Stewart

3 January 20253 January 2025

FORMARTINE GAME OFF

AWAY MATCH v FORMARTINE UNITED FC
BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE
NORTH LODGE PARK, PITMEDDEN, AB41 7PA
SATURDAY 4 JANUARY 2025 – KICK OFF 3pm

Snow and ice at North Lodge Park is the culprit for the postponement of Saturday’s league match against Formartine – so our attention now shifts to next weeks’ home encounter with Buckie Thistle…
We still have sixteen very important games left – I know every game is important, but as we near the season’s end they just seem more important. Because of the inclement weather in December and the postponement of three home games and now two away games, we are faced with nine home and seven away matches before 12 April which is the designated final day of the season.

LAST GAME OF 2024 – AWAY AT FORRES MECHANICS SATURDAY 21 DECEMBER

In horrific conditions for a game of football both teams must be commended for producing a thriller.
Forres had wind advantage in the first half and took the lead in four minutes, but Liam Shewan equalised with a cracker of a goal after eighteen minutes and two minutes later Josh Race lobbed the ball goalwards but the wind blew the ball away….

Two of the scorers at Forres – Liam and Josh

As conditions worsened, Forres regained their lead after a defensive error following a Forres corner in thirty-eight minutes but just before half-time Josh Race equalised for the Jags.
Fifteen minutes into the second half, Sean Ellis, a trialist for the Jags, headed home our third goal only to be followed four minutes later by a Forres equaliser and that’s how it stayed until the final whistle.
A very well deserved point, especially as Forres are twelfth in the table, so hopefully this could result in a turning point for the rest of the season.

PLAYER ANNOUNCEMENT – EUAN STORRIER

We can confirm that goalkeeper Euan Storrier’s loan deal from Buckie Thistle Football Club has been extended until the end of the season!
Euan has been a key addition to our squad, and we’re delighted to have him continue with us for the remainder of the campaign.

JAGS’ CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR RAFFLE RAFFLE

It’s nearing January 11th and the draw for our annual festive season raffle so if you want a chance of winning some fantastic prizes it’s imperative you get your tickets soon and support The Jags!

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 /£10 for a book…
You can buy tickets from our committee members, playing squad, and management team.

……or drop us an email : hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk
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!

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – JANUARY FIXTURES

For hospitality availability and details please contact : hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk

Don’t wait—book your place now!
There will be a cash bar for all spectators from 1-2 pm and then at full time.

FATHER & SON FOOTY ADVENTURES

In September we were visited by Dean and his sons Reece and Coby and we were really chuffed at their recollections of their experiences here at Seafield Park. This week they put on their Facebook page a fantastic drone shot of Seafield Park taken when they were here.

You can read all about their visit on their facebook page – address below
Hopefully we will welcome them back to Grantown next season or before…..

YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@dadandsonfootyadventures1170

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089358692160

LOTTERY NOW £9200

As ever we conclude this week’s meanderings offering you a jackpot win of a massive £9200 on our online fundraising lottery – what a great start that would be to the New Year – 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.

2 January 20252 January 2025

CLIVE’S NEWSLETTER – DECEMBER 2024

Monday 2^nd: Two of our fellow Highland League clubs were rewarded for their progress to the fourth round of the Scottish Cup with plum ties.

Brechin City will host Hearts while Fraserburgh travel to Ibrox to face Rangers with both matches chosen for live television coverage as well.

Saturday 7^th: Although the Seafield Park pitch received an early-morning thumbs up ahead of the game against Keith, worsening weather on the weekend that Storm Darragh hit the UK meant the match was postponed.

Saturday 14^th: Another postponement unfortunately as the home game with Wick fell foul of the weather, a real shame this one as we were hoping to welcome a full house in hospitality for our Christmas Jumper day and hopes were high of a win to mark the occasion.

Friday 20^th: Manager Ryan Esson confirmed to the Press & Journal that defender Wallace Duffy had been released by the club and would be moving on.

Saturday 21^st: Our trip to Forres Mechanics may have been our only game of the month but it certainly provided plenty of excitement as both sides battled very difficult conditions to share six goals.

Liam Shewan and Josh Race twice drew the Jags level and trialist S Ellis put us in front on the hour mark before Forres hit back to earn a point.

Saturday 28^th: No game for the Jags but action elsewhere in the Highland League and defeats for the three teams above us means the final table for 2024 looks like this…

So, all to play for in the new year in the battle to avoid finishing bottom.

19 December 202419 December 2024

A FORRES OF NATURE

AWAY MATCH v FORRES MECHANICS FC
BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE
MOSSET PARK, FORRES IV36 1AU
SATURDAY 21 DECEMBER 2024 – KICK OFF 3pm

This Saturday sees us heading over the Dava Moor to Forres to our away fixture against Forres Mechanics FC.
Forres currently sit in eleventh place and after having a decent start to the season, have faltered somewhat through November and December, so this could be a very entertaining game.
We arrive in Forres not having played for the last three Saturdays, The Can-Cans have missed a couple of games in that time interval and have suffered one or two heavy defeats over the past month, so I would reckon it’s anyone’s game – although due to their league position Forres would be the bookie’s favourite.
Our last visit was a very wet August night in 2023 and after a very close game we lost 2-1, a game in which we fared better than our most recent meeting at Seafield Park back in August.

A recognisable face for Jags’ fans in the Forres team will be Liam Grant, who left us after being out for most of last season with injuries and signed for the Mechanics at the start of this season and has been involved in the first team squad since.
This is the Jags’ last game of 2024 and missing for the Jags will be Paul Brindle and Jamie Calder, as well as Jordan Laidlaw and Alan Kerr with long-term injuries, so there will be close to a full squad for gaffer Ryan Esson to pick the Jags’ eleven from.
Under the Mosset Park’s floodlights all the components are there for it to be a Christmas cracker and, hopefully, we head back over the Dava with three valuable points.

MISSION CHRISTMAS – CASH FOR KIDS

Strathspey Thistle visited Mission Christmas HQ in Inverness this week to show our support with a donation of £250 in cash and £150 worth of toys!
Commercial Director, Laura Davidson, said: “This service is crucial in ensuring every child has a brighter Christmas. We are proud to play a small part in helping bring joy to families in need across the Highlands.”
Pictured with Lyndsay Rose, the MFR Cash for Kids Charity Manager, are Jags’ manager Ryan Esson and player Lewis Mackie as they proudly handover our donations.
Cash for Kids is working hard to ensure EVERY child has a present to open this Christmas, but they still need your help with applications continuing to come in.

https://cashforkids.org.uk/mission

Cash for Kids North Scotland

DATES FOR YOUR 2025 DIARY

These are the scheduled homegames for January and February and their kick-off times.

Saturday 11 January at 2pm – Buckie Thistle FC

Saturday 25 January at 2pm – Brechin City FC

Saturday 8 February at 2pm – Clachnacuddin FC

Saturday 23 February at 3pm – Nairn County FC

With no game scheduled for Saturday 16 February there may be a previous postponed game arranged for that date.
Please check with our very much up-to-date social media if there are any changes with kick-offs etc.
For hospitality availability and details please contact : hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk
Don’t wait—book your place now!
There will be a cash bar for all spectators from 1-2 pm and then at full time.

JAGS’ CHRISTMAS RAFFLE

Mags and Charlie during their sales day at Premier Grantown

It’s that time of the year again….the Jags’ Christmas Raffle….and committee members Mags Clark aided and abetted by her brother Rob and Charlie Sinclair, were ensconced in the PREMIER store in Grantown. Thanks must go to PREMIER – one of our main sponsors – for letting us use their premises to sell our Xmas Raffle tickets.

If you didn’t manage to get Premier there are other ways to purchase :
You can buy tickets from our committee members, playing squad, and management team.
……or drop us an email : hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk

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!

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 /£10 for a book…

….AND NOT TO BE OUTDONE ANOTHER MILESTONE!

£9000 TO BE WON – THIS WEEK’S JACKPOT PRIZE

As ever we conclude this week’s meanderings offering you a jackpot win of a massive £9000 on our online fundraising lottery – imagine that at Christmas – click here if you want to play…

LOTTERY CH-CH-CHANGES

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.

Well sports fans that’s it for 2024 – see y’all next year.

13 December 202413 December 2024

WICK ACADEMY FC – GAME OFF

Tomorrow’s match between ourselves and Wick Academy FC has unfortunately been postponed due to a frozen pitch.

We have to now look forward to visiting Forres next Saturday 21 December 3pm kick off.

13 December 202413 December 2024

WHOSE SCORRIE NOW

HOME MATCH v WICK ACADEMY FC
BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE
SEAFIELD PARK, GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY, PH26 3HE
SATURDAY 14 DECEMBER 2024 – KO 3pm

THERE WILL BE AN EARLY PITCH INSPECTION SO PLEASE CHECK OUR SOCIAL MEDIA FOR UP TO DATE INFORMATION.

On Saturday, weather permitting, we welcome players, management and supporters of Wick Academy FC to Seafield Park.
Wick currently sit in fifteenth position in the league with thirteen points five points ahead of us and it will be a tough game for us both.
If any supporters want a resumé of what is available click here.

The Scorries haven’t had a very successful November culminating in their last two games being postponed , much like ourselves, so it will be good getting back to football action.
Unfortunately we will be without Paul Brindle, who is suspended, and Jamie Calder who looks as though could be out for a wee while with a knee injury, but Josh Race could be back.
Boss Ryan Esson will be looking for three points as will all Jags’ fans.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A 3PM KICK OFF

LAST SATURDAY’S GAME v KEITH – WATERLOGGED PITCH – POSTPONED

This was a very difficult day weather wise for football.

Experienced members of the committee met at the ground at 8.30am to inspect the pitch as we had to notify Keith FC for travelling and practical purposes before 9am – a normal occurrence if there is any doubt as to the game being played.
At 8.30 in the morning the pitch was playable….

The forecast was for rain throughout the day, but would there be enough rain to put the game in jeopardy…that was the dilemma, as Seafield Park normally drains very well with normal rainfall.
However, come noon and with incessant rain pouring down for at least an hour and a half beforehand, and with the prospect of at least another two hours of similar weather, upon arrival, the match referee headed straight to the pitch and after some deliberation declared the pitch waterlogged and postponed the game.
By doing so we offer our sincere apologies to Keith FC who were not far from Grantown on receiving the news, as well as the supporters of both clubs who had made the journey or were en-route.

It is a very difficult decision to call off a game of football as the authorities have to be informed and it is then their decision to call off – hence, waiting for the referee to relay conditions back to league HQ.
If the pitch is covered in snow, or is frozen it is an easier decision – and a camera phone photo sent to the Highland League would confirm that, but in last week’s case the decision is far more complicated.

We have all been disappointed at some point with Mother Nature – a couple of years ago our team bus containing players, management and supporters were just outside Wick, strangely enough this week’s opponents, only to be informed that due to ever increasing inclement weather over the morning our match had been postponed.
The only positive from the postponement was that the pitch would have been cut up badly and at this time of year would have taken ages to recover.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

2025 – These are the scheduled homegames for January and February and their kick-off times.

Saturday 11 January at 2pm – Buckie Thistle FC

Saturday 25 January at 2pm – Brechin City FC

Saturday 8 February at 2pm – Clachnacuddin FC

Saturday 23 February at 3pm – Nairn County FC

Don’t wait—book your place now!

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

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 /£10 for a book…

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

……or drop us an email : hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk

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

£8900 TO BE WON – THIS WEEK’S JACKPOT PRIZE

As ever we conclude this week’s meanderings offering you a jackpot win of a massive £8900 on our online fundraising lottery – imagine that at Christmas – 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.

5 December 20245 December 2024

URBAN SPACEMAN

HOME MATCH v KEITH FC
BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE
SEAFIELD PARK, GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY, PH26 3HE
SATURDAY 7 DECEMBER 2024 – KO 2pm

This Saturday afternoon we welcome players, management and supporters of Keith FC.
If any want a resumé about Grantown please click here……

This will be our first meeting of the season and currently The Maroons sit in thirteenth position on twenty-one points having won seven of their seventeen games – so ten losses and no draws.
November was a good month for them as they won three out of their four league games – so, again this will be a tough game for The Jags, especially after last week’s disappointing result.

Home, neutral and away supporters, that have attended our last few games have remarked that the The Jags’ team this year is a major improvement on last year’s, but we’re still in the melting pot and fine tuning what is a more or less complete new team of players – Jags’ fans want to see more performances similar to both the Rothes and Fraserburgh games, but consistency will come and we hopefully this week will give the home crowd a result to put a smile on their faces…..

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

This on paper was a match that Strathspey Thistle could and should have taken something from in their quest to move off the bottom of the Breedon Highland League when Deveronvale came calling to Seafield Park last Saturday.
However, their hopes of taking anything from the meeting were blown out of the water when in first half injury time, they were sensationally reduced to ten men when striker Paul Brindle was sent packing by match referee Stuart Randall, following a second bookable offence- that then left the Grantown club with a mountain to climb.
Brindle had earlier yellow carded for a late challenge on Vale keeper Ethan Hopkinson, most spectators were very surprised when referee Randall brandished a contentious second yellow for what seemed a fair tackle, some even thought the card could have been given the other way!
The Jags had a couple of really good chances in the first twenty-five minutes but those missed chances were to prove costly when the visitors forged ahead after 28 minutes.
Then on the stroke of half-time, the home side were sensationally reduced to ten men.

The second period opened with the visitors holding the initiative and increasing their lead when a long ball into the box saw the home side fail to clear their lines.
The Jags came close to reducing the leeway after 57 minutes, when substitute Daniel Whitehorn narrowly headed past the post, followed two minutes later by a Josh Race effort from the edge of the box.
Jags’ keeper Euan Storrier then pulled off a couple of superb saves but was beaten three minutes from time when ‘Vale striker Ben Hermiston scored his second goal of the game and ‘Vales third.
Overall, a disappointing result for the Seafield Park side, the general view being that the turning point was defined with the Paul Brindle red card….the consequences of which unfortunately carries forward to this Saturday as Paul will be suspended.

SCOTTISH CUP

Last Saturday five Highland League teams competed in the Third Round of the Scottish Cup – Banks O’Dee, Buckie Thistle, Brechin City, Fraserburgh and Brora Rangers – with Brechin and Fraserburgh progressing to the Fourth Round which will take place on the weekend of the 18th January.
The eagle-eyed among you will notice that both Buckie and Brechin will be at Seafield Park in January and we recently hosted Fraserburgh, which resulted in a very enjoyable and competitive match which finished 2 – 2 ……the surroundings will be very different for The Broch when they visit Ibrox Stadium for their next round tie against Rangers …..Brechin, however, warm up for their visit to us the following Saturday, with a home tie against Hearts……..We wish both Highland League clubs all the best.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY AND HOME MATCH DAY HOSPITALITY

Our Next Home Game and our last one of 2024 before visiting Forres Mechanics FC on Saturday 21 December, which will be our last game of 2024.

Match Day Hospitality enquiries : hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk

2025
These are the scheduled homegames for January and February and their kick-off times.
Saturday 11 January at 2pm – Buckie Thistle FC
Saturday 25 January at 2pm – Brechin City FC
Saturday 8 February at 2pm – Clachnacuddin FC
Saturday 23 February at 3pm – Nairn County FC

For hospitality availability and details please 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

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 /£10 for a book…

You can buy tickets from our committee members, playing squad, and management team.
……or drop us an email : hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk

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

£8800 TO BE WON – THIS WEEK’S JACKPOT PRIZE

As ever we conclude this week’s meanderings offering you a jackpot win of a massive £8800 on our online fundraising lottery – imagine that at Christmas – click here if you want to play…

LOTTERY CH-CH-CHANGES

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.

We wish Ryan and the boys all the best for this Saturday’s game against Keith FC

4 December 20244 December 2024

CLIVE’S NEWSLETTER – NOVEMBER 2024

Saturday 2^nd: The Jags have suffered some heavy defeats against Fraserburgh over the last few seasons, so it was very pleasing to see the home side earn a well-deserved point after a 2-2 draw at Seafield Park, Caelan Mutch and Steven MacDonald scoring the goals.

Further good news followed the game with the confirmed signing of defender Wallace Duffy following his release by Inverness Caledonian Thistle due to the club going into administration.
“His experience will be a huge benefit to all our players,” said manager Ryan Esson.

Sunday 10^th: STFC were honoured to take part once again in the annual Remembrance Day service at Grantown-on-Spey War Memorial.

Saturday 16^th: A long trip to Turriff United for both the team and those travelling on the supporters’ bus, and unfortunately the return journey would have felt longer after a 4-0 for the home side, their first victory since mid-August.

A vital run of home games is now coming up for the Jags.

Saturday 23^rd: The first snow of the year meant that the scheduled home game against Huntly was postponed but made for a beautiful scene at Seafield Park…

Saturday 30^th: A sharp improvement in the weather meant no problems for the visit of Deveronvale but, after a bright start, it was a 3-0 defeat for the home side to leave us still at the foot of the Highland League table heading into December, two points behind Rothes and Lossiemouth.

29 November 202429 November 2024

A HAZY SHADE OF WINTER

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.

Action in the ‘Vale goalmouth from a couple of years ago.

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

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

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

£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).

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.

22 November 202422 November 2024

HUNTLY MATCH POSTPONED

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…

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.

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

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

£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.

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 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….

15 November 202415 November 2024

FOR ALL THE COWS

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.

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

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

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

£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.

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 you next week sports fans..