September 4 The long journey to Banff to play Deveronvale was made to seem even longer when The Jags were 3-0 down at half-time. An improved performance in the second half restored some pride. Planning has started for the Scottish FA Cup tie at Nairn County on Saturday September 18 and both clubs are hoping for a decent attendance.
September 11 Seafield Park was the venue for the second game in ten days against Rothes FC but this time it was a Breedon Highland League encounter. Rothes were justifiably two up at half time but not long after the break The Jags scored a great goal. An exquisite pass from James Fraser put James McShane through on goal and he rifled the ball past the Rothes keeper to make it game on at 2-1. It gave the home fans a bit of a lift, but unfortunately the visitors added to their lead soon after and completed their afternoon with a last minute goal to make the score 4-1.
September 18 A beautiful Autumnal day at the coast, Scottish Cup was back and we were visiting our near neighbours Nairn County. The competition always brings with it an excitement that is difficult to explain. The financial side is very important to all clubs and the publicity a club gets as it progresses through the rounds money cannot buy. Alas for The Jags this was another poor day at the office and Nairn County ran out worthy winners by 4-0. Thanks as always to everyone at Station Road who make you so welcome.
September 25 Another sunny and warm day for the long trip to Fraserburgh. As they always do they made us very welcome in what is a very professional and progressive club. The hospitality stopped once the game was underway and The Jags were well beaten 7-0. After the reasonable start to the season with good performances at Huntly, Clachnacuddin and the first half at Forres and the loss of form points to maybe the game at Turriff when we lost a three goal lead in the last twenty minutes. Injuries and Covid have played their part but that applies to all clubs. Charlie and Jamie as we don’t have a game on October 2 have ten full days to prepare the side for the most important game of our season so far – at home to Fort William on October 6 – The proverbial ‘six pointer’
September 29 In preparing for their visit to Seafield Park next week Fort William came from behind at Station Park Nairn to claim their first Highland League point of the season in a 3-3 game. Calum MacLean had recently been installed as Fort William’s interim manager following the resignation of Ashley Hollyer and his management team.
September 30 The Highland League announced that the league cup will be sponsored for the next two years by GPH Builders Merchants. The Company have branches in Stonehaven, Ellon and Westhill. This season’s competition begins on October 30. Rothes are the current cup holders after winning last season for the first time in their history. The draw for the preliminary and first round will take place on October 1.
STOP PRESS : In the Highland league cup first round The Jags have been drawn away at Clachnacuddin who we played in the North of Scotland cup earlier in the season.