Category: Uncategorized

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.

Saturday 7^th: The month began with a tough trip, both in terms of distance and difficulty, as the Jags travelled to face Brechin City, who justified their favourites tag for this season’s Highland League with a comprehensive 7-0 victory, five of the goals coming in the second half.

Wednesday 11^th: Don Johnstone joined the Jags’ coaching team as First Team Coach following a short spell at Forres Mechanics and a much longer period working with the U18’s (men and women) at Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Saturday 14^th: Highland League Cup action for the Jags and a second meeting of the year already with Inverness Clachnacuddin (with a third to come in midweek). A slow start for the home side saw Clach head into the break with a 2-0 advantage which they added a clinching goal to after half-time. Home supporters were, however, impressed with our new loan signing from Forfar Athletic, Filip Franczak.

Wednesday 18^th: Another meeting with Clach, this time in the league. Prior to the game we confirmed the permanent signing of striker Paul Brindle. Another hard-fought game but no joy for the Jags as an early goal for the home side gave them a narrow half-time lead which they doubled just before the end of the game.

Saturday 21^st: A trip to the seaside at Nairn and a cracking game that swung both ways before ending in a share of the spoils. Paul Brindle put the Jags in front before half-time and we then fought back from the loss of two goals to equalise from the penalty spot (Liam Shewan) and take the lead through Filip Franczak before a late Nairn leveller. 

Manager Ryan Esson told the Press & Journal afterwards: “We were away from home against a decent Nairn team so it was a good point for us, but it should have been three in my opinion.”

Saturday 28^th: Scottish Cup day at Seafield Park, against Sauchie Juniors of the East of Scotland League, and a chance for supporters old and new to see some of the recent changes to the ground; the new hospitality suite, smartened up advertising boards with the club logo on each and the newly-named stand, honouring chairman Donly McLeod.

The result on the pitch, a 6-0 defeat, was hugely disappointing but we were fully-booked in the McKellar Suite and received some very positive feedback about the new facilities, which can be booked for upcoming games (details below) by emailing strathyjagscommercial@outlook.com

FOUNDED IN 1993 – LET’S GO 2024!
A COMMUNITY CLUB #STRATHYJAGS

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us on Saturday in our brand-new Mackellar Suite for Matchday hospitality!  While the result wasn’t what we hoped for, the atmosphere was fantastic, and we appreciate your support and enthusiasm.

We are now taking bookings for our next two home games.

 Upcoming Hospitality Dates:

Saturday 5th October v Banks O’ Dee FC

Saturday 12th October v Inverurie Loco Works FC – Official Facebook Site

Secure your spot in the Mackellar Suite today! Contact us now to book.  Send us a DM or email strathyjagscommercial@outlook.com

(Match report later in week)

HOME GAME v SAUCHIE JUNIORS FC
SCOTTISH GAS SCOTTISH CUP FIRST ROUND
SEAFIELD PARK, GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY, PH26 3HE
SATURDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2024 – KO 3pm 

This Saturday we welcome all the way from Sauchie, Clackmannanshire, Sauchie Juniors FC.
Sauchie play in the East of Scotland Premier Division – a title they won as recently as season 2016/2017, so, as ever the unpredictable outcome of a match between teams from the North and the Central Belt, should make this tie a cracker of a game.
Sauchie currently sit in fourth position in their league, three points behind leaders Jeanfield Swifts.
Those eagle eyed among you will recognise that name…we played Jeanfield Swifts here at Seafield Park in a pre-season friendly in July 2023 narrowly losing by 4-3 in a very tight and enjoyable game.
The Jags first played in the Scottish Cup in 2014 in a match against Culter FC from Aberdeenshire which we lost by 4-2, both our goals incidentally were scored by Aviemore’s Josh Peters, now, with Buckie Thistle and with them played against Celtic in last year’s competition at Celtic Park. The last time we made Round 2 was in 2019 and following a win against Lossiemouth we succumbed to Stirling Albion at Forthbank Stadium losing 2-0. So lets hope we can make the second round this time around!

Head coach Ryan Esson will be looking for more of the same form shown by The Jags over the past couple of weeks, as the team begins to mould together after all the summer and recent signings, and are showing great signs of improvement since we started the season. According to sources there should be another couple of players returning from injury and ready to go on Saturday.
As ever we wish the boys all the best in what should be a very hard fought but hopefully a very entertaining afternoon.  

Especially welcome will be the Sauchie fans who will be making a round trip of about 260 miles, and if they want to see what is available in the Grantown please click here. We wish them safe travels.

MACKELLAR SUITE

….and if the above is not enough we are very proud to be opening our hospitality suite on Saturday.

For more information please email : strathyjagscommercial@outlook.com

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LAST SATURDAY’S GAME v NAIRN COUNTY AT NAIRN

We were exceptionally unlucky not to leave Nairn with all three points after another much improved performance.
In a thrilling 3-3 draw with Nairn County at Station Park, we had the better of the first half and were ahead at the break thanks to a great goal from Paul Brindle scoring in the 29th minute. Liam Shewan’s through ball found Brindle and the Jags’ striker beat Dylan MacLean in the Nairn goal.
Nairn made a couple of changes at the start of the second half with ex-Jags loanee Tyler Eadie and Alan Pollock replacing Bain and Kerr.
It paid off with an equaliser in the 52nd minute with Ben Barron finishing from close range.
Barron was on target again in the 63rd minute when he controlled a cross from Scott Lisle, Jags’ midfielder Cammy Lisle’s twin brother and fired the ball into the net for a good finish.

We equalised six minutes later when we were awarded a penalty after Nairn skipper Fraser Dingwall fouled Liam Shewan. Liam duly made no mistake from the spot.
The Jags went ahead for the second time in the match in the 75th minute when Filip Franczak finished a mazy run firing the ball past MacLean.
Nairn substitute Wright made an instant impact when his goalbound shot in the 81st minute was parried by Euan Storrier in the Thistle goal and Barron followed up to score his hat-trick.
Strathspey manager Ryan Esson was quoted in the Press and Journal saying “We were away from home against a decent Nairn team so it was a good point for us, but it should have been three in my opinion. The first half was excellent but in the second half we conceded two goals from our set pieces, which is something we will look back and learn from. Realistically we should see the game out at 3-2.”

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LOTTERY £7800 – THIS WEEK’S JACKPOT PRIZE

As ever we conclude this week’s meanderings offering you a jackpot win of £7800 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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AWAY GAME v NAIRN COUNTY FC
BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE
STATION PARK, NAIRN IV12 5NQ
SATURDAY 21 SEPTEMBER – KO 3pm

We’re still on the road as we speed along the coast to Station Park and our first meeting of the season against Nairn County.
Always a tough encounter, and as Nairn currently sit in tenth place in the league, and have eleven more points, Saturday’s game will be no different than the previous ones.

It’s been a bit topsy-turvy in the league this season with, apart from the top two or three teams, no result can be forecast as teams have been winning, losing and drawing in no logical pattern. There is only twelve points between ourselves and the eighth placed team in the league after ten games, and with another twenty-four games to go plenty’s about to happen!!
Nairn have in the last few weeks lost five, won three and drawn two but ominously have won their last two – a sequence that needs to be broken…..

No doubt Ryan and the boys will have that front of their minds and we wish them all the best – and lets hope we’re leaving Nairn on Saturday with at least a point ….three would be better….

WEDNESDAY’S MATCH v CLACHNACUDDIN

As we said previously this was the third match against Clach this season and unfortunately we have been on the wrong side of victory in all three. Wednesday’s victory puts them in a very creditable fifth place in the table after their strong early season form.

Again it was a very close match, and as the P&J newspaper stated, it was a hard fought two-nil victory and with the second goal coming in the eighty-ninth minute I think that would concur with the P&J’s assessment and there was little to separate the teams – which shows that we are very much moving in the right direction – and as I have said previously when we have a fully fit squad, I predict we can elevate ourselves from the relegation position we are currently in.

Following on from his two goals against us on Saturday, Conor Bunce drilled a magnificent shot home from about twenty-five yards leaving Jags’ keeper, Euan Storrier with no chance….an excellent goal.
We did come close a couple of times but generally there was not a great deal of dominant penalty box action and Clach doubled their tally in the eighty-ninth minute when substitute Mackenzie was on target.

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NEXT WEEK

Introducing Our BRAND NEW Mackellar Hospitality Suite!

We’re delighted to officially open the Mackellar Suite for the first time at our Scottish Cup tie against Sauchie Juniors FC on Saturday, 28th September!

~ Mackellar Suite opens at 1.45pm

~ One Course Lunch served

~ Inclusive Drinks for 1 hour prior to KO

~ Seat in the Donly Mcleod Stand

~ Half Time Refreshments

£35 per person.

Book now and be among the first to experience our new hospitality suite!

DM us to reserve your spot or email strathyjagscommercial@outlook.com

Already preperations are very much underway in the lead up to next week’s SCOTTISH GAS SCOTTISH CUP FIRST ROUND tie against Sauchie Juniors at Seafield Park next Saturday afternoon.

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£7700 TO BE WON – THIS WEEK’S JACKPOT PRIZE

As ever we conclude this week’s meanderings offering you a jackpot win of £7700 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.

AWAY GAME v CLACHNACUDDIN FC
BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE
GRANT STREET PARK, INVERNESS IV2 5GL
WEDNESDAY 28 AUGUST – KO 8pm

THE CHAIRMAN AND THE CEO

So, the phone rings at chairman Donly “Digger” McLeod’s home last Saturday morning – on the phone is Jags’ CEO Grant Mackellar…who says to Donly that he would pick him up from his house at 12.30 as there was something he wanted to see him about……
12.30 and as documented Grant picks Donly up and they drive the short distance to Seafield Park.
Grant leads Donly past the impressive new hospitality suite, that will be officially opened at the end of the month’s Scottish Cup game here in Grantown against Sauchie Juniors, and onto the hallowed turf – “What do you see Digger?”  asks Grant.
Donly looks about and notices the brand new uniformly presented pitchside advertising – comprising one side the paid for advertisement and on the other the Jag’s logo – but that was not what Grant wanted him to see and as they neared the stand Grant said ‘ In appreciation of the the last thirty years of dedicating most of your life to Strathspey Thistle Football club, we wanted to recocognise that so this is what we have done”……….Donly for once in his life was speechless…….Brilliant! 

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This Wednesday we travel to the big city….Inverness …..and our meeting with Clachnacuddin under the Grant Street floodlights for our first Breedon Highland League meeting of the clubs this season.
Although we’ve played each other twice this season both have been cup games, and, unfortunately we have not managed a win yet….but third time lucky.
As most folk know we have been seriously hampered with injuries so far this season, which has resulted in some players having to play positions they would not normally need to. But, on a positive note, it was good seeing Liam Shewan returning from injury and back on the pitch last Saturday and playing the full ninety minutes. 

As ever we wish Ryan and the boys all the best on their travels this week, firstly in Inverness and then Nairn on Saturday.

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PAUL SIGNS UP

Strathspey Thistle are delighted to announce the permanent signing of striker Paul Brindle.
Paul is no stranger to the Highland League, bringing a wealth of experience from his time with Brora Rangers, Clach, and Forres. 
Head Coach Ryan Esson is thrilled to have him on board, stating, “Paul is a proven talent in this league. His experience and ability in front of goal will be a huge asset to the team.”

Welcome to Strathspey Thistle, Paul! 

AS DOES FILIP

We’re also delighted to announce that Filip Franczak has joined us on loan from Forfar Athletic Football Club (Official) until January.

Filip is a versatile 18-year-old capable of playing in both defence and midfield. He brings valuable experience from his time at St Johnstone, where he was a key player for the U18 team and St Johnstone’s B team in the Challenge Cup.
Filip made his debut in Saturday’s game, featuring at right back for the second half.
Head coach, Ryan Esson, shared his thoughts: “We’re also thrilled to bring Filip to the club. His versatility and energy will be a great asset to the squad. We’re looking forward to his contributions as we work towards our goals this season.”

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SATURDAY’S MATCH v CLACHNACUDDIN

It seems to happen very regularly but again we were two down before the fifteen minute mark which makes it really difficult to get back in the game.
Clach scored through former Jags favourite Jack Davison after five minutes and then eight minutes later by Conor Bunce.
He doubled his goal tally in fifty nine minutes making the score three-nil to Clach which was how the game finished with the visitors progressing to the first round proper of the R.Davidson Highland League Cup and a tie against Buckie Thistle.
As our spies, and the majority of the spectators in attendance – which was again a a fine turnout –  commented that there was very little between the teams in general play but defensive mistakes cost the Jags dearly.
New signings Paul Brindle and Forfar loanee Filip Franzak both impressed, and the home support and JagsWeb are looking forward to when we have a fully fit squad all available for selection. 

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SEAFIELD PARK

Pictured this morning, to illustrate the ongoing upgrading of all things Seafield Park we think the uniformity of the backside of the pitchside advertising boards looks fantastic.

NEXT GAME
We coninue on the road, this time to Station Park in Nairn on Saturday KO 3pm. We’ll preview later on in the week.

HOME MATCH v CLACHNACUDDIN FC
R DAVIDSON HIGHLAND LEAGUE CUP – PRELIMINARY ROUND
SEAFIELD PARK, GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY, PH26 3HE
SATURDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2024 – KO 3pm 

We welcome players, management and supporters of Clachnacuddin FC on Saturday to Seafield Park for a cup game – the R Davidson Highland League Cup – Preliminary Round in what will be the second of three matches against The Lillywhites in the space of a month. On August 18 in a hard fought match we were exceptionally unlucky to exit the North of Scotland Cup losing three-two at Grant Park, on a windswept Wednesday night in Inverness, in what was head coach Ryan Esson’s first game in charge of The Jags.
Many of the spectators at the game thought at the least we were deserving of at penalty shoot-out.
So there is every chance of another close game on Saturday.
Clach under coach Conor Gethins have made a very good start to their league season and currently sit sixth in the league and there will be a couple of known faces in the Clach team from their time with the Jags over last couple of seasons.

As ever we wish Ryan and the boys all the best in progressing to the next round.

We will be following this up on Wednesday night with a return trip to Grant Street Park in Inverness for our first Breedon Highland League meeting with Clach – and as there has been a lot of cooperation between the teams over the past few seasons, not to mention some very close games, the rivalry will be evident and it will be another date for your diary.

We’re delighted to announce that for Saturday’s game, all U16s can enjoy FREE entry!
We are distributing tickets to local schools throughout the week, so if you receive one, just present your physical ticket or show the below ticket on your phone at the gate. This offer is valid with a full-paying adult.

We hope to welcome a large crowd on Saturday and would appreciate if you could give yourself plenty of time to arrive at the ground, and if there are any Clach supporters who want a resumé of what is available please click here.

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WE WELCOME DON JOHNSTONE

We are delighted to announce the newest addition to our coaching team and welcome Don Johnstone as our new First Team Coach.

Don joins us from Forres Mechanics, where he spent a short spell as their First Team Coach.
Prior to that, he spent 8 years with Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC, including 5 years alongside Ryan Esson as U18’s Assistant Coach and 3 years as U18’s Women’s Head Coach.
Welcome to Strathspey Thistle Don and we wish you every success.

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LAST SATURDAY’S MATCH v BRECHIN CITY 

Unfortunately our long journey to Brechin became even longer for the way home, as the home team succeeded in continuing their impressive run of form and maintaining their lead in the Breedon Highland League. 

On a very hot day in Brechin, in what was a disappointing day especially the second half (again) for the Jags, Brechin showed that they will not be far away from winning the league come April.
As you can see the from the photos the Jags had a tough ninety minutes at Glebe Park and we would like to thank APP Photography ( @APP_photo) for generously letting us use a couple of excellent photos from the afternoon.

Head coach Ryan Esson was quoted in the P&J as saying that the manner of the defeat was really disappointing especially as we had spoken to the players at half-time about what we needed to do but it just didn’t happen. He went on to say that after a decent performance the week before against Lossiemouth, there was a thought that we’d be able to kick on but that wasn’t to be and realistically we’re not going to be judged on a result against Brechin especially away from home. He then stated that the Jags have three games coming up, twice against Clach and once against Nairn and the focus is now on these games. 

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NEXT HOME MATCH 
Our next home match is our Scottish Gas Scottish Cup first round tie against Sauchie Juniors and planned for that day is the opening of our new hospitality suite – watch out for more details nearer the game.

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SEPTEMBER DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

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LOTTERY 7600 – THIS WEEK’S JACKPOT PRIZE

As ever we conclude this week’s meanderings offering you a jackpot win of £7600 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.