“My love for football grew when I realised it was more than just 90 minutes”
Dons Fan on Hiatus-Ground Botherer-Lower League Enthusiast-Bookworm
2021/22 – Brechin City 1 v 1 Darvel
Glebe Park, Scottish Cup 3rd Round, 29/11/21 Entrance – £10 Attendance – 577 Pie – £7 Pie x 2 and Diet Coke Pint – Tennents, £2.50, City Bar Brechin City Football Club Founded – 1906 Nickname – The Hedgemen Honours – Second Division – 1982/83, 1989/90, 2004/05, Third Division – 2001/02 Random Fact – The …
Continue reading “2021/22 – Brechin City 1 v 1 Darvel”
2021/22 – East Craigie 9 v 2 Scone Thistle
Craigie Park, Midland League, 27/11/21 Entrance – £6 Attendance -58 (Including Scottish Premier alumni Phil Maguire and Lee Wilkie) Pie – Pie and Coffee £3 Pint – £2 Ossain, Hospitality East Craigie Football Club Founded – 1880 Nickname – The Shipbuilders Honours – ? Random Fact – The club claim to be the oldest Junior …
Continue reading “2021/22 – East Craigie 9 v 2 Scone Thistle”
2021/22 – Inverurie Loco Works 0 v 2 Heart of Midlothian
Harlaw Park, Scottish Youth Cup, 25/11/12 Entrance – Free Attendance – 187 Pie – N/A Pint – £3.60 Greene King Icebreaker, Social Club Inverurie Loco Works Football Club Founded – 1902 Nickname – The Railwaymen Honours – Highland League Cup – 2007/08, 2008/09, Aberdeenshire Shield – 2003/04, 2013/14, 2016/17, Scottish Qualifying Cup(North) – 2004/05, 2005/06 …
Continue reading “2021/22 – Inverurie Loco Works 0 v 2 Heart of Midlothian”
2021/22 – Irvine Victoria 1 v 5 Shotts Bon Accord
Victoria Park, WOSFL Conference A, 20/11/21 Entrance – Me £6, Wee Man £0 Attendance – 83 Pie – £2 pie and coffee Pint – N/A Irvine Victoria Football Club Founded – 1904 Nickname – The Westenders Honours – Ayrshire District League – 2013–14 Random Fact – The clubs record win stands at 10 v 0 …
Continue reading “2021/22 – Irvine Victoria 1 v 5 Shotts Bon Accord”
2021/22 – Queen of the South 1 v 2 Inverness Caledonian Thistle
Palmerston, Championship, 19/11/21 Entrance – Me £18, Wee Man £6 Attendance – Reported as 0 on the official QOTS website Pie – £3.50 pie and coffee Pint – £3.20, Tennents, fan bar Queen of the South Football Club Founded – 1919 Nickname – The Doonhamers Honours – Division 2 -1950/51, 2001/02, 2012/13, Scottish League Challenge …
Continue reading “2021/22 – Queen of the South 1 v 2 Inverness Caledonian Thistle”
2021/22 – Turriff United 0 v 5 Brechin City
The Haughs, Highland Football League, 17/11/21 Entrance – Me £8, Wee Man Free Attendance – 239 Rough head count (also to be noted hard to decipher officials from fans) Pie – Sausage roll and coffee £4 Pint – £3 , Tennents, Fan Bar Turriff United Football Club Founded – 1954 Nickname – Turra Honours – …
Continue reading “2021/22 – Turriff United 0 v 5 Brechin City”
2021/22 -Aberdeen University 1st 2 v 2 Heriot Watt 1st
Keith Park, BUCS Scottish Tier 1, 17/11/21 Entrance – Free Attendance – 25 at biggest and 2 dogs Pie – N/A Pint – £ 3.13, Belhaven Best, Brig o’ Don Founded – 1872 Nickname – Uni Honours – Queens Park Shield -1921/22, 1922/23, 1927/28, 1929/30, 1932/33, 1936/37, 1937/38, 1940/41, 1945/46, 1946/47, 1987/88, 1948/49, 1949/50, 1950/51, …
Continue reading “2021/22 -Aberdeen University 1st 2 v 2 Heriot Watt 1st”
2021/22 – Keith 1 v 4 Fraserburgh
Kynoch Park, Highland League Cup, 13/11/21 Entrance – Me £10, Wee Man £5 Attendance – 140 rough head count Pie – Two sausage rolls and a coffee £5.20 Pint – John Smiths £3 , Fan Bar Keith Football Club Founded – 1910 Nickname – The Maroons Honours – Highland Football League – 1961/62, 1978/79, 1979/80, …
Continue reading “2021/22 – Keith 1 v 4 Fraserburgh”
Fitbawbaggery from the Vaults # 15 -Hanging Out With Lions in Lisbon
I have had many a fitba trip out with Scotland since I took up this travelling about to watch games malarkey. I think it stands at seventeen countries to date that I have been lucky to watch club fitba in. The Netherlands is a home from home in fitba terms with eighteen grounds conquered. England …
Continue reading “Fitbawbaggery from the Vaults # 15 -Hanging Out With Lions in Lisbon”
Inane Ramblings of a Fitbawbag #17 – Connection……..Fitba is back!
This bit started out life months ago with a different original trajectory , but the piece was abandoned. This so I could concentrate on paramount stuff in life such as being a Dad, looking for work, being with the awesomely lovely lady on the banks o’ Dee and partaking in what the crux of this …
Continue reading “Inane Ramblings of a Fitbawbag #17 – Connection……..Fitba is back!”
Fitbawbaggery From The Vaults From The Vaults # 14- Speaking Double Dutch, Feyenoord and Willem II
In the past I have declared my love for watching Dutch fitba. Out with Scotland it is by far my favourite place to get my kicks. However, I wont lie, my admiration is not strictly down to the game itself, it is also powered by the fantastic country, welcoming people and lovely beers but I …
2021/22 – Bridge of Don Thistle 7 v 1 Ellon United
Aberdeen Sports Village, North Region SJFA Superleague, 2/10/21 Entrance – Me £5, Wee Man £2 Attendance – 51 Pie – Coffee, Coke, Crisps £5.20 (you don’t get pies) Pint – N/A Bridge of Don Thistle Junior Football Club Formed – 1983 (As Wilsons XI) Nickname – Thistle Honours – None Random Fact – Since their …
Continue reading “2021/22 – Bridge of Don Thistle 7 v 1 Ellon United”
2021/22-Formartine United 1 v 4 Banks o’ Dee
Harlaw Park(Inverurie Loco Works), Aberdeenshire Cup Final 2021/22, 1/10/21 Entrance – £10 for me, £0 for Wee Man Attendance – Around 400 or so(rough headcount) Pie – Coffee and Diet Coke £4.25 Pint – £3.60 , Tennents, Social Club Founded -1887 Random Fact – Tonight’s match ended the shortest reign of the old trophy with …
Continue reading “2021/22-Formartine United 1 v 4 Banks o’ Dee”
2021/22 – Dunbar United 3 v 1 Tweedmouth Rangers
New Countess Park, Friendly, 28/9/21 Entrance – Donation (£6 parted with) Attendance – 53 head count Pie – £5 , coffee and two sausage rolls(the very last two) Pint – £3.20, Belhaven Best(when in Rome) Sport Centre Bar Dunbar United Football Club Founded – 1925 Nickname – The Seasiders Honours – Scottish Junior Cup – …
Continue reading “2021/22 – Dunbar United 3 v 1 Tweedmouth Rangers”
2021/22 – Rossvale 1 v 0 Cambuslang Rangers
Petershill Park, Scottish Junior Cup Second Round, 24/9/21 Entry – Me £6, Wee Man £0 Attendance – 205 (rough head count) Pie – £6.50, pie, burger, coffee(surely the first time every being served a filter coffee at the fitba) Pint – No time Rossvale Football Club Founded – 1976 Nickname – ? Honours – West …
Continue reading “2021/22 – Rossvale 1 v 0 Cambuslang Rangers”
2021/22 – Tynecastle 0 v 5 Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic
Meggetland, East of Scotland Qualifying Cup, 21/09/21 Entrance – £7 Attendance – 195 (Rough head count) and a rabbit Pie – Coffee and Irn Bru £2.20 (no room for a pie) Pint – Tennents £4.35, The Kilted Pig(across the road) Tynecastle Football Club Founded – 1928 as Tynecastle Boys Club (2005 Tollcross were merged into …
Continue reading “2021/22 – Tynecastle 0 v 5 Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic”
2021/22 – Formartine United 2 v 2 Cumnock
North Lodge Park, Scottish Cup 1st Round, 18/9/21 Entrance – Me £10, Wee Man £5 Attendance – 203(rough head count) Pie – Pie, Coffee, Orangeade £4.50 Pint -N/A (got my bargain beers from last night in the fridge for after) Formartine United Football Club Founded – 1948 Nickname – United Honours (Since step up to …
Continue reading “2021/22 – Formartine United 2 v 2 Cumnock”
2021/22 – Newtongrange Star 0 v 4 St Mirren
Scottish Youth Cup, New Victoria Park, 17/9/21 Entrance – Me £4 , Wee Man £1 Attendance – 250 Pie – Pie, Coffee, Irn Bru £4.50 Pint – Arrived 5 minutes before kick off Founded – 1890 Nickname – Nitten Honours – Scottish Junior Cup – 1929/30. SJFA East Region Premier League – 2012/13. East Region …
Continue reading “2021/22 – Newtongrange Star 0 v 4 St Mirren”
Inane Ramblings of a Fitbawbag #16 – When Real Madrid were Battered Black and Hew
Originally written for Turnstiles Magazine issue 2 (Subject of the issue being underdogs) As the Swedish sky unleashed it’s most relentless of elements behind him, and with the fifteen thousand strong boisterous, drenched Red Army housed in the adjacent terraces making their presence felt , arguably the greatest British manager at the time made his …
Continue reading “Inane Ramblings of a Fitbawbag #16 – When Real Madrid were Battered Black and Hew”
2021/22 – St. Peters U20 5 v 2 Forth Wanderers U20
New Western Park, Lowland Development League Conference D, 10/9/21 Entrance – Free Attendance – 57 Pie – Hot Dog and Coffee £2.70 Pint – £3.00, Carling, Club Bar St. Peters Football Club Founded – 1984 Nicknames – ? Honours – None (First season at this level) Random Fact – St. Peters is not only a …
Continue reading “2021/22 – St. Peters U20 5 v 2 Forth Wanderers U20”
2021/22 – Forres Thistle 1 v 1 Glentanar
Logie Park, North Region SJFA Division Two, 4/9/21 Entrance – £3.00 Me, £0 Wee Man Attendance – 40 + 3 dogs Pie – 2 Pies and coffee £5 Pint – N/A Forres Thistle Football Club Founded – 1906 Nickname – The Jags Honours – North Region First Division (West)– 2002/03, North Regional League -1971/72 and …
Continue reading “2021/22 – Forres Thistle 1 v 1 Glentanar”
2021/22 – Fraserburgh 1 v 2 Banks o’ Dee
Bellslea Park, Aberdeenshire Cup Semi Final, 31/08/21 Entrance – £10 Me, £0 Wee Man Attendance – TBC Pie – £4 Mince Pie and Coffee Pint – N/A Fraserburgh Football Club Founded – 1910 Nickname – The Broch Honours – Highland League – 1932/33, 1937/38 and 2001/02, Highland League Cup – 1958/59 and 2005/06, Aberdeenshire Cup – 1910/11, 1937/38, …
Continue reading “2021/22 – Fraserburgh 1 v 2 Banks o’ Dee”
2021/22 – Dundee North End 6 v 3 Dundee St James
North End Park, East Region SJFA Midland League, 28/8/21 Entrance – £6 me, £0 Wee Man Attendance – 120 (approx. headcount taken once Dundee United fans left) Pie – £2.00 Coffee, Crisps, Ice Pole Pint – £2.60 Tennents, Social Club Dundee North End Football Club Founded -1895 Nickname – The Dokens Honours – SJFA North …
Continue reading “2021/22 – Dundee North End 6 v 3 Dundee St James”
2021/22 – New Deer 0 v 3 Station Bar
New Deer Football Ground, North East Scotland League 1, 24/8/21 Entrance – £0 Me, £0 Wee Man Attendance – 24 Pie – N/A Pint – N/A New Deer Football Club Founded – 1908 Nickname – The Deer Honours – Some but cant date them Random Fact – New Deer have been conceding and average of …
Continue reading “2021/22 – New Deer 0 v 3 Station Bar”
2021/22 – Ardallie 2 v 3 Macduff
The Halfway House, North East Scotland League 2, 23/8/21 Entrance – £0 Me, £0 Wee Man Attendance – 11 (minus the two clubs folk) Pie – N/A Pint – N/A Ardallie Football Club Founded – TBC Nickname – The Dallie Honours – TBC Random Fact – Ardallie are the only team I ever scored against …
Continue reading “2021/22 – Ardallie 2 v 3 Macduff”
2021/22 – Bo’ness Athletic 5 v 1 Bathgate Thistle
Newtown Park, East of Scotland League, First Division Conference X, 20/8/21 Entry – £6 me, £0 Wee Man Attendance – 120, however that is very unofficial due to the large local ned troupe jumping the wall. Pie – Sausage Roll x 2 and Coffee £4 (Sausage Rolls were excellent) Pint – N/A Bo’ness Athletic Football …
Continue reading “2021/22 – Bo’ness Athletic 5 v 1 Bathgate Thistle”
2021/22 – Methlick 5 v 2 Peterhead United
King George Park, North East Scotland League 2, 17/8/21 Entrance – £0 Me, £0 Wee Man Attendance – 25 Pie – N/A Pint – £4.70 (Ythanview Hotel across the road, where we had our tea too which was good and well priced) Methlick Football Club Founded – A fact forgotten in time to it seems. …
Continue reading “2021/22 – Methlick 5 v 2 Peterhead United”
2021/22 – Longside 3 v 2 Sunnybank
Davidson Park, North Region SJFA First Division, 13/8/21 Entrance – £5 me, £0 Wee Man Attendance – 63 Pie – No pies being served, Coffee £1 Pint– £3.50 Tennents , (Longside FC social club) Longside Football Club Founded – 1933 Nickname – The Side Honours – North East Premier League 1999/00, 2000/01 Random Fact – …
Continue reading “2021/22 – Longside 3 v 2 Sunnybank”
2021/22 – Maud 2 v 1 Cruden Bay
Pleasure Park, Grill League Cup Group Stage, 10/8/21 Entrance – £5 me, Wee Man £0 Attendance – 53 Pie – £3.50 pie and coffee Pint – N/A Maud Junior Football Club Founded – 1973 Nickname – N/A Honours – Grill League Cup – 2011/13, North Region 1st Division – 2003/04 Random Fact – Maud were …
Continue reading “2021/22 – Maud 2 v 1 Cruden Bay”
2021/22 – Easthouses Lily 2 v 2 Peebles Rovers
Newbattle Complex, East of Scotland League First Division Conference B, 6/8/21 Entrance – Me £6, Wee Man £0 Attendance – 99 and two dogs(counted again to see if I could get the 100, 99 again) Pie – £3.70 pie, coffee and Kit Kat Chunky Pint – £2, Tennents, (Easthouses Lily Club Bar) Easthouses Lily Miners …
Continue reading “2021/22 – Easthouses Lily 2 v 2 Peebles Rovers”
2021/22 – Lochee Harp 1 v 3 Forfar West End
New Beechwood Park, East Region SJFA Midland League, 4/8/21 Entrance – £6 Attendance – 93 Pie – Closed Pint – N/A Lochee Harp Football Club Formed – 1904 Nickname – The Harp Honours – Tayside Premier League – 1983/84, 1984/85, 1985/86, Dundee Junior League – 1904/05, 1906/07, 1910/11, 1922/23, 1923/24, 1926/27, 1928/29, 1929/30, 1930/31, 1931/32, …
Continue reading “2021/22 – Lochee Harp 1 v 3 Forfar West End”
2021/22 – Stoneywood Parkvale 2 v 1 Sunnybank
Arjowiggins Stoneywood Park, North Region SJFA, First Division, 3/8/21 Entrance – £5 me £0 Wee Man Attendance – 48(twice counted) Pie – Didn’t bother(rare) Pint – N/A Stoneywood Parkvale Football Club Founded – 2016 Nickname – The Vale Honours – None Random Fact – The club impressively reached the last 16 of the 2019/20 Scottish …
Continue reading “2021/22 – Stoneywood Parkvale 2 v 1 Sunnybank”
2021/22 -Rothie Rovers 6 v 0 New Elgin
Rothienorman Football Ground, SJFA North Region Division 2, 28/7/21 Entrance – £5 me, £0 Wee Man Attendance– 38 (minus committees) Pie – Closed Pint – N/A Rothie Rovers Junior Football Club Founded – 1983 Nickname – Rovers Honours – None since making the step up to Juniors Random Fact – Major upgrade works were carried …
Continue reading “2021/22 -Rothie Rovers 6 v 0 New Elgin”
2021/22-Formartine United 1 v 3 Fraserburgh
Harlaw Park(Inverurie Loco Works), Aberdeenshire Cup Final 2020/21, 28/7/21 Entrance – £10 for me, £0 for Wee Man Attendance – 600 (reportedly) Pie – Hotdog, coffee and Diet Coke , £7.50 Pint – Birra Moretti, £4.90, (Banks of Ury Hotel) Founded -1887 Random Fact – It is claimed the trophy is the second oldest fitba …
Continue reading “2021/22-Formartine United 1 v 3 Fraserburgh”
2021/22 – Lochore Welfare 3 v 1 Oakley United
Central Park, East of Scotland First Division Conference B, 27/7/21 Entrance – £6 for me, £0 for Wee Man Attendance – 98 (rough count) Pie – £2.50 for a sausage roll, pie and coffee Pint – £2 Tennents (Lochore Welfare FC Social Club) Lochore Welfare Football Club Founded – 1934 (Various mergers and name changes …
Continue reading “2021/22 – Lochore Welfare 3 v 1 Oakley United”
Fitbawbaggery in Numbers #8 – Scottish Clubs in Europe. Who, How Many, and Where?
Call it geekiness, or call it too much time on my hands or maybe you could just put it down to a bit of both. I have just trawled through every Scottish fitba clubs European records over a day and a half. A pretty time consuming nonesense, but worthwhile. The reason? A few days ago …
Continue reading “Fitbawbaggery in Numbers #8 – Scottish Clubs in Europe. Who, How Many, and Where?”
A Fitbawbag’s 2020/21 End of Season Review
Well can that be classed as a season? Corona tried to say no. Not many games were viewed, thats a fact. But Wee Man and myself had our eyes opened to new Leagues, this leading me to believe that it was a success despite only seeing 1170 minutes of fitba in the flesh. Would we …
Continue reading “A Fitbawbag’s 2020/21 End of Season Review”
2020/21 – Cuminestown United 5 v 5 Macduff
Tenant Park, North East Scotland League 2, 8/6/21 Entrance -N/A Attendance -38 Pie -N/A Pint -N/A Cuminestown United Football Club Founded – 1923 Nickname – N/A Honours – I am not even going to pretend I know Random Fact – More ground related than club. Cuminestown once had a Junior team. The reason they don’t …
Continue reading “2020/21 – Cuminestown United 5 v 5 Macduff”
2020/21 New Pitsligo 6 v 3 New Deer
New Pitsligo Playing Field, North East Scotland League 1, 4/6/21 Entrance – N/A Attendance – 38 (Biggest Count) Pie – N/A but the steak pie supper from near by Gold-N-Crispy was beautiful Pint – N/A New Pitsligo Football Club Founded – Unsure Nickname – Cyaak Honours – Unsure but the league, League Cup, Brucklay Cup, …
Continue reading “2020/21 New Pitsligo 6 v 3 New Deer”
2020/21 – St. Duthus 2 v 0 Invergordon
Grant Park, North Caledonian League 1, 29/05/21 Entrance – Free Attendance – 57 when counted (hard to put a figure to, this due to comings and goings) Pie – N/A Pint – N/A St Duthus Football Club Founded – 1885 Nicknames – The Saints, The Tain Saints Honours – North Caledonian Cup- 1924/24, 1978/79, 19/83/84, …
Continue reading “2020/21 – St. Duthus 2 v 0 Invergordon”
2020/21 – Lesmahagow 0 v 1 Royal Albert
Craighead Park, Friendly, 28/5/21 Entrance – Good will donation bucket (tenner for the two of us). Attendance – 171 when counted just before half time. Pie, Burger and Coffee – £5.20 Pint – N/A Lesmahagow Junior Football Club Founded – 1885 Nickname – The Gow Random Fact – The club started off as Nethanvale Swifts from1885-1906 …
Continue reading “2020/21 – Lesmahagow 0 v 1 Royal Albert”
2020/21 -Forfar United 3 v 1 Forfar Albion 19’s
Guthrie Park, Friendly, 22/5/21 Entrance- N/A (Club unsure of rules in regards to admittance) Attendance – 34 committee, parents and sneaky tree dodgers like me (unofficially) Pie – N/A Pint – £3.60 (Heverlee, The Stag, close to Guthrie Park) Forfar United Junior Football Club Founded – 2020 Nickname – N/A Honours – None Random Fact …
Continue reading “2020/21 -Forfar United 3 v 1 Forfar Albion 19’s”
Fitbawbaggery in Numbers #7 – 10 Things I Have Missed About The Fitba
Over 100 days and more without a game have been bestowed on me for the the second occasion in recent times(first time led to just over 200 in the end). It creates a hole in life when your social life has two things in it and one is taken away entirely. That one is more …
Continue reading “Fitbawbaggery in Numbers #7 – 10 Things I Have Missed About The Fitba”
Inane Ramblings of a Fitbawbag # 15-Lecce, taking Darwin a bit too literally.
Originally written for The Red Final issue 141 (February 2021) Tuesday 19th of January, I found myself partaking in a common custom, watching Italian fitba. This time a clash between Roma v Spezia in the Coppa Italia. Armed with the usual beer in hand and cat on my lap ,I watched the underdogs clinch a …
Continue reading “Inane Ramblings of a Fitbawbag # 15-Lecce, taking Darwin a bit too literally.”
The Dons Two Years On – What Have I Missed?
The 3rd of March marks the second anniversary of the infuriating sounds of the equally infuriating song echoing around me. “Oh Derek McInnes” was ringing out up Merkland Road East. This coming after drawing in the Scottish Cup with the new kids on the block. Yes, that is right, drawing with The r*****s was worthy …
Continue reading “The Dons Two Years On – What Have I Missed?”
Fitbawbaggery in Numbers # 6 – Top 5 Non-Dons Games
This year marks my 30th anniversary of heading to watch fitba in the flesh. It is thirty years since the aroma of cigars and Bovril first skelped my nostrils as I walked up the stairs at the rear of the Merkland Road End. Three decades since I first experienced the collective outburst of elation of …
Continue reading “Fitbawbaggery in Numbers # 6 – Top 5 Non-Dons Games”
Inane Ramblings of a Fitbawbag #14 – Campionato……..Di Calcio…….. Italiano – (Secondo Atto)
April 30th, 2017, Vialle delle Olipiade, Rome. My pal (The Beats) and I find ourselves in a cafe (Bar della Musica) for a few breakfast beers ahead of the main event that weekend………the Derby de la Capitale. Or in simpler terms, Roma v Lazio, our first venture to Serie A. The elation was at a …
2020/21 – Alness United 2 v 1 Inverness Athletic
Dalmore Park, Ness Cup League 2, 19/12/20 Entry – N/A despite being Tier 1 Attendance – Unofficially 42 Pie – N/A Pint – N/A Alness United Football Club Founded – 1890 (Approx). Nickname – None Honours –North Caledonian League 1972-73, 1973-74, 2000-01, 2004-05. North of Scotland /North Caledonian Cup -1973-74, 1999-00, 2013-14 Random Fact – …
Continue reading “2020/21 – Alness United 2 v 1 Inverness Athletic”
2020/21-Deveronvale 1 v 4 Camelon
Princess Royal Park, Scottish Cup Second Preliminary Round,12/12/20 Entry– Not when Jason Leitch is involved Attendance – See Above Pie – See above Pint– See Above Deveronvale Football Club Founded – 1938 Nickname – Vale Honours – Highland Football League – 2002/03, 2005/06, Aberdeenshire Cup –1947–48, 1950–51, 1951–52, 1961–62, 1965–66, 2000–01, 2006–07, 2011–12. Aberdeenshire Shield– …
Continue reading “2020/21-Deveronvale 1 v 4 Camelon”
Inane Ramblings of A Fitbawbag # 13 – The Five Year (Mis)Adventure
5th of December 2015. Quite the insignificant date for the outsider. The fifth of December in general, has had very little of note happen throughout history. In 1848 the US saw the start of the California gold rush and in 1945 the Bermuda Triangle caused one of aviation greatest mysteries when “Flight 19”, a group …
Continue reading “Inane Ramblings of A Fitbawbag # 13 – The Five Year (Mis)Adventure”
Inane Ramblings of A Fitbawbag # 12 – Campionato…….. Di Calcio…….. Italiano (Primo atto)
Just mention two words to me and they will never fail in making me instantaneously beam and conjure up flashbacks of childhood. Two simple but incredibly efficacious words, “Football Italia”. From 1992 – 2002 Channel 4 had the greatest show on earth (joint with Eurogoals). Sundays had taken on a whole new dimension. You can …
Inane Ramblings of A Fitbawbag # 11 – Do I Really Have To Support Scotland?
The national team, do I as a Scot have to support them? Given the conversations I have been involved with recently, you would think it my obligation as a Scottish born citizen to don a Scotland shirt, kilt and Timberland boots everytime a game comes up. In reality though I am as far from that …
Continue reading “Inane Ramblings of A Fitbawbag # 11 – Do I Really Have To Support Scotland?”
Inane Ramblings of A Fitbawbag #10 – This is England ’20
Originally written for The Red Final Issue 140, October 2020 16th of February, Gelredome, Arnhem. Storm Dennis is seriously blowing a fucking hoolie, I had just viewed a cracking ninety minutes of fitba where the hosts Vitesse put Heerenveen to the sword 4-2. This rounding off a quadruple header of Dutchball, following visits to De …
Continue reading “Inane Ramblings of A Fitbawbag #10 – This is England ’20”
2020/21 – Esh Winning 2 v 4 Chester-le-Street
West Terrace, Northern League Division 2, 8/10/20, 22/10/20 Entry – Both Free Attendance – 121 Hot Dog, Diet Coke, Lemonade, Coffee – £5 Pint and Orange Juice – £4 Esh Winning Football Club Founded – 1967 Nickname – The Stags Honours – Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup 2007–08 Random Fact – The club were formed as Esh …
Continue reading “2020/21 – Esh Winning 2 v 4 Chester-le-Street”
2020/21 Ryton and Crawcrook Albion 2 v 5 Crook Town
Kingsley Park, Northern League Division 2, 14/10/20 Entrance – £5 and free Attendance – 119 Chips, Coffee, Juice, Crisps – £4.20 Pint – £2.20 Ryton and Crawcrook Albion Football Club Founded – 1970 Nickname – RACA Honours – Northern Alliance Division One – 1996/97 Random Fact – The club are more than just a Northern …
Continue reading “2020/21 Ryton and Crawcrook Albion 2 v 5 Crook Town”
2020/21 Consett 5 v 1 Bishop Auckland
Belle View, Northern League Division 1, 13/10/20 Entrance – £5 and £2 Attendance – 150 Diet Coke and Dairy Milk– On the house Pint – Too short notice to manage one pre-game Consett Association Football Club Founded – 1899 Nickname – The Steelmen Honours – Northern League Division Two – 1988–89, 2005–06. Durham Challenge Cup …
Continue reading “2020/21 Consett 5 v 1 Bishop Auckland”
2020/21 Tow Law Town 1 v 0 Willington
Ironworks Park, Northern League Division 2, 10/10/20 Entry -£4 & £2 Attendance – 80 Sausage and chips/coffee/Diet Coke – £5.20 Pint and Diet Coke – £3 Tow Law Town Association Football Club Founded – 1890 Nickname – The Lawyers Honours – Northern League Division One – 1923–24, 1924–25, 1994–95. Northern League Cup – 1973–74 Random Fact …
Continue reading “2020/21 Tow Law Town 1 v 0 Willington”
2020/21 Carlisle City 3 v 0 Birtley Town
Gillford Park, Northern League Division 2 , 3/10/20 Entry – £4 and £2 Attendance – 78 Match Ball Sponsor – £25 Coffee and crisps – £2 Pint and a coke – £3.30 Carlisle City Football Club Founded – 1975 Nickname – The Sky Blues Honours – Division One 1991–92 Random Fact – Formed in 1975 by …
Continue reading “2020/21 Carlisle City 3 v 0 Birtley Town”
2020/21 – Easington Colliery 4 v 1 Redcar Athletic
The Welfare Ground, Northern League Division 2, 1/10/20 Attendance – 105 Entry – £5 Coffee and Chips and Gravy – £2.80 Pint – £2.80 Easington Colliery Association Football Club Founded – 1913 Nickname – The Colliers, Green Army Honours- Wearside League -1929–30, 1931–32, 1932–33, 1947–48, 1948–49, Wearside League Cup 1932–33, 1945–46, 1961–62, 2009–10 Random Fact …
Continue reading “2020/21 – Easington Colliery 4 v 1 Redcar Athletic”
A Fitbawbags Guide to Fitba Literature # 7 – The Fifty Book Challenge- The Supplementary Cast
Now that I am home the challenge is over. Set the bar a bit too low at fifty as I manged over another half as many on top . Then again I was away for longer than I expected. I definitely excelled myself though. No doubt about it. Seventy six fitba books read in one …
Inane Ramblings of a Fitbawbag # 9 – 200 Days and The Corona Effect
You will have to excuse the obscenities, but two hundred days without a game is fucking ridiculous. Since 1991 when my fitba viewing career started this is easily the longest period without a game by a long shot. Even during my playing days there were Dons games in the mix and sometimes watching my pals …
Continue reading “Inane Ramblings of a Fitbawbag # 9 – 200 Days and The Corona Effect”
The Inane Ramblings of a Fitbawbag # 8 – Voetball, van der Ark and Vitesse.
Part 1 The Netherlands, not Holland as the common misconception goes. A tremendous and a somewhat underrated country. Many people choose to take their jollies in hotter climes. I however cant really be bothered with the sun these days. This maybe down to me being spoiled throughout my working career what with currently being stationed down in …
Continue reading “The Inane Ramblings of a Fitbawbag # 8 – Voetball, van der Ark and Vitesse.”
A Fitbawbags Fitba Bucket List
Everyone has a to do list of sorts, not a paint the garden gate or dump shite at the skip type. Countries or cities that tickle their fancy, bands they would like to see, retire early, skydive, have kids, run a marathon or whatever. The content can be a complete miscellany of things. Whether it …
Continue reading “A Fitbawbags Fitba Bucket List”
A Fitbawbags Guide to Fitba Literature # 6 – The Fifty Book Challenge Part 2
Part deux. Offshore for these so the rate of churning out book after book slowed somewhat. Averaging more or less five a week, the target was still more than achieveable. More of the real books I had humphed to Africa were on the cards as the kindle is out of action when out in the …
Continue reading “A Fitbawbags Guide to Fitba Literature # 6 – The Fifty Book Challenge Part 2”
The Fitbawbag Seen In The Flesh Dons Greatest XI
I have always wondered what my Dons best XI would be like but I have never really put a conscious effort into jotting it down. I have always had favourites that would habitually make the final cut, but never a full eleven. For the time being I have no random fitba to write about so …
Continue reading “The Fitbawbag Seen In The Flesh Dons Greatest XI”
A Fitbawbags Guide to Fitba Literature # 5 – The Fifty Book Challenge Part 1
With heading away to Angola and being stuck there for the foreseeable I decided to set myself a fifty fitba book challenge. After realising I read forty-one books(all subjects) while in lockdown at home between March 20th and June 8th, I decided to set this target. I do love fitba and reading after all. With …
Continue reading “A Fitbawbags Guide to Fitba Literature # 5 – The Fifty Book Challenge Part 1”
The Inane Ramblings of a Fitbawbag # 7 – Covid, Conceit, Contradictions, Contempt and the Colts
So here we are, Hearts, Partick Thistle and Stranraer look to have been relegated after this sorry and embarrassing saga has seemingly come to an end. Has it ended with this as a conclusion. I think we already know the answer to this. We are only half way. Now for the legal wranglings. With Hearts and …
Fitbawbaggery in Numbers # 5 – The 12 Best Scottish Grounds To Date
Recently I have found myself poring over my old photos from the fitba. Mostly because Wee Man has been constantly telling me he has been missing it, so it was a bit of reminiscing with him. To add to this I have also been reading a lot of old Scottish fitba books which have shown …
Continue reading “Fitbawbaggery in Numbers # 5 – The 12 Best Scottish Grounds To Date”
The Fitbawbag Seen In The Flesh Greatest XI
An XI picked from players seen in the flesh throughout the years of heading through turnstiles across Europe As I write I have not thought about this previously. It is totally off the cuff. There are obvious choices that will slip right in but the others will take some serious time and thought. The method …
Continue reading “The Fitbawbag Seen In The Flesh Greatest XI”
Fitbawbaggery in Numbers # 4 -100 Long Gameless Days
Exactly what it says on the tin. Today marks one hundred days since I had the pleasure of a game. That game was a final 90 minutes of a four game Dutch tour, Vitesse 4 v 2 Heerenveen on February 16th. The following Wednesday I went offshore for twenty eight days and came back to …
Continue reading “Fitbawbaggery in Numbers # 4 -100 Long Gameless Days”
Fitbawbaggery From The Vaults # 13 – 24 Hours, 2 Countries, 565 miles, 1 Lock-in and 3 games of fitba later…..
Easter weekend, hundreds of games across the UK from Friday to Monday and home from work. What a great combination. I was to take full advantage. I was also to tick off three teams on my list for the season. Starting over the border I was potentially going to see EFL League Two won by …
A Fitbawbags Guide To Fitba Literature #4 – The Scottish Fitba Edition
I have done the general worldwide fitba literature twice and the Dons special so I felt it would be rude to not do a Scottish fitba version(minus anything Aberdeen related). As well as collecting Aberdeen books I do the same with Scottish books. This became apparent when one day realised I had over one hundred …
Continue reading “A Fitbawbags Guide To Fitba Literature #4 – The Scottish Fitba Edition”
Fitbawbaggery from the Vaults # 12-Shotts Bon Accord 3-4 Blantyre Victoria
Hannah Park, West Region League One. 11/5/19 Shotts Bon Accord Football Club Founded – 1950 Nicknames – The Bonny, The BA Honours – Scottish Junior Cup 1957-58 and 2011/12, West of Scotland Cup – 1963/64 Current Division – West of Scotland Football League Conference A Random Fact – In 1995 Shotts were suspended from the …
Continue reading “Fitbawbaggery from the Vaults # 12-Shotts Bon Accord 3-4 Blantyre Victoria”
A Fitbawbags Guide To Fitba Literature #3 – The Dons Edition
Football and reading, two of my favourite things. Combining them together makes me a contented fellow. Then when I add the team I support into the equation its this super amalgamation pastime. I have read over sixty Dons related books in my life. Still have them all too, all sitting proudly in a bookshelf in …
Continue reading “A Fitbawbags Guide To Fitba Literature #3 – The Dons Edition”
Fitbawbaggery From the Vaults #11 – The Millennium Dumb- Aberdeen 0 v 4 R*****s
Hampden Park, Scottish Cup Final, 27th May 2000 Originally Written For The Red Final 111 (Cup Final Edition 2014) .The issue was made up of peoples memories of cup finals and this was my first ever submission for the most underrated fitba institution in Scottish Fitba 2000. The year I had to start being a …
Continue reading “Fitbawbaggery From the Vaults #11 – The Millennium Dumb- Aberdeen 0 v 4 R*****s”
Fitbawbaggery in Numbers #3 – The Filthy 50
Accrington Stanley to Željezničar This may just be a pipe dream given what is going on in the world just now. Call it a bit ambitious. Call it delusional. I call it a ground bothering a fitba fan being bored and thinking creating a list was a productive thing to do. I also call it …
Continue reading “Fitbawbaggery in Numbers #3 – The Filthy 50”
Fitbawbaggery from the Vaults #10 – Four Four in Forfar-Forfar West End 4 v 4 Tayport.
Strathmore Park, East Region Consolation Cup,1/5/19 Forfar West End Football Club Founded – 1892 Nickname – West End Honours – Tayside Junior Football League 1990/91 Current Division – East Region Superleague North Random Fact – Exactly a week after this I headed to Blairgowrie for another Consolation Cup tie including West End. It finished 4-3 …
Fitbawbaggery From The Vaults #9 – It’s Friggin Friendly in Oslo
When I was a kid my old boy was forever in Norway. As a teacher at Peterhead Academy he was part of the Peterhead/Ålesund school exchange for near thirty years. The dining room at my folks was a homage to the country with trolls, pictures and other things picked up on his sojourns. To add …
Continue reading “Fitbawbaggery From The Vaults #9 – It’s Friggin Friendly in Oslo”
Fitbawbags Interviews # 1 -Wee Man- Aiming for the Century (Or Five)
Mans best friend is a dog so they say. Well I’ll disagree. The first reason being cats are better, the second being the more important of the two reasons, the person who came up with that line surely didn’t have a fitba mad five year old to accompany them to random towns all over Scotland …
Continue reading “Fitbawbags Interviews # 1 -Wee Man- Aiming for the Century (Or Five)”
Fitbawbaggery in Numbers #2 – 181 Grounds (2019/20 End of Season Count, 32 added)
With the season not going quite to plan I failed to reach the milestone set of two hundred by the end of the season. This challenge was on course to be carried out as there were seventeen new grounds knocked on the head due to the bat pandemic which would have taken me to one …
Continue reading “Fitbawbaggery in Numbers #2 – 181 Grounds (2019/20 End of Season Count, 32 added)”
The Inane Ramblings of a Fitbawbag #6- It’s More Than Just A Game. Much More
Originally Written for The Red Final 139 1/2 Bill Shanklys quote has been getting some amount of airplay in the last few weeks due to the bat flu induced postponements. “Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it’s much more serious than that” said the man from Glenbuck(Supposedly). …
Continue reading “The Inane Ramblings of a Fitbawbag #6- It’s More Than Just A Game. Much More”
A Fitbawbags 2019/20 End of Season Review
With the recent conclusions of the Highland League, Lowland League and East and West Region Juniors I suppose I will terminate my first non Dons season at this point also. I did hold out hope of the leagues recommencing but unfortunately I can’t see this coming to fruition. Yes the SPFL hasn’t been shut down …
Continue reading “A Fitbawbags 2019/20 End of Season Review”
The Inane Ramblings of a Fitabwbag # 5 – A Spherical Hole In Life
Here I sit in my living room, Tartan Special in hand, empty sharing size packet of peanuts discarded next to me. Grace Kelly is strutting her stuff on the box in one of her Alfred Hitchcock film appearances. As always, my big sook of a cat is sleeping on my lap. As nights go it …
Continue reading “The Inane Ramblings of a Fitabwbag # 5 – A Spherical Hole In Life”
A Fitbawbags Guide To Fitba Literature Second Edition
A second 15 crackers from my collection. May come in handy for some during the days stuck in doors avoiding bat flu. As I have said before. I love fitba and a close second favourite hobby is reading. When I can combine the two I am in my element. The hybrid hobby. Ill read anything …
Continue reading “A Fitbawbags Guide To Fitba Literature Second Edition”
The Inane Ramblings of a Fitbawbag # 4 -Boats, Thistles and One Set of Goals.
Originally written for The Red Final 139 The badge. A symbol of pride. Its stands for honour and territory. It is the reason some people get out of bed. They are the reason behind a million arguments. Some people like them old school, some prefer them modern. Some people favour them easy to draw so …
Continue reading “The Inane Ramblings of a Fitbawbag # 4 -Boats, Thistles and One Set of Goals.”
Fitbawbaggery From the Vaults #8 – That Day in the Moray Drizzle; Keith 2 v 6 Brora R*****s
Looking at it from 2020 I suppose I was always a subconscious ground botherer. Watching Aberdeen, I managed to nail twenty-seven grounds. I used to love the away days to random places like Station Park in Forfar, Dumbartons Boghead, Alloas Recreation Park and such like. The Highland League brought me five or six from days …
The Dons a Year On- 56 games, 55 grounds, 199 Goals and a Turd in a Urinal Later
I have mentioned elsewhere that I had become seriously disengaged with watching Aberdeen. The football was as poor as I had seen for many a year, we were struggling for wins at home and it just was not fun. The r*****s in the Scottish Cup, 3rd of March 2019. The final whistle blew and the …
Continue reading “The Dons a Year On- 56 games, 55 grounds, 199 Goals and a Turd in a Urinal Later”
2019/20-Vitesse 4 v 2 Heerenveen
Gelredome, Eredivisie, 16/2/20 Stichting Betaald Voetbal Vitesse Founded – 1892 Nicknames – Vitas, Airborne Football Club Honours – KNVB Cup 2016/17 Random Fact– The clubs record European win is 4-0 against Dundee United in the UEFA Cup in 1990. (They won the tie 5-0 on agg) Saved the best for last this trip. To start with, …
Continue reading “2019/20-Vitesse 4 v 2 Heerenveen”
2019/20-Fortuna Sittard 0 v 0 Emmen
Fortuna Sittard Stadion, Eredivisie, 15/2/20 Fortuna Sittard Founded – 1968 Nickname – Fortunezen Honours – KNVB Cup 1957, 1964 Current Division – Eredivisie Random Fact – The stand where the ultras congregate was renamed in honour of late ex player Fernando Ricksen. I obviously got my ticket elsewhere The night started off in nightmare circumstances. …
Continue reading “2019/20-Fortuna Sittard 0 v 0 Emmen”
2019/20-DHSC 1 v 2 Rijnvogels
Sportpark Wesley Sneijder, Hoofdeklasse, 15/2/20 DOS Holland Stichtse Boys Combinatie Founded – 2007 Nicknames – None Honours – None Current Division – Hoofdeklasse Random Fact – Being a native of the city, Wesley Sneijder helps fund the club. The ground has been renamed Sport Park Wesley Sneijder in tribute. Fifth tier Dutch fitba, don’t mind …
Continue reading “2019/20-DHSC 1 v 2 Rijnvogels”
2019/20-De Graafschap 2 v 0 Roda JC
De Vijverberg, Eereste Divisie, 14/2/20 Vereniging Betaald VoetbalDe Graafschap Founded – 1954 Nickname – Superboeren (Super Farmers) Honours – Eerste Divisie 1991, 2007, 2010 Current Division – Eerste Divisie Random Fact – Ex Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwoods last job in fitba was as manager of the club in 2014. He left after one month in charge …
Continue reading “2019/20-De Graafschap 2 v 0 Roda JC”
A Wee Mans Half Century, Eleven Thousand Mile Fitba Odyssey
Fitba has been a constant in my life, and throughout my thirty-five years on earth. I have gone through stages with the game. There was a time where I was playing only, this was a short one-year period. This then turned into playing and watching Aberdeen at Pittodrie which gradually turned into a season ticket. …
Continue reading “A Wee Mans Half Century, Eleven Thousand Mile Fitba Odyssey”
2019/20-BSC Glasgow 1 v 4 Hibernian
Recreation Park, Scottish Cup 5th Round, 9/2/20 Broomhill Sports Club Glasgow Football Club Founded – 2014 Nickname – None Honours – Lowland League Cup 2018/19 Current Division – Lowland Football League Random Fact – The club have been in the LFL for five full seasons and improved every year, 10th(30 points) , 7th (41 points), …
Continue reading “2019/20-BSC Glasgow 1 v 4 Hibernian”
2019/20-Sauchie 4 v 1 Newtongrange Star
Beechwood Park, East of Scotland Premier Division, 8/2/20 Sauchie Juniors Football Club Founded – 1960 Nicknames– The Reds Honours – East Region Premier League – 2011–12, 2016–17 Random Fact – Ex Dundee United and St Johnstone and multiple Trinidad and Tobago cap Colin Samuel spent a season at the club prior to getting into coaching …
Continue reading “2019/20-Sauchie 4 v 1 Newtongrange Star”
2019/20-Cumbernauld Colts 0 v 1 Spartans
Broadwood, Lowland League, 7/2/20 Cumbernauld Colts Football Club Founded – 1969 Nicknames – Colts Honours – Lowland League Cup 2017/18 Current Division – Lowland Football League Random Fact – Jackie McNamara spent his youth career at the club. This meaning the club are partly to blame for one of the worst performances i have EVER …
Continue reading “2019/20-Cumbernauld Colts 0 v 1 Spartans”
2019/20-Rothes 3 v 1 Keith
Highland League Cup 1/4 final, MacKessack Park, 5/2/20 Rothes Football Club Founded – 1938 Nickname – The Speysiders Honours – Highland League – 1958/59, North of Scotland Cup 1958/59 and 1978/79 Current Division – Highland League Random Fact – The club play in tangerine due to buying floodlights from Tannadice Park. The colours of Dundee …
Continue reading “2019/20-Rothes 3 v 1 Keith”
2019/20-Clachnacuddin 2 v 3 Forres Mechanics
Highland League, Canal Park, 31/1/20 Clachnacuddin Football Club Founded – 1885 Nicknames – The Lillywhites, Clach Honours – Highland League-1894–95, 1896–97, 1897–98, 1900–01, 1902–03, 1903–04, 1904–05, 1905–06, 1907–08, 1911–12, 1920–21, 1921–22, 1922–23, 1923–24, 1938–39, 1947–48, 1974–75, 2003–04, Highland League Cup-1947–48, 1950–51, 1981–82, 2003–04, 2013–14, North of Scotland Cup-1894–95, 1895–96, 1897–98, 1899–1900, 1902–03, 1903–04, 1905–06, 1906–07, 1919–20, …
Continue reading “2019/20-Clachnacuddin 2 v 3 Forres Mechanics”
2019/20-Falkirk 2 v 0 Arbroath
Scottish Cup 4th Round Replay, The Falkirk Stadium, 28/1/20 Falkirk Football and Athletic Club Founded – 1876 Nickname – The Bairns Honours – Scottish Cup 1913 and 1957 Current Division – SPFL League 1 Random Fact- The club are part of one of the biggest urban myths in Scottish fitba. In 99/00 Falkirks old home …
Continue reading “2019/20-Falkirk 2 v 0 Arbroath”
2019/20-Mid Annandale 0 v 7 Musselburgh Athletic
South and East Shield Final, New Murrayfield Park(Blackburn United), 26/1/20 The chance of a third cup final of the season was too much to resist. It was either that or witness St Mirren v Aberdeen, which lets face it, just oozes shite. So West Lothian it was. But a day out with Wee Man in …
Continue reading “2019/20-Mid Annandale 0 v 7 Musselburgh Athletic”
2019/20-Kirrie Thistle 0 v 2 Lochee United
Westview Park, East Region Super League North, 25/1/20 Kirriemuir Thistle Junior Football Club Founded – 1921 Nickname – Thistle Honours – None Current Division – East Region Super League North Random Fact – Ex Aberdeen and Scotland Cap Kevin McNaughton is on the books and is also a coach at the Angus club A belated …
Continue reading “2019/20-Kirrie Thistle 0 v 2 Lochee United”
The Inane Ramblings of a Fitbawbag #3 -Thirty-five Bloody Years! I Could Get Less Time For Murder
Originally written for The Red Final. Four Years Ago. Re-hashed to Suit the Same Current Climate. 1985, MCMLXXXV, the 985th year of the second millennium and the year the top division last found its way to the Pittodrie trophy cabinet which in turn is the last time the trophy has found a home for itself …
Fitbawbaggery From The Vaults # 7- Hopp Suisse, The Fitbawbag Awakens
One of the most pivotal points in my life was when I decided to head to Switzerland for my first ever solo recreational fitba break. It is up there with one of the best decisions my brain has ever spewed out. As my home life was crashing down around me, I wanted to get away …
Continue reading “Fitbawbaggery From The Vaults # 7- Hopp Suisse, The Fitbawbag Awakens”
The Inane Ramblings of a Fitbawbag #2 Destroyers, Pirates, Spartacus and eh………… Santa Claus
Originally written for The Red Final 129 April 2017 I recently treated myself to a tour of Switzerland. Not for skiing as everyone I told seemed to automatically assume, but to cram in as much football and as many different beers as possible (there are over seven hundred and fifty breweries in that wee country). …
A Fitbawbags 2019/20 Mid Season Review
Games – 30 Goals – 100 Tournaments – 20 Friendly(3), Europa League (2), Highland League, North of Scotland Cup, Lowland League (2), East of Scotland Premier Division, South of Scotland League, Scottish Junior Cup (2), North Region Super League, North Region Second Division (2), West Region Super League (3), West Regional Sectional Cup (2), East Region, …
Continue reading “A Fitbawbags 2019/20 Mid Season Review”
A Wee Fellow and His Size Three Yellow
Originally written for The Red Final Issue 138 The Hampden Museum or Scottish Football Museum as it is it is also known is a great time filler and well worth a visit. Despite being owned by a bunch of clueless arseholes, it is a treasure trove and has some excellent pieces of memorabilia there is …
Continue reading “A Wee Fellow and His Size Three Yellow”
2019/20-Cumnock 1 v 2 Glenafton Athletic
West Region Superleague, Townhead Park, 21/12/19 Cumnock Juniors Football Club Founded – 1912 Nickname – The Nock Honours – Scottish Junior Cup 1978/79 and 1988/89 Current Division – West Region Super League Random Fact – A fact I learned today, Townhead Park wasn’t always a football ground. It was once upon a time used as …
Continue reading “2019/20-Cumnock 1 v 2 Glenafton Athletic”
2019/20-Banks o Dee 2 v 0 East End
North Region Superleague, Spain Park, 18/12/19 Banks o’ Dee Junior Football Club Founded – 1902 Nicknames – The Rechabites, The Dee Honours – Scottish Junior Cup-1957, North Region Superleague – 2007/08, 2008/09, 2015/16, 2015/16, 2017/18 and 2018/19 Current Division – North Region Superleague Random Fact – The club failed to gain entry into the Highland …
Continue reading “2019/20-Banks o Dee 2 v 0 East End”
2019/20-Arbroath Victoria 3 v 0 Dundee Violet
East Region Premier League North, Ogilvie Park, 14/12/19 Arbroath Victoria Football Club Founded – 1872 Nickname- The Vics Honours – Angus Junior League 1928/29, 1936/37/ 1953/54 , 1954/55 and 1956/57 Random Fact – George Best turned out in a friendly v Arbroath FC in 1982. This was to mark the clubs centenary. The Irishman netted …
Continue reading “2019/20-Arbroath Victoria 3 v 0 Dundee Violet”
2019/20-Wolverhampton Wanderers 4 v 0 Besiktas
Europa League Group K, Molineux, 12/12/19 Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club Founded – 1877 (As St Lukes Football Club) Nickname – Wolves Honours – First Division 1953/54, 1957/58 and 1958/59. FA Cup- 1892/93, 1907/08, 1948/49 and 1959/60. League Cup- 1973/74 and 1979/80 Current Division – Premiership Random Fact – In May Peter Davies (71) claimed he …
Continue reading “2019/20-Wolverhampton Wanderers 4 v 0 Besiktas”
2019/20-Hill of Beath Hawthorn 1 A-A 0 Tranent
Keirs Park, East of Scotland Premier Division, 7/12/19 Hill of Beath Hawthorn Football Club Founded – 1975 Nickname – Haws Honours – Scottish Junior Cup 1989/90 Current Division – East of Scotland Premier Division Random Fact – The Haws first manager Jock Finlayson managed the club from 1975 to 2015. This being the longest reign …
Continue reading “2019/20-Hill of Beath Hawthorn 1 A-A 0 Tranent”
2019/20-Colwyn Bay 1 aet 0 Airbus UK
Llanelian Road, Welsh Cup, 6/12/19 Colwyn Bay Football Club Founded-1881 Nickname – The Seagulls Honours – None Current Division – Cymru North Random Fact — The club played in the English League for many years and in the 1991–92 season, a dispute with the Football Association of Wales led to Colwyn Bay being ordered to join the …
Continue reading “2019/20-Colwyn Bay 1 aet 0 Airbus UK”
2019/20-Amiens P v P Stade de Reims
Stade de la Licornes, Ligue 1, 4/12/19 Amiens Sport Club Founded – 1901 Nickname – Les Licornes (the Unicorns) Honours – None Current Division – Ligue 1 Random Fact – The club won its first ever game 13-0 against San Quentin After battling traffic in a taxi I finally made it to the Stade de …
Continue reading “2019/20-Amiens P v P Stade de Reims”
2019/20-Le Havre 2 v 0 Le Mans
Stade Oceane, Ligue 2, 3/12/19 Le Havre Athletic Club Founded – 1872 Nickname – Les Ciel et Marine (the navy and blue) Honours – Coupe de France – 1959 Current Division – Ligue 2 Random Fact – Le Havre are the oldest team in French football Fantastic stadium. Thats is good place to start. The …
Continue reading “2019/20-Le Havre 2 v 0 Le Mans”
2019/20-Largs Thistle 1 v 2 Kilwinning R*****s
Barrfields, West of Scotland Superleague, 30/11/19 Largs Thistle Football Club Founded – 1889 Nickname – Theesel Honours – Scottish Junior Cup 1993/94 Current Divison – West of Scotland Superleague Random fact –The clubs top scorer over a single season was back in 1957/58. David Cook managed the impressive haul of 87(eighty seven). Not bad at …
Continue reading “2019/20-Largs Thistle 1 v 2 Kilwinning R*****s”
Fitbawbaggery From The Vaults #6: 100 Grounds
Written circa March 2018 for The Red Final A Lock In, A Riot, A March, A Programme, A Headlbutt, A Turd and A Duncan Shearer Overhead Kick. People refer to football teams’ homes different things, grounds, stadiums or shitehole in the case of Dundee United. I personally prefer the term “ground” but it’s all about …
Continue reading “Fitbawbaggery From The Vaults #6: 100 Grounds”
Fitbawbaggery From The Vaults #5: From Dudgeon To Dortmund via The Dam
Sutherland to North Holland to North Rhine-Westphalia doesn’t come across as a typical football tour but I’ve been known to do things a bit differently in the past. The plan, three games played in three countries over four days. What brought this on? It wasn’t deliberate; it was part being in the right place at …
Continue reading “Fitbawbaggery From The Vaults #5: From Dudgeon To Dortmund via The Dam”
Fitbawbaggery From The Vaults#4: Rot-Weiss Barmy Army- Rot-Weiss Oberhausen 1 v 1 Rot-Weiss Essen
Niederrheinstadion, Regionalliga West, 4/5/19 Sport-Club Rot-Weiß Oberhausen e.V. Founded: 1904 Nickname: Die Kleeblätter (The Clovers) Honours: Regionalliga West 1969, Regionalliga West/Südwest 1996/97 Current Division: Regionalliga West Random Fact: Between seasons 2004/05 and 2008/09 RWO managed a bizarre and rare sequence of a double relegation followed by a double promotion meaning they dropped from 2.Bundesliga to …
2019/20-Linlithgow Rose CFC 0 v 2 Pollok
Scottish Junior Cup Third Round, Prestonfield, 26/10/19 Linlithgow Rose Community Football Club Founded – 2019 Nickname – The Rosey Honours – None Current Division – East Region Premier League South Random Fact – The are not affiliated with senior Linlithgow Rose and do not usually play at Prestonfield (Hence why the badge is of the …
Continue reading “2019/20-Linlithgow Rose CFC 0 v 2 Pollok”
2019/20-The Spartans 1 v 3 East Stirlingshire
Lowland League, Ainslie Park, 25/10/19 The Spartans Football Club Founded – 1951 Nickname – N/A Honours– Lowland League – 2013/14, 2017/18, East of Scotland League-1971–72, 1983–84, 1996–97, 2001–02, 2003–04, 2004–05, 2008-09, 2009–10, 2010–11 Current Division – Lowland League Random Fact – The club were originally formed as a graduates of Edinburgh University club. This practice …
Continue reading “2019/20-The Spartans 1 v 3 East Stirlingshire”
2019/20-St Cuthbert Wanderers 3 v 3 Heston Rovers
South of Scotland League, St Marys Park, 23/10/19 Saint Cuthbert Wanderers Football Club Founded-1879 Nickname – The Saints Honours – South of Scotland League – 1927–28, 1928–29, 1934–35, 1935–36, 1936–37, 1954–55, 1956–57, 1958–59, 1970–71, 1973–74, 1980–81, 1995–96, 2015-16. South of Scotland Qualifying Cup– 1971-72 Random Fact – The club are named after Saint Cuthbert of …
Continue reading “2019/20-St Cuthbert Wanderers 3 v 3 Heston Rovers”
2019/20-Sunderland 5 v 0 Tranmere Rovers
Stadium of Light, League 1, 22/10/19 Sunderland Association Football Club Founded-1879(as Sunderland and District Teachers) Nickname – The Black Cats Honours – First Division/Premier League – 1891/92, 1892/93, 1894/95,1901/02, 1912/13, 1935/36. FA Cup– 1936/37, 1972/73 Current Division– English League 1 Random Fact – Legendary Aberdeen manager Dave Halliday is Sunderlands third top scorer ever and scored …
Continue reading “2019/20-Sunderland 5 v 0 Tranmere Rovers”
2019/20-Hurlford United 1-0 Pollok
West Region Premiership, Blair Park, 19/10/19 Hurlford United Football Club Founded – 1912 Nickname – The Ford Honours – Scottish Junior Cup – 2013/14. West Region Superleague – 2012/13. West of Scotland Cup – 2017/18 Current Division – West Region Premiership Random Fact – In the same season that the Ford won the Scottish Junior …
Continue reading “2019/20-Hurlford United 1-0 Pollok”
2019/20-Auchinleck Talbot 6 – 1 Lanark United
Sectional Cup Final, Beechwood Park, 13/10/19 Auchinleck Talbot Football Club Founded – 1909 Nickname – The Bot Honours – Scottish Junior Cup – 1949, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1991, 1992, 2006, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015,2018, 2019. West of Scotland Superleague/Premier League– 2005–06, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014-15, 2015-16, 2018-19. Ayrshire First Division -1977–78, 1978–79, 1979–80, 1985–86, 1986–87, 1987–88, …
Continue reading “2019/20-Auchinleck Talbot 6 – 1 Lanark United”
2019/20-Newmachar United 3 v 2 Glentanar
Charlie Gordon Park, North Region Second Division, 12/10/19 Newmachar United Junior Football Club Founded-1987 Nickname – United Honours – None Current Division – North Region Second Division Random Fact– I played my first ever away game of football at Charlie Gordon Park circa thirty years ago Plan A of Kilwinning R*****s v Troon was knocked …
Continue reading “2019/20-Newmachar United 3 v 2 Glentanar”
2019/20-Scotland U21s 0 v 0 Lithuania U21s
Under 21s European Championship Qualifier, Tynecastle, 10/10/19 Worst game of the season so far. It’s not only the senior team that are shite. Ninety minutes with not one thing of note, two teams devoid of any ideas and not one performance worthy of comment. Will take some doing to see a worse serving of fitba …
Continue reading “2019/20-Scotland U21s 0 v 0 Lithuania U21s”
2019/20-Huntly 0 v 0 Formartine United
Highland League, Christie Park, 9/10/19 Huntly Football Club Founded – 1928 Nickname – The Black and Golds Honours – Highland League – 1929–30, 1993-94, 1994-95, 1995-96, 1996-97, 1997-98, 2004-05. Highland League Cup – 1948–49, 1951–52, 1992–93, 1993–94, 1995–96. Aberdeenshire Cup – 1960–61, 1985–86, 1991–92, 1993–94, 1994–95, 1995–96, 1999–00. Qualifying Cup – 1992–93, 1994–95, 1996–97, 1999–00 …
Continue reading “2019/20-Huntly 0 v 0 Formartine United”
2019/20-Brora R*****s 3 v 2 Inverness Caledonian Thistle
North of Scotland Cup Final, Mosset Park, Forres, 6/10/19 Game of the season so far. Excellent viewing from start to finish.Very much needed after the blank draw the previous day. I have always been meaning to go to a HFL related final. I managed to fulfil that today with Wee Man in tow. The car …
Continue reading “2019/20-Brora R*****s 3 v 2 Inverness Caledonian Thistle”
2019/20-Deveronside 0 v 0 Benburb
Scottish Junior Cup Second Round, Macduff Sports Centre, 5/10/19 Deveronside Junior Football Club Founded – 1977 Nickname -The Side Honours – North Region (North ) League Winners -1983-84, 1985-86, 1987-88, 1988-89, 1989-90, 1990-91, 1993-94, 1995-96, 1999-00 and 2000-01 Current Division – North Region Superleague Random Fact – I managed to tick off their old ground …
Continue reading “2019/20-Deveronside 0 v 0 Benburb”
Fitbawbaggery in Numbers #1 – 250 Clubs and Counting
After visiting Macduff for the Scottish cup tie between Deveronside and Benburb I noticed when adding Benburb to my list of teams seen in the flesh they were the two hundred and fiftieth team I have seen. The list is as follows………… AUSTRIA AUSTRIA VIENNA MATTERSBURG RAPID VIENNA CROATIA HNK RIJEKA CZECH REPUBLIC BANIK OSTRAVA …
Continue reading “Fitbawbaggery in Numbers #1 – 250 Clubs and Counting”
Inane Ramblings of a Fitbawbag #1 -Are you going to the Dicks Arena on Saturday?
Bellfield, that’s where Aberdeen were going to be moving to from Pittodrie. This was the start of the clubs chairman Stewart Milnes crusade to move Aberdeen away from the spiritual home of Pittodrie. It didn’t happen. Then December 14th, 2015, the 112th AGM, Pittodrie the venue, the soon to be ex home or so we …
Continue reading “Inane Ramblings of a Fitbawbag #1 -Are you going to the Dicks Arena on Saturday?”
Fibawbaggery from the Vaults #3: Three’s the Magic Number in Prague
Prague is usually linked with stag and hen dos and general British drunken arseholeness due to the cheapness of a trip there. What people forget is it’s a great place to visit for the fitba ground collector due to there being four top flight teams in the city. Then on top of that, it is …
Continue reading “Fibawbaggery from the Vaults #3: Three’s the Magic Number in Prague”
Fitbawbaggery From The Vaults #2: A 2000 Mile Highland Fling 2015/16 and 2016/17
Originally written for the Red Final circa December 2017 (edited to suit) As I walked out of Dudgeon Park a real sense of disappointment hit me hard. A feeling I hadn’t felt since John Robertson bagged that late winner at Hampden in 1996. The reason, I had completed my Highland League mission. Eleven months over …
Continue reading “Fitbawbaggery From The Vaults #2: A 2000 Mile Highland Fling 2015/16 and 2016/17”
2019/20-Bathgate Thistle 1 v 7 Armadale Thistle
East Of Scotland Cup, Creamery Park, 31/8/19 Bathgate Thistle Community Football Club Founded: 1937 (Became a community club in 2013) Nickname: Thistle Honours: Scottish Junior Cup 2007/08 Current Division: East of Scotland Superleague South Random Fact: One of the club sponsors is advertised on entrance to Creamery Park. “The Bathgate Union Jack Rangers Supporters Club” …
Continue reading “2019/20-Bathgate Thistle 1 v 7 Armadale Thistle”
A Fitbawbags Guide To Fitba Literature
Along with watching fitba, another hobby I am very fond of is reading. Its something I do every day. When offshore I get through up to fifteen books at twenty eight day trip on average. But Non-fiction only. So when I get to combine fitba and a book it creates a hybrid hobby. I have …
Continue reading “A Fitbawbags Guide To Fitba Literature”
2019/20-Kelty Hearts 5-0 Spartans
Lowland League, New Central Park, 27/8/19 Kelty Hearts Football Club Founded; 1975 Nickname; The Hearts, The Maroon Machine Honours; East of Scotland Football League-2017/18, East of Scotland Superleague-2014/15 and 2016/17 Current Division; Lowland League Random Fact; The highest win for the club is 14-0 and has been achieved three times v Burghead Thistle, Lochore Welfare …
Continue reading “2019/20-Kelty Hearts 5-0 Spartans”
2019/20-Islavale 7 –0 Whitehills
Simpson Park, North Region Second Division, 25/8/19 Islavale Football Club Founded – 1949 Nickname – The Vale Honours – North Region League winners: 1970–71, 1996–97, 1997–98, 1998–99 Current Division– North Region Second Division Random fact – Colin Hendry of being a hun, a stalker and a general lowlife fame played for Islavale previous to starting …
Continue reading “2019/20-Islavale 7 –0 Whitehills”
2019/20-Dungannon Swifts 3 – 1 Glentoran
NIFL Premiership, Stangmore Park, 17/8/19 Dungannon Swifts Football Club Founded: 1949 Nicknames: The Swifts Honours : Irish League Cup 2017/18 Current Division: NIFL Premiership Random Fact: Aberdeens Niall McGinn started his career at the club and hails from Dungannon (Any Dons connection is good for me) The final day of the holiday and the final …
Continue reading “2019/20-Dungannon Swifts 3 – 1 Glentoran”
2019/20-Dundalk 5-0 Finn Harps
League of Ireland Premier Division, Oriel Park, 16/8/19 Dundalk Football Club Founded; 1903 Nicknames; The Town, The Lillywhites Honours; League of Ireland 1932–33, 1962–63, 1966–67, 1975–76, 1978–79,1981–82, 1987–88, 1990–91, 1994–95, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018. FAI Cup-1941–42, 1948–49, 1951–52, 1957–58, 1976–77,1978–79, 1980–81, 1987–88, 2001–02, 2015, 2018. League Cup-1977–78, 1980–81, 1986–87, 1989–90, 2014, 2017 Random Fact ; …
Continue reading “2019/20-Dundalk 5-0 Finn Harps”
2019/20-Beith 4 v 2 Largs Thistle
Bellsdale Park, West of Scotland League Cup, 12/8/19 Beith Junior Football Club Founded; 1938 Nickname; The Cabes Honours; West of Scotland Premier Division –2009–10, 2017–18. Scottish Junior Cup 2015–16, West of Scotland Cup -1965–66, 1966–67, 2008–09, 2018-19 Current Division; SJFA West Premiership Random Fact; The Club are a phoenix club of Beith FC who were members …
Continue reading “2019/20-Beith 4 v 2 Largs Thistle”
Fitbawbaggery from the Vaults #1 – Go Ahead Eagles 2 v 1 Almere City 18/1/19
Go Ahead Eagles Founded; 1902 Stadium – De Adelaarshorst, Deventer Nickname; The Pride of the IJssel Honours; Eredivisie-1916–17, 1921–22, 1929–30, 1932–33 Current Division; Eerste Divisie Random Fact; Originally named Be Quick which is an even more bizarre name than Go Ahead they were forced to change their name as unbelievably some other Dutch mob had …
Continue reading “Fitbawbaggery from the Vaults #1 – Go Ahead Eagles 2 v 1 Almere City 18/1/19”
2019/20-Cliftonville 4 v 0 Barry Town United
Solitude, Europa League Preliminary Qualifier Leg 2, 4/7/19 Cliftonville Football & Athletic Club Founded; 1879 and the oldest in Ireland Nickname; The Reds Honours Irish League; 1905–06 (shared), 1909–10, 1997–98, 2012–13, 2013–14 Irish Cup; 1882–83, 1887–88, 1896–97, 1899–00, 1900–01, 1906–07, 1908–09, 1978–79 Irish League Cup; 2003–04, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16 Current Division; NIFL Premiership Random …
Continue reading “2019/20-Cliftonville 4 v 0 Barry Town United”
2019/20-Peterhead 0 v 2 Aberdeen
Balmoor Stadium, Friendly, 3/7/19 Peterhead FC Founded;1891 Nickname; The Blue Toon Honours; League Two – 2013–14, 2018–19 Highland League, 1946–47, 1948–49, 1949–50, 1988–89, 1998–99 Highland League Cup, 1962–63, 1965–66, 1967–68, 1980–81, 1988–89 Scottish Qualifying Cup Winners, 1946–47, 1975–76, 1977–78, 1978–79, 1985–86, 1997–98 Current Division; SPFL League One Random Fact; The Blue Toons highest defeat of …
Continue reading “2019/20-Peterhead 0 v 2 Aberdeen”
2019/20-Blyth Spartans 3 v 1 Stranraer
Croft Park, Friendly, 29/6/19 Blyth Spartans Association Football Club Founded; 1889 Nickname; The Spartans or Green Army Honours; None Current Division; National League North Random Fact; Ali Dia or “George Weahs cousin” that hoodwinked Graeme Souness into signing him for Southampton played for Blyth before his infamous fifty-three minutes for the Saints Once upon a …
Continue reading “2019/20-Blyth Spartans 3 v 1 Stranraer”
2019/20-Dunipace 0 v 1 Edinburgh United
Westfield Park, Friendly, 22/6/19 Dunipace FC Founded; 1888 Nickname; The Pace Honours; Scottish Junior Cup 1905/06 Current Division; East of Scotland League First Division Conference A Random Fact; Westfield Park is not found in Dunipace but in neighbouring Denny Due to the proximity to Bannockburn the pre-game plan was to head there and see the …
Continue reading “2019/20-Dunipace 0 v 1 Edinburgh United”
FITBAWBAG 