Author: Stewart

HOME MATCH v DEVERONVALE FC
BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE
SEAFIELD PARK, GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY, PH26 3HR
SATURDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2024 – KO 2pm

This Saturday we welcome players, management and supporters of Banff’s own Deveronvale FC.

It’ll be great to get back to Saturday afternoon fitba’ after last week’s disappointments courtesy of the snowy weather!

This match was scheduled to be played on the 28 December, but as we were both not going to be involved in the Scottish Cup 3rd Round, we thought that it would be better in case of maybe more inclement weather at that time of year and, of the hoopla surrounding Christmas and New Year, it would be beneficial to both clubs bringing the fixture forward – but as we can never rely on the weather at this time of the year it may not work out the way we both planned – see last week for an example!!!……
Manager Garry Wood brings his team to Seafield Park currently sitting in tenth place and have over the past couple of months had a mixed bag of results and their away form not as strong as their hame performances. If any of the Vale’s travelling support want a resumé of what happens in Grantown click here…
In our previous encounter this season at Princess Royal Park in Banff, we narrowly lost by three goals to two losing a goal in the last minute of time added on….so hopefully it’ll be another cracker but, The Jags’ get the three points this time.

As ever we wish Ryan and the boys all the best!

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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY AND HOME MATCH DAY HOSPITALITY

The next two scheduled games are home league games – please check with our very much up-to-date social media if there are any changes with kick-offs etc.

For information about our different hospitality packages  contact Email : hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk

An example of what is available is complimentary drinks from 1 pm until kick-off at 2pm / One-course lunch / Seat in the Donly McLeod Stand / Complimentary half-time beverage and a pie.

Don’t wait—book your place now!  

There will be a cash bar for all spectators from 1-2 pm and then at FT

These are the scheduled games before the end of January and their kick-off times.

Saturday 7 December at 2pm – Keith FC

Saturday 14 December at 3pm – Wick Academy FC

we then visit Forres Mechanics on Saturday 21 December KO 3pm

2025

Our first game of the New Year will be at Formartine on Saturday 4 January and a 3pm KO.  

HOME GAMES IN JANUARY

Saturday 11 January at 2pm – Buckie Thistle FC –

Saturday 25 January at 2pm – Brechin City FC

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JAGS’ CHRISTMAS RAFFLE

It’s that time of the year again….the Jags’ Christmas Raffle….
Get your tickets and support Strathspey Thistle FC and you could win some fantastic prizes!

 1st Prize: A fabulous stay at the Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness  – 2 twin rooms for 1 night, bed & breakfast, PLUS a 4-ball at Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club Links! 
2nd Prize: A Fine Dining experience for 4 at The Crossing Kingussie – perfect for a special night out! 
3rd Prize: A festive hamper filled with seasonal goodies! 

And that’s not all – we have lots of other fantastic prizes up for grabs! 
Tickets: £1 each or £10 for a book!
You can buy tickets from our committee members, playing squad, and management team. Want in? Drop us a comment below, and we’ll DM you with payment details and issue you with tickets! 
The draw will take place on: Saturday 11th January, in the Mackellar Suite after the Buckie Thistle game.

Thank you for your incredible support and a big thank you to all who have very kindly donated prizes! 

#StrathspeyThistleFC #FestiveRaffle #SupportLocal #FootballCommunity

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£8700 TO BE WON – THIS WEEK’S JACKPOT PRIZE

As ever we conclude this week’s meanderings offering you a jackpot win of a massive £8700 on 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 couple of 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.

Doubts on the Huntly game going ahead started on late Tuesday night, and the above photo taken on Wednesday afternoon showed that a weather miracle was required, especially after heavy snow on Wednesday night and below freezing temperatures recorded…..and the forecast for Saturday over the North is not too promising either ……so we must now concentrate on next Saturday’s match here in Grantown against Deveronvale….if Mother Nature lets us….. 

Hopefully see y’all at Seafield Park on the 30th…

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LAST SATURDAY’S GAME v TURRIFF UNITED IN TURRIFF.

It was not the result we were hoping for and according to the Jags’ fans who made their way to The Haughs the score was a bit harsh on the boys. 

After a reasonable first half we went into the break one-nil down although we could have been level as we missed a couple of good chances shortly before the end of the half

However, the second half was a different story even although we had at least three very good chances at the start of the half, none of which were taken we were guilty of bad defending and lost a couple of headed goals from crosses midway through, which was followed by another goal near full time resulting in a four-nil defeat.

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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY AND HOME MATCHDAY HOSPITALITY

The next three scheduled games are home league games – please check with our very much up-to-date social media if there are any changes with kick-offs etc.
For information about our different hospitality packages 

contact Email : hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk

For example – complimentary drinks from 2 PM until kick-off / One-course lunch / Seat in the Donly McLeod Stand / Complimentary half-time beverage and a pie.
Cash bar from 1-2 PM and then at FT
Don’t wait—book your place now!  

These are the scheduled games before the end of January and their kick-off times.

Saturday 30 November at 2pm – Deveronvale FC
Saturday 7 December at 2pm – Keith FC
Saturday 14 December at 3pm – Wick Academy FC ( Christmas Jumper Day)
2025 
Saturday 11 January at 2pm – Buckie Thistle FC
Saturday 25 January at 2pm – Brechin City FC

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JAGS’ CHRISTMAS RAFFLE

Probably the first mention of quite a few in the lead up to Christmas, but it’s that time of the year again….the Jags’ Christmas Raffle….

Get your tickets and support Strathspey Thistle FC while you could win some fantastic prizes!

 1st Prize: A fabulous stay at the Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness  – 2 twin rooms for 1 night, bed & breakfast, PLUS a 4-ball at Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club Links! 

2nd Prize: A Fine Dining experience for 4 at The Crossing Kingussie – perfect for a special night out! 

3rd Prize: A festive hamper filled with seasonal goodies! 

And that’s not all – we have lots of other fantastic prizes up for grabs! 

Tickets: £1 each or £10 for a book!

You can buy tickets from our committee members, playing squad, and management team.

The draw will take place on: Saturday 11th January, in the Mackellar Suite after the Buckie Thistle game.

Thank you for your incredible support and a big thank you to all who have very kindly donated prizes! 

#StrathspeyThistleFC #FestiveRaffle #SupportLocal #FootballCommunity

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£8600 TO BE WON – THIS WEEK’S JACKPOT PRIZE

As ever we conclude this week’s meanderings offering you a jackpot win of a massive £8600 on 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 couple of 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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So I’m afraid there’s no game this week but hopefully, we will have one next Saturday….preview and weeks happenings next Friday…possibly a wee bit later than normal….

AWAY MATCH v TURRIFF UNITED FC
BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE
THE HAUGHS, QUEENS ROAD, TURRIFF AB53 4DY
SATURDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2024 – KO 3PM 

After a free week it’s back to Breedon Highland League action with a visit to The Haughs in Turriff and our match with Turriff United FC. Currently sitting in fifteenth place, three points ahead of us, a Jags’win would mean that we would be level on points and definitely something Ryan and the boys will be aiming for.This is our first meeting of the season and unfortunately we did not cover ourselves in glory in both league games last season, a season in which Turriff finished in ninth position. This seaon however is proving more difficult having won only three games and drawn two, so we have more of a chance in taking some points back to Seafield Park and, with, Turriff having lost their last league game to Rothes, there must be an air of confidence in the Jags camp in getting a result.

These are the games we have to win and with matches coming up against Huntly, Deveronvale, Keith and Wick Academy, all at home over the next four Saturdays, we would hope to put together a decent run of form and hopefully be able to move up the table.
In an interview with the local paper ‘The Strathy” Jags’ manager Ryan Esson was delighted he had more or less for the first time this season a fully fit squad and having had some quality time on the training ground over the past couple of weeks he was looking forward to the next month and beyond.

Saturday should see the debut of former Caley Thistle defender Wallace Duffy, and although Josh Race is still suspended and with long term injuries to Jordan Laidlaw, Alan Kerr and Scott Docherty, the rest of the squad are raring to go.

As ever, we wish the Jags all the best in their quest for three points.

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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

As I stated we have four home league games in a row starting next Saturday – and lets face it the weather may not be anything like the above photo – please check with our very much up-to-date social media if there are any changes with kick-offs etc.
These are the games and kick-off times as of today, Friday 15 November.

HOME GAMES
Saturday 23 November at 2pm – Huntly FC
Saturday 30 November at 2pm – Deveronvale FC
Saturday 7 December at 2pm – Keith FC
Saturday 14 December at 3pm – Wick Academy FC

2025 
Saturday 11 January at 2pm – Buckie Thistle FC
Saturday 25 January at 2pm – Brechin City FC

For information about match sponsorship, hospitality or anything regarding our exploits over the next few weeks – for example this Saturday we are running a bus to the Turriff game – there may still be tickets available – please contact for more information…..

hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk

We’re off to Forres Mechanics on Saturday 21 December for a 3pm kick off – and that is our last game of 2024.

MATCHDAY HOSPITALITY OVER THE COMING WEEKS

Complimentary drinks from 2 PM until kick-off / One-course lunch / Seat in the Donly McLeod Stand / Complimentary half-time beverage and a pie.
Cash bar from 1-2 PM and then at FT

Don’t wait—book your place now!  

We are also taking hospitality bookings for the remainder of the season!

Sat 23rd Nov – Huntly Football Club

Sat 14th Dec – Wick Academy FC (Festive Jumper Day)

Sat 28th Dec – Deveronvale Football Club

Sat 11th Jan – Buckie Thistle Football Club

Sat 25th Jan – Brechin City FC

Sat 8th Feb – Clachnacuddin FC

Sat 22nd Feb – Nairn County FC

Sat 22nd Mar – Rothes Football Club (Ladies Day)

Sat 12th Apr – Turriff United Football Club

Email: hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk

CHRISTMAS FUN

Christmas at Strathspey Thistle FC
We’re thrilled to announce that our new Mackellar Suite is now available for booking this Christmas season!  Whether you’re planning a festive family gathering, office Christmas party, or a special celebration with friends, the Mackellar Suite offers a stylish, comfortable space for your event.
What to Expect: Fully catered events, Licensed bar, Flexible seating arrangements, Perfect for groups and corporate bookings…..

For bookings or enquiries, email hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk

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STRATHSPEY ROVERS SOCCER SCHOOL or Fitba’ School…….

Strathspey Rovers are SUPER excited to announce we’ll be running our first ever ‘girls only’ football sessions starting on Monday 18th November (6-7pm) running for 4 weeks.

GIRLS FOOTBALL
for Strathspey Girls 

 Aviemore Astro pitch
Monday 18th (trial 4 weeks)
6-7PM
High School age girls (S1-S6) 

NB this is a trial block to gauge local interest/demand and will be led by our SYFA qualified female club coaches. 
These are fun sessions open to all abilities. Please turn up and take part 

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REFEREE RECRUITMENT

Referees are a vital part of football and as the Scottish FA seeks to continually grow and develop the Scottish game, there is a constant need to recruit and develop referees.
Referee Associations locally continue to be looking to welcome new members and to this end, we would invite anyone interested to contact the Association which covers matches in their area.
All football matches require at least a referee and in certain other fixtures also assistant referees. Therefore, new blood is sought on an ongoing basis.
Refereeing can be a highly rewarding challenge, encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle as well as significantly contributing to the development of the game. Referees operate at all levels – from grassroots football right through to the Scottish Professional Football League and international matches.

The Associations run introductory classes:
When numbers are sufficient, on a class based ‘face to face’ basis, which can be tailored to suit candidates
Zoom which can also be tailored for those interested. 
And in addition, there is also an on-line course which can be completed at the candidates own pace, in their own surroundings, over 5 modules, with details on the SFA website. 
All courses also have a face-to-face session for candidates to provide advice on the practicalities of officiating.
The Association would be delighted to hear from you and contact details are undernoted. 

Further details are also on the SFA website in the referee section.
Scottish Football Association  
SFA https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/scottish-fa/referees/referee-associations/north-of-scotland/

Aberdeen & District Referees’ Association

Website: Scottishfa.co.uk (incorporating Orkney and Shetland)

E-mail: aberdeenrefereeonline@outlook.com

      secretarysfarefereeaberdeen@outlook.com
Website: www.aberdeenanddistrictreferees.co.uk

Moray and Banff Referees’ Association

Email: mbrefereecourse@gmail.com

North of Scotland Referees’ Association
Email: NOSRAinstructors@gmail.com

SFA https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/scottish-fa/referees/referee-associations/north-of-scotland/

Angus and Perth Referees’ Association
mail: recruiment@aprefs.co.uk
Website: www.aprefs.co.uk

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£8500 TO BE WON – THIS WEEK’S JACKPOT PRIZE

As ever we conclude this week’s meanderings offering you a jackpot win of a massive £8200 on 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 couple of 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.

See you next week sports fans..

Slightly later than normal due to the fact that Clive is just back from a month in the sun.

Saturday5^th:Banks o’ Dee were the visitors to Seafield Park and prior to the game we confirmed the signings of Stephen Rennie and Kieran Chalmers, a return to the club for both players after earlier spells with the Jags.
A hard-fought game saw the visitors take a 2-1 lead into the break, Kieran Duffty having equalised for STFC following a cross from Caelan Mutch. Chances to level for a second time were missed and Dee added two more goals to seal the points.

Saturday12^th:Another home game, with some interesting weather beforehand (see pic below of our brilliant volunteers braving the elements) as Inverurie
Locos ran out 4-0 winners, Nathan Meres scoring a hat-trick while Kieran Chalmers went closest to scoring for the hosts. As with the week before, a Jags side depleted by injury and work commitments, gave their all against another of the Highland League’s stronger sides.

Saturday 19^th: A red-letter day, from the supporters’ coach taking Jags fans to Rothes, via lunch at Seafield Park, to a superb performance on the pitch against the team who started the afternoon one place above STFC at the foot of the Highland League.
Goals from Brindle (2), Whitehorn, Race, Chalmers and McShane not only secured a second victory of the season but the goal difference meant the Jags also moved off the bottom of the table and saw Rothes part company with manager Richard Hastings.
Press & Journal subscribers can watch highlights of the game here.

OUR NEXT GAME IS AT THE HAUGHS, TURRIFF ON SATURDAY
16 NOVEMBER KO 3pm

We finally managed to get the squad photographed – the first time in two years – on Saturday before the Fraserburgh game. – see above….

WALLACE SIGNS

We are delighted to welcome 25-year-old defender Wallace Duffy to Strathspey Thistle on a 3-year deal.
Wallace began his career at Rangers and has since gained valuable experience with clubs like Celtic, St Johnstone and Inverness Caledonian Thistle and was a Scotland Under-19 international . After recently departing Inverness following their unfortunate entry into administration, we’re excited to see Wallace bring his dedication and experience to our squad. 
Manager Ryan Esson: “We’re really pleased to add Wallace to the squad. His experience and knowledge will be a huge benefit to all our players, and I’m thrilled he’s agreed to join us. Having worked with him before at Inverness, I know exactly what he brings to the table, and I’m confident he’ll be an important part of what we’re building here.”

Ryan was interviewed in the Press & Journal about the signing and said he was thrilled with his new recruit as he looks to push Strathspey up the table.
He said: “Credit to the owner and the people behind the scenes for making this happen because as soon as I spoke to Wallace and he showed an interest, I went to the directors and they’ve made it happen.
“It’s been a collective effort from the club to sign Wallace and fair play to the people running the club because they’ve got ambitions in terms of the next few years.
“If we can, we want to add quality players like Wallace, and the club is showing ambition on and off the pitch. There is a new hospitality suite and there are various other things happening to move the club forward”.”

When it comes to winning games, Ryan believes Duffy can make a major impact at the heart of Strathspey’s defence.
He added: “Wallace adds real experience, he’s quick, he’s aggressive and he’s good tactically.
“I don’t just want to add bodies for the sake of it – we want to bring quality players to Strathspey and Wallace is a quality player.”

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LAST SATURDAY’S BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE GAME v FRASERBURGH FC – report by Ian Davidson edited for the web – full match report in the Strathspey & Badenoch Herald – https://www.strathspey-herald.co.uk

The general consensus of all attending was that the Jags produced their best performance of the season and deservedly came away with a share of the points following a hard fought 2-2 draw. 
To a man they gave everything they had in terms of commitment, effort and togetherness as they secured another valuable point in their quest to get themselves out of the relegation zone. They lacked nothing in terms of desire, and with a bit of luck could have secured another famous victory. 
It was the visitors who held the upper-hand in the opening period with Euan Storrier called into action twice In the opening ten minutes to blunt the threat of Logan Watt and Scott Barbour. 
After twelve minutes, Caelan Mutch raced onto a cross in the box, chipped the ball over the onrushing Joe Barbour before knocking home the opener despite the attentions of Kieran Simpson. 

The Broch response was swift as they drew level within three minutes.
Six minutes from the interval the home side should have regained the lead.  Caelan Mutch raced onto a slide-rule through ball from Paul Brindle and after rounding the keeper saw his final effort blocked by Kieran Simpson.
Two minutes later Liam Shewan went close when his deft angled lob beat the advancing keeper but agonisingly drifted over the crossbar.
Disaster struck the home side within five minutes of the restart. A corner was flighted into a crowded box, and when the loose ball landed at the feet of striker Logan Watt he poked home the loose ball to give the visitors the lead. 
Four minutes later a corner from Liam Shewan was met by Steven MacDonald to bullet home a superb header for the equaliser.

Later, a sweeping move from the home side ended with Stephen Rennie firing a teasing cross into the box with Paul Brindle only inches away from adding the final touch with Barbour looking on anxiously. 
With play now swinging from end to end, Jamie Beagrie went close with a header for the visitors and returning after a lengthy injury Jags’ substitute Dylan Lawrence went even closer with a strike that drifted just wide of the far post. 
The last twenty minutes saw the home side the likelier to grab a late winner with further efforts from Brindle, Rennie and MacPhee just failing to hit the target.
The look on the faces of the players on the final whistle said it all. Having put so much into the match it felt like a defeat rather than a share of the points. That was how they felt having put so much into the match. 

𝗠𝗔𝗡 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛

Man of the Match was Steven Macdonald. 
Steven was presented with his award from Darren Gould our Match Sponsor Westgate Stainless & Alloys Ltd. 
A huge thank you to Westgate Stainless & Alloys Ltd for their incredible support! 
Not only did they sponsor our match on Saturday, but they also provided our squad with warm-up tops and jackets at the start of the season. We really appreciate your commitment to the club!

Andy and Darren from Westgate are pictured with Scot Docherty, Lewis Mackie, Kieran Duffty, Jordan Laidlaw, and Club captain James McShane.

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NOVEMBER DATES for your diary

INTRODUCING…..LAURA MACKIE

Laura is the Club’s new Commercial Director so, please contact her if you have any questions about match day hospitality, player sponsorship or any other enquiry regarding fund raising ideas.
Email : hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk

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11 NOVEMBER 2024 – REMEMBRANCE DAY

On behalf of Strathspey Thistle FC, Club Secretary Clive Wolstenholme will lay a wreath during the Remembrance Day Service at the War Memorial in Grantown Square on Sunday 10 November. Spectators arriving for last Saturday’s match against Fraserburgh will have seen Club Historian Rob Clark collecting on behalf of the Royal British Legion Scotland Strathspey Branch Poppy Appeal.

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£8400 TO BE WON – THIS WEEK’S JACKPOT PRIZE

As ever we conclude this week by offering you the chance of a jackpot win of a massive £8400 on 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 couple of 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.

HOME MATCH v FRASERBURGH FC
BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE
SEAFIELD PARK, GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY, PH26 3HE
SATURDAY 2 NOVEMBER 2024 – KO 3pm 

This Saturday we welcome Fraserburgh FC’s players, committee and supporters after making the eighty odd mile journey via the A98 and A95 to Seafield Park. Any supporters wanting a refresher in what’s available in Grantown click here for information.
The Broch, currently sitting in eighth position in the Breedon Highland League and coming off a Scottish Cup 2nd Round win against Turriff United last Saturday, are normally a very formidable force and we have no reason on this visit to dispute that.
Last season Fraserburgh finished third in the league in a very closely contested competition, especially in the last month of the season. We had the misfortune to play them twice in seven days during that time, the second time was on the last day of the season at Bellslea Park, and we were very well beaten.
Even allowing for a very tiring end of season run of four games in seven days – a scenario we hope does not ever happen to us again – a lot of the Jags supporters were disappointed with the team’s final performances, especially at Fraserburgh as they seemed to have already given up especially as many were already leaving the club – if my memory serves me correctly only three players from the current squad played both games and there were only two subs on the bench, so times have changed quite dramatically in the Thistle camp!

After our victory two weeks ago at Rothes and with more players returning from injury, hopefully we will give Fraserburgh a far tougher challenge this year, and the Jags fans will go home a lot happier than the last time we played!!

We wish Ryan and the guys all the best.

UPCOMING FIXTURES

There have been some changes to some of the fixtures over the next few weeks so here they are.
Obviously we are now entering the frost and snow part of the season so, please, keep up to date on our Facebook and other social media platforms for up-to-date information.
Next Saturday (9 November) we do not have a game as we failed to beat Clach in the preliminary round of the League Cup, so our next game will be a league game against Turriff United in Turriff on Saturday 16 November with a 3pm kick off.
That game is then followed by a home game at Seafield Park against Huntly FC on Saturday 23 November with a 2pm kick off.
The following week on Saturday 30 November we’re at home again also with a 2pm kick-off against Deveronvale FC, which was scheduled for the 28 December, but has been been brought forward.
We then miss another cup week-end after which we welcome Wick Academy FC  for our third home game in a row on Saturday 14 December and is a 3pm kick off.
We then travel to Forres on Saturday 21 December for our return fixture against Forres Mechanics which will be our last scheduled game in 2024.

For more information on future games click here.

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MATCHDAY HOSPITALITY OVER THE COMING WEEKS

We are taking hospitality bookings for the remainder of the season.

Sat 23rd Nov – Huntly Football Club

Sat 30th Nov – Deveronvale Football Club

Sat 14th Dec – Wick Academy FC (Festive Jumper Day)

Sat 11th Jan – Buckie Thistle Football Club

Sat 25th Jan – Brechin City FC

Sat 8th Feb – Clachnacuddin FC

Sat 22nd Feb – Nairn County FC

Sat 22nd Mar – Rothes Football Club (Ladies Day)

Sat 12th Apr – Turriff United Football Club

Contact for more information:

Email: hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk

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LOTTERY REACHES £8300 JACKPOT

As ever we conclude this week’s meanderings offering you a jackpot win of a massive £8300 on 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 couple of 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.

NO GAME THIS SATURDAY

WE WISH ALL THE HIGHLAND LEAGUE TEAMS INVOLVED IN THE SCOTTISH CUP 2ND ROUND ALL THE BEST!

LAST SATURDAY’S MATCH v ROTHES FC

Where do we start?
Possibly one of the Jags’ best ever performances in the Highland League……..
A clean sheet…….
For the first time in over two years we are not bottom of the league…….
And a big thank you to all the Jags’ supporters who made their way to Rothes to support the team….and I am sure they all enjoyed their afternoon…

All in all this result gives us an idea to what Ryan and the boys are capable of, and, hopefully, over the coming weeks and months with a fully fit and settled squad at his disposal, I am confident that we will go from strength to strength……keep the faith!

The game at Rothes is this week’s featured league match on the Press and Journal Highland Football Weekly report and highlights can be viewed by clicking here – subscription required.

LAST SATURDAY’S BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE GAME v ROTHES FC – report by Ian Davidson edited for the web – full match report in the printed version of the  Strathspey & Badenoch Herald – available every Thursday – or by subscription online.

The Jags made the relatively short trip to Rothes at the weekend looking for a morale boosting victory over the Speysiders to close the gap in the basement battle and in doing so give themselves a much-needed confidence booster in their quest to move up the table and out of the danger zone. 
This they did with some style against a Rothes side who did not have the cutting edge shown by the visitors who simply put them to the sword with some excellent finishing.  
The only negative aspect in an otherwise emphatic victory was the red card shown to Josh Race who was dismissed by Referee Kevin Murray for allegedly throwing an elbow at Rothes skipper Liam McDade with twenty minutes remaining. 
The Jags lined up with four changes to their starting line-up from the team that had gone down to third placed Inverurie Loco Works the previous week.  
Paul Brindle, Steven MacDonald, James McShane and Josh Race were all recalled to the starting eleven, James Fraser and Stephen Rennie were still absentees, and with Cameron Lisle, Kieran Duffty and Juan Cardoba dropping to the bench. 
Ryan Esson’s side showed their intensions as early as the opening minute, when Paul Brindle raced onto a through ball just inside the box, with Rothes keeper Martin Mackinnon denying the striker with a comfortable save. 
Six minutes later the visitors came even closer when following a Josh Race corner, James McShane headed back across goal for Daniel Whitehorn to head narrowly past at the far post. 
The breakthrough came after nine minutes. Kieran Chalmers flighted a free kick into the box for skipper James McShane to apply the finish from six yards to give Strathspey the early lead they craved. 
The home side responded, and came close to restoring parity after 18 minutes, when Ross Logan got on the end of a cross from Ruari Duncan after the visitors failed to clear their lines effectively but fired his effort over the bar. 
A minute later, the home side were made to pay for that missed opportunity, when Filip Franczak weaved his way along the byeline and released Daniel Whitehorn who, found the net with a clever back-heel finish to make it 2-0. – watch it here
The pressure continued on the home rearguard and four minutes later it was 3-0, when the home side conceded a penalty when Paul Brindle was upended in the box.  MacKinnon initially saved the striker’s spot kick however the ref indicated the award to be retaken as the keeper had moved. The striker stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way from the resultant retake to leave the home side with a mountain to climb. 

Five minutes from the break a through ball again released Filip Franczak who crossed this time forJosh Race to knock home the fourth, and on the stroke of half-time with the Jags now in complete control only a brilliant full length save from Mackinnon denied McShane his second of the match.

The second period opened with the home side looking to give their fans something to shout about. 
Seven minutes after the resumption ex-Jag Ross Logan dispossessed Whitehorn but his effort from the edge of the box brought a fine save from Storrier. 
Two minutes later, Mackinnon was the hero again, this time he got down well to save from Whitehorn at point blank range as the visitors looked to further extend their lead. 
The pressure continued to build on the home side and on 65 minutes the visitors went nap when Paul Brindle reacted quickly when a loose ball in the box found him with both time and space to beat the keeper when he swivelled to smash home his second goal of the match. 
The visitors were sensationally reduced to ten men after 68 minutes, when referee Murray very contoversially adjudged that midfield man Josh Race had thrown an elbow at Rothes skipper and ex-Jag Liam McDade to put a damper on the visitors excellent overall performance. Many of the Jags’ supporters were very disappointed at McDade’s actions in the incident.
The scoring was completed with fourteen minutes remaining when substitute Liam Shewan cut a ball back from the byeline and Kieran Chalmers capped an excellent performance when he smacked home the sixth with a drive from the edge of the box. 
Overall, this was an excellent performance from the Jags who looked much sharper throughout with the home side seen little as an attacking force.

This result moves the Jags off the foot of the table and closes the gap on the immediate teams above them.

All in all this result gives us an idea to what Ryan and the boys are capable of, and hopefully over the coming weeks and months with a fully fit and settled squad at his disposal, I am confident 

CONGRATULATIONS PAUL BRINDLE
SM Media Highland League Player of the Week!

We’re thrilled that Paul Brindle has been named the SM Media Highland League Player of the Week after his stellar performance in our 6-0 victory over Rothes on Saturday!
Paul netted two crucial goals, helping the Jags secure a dominant win!
He is proudly sponsored by Mackellar Group for the season.

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MATCHDAY HOSPITALITY OVER THE COMING WEEKS

Please join us for the Fraserburgh Football Club game on Saturday November 2nd!
Don’t miss your chance to experience our introductory hospitality offer.  
It’s your last opportunity to enjoy this exclusive package, so be sure to reserve your spot!

For just £35 per person, enjoy:
Complimentary drinks from 2 PM until kick-off / One-course lunch / Seat in the Donly McLeod Stand / Complimentary half-time beverage and a pie.

Cash bar from 1-2 PM and then at FT

Don’t wait—book your place now!  

We are also taking hospitality bookings for the remainder of the season –

Sat 23rd Nov – Huntly Football Club

Sat 14th Dec – Wick Academy FC (Festive Jumper Day)

Sat 28th Dec – Deveronvale Football Club

Sat 11th Jan – Buckie Thistle Football Club

Sat 25th Jan – Brechin City FC

Sat 8th Feb – Clachnacuddin FC

Sat 22nd Feb – Nairn County FC

Sat 22nd Mar – Rothes Football Club (Ladies Day)

Sat 12th Apr – Turriff United Football Club

Email: hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk

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£8200 TO BE WON – THIS WEEK’S JACKPOT PRIZE

As ever we conclude this week’s meanderings offering you a jackpot win of a massive £8200 on our online fundraising lottery – click here if you want to play…

LOTTERY CH-CH-CHANGES
As intimated a couple of weeks ago after the current jackpot, has been won therefore completing that game there will be couple of 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.

That’s all for now sports fans – see you at Seafield Park next Saturday.

AWAY MATCH v ROTHES FC
BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE
MACKESSACK PARK, ROTHES
SATURDAY 19 OCTOBER 2024

Mackessack Park beckons …..Saturday sees us away from home for the first time in three weeks, as we follow the River Spey to our fellow Speysiders,  Rothes FC, with what has the makings of a real six pointer! 
Rothes currently sit a place above us in the league on seven points and as we are on four, we have the chance of moving on to the same points total with a win.
Results have not gone so well for Rothes over the past few weeks and suffering some pretty heavy defeats and, as, we cast our minds back to last season we know the feeling. 

This season however, after a bit of a sluggish start by ourselves, we are beginning to see some signs of improvement and look forward to welcoming back some players who were unavailable through injury or work committments over the past few weeks.

This week is the first for a long time when we are running a supporters bus from Inverness, lunching in the Mackellar Suite at Seafield Park, heading to Rothes about 13.45 and returning to Inverness via Grantown after the match…see our Facebook page for current updates on this.
This is our first meeting with Rothes this season and we hope to better our performances and the results we had to make do with last season. For the sharp eyed spectators there will be one or two well ‘kent faces lining up in the Rothes eleven that you may have seen in the blue and black of The Jags. 

Hopefully, Ryan and the boys leave Rothes with at least a point, although three would be so much better.

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MATCH v INVERURIE LOCO WORKS 

After a pre-match rain and hailstone deluge, last Saturday’s encounter against Inverurie Loco Works side saw us, in addition to long term injuries, without James Fraser, Stephen Rennie, James McShane and Conor Macphee who were all missing. Former Inverness Caledonian Thistle striker Lewis Mackie was also a doubt with a calf knock and faced a late fitness test.

Into the starting line-up came Cameron Lisle, Kieran Chalmers, Juan Cardoba and Daniel Whitehorn – listed as a trialist – as was Sam Cairns, who had played the previous week.

Locos opened strongly and were ahead as early as the fifth minute. Seven minutes later the Jags almost grabbed an equaliser. Fine play down the right saw Caelan Mutch release Kieran Chalmers on the edge of the box, the midfield man’s curling 20-yard effort looked net bound until Locos keeper Zack Ellis dived full length to brilliantly push the effort round the post at full stretch. Locos continued to pile on the pressure and were rewarded with another couple of goals before half time.

The second period was better for the Jags and after a couple of substitutions they seemed more cohesive. 

Unfortunately, and it seems to be always the case these days, we made another defensive mistake in the last minute, which enabled Loco’s Nathan Meres to complete his hat-trick.
The game had hardly restarted when the final whistle blew making the final score four-nil to the visitors. 

And so we finished two home games over the past two weeks, against the third and fourth teams in the league and the general consensus from the outside gang was that they all thought both were exceptionally tough games, games that we were not really expected to win, but on the whole considering  our injury situation the boys put in decent performances and unfortunately, defensive mistakes and the current inability to score from reasonable chances were the difference in both games.

MATCHDAY HOSPITALITY OVER THE COMING WEEKS

After a busy few weeks since the opening of our new Mackellar Suite, join us for the Fraserburgh Football Club game on Saturday November 2nd!

Don’t miss your chance to experience our introductory hospitality offer.  

It’s your last opportunity to enjoy this exclusive package, so be sure to reserve your spot!

For just £35 per person, enjoy:
Complimentary drinks from 2 PM until kick-off / One-course lunch / Seat in the Donly McLeod Stand / Complimentary half-time beverage and a pie.
Cash bar from 1-2 PM and then at FT
Don’t wait—book your place now!  
We are also taking hospitality bookings for the remainder of the season!

Sat 23rd Nov – Huntly Football Club

Sat 14th Dec – Wick Academy FC (Festive Jumper Day)

Sat 28th Dec – Deveronvale Football Club

Sat 11th Jan – Buckie Thistle Football Club

Sat 25th Jan – Brechin City FC

Sat 8th Feb – Clachnacuddin FC

Sat 22nd Feb – Nairn County FC

Sat 22nd Mar – Rothes Football Club (Ladies Day)

Sat 12th Apr – Turriff United Football Club

Email: hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk

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£8100 TO BE WON – THIS WEEK’S JACKPOT PRIZE

LOTTERY
As ever we conclude this week’s meanderings offering you a jackpot win of a massive £8100 on our online fundraising lottery – click here if you want to play…

LOTTERY CH-CH-CHANGES
As intimated a couple of weeks ago after the current jackpot, has been won therefore completing that game there will be couple of 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.

Wishing Ryan, Don, Robbie, Beccy and the boys all the best for Saturday – see y’all next week, smiling I hope!

HOME MATCH v INVERURIE LOCO WORKS FC
BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE
SEAFIELD PARK, GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY, PH26 3HE
SATURDAY 12 OCTOBER 2024 – KO 3pm 

This week we welcome from the land of Factory Direct, players and management of Inverurie Loco Works FC and their usually vociferous fans, especially their drum corps.
Currently sitting in third place in the league, a position they share on points with our opponents from last week, Banks O’Dee, this will  prove to be another hard game for us, especially as our injury list shows no sign of abating.
However as this topsy turvy league is turning out to be, the results over the past few weeks have shown that Nairn beat Locos last week at Harlaw Park, but we drew with Nairn in Nairn a couple of weeks ago as well as a good fighting performance last week – so lets hope it’s an enjoyable ninety minutes on Saturday.

If it’s your first visit to Grantown or if you want a resumé of what’s available click here.

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LAST SATURDAY’S BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE GAME v BANKS O’DEE FC – report by Ian Davidson edited for the web – full match report in the Strathspey & Badenoch Herald – https://www.strathspey-herald.co.uk

Aberdeenshire Cup Finalists Banks O’Dee were the visitors to Seafield Park on Highland League duty last weekend. They currently sit fourth in the Breedon Highland League and continue to keep the pressure on the top three teams – Brechin City, Brora Rangers and Inverurie Loco Works.

The Jags were forced into five changes from the side that had gone out of the Scottish Cup to Sauchie Juniors seven days earlier. Jamie Calder, Sam Cairns, Kieran Duffty, Lewis Mackie and Caelan Mutch all came into the starting line-up, Paul Brindle was ruled out with a groin injury and skipper James McShane was unavailable, while Cameron Lisle and Liam Shewan dropped to the bench. 
Thistle found themselves a goal behind as early as the sixth minute but nine minutes later we were deservedly back on level terms.

 Filip Franczak found Caelan Mutch on the edge of the visitors box from a free kick, and he delivered a cross into the near post area leaving Kieran Duffty with the opportunity to beat Daniel Hoban with a right foot drive for the equaliser. 

The Jags were growing in confidence as the match progressed but the visitors were back in front again after 30 minutes, when keeper Euan Storrier brilliantly pushed an Andy Hunter drive onto the crossbar, however Dee’s Iain Vigurs was on hand to knock home the rebound from six yards.
The opening exchanges to the second period saw both sides looking to add to their tally, the best of which saw Dee keeper Hoban get down well to save following a James Fraser free-kick, as the home side looked to get back on level terms. 

Caelan Mutch was only inches away from restoring parity after 63 minutes, when he got on the end of a cross, but with the visiting defence hesitating headed narrowly beyond the far post with Hoban a spectator. 

With twenty minutes remaining the home side were to pay for those missed opportunities when the visitors increased their advantage. With the match still in the balance, it was the visitors who made the points safe in the final minute to secure the points. 
This was very much a spirited performance from the Jags who battled well throughout against one of the top four teams currently in the Highland League. Missed opportunities again appear to be the order of the day, coupled  with lapses in concentration at vital times.

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CACI AND HER SUNSHINE BRAND

For those spectators who have recently been buying half-time raffle tickets they would have been delighted to see the sign that Caci Horton was displaying illustrating the numbers that corresponded with the numbers on their ticket, as that would have brought them a little bit of sunshine in the shape of £50.
With all the changes that have been going on the Club, unfortunately our microphone for PA announcements has been on the blink and hopefully it will be back in full working order very soon….so we wish to thank Caci and her friends who have been helping out conveying the results to everyone. 

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£8000 TO BE WON – THIS WEEK’S JACKPOT PRIZE

As ever we conclude this week’s meanderings offering you a jackpot win of a massive £8000 on our online fundraising lottery – click here if you want to play…

LOTTERY CH-CH-CHANGES

As intimated a couple of weeks ago after the current jackpot, has been won therefore completing that game there will be couple of 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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Wishing Ryan, Don, Robbie, Beccy and the boys all the best for Saturday – see y’all next week.

HOME MATCH v BANKS 0’DEE FC
BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE
SEAFIELD PARK, GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY, PH26 3HE
SATURDAY 5 OCTOBER 2024 – KO 3pm 

A bumper edition this week sportsfans, and we start with a couple of new signings both of whom featured in last week’s Scottish Cup tie against Sauchie Juniors. Although they are new signings both know their way about Seafield Park, as they have both been with us before.

WELCOME BACK STEPHEN

We are delighted to announce the signing of Stephen Rennie.
The 27-year-old left back has been training with us over the past few weeks and has impressed as a trialist in a couple of games, notably our recent 3-3 draw with Nairn County.
Stephen brings a wealth of experience, having spent eight years in the Inverness CT youth academy, which included loan spells at Fort William and Rothes. He’s no stranger to Strathspey Thistle, having previously joined us in 2019 and spent three years with the club, concluding with a loan spell at North Caledonian League club Inverness Athletic. Since then, he had a short spell at Nairn County,  rejoining Inverness Athletic and more recently spent time at Loch Ness.
Manager Ryan Esson shared his thoughts: “Stephen has impressed us with his energy and versatility. With our struggles in left-sided defence due to injuries, he’ll provide the much-needed cover in that area. I’m confident he’ll be a valuable addition to our squad, bringing both defensive strength and attacking flair.”

Want to support Stephen for the season?   To sponsor him, drop us a message on social media or email us at strathyjagscommercial@outlook.com

WELCOME BACK KEIRAN

We are also thrilled to announce the signing of Kieran Chalmers, a talented 23-year-old midfielder!
Kieran started his youth career at Inverness Caledonian Thistle and has since gained valuable experience through loan spells with Forres, Clach, and Fort William. He’s no stranger to Strathspey, having spent two years with us back in 2020 before rejoining Clach.
Manager Ryan Esson said: “I worked with him when he was younger, so he knows what I want and expect from him in the team. I’m delighted to have him join us, and he’s already building good relationships with the rest of the squad.”
We’re delighted to welcome Kieran back to Strathspey Thistle.  

Want to support Kieran for the season? To sponsor him, drop us a message on social media or email us at strathyjagscommercial@outlook.com

SATURDAY’S MATCH v BANKS O’DEE FC

After all last week’s Scottish Cup hoopla we welcome the players, committee and supporters of Banks O’Dee F.C. for our meeting in the Breedon Highland League. Following on from their successful cup tie with Gala Fairydean Rovers in the Border Country last week, a trip we made last year but not as successful, the Dee will be making their way over the hill from Aberdeen to Seafield Park. 
They have had a successful September winning four out of five of their games in all competitions, and enjoyed a good win on Wednesday against an Aberdeen FC select in the Aberdeenshire Cup so our meeting on Saturday will be another very difficult game but as we continue to generally improve and if we can cut out the defensive mistakes we hope that it will be a right good competitive game o’ fitba.

Hopefully both sets of fans will enjoy the game and if any of the Banks O’Dee supporters want a resumé of what is available here in Grantown please click here for more information.

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LAST SATURDAY’S CUP TIE v SAUCHIE JRS FC – report by Ian Davidson edited for the web – full match report in the Strathspey & Badenoch Herald – https://www.strathspey-herald.co.uk

Our participation in this season’s  Scottish Gas Scottish Cup campaign ended at the first time of asking when we lost to East of Scotland League Premier Division side Sauchie Juniors at Seafield Park. 
Home fans were hoping the Jags would continue their progress after a couple of good results and an noticeable improvement in our on-field performances. 
We lined up with two enforced changes from the side that had done so well at Nairn with Ethan Rae making his Scottish Cup debut replacing the unavailable Euan Storrier between the sticks, while Conor MacPhee returned from injury and having to play in defence in place of the injured Cameron Lisle.

 After twenty minutes, with both sides evenly matched, the deadlock was broken in sensational style when Sauchie’s Stuart McDowall took a deft touch to control before smashing a superb 25-yard drive high into the postage stamp corner for the opener. The home side countered and a strike from Paul Brindle brought a fine near post save from Sauchie keeper Sean Robertson as the home side looked to get back on level terms.
The Jags went further behind with 13 minutes of the first period remaining when we fell foul to a linesman’s controversial decision who decreed that the ball had crossed the goal line after keeper Ethan Rae had parried a close range shot.

After 55 minutes, it was the visitors who effectively killed the tie as a contest when Mark Smith headed home following a free kick on the right touchline.
Jag’s substitute new signing Kieran Chalmers tested the Sauchie keeper with a dipping 20 yard drive that he held confidently and minutes later Brindle weaved his way to the byeline and only a fine challenge from Thomson denied Filip Franczak getting a shot away. 
Sauchie then added a fourth after 65 minutes and added two more in the final ten minutes.
It was another disappointing performance in the Scottish Cup and we now have to wait until next season for our next challenge.
Having reviewed the game head coach Ryan Esson thought that the score was a bit hefty as we had not played as the score suggested. Here at the Jag’s website the opinions were that we had matched the visitors for the first twenty minutes or so and we had not taken chances when we we had created them, and with five centre halves on the injury list it was inevitable that defensively we would find it difficult to contain a very good team.

We wish Sauchie Juniors all the best in the second round which has pitched them against Buckie Thistle in what should be a very tight affair. 

SATURDAY’S MAN OF THE MATCH – FILIP FRANCZAK

Congratulations to – Filip Franczak – pictured with Sporting Director, Josh Horton. 
Filip is sponsored by the Grant Arms Hotel

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DAD AND SON FOOTY ADVENTURES

Last Saturday, for the second time this year, we were visited by Dad and Son Footy Adventures aka Dean and his sons Reece and Coby and we were really chuffed at their recollections of their experiences here at Seafield Park. You can read all about their visit on their facebook page – address below. We managed to get a quick pic of them all after the game with our committee member Graeme Stuart. Hopefully we will welcome them back to Grantown sometime soon…..
YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@dadandsonfootyadventures1170
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089358692160

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THE CLAYMORE BAR AND YVONNE

As she was retiring from  Grantown’s Claymore Bar last Friday night, Jags’ chairman Donly ‘Digger” McLeod, with the help of Mags Clark, presented some gifts to Yvonne Woolley in appreciation of all the help and exceptionally generosity she has shown The Jags over many years.
Every customer entering The Claymore knew that Yvonne’s welcome was always going to be warm and friendly.
We wish her and partner Jags’ season ticket holder Davie, all the best for the future – and it will aways be a pleasure seeing them at Seafield Park. 

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MACKELLAR SUITE HOSPITALITY 

A couple of pics of our new hospitality suite, taken before our guests arrived last Saturday.

As reported earlier in the week it was a very successful opening.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY NEXT WEEK’S GAME IS ALSO AT HOME v INVERURIE LOCOS

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£7900 TO BE WON – THIS WEEK’S JACKPOT PRIZE

LOTTERY

As ever we conclude this week’s meanderings offering you a jackpot win of £7900 on our online fundraising lottery – click here if you want to play…

LOTTERY CH-CH-CHANGES
As intimated a couple of weeks ago after the current jackpot, has been won therefore completing that game there will be couple of 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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We wish Ryan, Don, Robbie, Beccy and the boys all the best for Saturday – see y’all next week.