3HE SATURDAY 12 APRIL 2025 KO 3pm
THIS MATCH IS SPONSORED BY HORTON HOMES.
So here we are, season’s end!
This Saturday we welcome players, management and supporters of Turriff United FC for our final match of the season. Turra currently sit in twelfth position on thirty seven points, having won eleven league games and drawn four over the course of the season. Looking at their results over the past couple of months or so their form seems to be a wee bit inconsistent. They have had some very good results against some of the top teams in the division but have squandered points against teams they may have thought they would have had a good chance of picking up all three points from. We imagine again it will be a tough afternoon and the weather forecast looks very promising so we hope that there will be a large home and away support for this season’s swansong.
Boss Ryan Esson will definitely still be without Josh Race, but hopefully he will be able to pick from the rest of the squad
If any of the Turriff supporters want a resumé of what’s available in Grantown please click here.
At the end of the match committee member Jon Wood will be doing a BBQ for both home and away teams and committees, at the side of the Mackellar Suite, to celebrate the end of the season. The BBQ will also be available for any fans wishing to purchase food along with drinks from the bar whilst stocks last.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT’S MATCH v KEITH at KYNOCH PARK, KEITH.
Although going one goal down after a couple of minutes, the Jags fought back to win by four goals to one, a result that puts us onto seventeen points for the season so far.
To see the four excellent goals check out our Instagram and Facebook pages
The Jags recovered from the loss of an early opener to overcome the Maroons at Kynoch Park, on Wednesday evening. Goals from Daniel Whitehorn 2, Cammy Lisle and a Paul Brindle penalty eventually gave the Badenoch side a deserved victory. Thistle got of to the worst start possible and were behind as early as the second minute, when Scott Docherty lost possession in midfield to Nathan McKeown, who raced along the 18 yard line to beat Euan Storrier with a powerful right foot effort at his near post. The visitors were level with ten minutes of the first period remaining, when the impressive Daniel Whitehorn raced onto a long through ball to beat keeper Connor Macleod from the edge of the box for the equaliser. The second period began with the visitors on the front foot, and three minutes after the resumption they were ahead, when following a corner, Cammy Lisle from the edge of the box beat Macleod with a lob that found the net at the far post. Five minutes later a sweeping four man move ended with Lewis Mackie firing a right foot effort inches wide of the far post. Daniel Whitehorn was agonisingly close to adding a third on 57 minutes with an effort that beat the keeper but drifted wide of the target as the pressure continued to build on the home defence. With the visitors controlling the midfield, they went even closer to extending their lead when Lewis Mackie took a pass from strike partner Daniel Whitehorn, his final effort hit the base of the post to the relief of the home side. The pressure continued to mount and with twelve minutes remaining the Jags increased their advantage when they were awarded a penalty. Dylan Lawrence weaved his way into the box before being upended by Michael Ironside, Referee Joel Kennedy pointing immediately to the penalty spot. Substitute Paul Brindle swept home the resultant spot kick. Daniel Whitehorn rounded off the scoring with nine minutes remaining when he climbed above a static defence to head home following a corner – for his second of the match. The home side were seen little in an attacking sense throughout the second period and their only real opportunity arrived two minutes into injury time when Scott Docherty headed a Brody Alberts shot from under his crossbar.
Scorers Cammy Lisle, Daniel Whitehorn (2) and Paul Brindle.
MY SCOTTISH FOOTBALL
MY SCOTTISH FOOTBALL is a free app from the SFA, downloadable from your normal app store and with the Highland League participating in the app’s first season it is a brilliant way of keeping in touch with your own team – for teamlines, goals scored, substitutions etc from the game you are attending and all the other games currently taking place in the Highland League….or if you aren’t attending you are able to keep up with all the happenings – it’s GREAT!! Printed team lines available at the gate may in the future be a thing of the past……not quite yet as not everyone uses their mobile.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
It has been confirmed that this year’s Golf Fundraising Day at Grantown Golf Club will be on Saturday 12 July and our now annual FunDay will be held on Saturday June 12 with various activities which will be confirmed nearer the time…..but if it is anything like last year a good day will be had by all! More details soon…..
LOTTERY NOW £10,600
It ’s still a ginormous amount – £10,600 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).
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.
If more than one player has 5 winning numbers, the Jackpot will be divided equally among the winning players.
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.
THE DRAW will take place every SUNDAY at 7pm unless otherwise advised.
The entrant named on the ticket must be at least 16 years of age.
AWAY MATCH v KEITH FC BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE KYNOCH PARK, KEITH, AB55 5EB WEDNESDAY 9 APRIL 2025 – KICK OFF 8PM
Wednesday sees us heading down the A95 on one of our shorter journeys to an away game to play Keith FC in what is our penultimate game, and last away game, of the season. Keith who sit in fifteenth position in the Breedon Highland League, two places above us, have had a tough time over the past couple of months and hopefully we can capitalise on that and maybe secure an elusive away victory. Although mathematically possible to be overturned, we are destined to finish in second bottom position in the league this season. As ever we wish Ryan and the boys all the best and hope we sit on seventeen points for the visit to Seafield Park of Turriff United on Saturday.
SATURDAY’S MATCH v WICK ACADEMY Match report from Ian Davidson
The frustration was etched on Jags’ boss Ryan Esson’s face on the final whistle, as he watched his side go down to Wick Academy, at Seafield Park last Saturday. This was a match that the home side on paper were capable of taking something from, and well though they played at stages throughout, they lost goals that were avoidable at vital times in the match to annoy the manager even further. Make no mistake, this was a match in which they created numerous opportunities over a keenly contested ninety minutes, however, failed to convert those opportunities into goals. The opening exchanges were brisk with both teams looking to get that early breakthrough and take an early stranglehold on proceedings. Home keeper Ethan Rae was called into action as early as the second minute when he got down well to block a Kyle Robertson effort at full stretch. The youngster excelled yet again within two minutes with a super save to deny Academy skipper Mark MacAdie. The home side countered, and Cameron Lisle was only inches away from breaking the deadlock with a shot from the edge of the box. However, the deadlock was broken after just ten minutes when Mark MacAdie won a ball in midfield before releasing Kyle Henderson on the edge of the box, and the striker ran on to beat the helpless Rae with a drive from 15 yards. The home side came close to levelling the match four minutes later when, Firstly Daniel Whitehorn, then Filip Franczak went close with a powerful 18 yard effort that the keeper saved at full stretch.
James McShane celebrates after heading our equaliser
The Jags continued to push forward and deservedly levelled the match after 20 minutes. A Filip Franczak free kick into the danger zone was headed back across for James McShane to bullet a header home for the equaliser at the far post. With four minutes of the first period remaining the visitors regained the advantage when from the edge of the box, Mark MacAdie took a touch before beating Ethan Rae with a powerful effort from 18 yards.
Things were to get worse for the home side when the visitors extended their lead within two minutes of the restart when David Allan set up Euan Kennedy. Back came the Jags, and two minutes later, they came close to reducing the leeway when a Paul Brindle effort drifted agonisingly past the far post. The same player missed the chance of the match, when twelve minutes later Cameron Lisle found him and with both time and space, the striker wasted a gilt edged opportunity when he swept over the bar from two yards with the keeper beat at his near post. To their credit, the Jags continued to put pressure on the Scorries defence, with Brindle and Daniel Whitehorn missing good opportunities. Caelan Mutch went close moments later when he swivelled to fire an effort past the far post. With twelve minutes remaining only a brilliant save from Ethan Rae denied the visitors a fourth as the match continued to be played at a furious pace and he was in action again when he pushed a MacAdie drive onto the post.
Dan Whitehorn, scorer of our second goal
Daniel Whitehorn set up a grandstand finish when he capitalised on hesitancy in the visitors defence before running on to beat Gallacher with an excellent finish with eight minutes remaining.
Overall, a frustrating ninety minutes for the Jags, numerous opportunities both created and spurned. The evidence was there for all to see, and the expression on the Boss’s face on the final whistle said it all.
HALF-TIME RAFFLE WINNER
They say that lightning doesn’t strike twice but for the second time in six weeks our Half-Time raffle winner was Jags’ uber fan Ken Crake. Congratulations!
CAN YOU SEE US….
Thanks must go to committee member Allan Carson of MKM Aviemore for supplying the club with brand new hi-viz waistcoats for all committee members for future matches at Seafield Park. I think you can see from the photograph we can be seen!!!
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
It has been confirmed that this year’s Golf Fundraising Day at Grantown Golf Club will be on Saturday 12 July and our now annual FunDay will be held on Saturday June 21 with various activities which will be confirmed nearer the time…..but if it is anything like last year a good day will be had by all! More details soon…..
STFC LOTTERY NOW £10,600
It was another roll-over on Sunday so this week’s jackpot is a ginormous £10,600 for you to win by playing our online fundraising lottery – click here if you want to play…
HOME MATCH v WICK ACADEMY FC BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE SEAFIELD PARK, GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY, PH26 3HE SATURDAY 5 APRIL 2025 KO 3pm
THIS MATCH IS SPONSORED BY LG SIMPSON, HIGHWAY CONTRACTORS
Initially due to played in December and postponed because of the weather, we can now eventually welcome players, management and supporters of Wick Academy to Seafield Park this Saturday. Currently sitting in fourteenth place in the league The Scorries have enjoyed a topsy turvy season with some excellent points accrued from their current total of thirty three, and their current form of five wins and a draw from their last six games is impressive, so again it is going to be a tough afternoon, but not insurmountable, and we hope that the boys will get something from the game. As ever we wish Ryan and the boys all the best in what looks as though it could be a beautiful afternoon for football, weatherwise.
We would like to thank those who may be travelling a long way, and those who may be not…. but if you need a resumé of Grantown’s delights click here.
SATURDAY’S MATCH v FRASERBURGH AT BELLSLEA PARK.
THANKS TO IAN DAVIDSON FOR HIS REPORT.
THE FULL ARTICLE IS AVAILABLE IS IN THE PRINTED EDITION OF THE STRATHSPEY AND BADENOCH HERALD OR ON THEIR ONLINE PAGES
Three first half counters from the home side effectively killed off any hopes of the Jags taking anything from their meeting with Fraserburgh at Bellslea Park. Goals from Sean Butcher and a Scott Barbour brace inside the opening half an hour left us with a mountain to climb at the interval. Boss Ryan Esson had made six changes to the side that played well against title chasers Brechin City in midweek. Zach MacPhee, Daniel Whitehorn, James McShane, Paul Brindle, Caelan Mutch and James Fraser all coming into the starting line-up against the Broch, again having to rotate the squad. It was the home side who got off to the perfect start with the opener after just two minutes. The visitors were forced into an early change when keeper Euan Storrier limped off to be replaced by youngster Ethan Rae after just fourteen minutes following a clash with Broch striker Sean Butcher. The home side doubled their lead five minutes later, when Scott Barbour raced into the box and from an oblique angle beat the keeper. The visitors responded and three minutes later, a cross from Caelan Mutch almost presented Cameron Lisle with the opportunity to reduce the leeway, before Dylan Robertson got back to avert the danger. The home side added a third after 26 minutes, when Barbour raced clear of the defence to beat the advancing Ethan Rae. The second period opened with the Jags on the attack, and they reduced the leeway after 49 minutes when Caelan Mutch picked up a ball in midfield before running on to beat Barbour with a superbly struck lob from the edge of the box that left keeper Joe Barbour helpless. – to view click here https://www.facebook.com/strathspeythistlefc/videos/1344069130219362 The final opportunity of the match arrived with just two minutes remaining when striker Logan Watt raced to the edge of the box, however, his 20 yard right foot effort brought a fine save from substitute keeper Ethan Rae. The opening thirty minutes was where the game was won and lost. However, the Jags came out with a completely different mindset after half-time, pulled back a very good effort to claw their way back into proceedings, and should have added to the scoreline with the opportunities created. Next up for the Jags is a meeting with Wick Academy at Seafield Park on Saturday, in an effort to secure three valuable points and in doing so remain clear of bottom spot.
Jags’ scorer Caelan Mutch
Again the Jags’ representatives at the game were very satisfied with the effort put in by the boys, especially in the second half, and it finished a sequence of nine games in March and they have been rewarded with a night off training on Tuesday evening but were back on Thursday for their last training session of the season in preparation for the Wick game as we have an away match next Wednesday night so no more training sessions!!
FIXTURES UPDATE After Saturday, we have two fixtures between now and the end of the season which are as follows – as ever please check with our Facebook and other social media pages for up-to-date information …. Wednesday 9 April – Keith FC – away – KO 8pm Saturday 12 April – Turriff United FC – home – KO 3pm
MATCHDAY HOSPITALITY in the Mackellar Suite on Saturdays.
Join us for £50 per person. Sat 12 Apr – vs Turriff United Football Club Package includes: Complimentary pre-match bar / 2-course lunch / Match entry / HT refreshments..FT pay bar Email hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk for booking information .
MY SCOTTISH FOOTBALL MY SCOTTISH FOOTBALL is a free app from the SFA, downloadable from your normal app store and with the Highland League participating in the app’s first season it is a brilliant way of keeping in touch with your own team – for teamlines, goals scored, substitutions etc from the game you are attending and all the other games currently taking place in the Highland League….or if you aren’t attending you are able to keep up with all the happenings – it’s GREAT!!
Printed team lines available at the gate may in the future be a thing of the past……not quite yet as not everyone uses their mobile.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
16th green, Grantown
It has been confirmed that this year’s Golf Fundraising Day at Grantown Golf Club will be on Saturday 12 July and our now annual FunDay will be held on Saturday June 12 with various activities which will be confirmed nearer the time…..but if it is anything like last year a good day will be had by all! More details soon…..
LOTTERY NOW £10,500
It ’s a ginormous £10,500 for you to win by playing our online fundraising lottery – click hereif 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).
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.
If more than one player has 5 winning numbers, the Jackpot will be divided equally among the winning players.
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.
THE DRAW will take place every SUNDAY at 7pm unless otherwise advised.
The entrant named on the ticket must be at least 16 years of age.
All winners will be notified.
See y’all next week for this season’s last game preview……
Saturday 1st: A hugely important and busy month of fixtures began with the visit of Keith to Seafield Park and it was the away side who edged a hard-fought game, scoring the opener on 70 minutes and then sealing things in stoppage time while the Jags pushed hard for an equaliser. Trialist Dean Stewart made his debut…Elsewhere in the Highland League, Brechin City parted company with manager Patrick Cregg after losing ground in the title race.
Wednesday 5th: Another home game, this time against Buckie Thistle where the visitors raced into a four-goal lead at the break, helped by two penalties. The Strathy Jags could have folded but scored through Liam Shewan just after half-time with the scoreline remaining the same until the final whistle. Emergency loan signing Corey Patterson played in goal for STFC with Euan Storrier unable to feature against his parent club.
Saturday 8th: The Jags travelled to Aberdeen to face Banks o’ Dee and did well to come in at half-time just a goal down after a strong home performance in the opening 45 minutes. Gradually, however, the visitors made it a more even contest after the break and were also able to introduce plenty of different options from the bench. One of those players, Conor Macphee, equalised on 81 minutes but there was to be similar late heartache to the game at last month as BOD netted an 89th minute winner.
Saturday 8th: Back at Seafield Park we were delighted to host Strathspey Rovers mini tournament, involving teams from Strathspey, Elgin, Keith and Nairn.
Wednesday 12th: The busy schedule continued with a home game against Inverness Clachnacuddin and a familiar story of a battling Jags performance but no points with the visitors running out 3-0 winners to maintain their excellent form Saturday 15th: No let up in the schedule with another long away journey and tough opponents in the shape of Inverurie Loco Works. Unfortunately, the Jags once again got off to a slow start and a 4-0 half-time scoreline meant that the second half was a case of damage limitation and keeping the home side to just one further goal. Wednesday 19th: Huntly were the visitors to Seafield Park for another important Highland League clash. After falling behind early in a number of games this season, the Jags not only scored first this time but James Fraser’s strike was our fastest ever! With a lead to protect the Jags gave everything they had, denied a win only by a late equaliser. With Rothes unable to defeat Lossiemouth it kept STFC off the bottom of the Highland League ahead of the meeting with Rothes on Saturday.
Thursday 20th: Vital work on the Seafield Park pitch with another big game to come at the weekend. Thanks to all our fantastic volunteers.
Committee members and season-ticket holders – Alan MacKenzie, Jim Beveridge, Charlie Sinclair, Graeme Stuart, Ken Crake and Donly McLeod – Forkers United!
Friday 21st: Kieran Duffty made a loan move to join New Elgin FC with Dean Stewart moving in the opposite direction until the end of the season.
Saturday 22nd: The home game against Rothes had long been earmarked in the diary as a crucial one in the battle to avoid finishing bottom of the Highland League and it proved to be every bit as tight, and tense as predicted in front of a big Seafield Park crowd. As in midweek, the Jags got the crucial first goal of the game, Conor MacPhee scoring, and managed to hold onto their lead until the welcome sound of the final whistle meant we moved three points clear of our opponents.
Wednesday 26th: Our welcome habit of scoring early continued as Liam Shewan’s penalty gave the Jags a surprise lead at home to title-chasing Brechin City. A 1-1 scoreline at half-time turned into a 4-1 win for the visitors who tightened the screw after the break to show their quality.
Saturday 29th: A trip to Fraserburgh to end the month and three first-half goals for the home side sparked memories of a big defeat at this ground last season. However, the current Jags’ side are continuing to improve and, despite their hectic schedule over the past few weeks, not only prevented further goals conceded but scored one of their own through Caelan Mutch.
Strathspey Thistle Club Lottery – Jackpot Now £10,500!
We would love to see a jackpot winner scoop the big prize and with our jackpot currently sitting at an impressive £10,500, now is the perfect time to enter.
You can enter online through the link below and be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize. Don’t miss out – help us spread the word
Hospitality in the Mackellar Suite – Book Your Spot Now! We have just two home league matches remaining this season:
Sat 5th Apr vs Wick Academy
Sat 12th Apr vs Turriff
Contact our Commercial Director, Laura Mackie via email at hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk for more information about matchday hospitality in the Mackellar Suite.
Dates for the Diary
We have two exciting events coming up this summer that we would love for you to be a part of! Mark your calendars and save these dates:
📅 Saturday 21st June – Strathspey Thistle FC Family Fun Day at Seafield Park
Bring the whole family along for a fun-filled day of activities, games, and entertainment at Seafield Park!
📅 Saturday 12th July – Strathspey Thistle FC Golf Day at Grantown-on-Spey Golf Club
More details to follow, so stay tuned to our social media pages and club website once the season ends.
