This Saturday we visit the fine town of Inverurie and Harlaw Park (AB51 4SG) for our Breedon Highland League fixture against Inverurie Loco Works FC. We hope for an entertaining and enjoyable game of football….especially for us if we can come away with the three points, but I am sure Richard Hastings and his squad have other ideas!!
As ever with the Jags Lottery winning ticket worth £1300 it’s my duty to inform you that you can enter by clicking on the Lottery logo >>>>>>>>>> Thanks very much to all our loyal Lottery supporters.
Also a wee aside, everyone at Strathspey Thistle FC would like to congratulate Steve Clarke and the Scottish Men’s football team for one of the best Scotland performances in years and years last Monday against Denmark…it’s getting better and better but I think Quatar might be a wee bit too soon. I hope I’m wrong!
Away match v Inverness Clachnacuddin FC Grant Street Park, Inverness
GPH Builders Highland League Cup 1st round
We’re on our way back to the capital of the Highlands, the city of Inverness, to see our friends at Grant Street. (IV3 6DR)
This will be our third match this season against Clach – one cup game and one league game and so far it’s honours even – so it’s all to play for.
Charlie Brown – manager
Charlie and team have had a pretty tough few weeks in the Breedon Highland League recently, so maybe the distraction of a cup game will galvanise the boys back to winning ways. With Clach now eight places above us in the league, it will not be an easy task by any means but football’s football. Charlie says in this weeks local paper that the players treat the game a bit like a derby match as a lot of their friends play for Clach as well some some ex-Jags……so roll on Saturday.
Speaking of rolling on – this weeks jackpot in the Jags Lottery rolls over to £1200.
The photo shows Jimmy Munro collecting his cheque from Club Chairman Donly Mcleod last weekend, and this press cutting comes from this weeks Strathspey & Badenoch Herald. To have your chance of winning the jackpot and helping the club please play online by clicking on the Lottery graphic>>>>>>>>Your support is very much appreciated – thanks!
The Strathspey War Memorial in Grantown Square
On a more sombre note this weekend – Remembrance Weekend – marks 100 years of the Royal British Legion, the Poppy Appeal and closer to home 100 years of the Strathspey War Memorial. The Club want to commemorate the occasion with committee member Graeme Stuart laying a wreath at the Memorial.
Strathspey Thistle FC historian, and an ex-Royal Navy man, Rob Clark is VC of the Royal British Legion Strathspey Branch and he organised the said Strathspey Thistle FC wreath. This is the photo of it he sent.
MATCH V BUCKIE THISTLE FC at SEAFIELD PARK, GRANTOWN SATURDAY 6 NOVEMBER 2021
Buckie Harbour
On Saturday we welcome Buckie Thistle FC for our Breedon Highland League match. Buckie are going along fine sitting in fifth place in the league so I would reckon it’s going to be a pretty tough match – but hopefully they’ll head back to the coast with with what could be said, a case of fisherman’s blues.
Action from our last home match this season against Nairn County where we were very unlucky losing to a last minute controversial goal……
One of Buckie’s players is well known to both sets of Jags fans – Grantown born Sam Morrison, a centre back who signed for Buckie from Ross County’s U20 team, so I’m sure he’ll get a warm welcome from the home fans – as he did when he was mascot at the Strathy Jags first ever home game in the Highland League against Inverurie Loco Works FC in August 2009 as the photo shows.
Sam as our mascot….
Also hoping to attend the match is Jimmy and Eunice Munro who recently scooped the £5300 jackpot in the Jags weekly lottery – hopefully they’ll bring that wee bit of luck that we’re missing at the moment. SPEAKING OF THE LOTTERY ….THIS WEEKS JACKPOT IS £1100.00 IF YOU WANT TO PLAY ONLINE PLEASE >>>>> CLICK ON THE LOTTERY LOGO >>>>>> AND THANKS VERY MUCH!
October 6 After a sunny and warm day the rain started to fall just as the teams kicked off which contributed to a thrilling ten goal game which gave the Jags their first win in all competitions in six games. Strathspey introduced to the team two loan signings from Rothes, Kane Davies and Ewan Neil, who are with us until the end of the end of the year. Fort William took a two goal lead before The Jags pulled back the lead with an own goal on the stroke of half time. The second half was end to end as the rain got harder but in the end Strathspey ran out 7-3 winners.
Kris, James, Craig, Cammy & Kane
Our scorers were Kris Duncan, James McShane, Craig MacKenzie, Cameron Lisle, Kane Davies and two own goals. With all their troubles on and off the field well played to Fort for putting a competitive team out that gave us all a game to remember.
October 9 After Wednesday’s morale boosting win it was with some confidence that we travelled up the A9 to Dudgeon Park to take on current Breedon Highland League Champions Brora Rangers. Little did we realise what was in store for us. A decent day with little or no wind greeted the teams. Two minutes in we are an own goal down but credit to the team we took the game to the Rangers and equalised with a well worked goal through Craig MacKenzie. For the next 28 minutes we more than held our own before their second goal which was a belter. Loss of concentration before half time saw us concede two sloppy goals in three minutes. So at the break we are 4-1 down. Another give away goal on 50 minutes really knocked our confidence but for 34 minutes we kept them at bay then 3 goals in two minutes was the final embarrassment. It was a long journey back but Scotland’s last minute win over Israel in the World Cup Qualifier at Hampden eased some of the disappointment.
October 13 A much improved team performance at home to Formartine United especially in the first half. The Jags created chances but lacking a goal had to go in at half time 0-0. Two early second half goals from Smith and Lawrence for Formartine set the Jags back but to their credit the team took the game to the visitors with a number of attacks but were rocked on 88 minutes when they conceded a third goal. Seeking consolation after the defeat the team gave 100%.
October 16 The team played well and were disappointed in the ninety third minute to concede a goal which handed three points to Nairn. Over the game the side played well and deservedly led through leading scorer Craig MacKenzie on 19 minutes. It was end to end with both sides creating but failing to take chances until Nairn equalised midway through the second half. The disputed winner came after the assistant referee had flagged to say that the ball had crossed line. That was tough. It was also a positive to have a nearly full a full squad available for selection. No game on October 23 as it is Scottish Cup second round day.
October 23 Preparations for the upcoming week focus attention on our first visit to Glebe Park, Brechin for our Breedon Highland League game. Brechin were relegated from Scottish League 2 last season after being beaten by Kelty Hearts in both play-off legs. Brechin are making their presence felt already in the current Highland League season and will surely be there or there about come the end of the season. It will be The Jags longest trip of the season.
October 30 D & E provided the coach that left Inverness at 9 and the trip had begun. Forres was the next call where some more players, team management, committee and supporters climbed aboard. One and a quarter hours later we arrived at Kellockbank for our forty minute break to enjoy a hearty breakfast, toast and tea/coffee.
The food was good and the service excellent and we thank everyone involved for looking after us. Back to the coach and the final leg to Brechin where we arrived early thanks in the main to the Aberdeen by-pass. We had been concerned on the journey about the state of the pitch after everywhere had suffered heavy rain and flooding and when we arrived heard the dreaded words ‘pitch inspection’. Match Referee Greg Soutar duly carried his task in what seemed a very long twenty minutes but to the relief of all he said it is okay to play but there might be problems if it started raining during the game.
In a roller coaster of a first half we took a two nil lead before being pegged back before again taking the lead and by half-time Brechin were leading 4-3. Breathless! There was to be no repeat in the second half of the excitement of the first 45 minutes and Brechin ran out comfortable winners 7-3. Another Jags performance of contrasting halves. Our goals came from Kieran Chalmers, Kane Davies and Kris Duncan. Everyone was well looked after by our hosts before it was time to set off on the journey home at around six o’clock. Another game of what might have been. When the game got underway the sun made an appearance.
BRECHIN CITY FC This Saturday (30th) for the first time in our history we visit Glebe Park in Brechin – for our first competitive game against Breedon Highland League newcomers Brechin City FC. Everyone at Strathspey Thistle is looking forward to new surroundings and meeting some new friends. The game will have a 3pm kick off as usual and we wish The Jags all the best for the game.
CONGRATULATIONS Hopefully, able to celebrate with a wee dram is Jimmy Munro who won the Jags Lottery Jackpot of £5300 – Jimmy, a Grantown loon, lives away with his wife Eunice, but they are still Jags fans and hoping to attend our next home match against Buckie Thistle on the sixth November.
That means that the Lottery jackpot returns to £1000 this week so good luck and press play >>>>>>> Thanks very much to everyone who plays the Jags Lottery – we very much appreciate it.
WALTER SMITH News has just broken today that one of the greatest football managers Scotland has ever produced has died.
Walter Smith, who was seventy three, managed Rangers, Everton and Scotland. Everyone at Strathspey Thistle FC sends their condolences to Walter’s family and friends.
This week our thoughts turn to the 2nd Round of the Scottish Cup and we wish all seven Highland League teams still involved all the very best.
Kris Duncan’s goal which was deemed offside….
Obviously we wish Nairn County just a wee bit more luck, as they beat us very convincingly at Station Park last month in the first round. We also had a very strongly contested Breedon Highland League match with Nairn here at Seafield Park last week, in which some contentious decisions were made. I would imagine the away fans went home the happier.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO PLAY THE CLUB LOTTERY >>>>>>>Thanks
We look forward to greeting our friends from Nairn on Saturday afternoon for our Breedon Highland League match against Nairn County FC. As it’s just down the road to the sea there’s a slight feel of a local derby so the games are always hard won – and as Nairn are one point ahead of us in the league it should be a fun afternoon. The kick off is 3pm as usual and catering facilities should be available from 2.15 onwards.
Pitchfixers L to R – Donly McLeod, Murray Adam, Graeme Stuart and Ian A Anderson
Following our home game on Wednesday night – a three- nil loss to Formartine – it meant that ground repairs – “pitch fix” – had to be carried out – normally there is a two week gap between home games but this week is was two days!! So the members of the committee available on Thursday morning were at the park repairing! The photo shows chairman, Donly McLeod with committee members Graeme Stuart and Ian A Anderson – and helping us out this week was Jags superfan and friend, Murray Adams – and if there is anyone else who would like to give us a hand, whenever you can spare two or three hours we would be very grateful for your help…we are usually there from about 9.30 am on a Monday morning….just ask any of the committee at a home game how you can help…every little helps…..
>>>>AAAnd of course the lottery jackpot has still not been won – £5,200 this week – so please sign up and help the Jags.>>>>>>>
Tonight, after our less than successful trip up the A9 last Saturday to Brora, we welcome Formartine FC to Seafield Park for our re-scheduled Breedon Highland League match.
Craig Mackenzie, scorer at the weekend.
Formartine, who currently sit in seventh place in the league, will prove to be formidable opponents and we can expect a tough match. We hope that Formartine’s supporters are entertained, but not too much…. and we thank them for making the journey on a Wednesday night. The game kicks off at 8pm.
Tonights’ game is the first of a home double header this week, as we entertain Nairn County FC on Saturday afternoon – kick off 3pm. Nairn County have usually a good travelling support and we welcome them to what promises to be an exciting game of football – the ubiquitous six-pointer – as Nairn, as I write this, are a point ahead of us in the league.
Well you couldn’t get any better entertainment …..a big thank you to all who braved the weather last night but if you’re a Jags fan you’ll think it was worth it!!!
The lull before the storm….
We welcomed Fort William FC to Seafield Park for a Breedon Highland League game in what the press billed as a bottom of the table clash..a real six-pointer!
The Jags team lines showed all of the recognised first team choices were back in the squad as well as a new face in defence – an on-loan signing from Rothes, Ewan Neil, who was starting for the first time. Also from Rothes another on-loan signing, Kane Davies, was on the bench – both are signed until the end of the season. Welcome to The Jags gents!
Just before kick off the rain started and it poured all through the game …..dampening the spirits of the home fans as they saw the Jags two behind after only twenty five minutes or so….one very good header from a corner and a debatable (in the eyes of the home fans) penalty – fortunately we got a goal back just on half time but the Jags had been the better team and could have been better off with sharper finishing – as well as being thwarted by some fine goalkeeping by the Fort keeper Ryan Hunter. Manager Charlie Brown and assistant manager Jamie McGowan went into half time confident that the tables would turn in the second half….and they were right..
More or less straight away the Jags were awarded a penalty and Andrew Skinner hit the bar. There was a collective sigh across the ground as the home fans wondered if it was going to be one of these nights…but a few minutes later we were level.
You can read all about it in the Press and Journal’s Paul Chalk’s coverage of the game …click here.
At the end of the match all Jags fans were soaked but very happy…a 7 – 3 victory – history had been made. That is the first time since we entered the Highland League we have scored seven goals. Hopefully that’ll give the team a lot of confidence for the next few games starting at Brora on Saturday.
David Painter (left) and Steve Ryszka
We welcomed David Painter and his mate Steve Ryszka from Sheffield – David is a great football fan who supports York City and Steve is a steam train enthusiast . They thoroughly enjoyed the game ..and the pies!
Leo Hoenig from London
Also enjoying the game was Leo Hoenig from London who is on a weeks long bus and train expedition following the lower leagues in Scotland – Friday night he watched Edinburgh City’s home game in Edinburgh following that with a couple more games on Saturday, one on Sunday and Monday and finally finishing at Seafield Park on Wednesday night – thanks gents for making the effort to visit us.
In attendance also was Joel Sked one of the four presenters of BBC Scotland’s “ A View From The Terrace” – and on his twitter page he said “ A great night’s entertainment. Defensive mistakes, some great goals, comeback, missed penalty, big performance from the Fort William keeper and ten goals as @JagsStfc win 7-3 “ It looks like you enjoyed yourself – hopefully you’ll be back someday to Seafield Park – also thanks for coming.
And now, on to Saturday …we travel to Dudgeon Park, Brora (KW9 6QN) for our next Breedon Highland League game so good luck to the boys.
Remember to try your luck on our online lottery – jackpot this week is £5,100.00.
Remember, also the next home game is next Wednesday night 13 October versus Formartine FC – kick off as ever is 8pm.
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.
James McShane scored our goal against Rothes.
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.
