The Meadows(Ellon United Pitch), Friendly, 28/7/23
Me still 285 , Wee Man still 156
Ellon Thistle Football Club
Founded – 1968
Nickname – The Jags
Honours – AAFA Division 4 -1974/75. AAFA Division 6 – 1972/73. Barclay Cook Cup – 1972/73 and 2022/23. Castle Rovers Cup – 2011/12. Dickie Trophy – 2015/16. Stephen Shield – 1992/93. Norman McAvoy Memorial Trophy -1986/87. White Cup – 1973/74
Random Fact – The club were originally called Ellon Youth but changed names after a couple of years.
A Friday night friendly and an excuse to see my old boy in what looked to be a tough test for Thistle against a team who were 5th best in the whole Aberdeenshire AFA set up last season. In the end the score flattered the Bridge of Don side as they were gifted two goals late on.
It was a decent watch under a toastie Aberdeenshire sun with both teams having spells during the 90. Nicolls started the better team and seemed to find there way in behind the Thistle defence with easy and grabbed an early opener through Elliot MacDonald who broke free to slot past Daniel “Jock” Adamson in the Jags net. But Thistle grew into the game and arguably became the better side for a large portion of the half. They were winning every first ball, but let themselves down somewhat with the anticipation for the second ball. A wee lack of sharpness most likely but they created numerous chances before equalising in the final minute of the half. A great goal it was too as Thomas Blackey waltzed down the left hand side of the box before cutting in past three Nicolls men to send a pin point accurate effort across goal into the bottom corner leaving keeper Callum Ritchie to as good as watch it pass him. A deserved goal in what was a good half in the end for Thistle.
HT 1 v 1
Thistle were denied taking the lead early doors by a superb save from sub keeper Matthew who reacted brilliantly to an effort from Brodie who finished off a move created by some determined play from Henderson who was on a nose bleed run from his defensive berth. After the early scare Nicolls were back in it as they looked to step it up a gear. They were a tidy side when they started knocking it about making Thistle chase. They really should have bagged a couple with the chances they created, some of which were clear cut. However these chances were not executed in a manner that tested Adamson when they really should have at least brought out a save from the veteran keeper. After the rare sight of a match ball bursting on the pitch the men from Bridge of Don did eventually take the lead. This via a bit of a gift when a funny bounce left Thistle defender Longmuir stranded and allowed Lewis Tait in to lift the ball over Adamson from 6 yards. Moments later more suspect defending left Max Reid clean through to bear down on goal over a 15 yard dash where he stuck the ball under Adamson from just inside the box killing off the game with 8 minutes to go. A score line which was a bit harsh on Thistle but Premier League Nicolls were worthy winners over the piece.
A lot of good to take from Thistle here. One thing is the fact they have re-signed pretty much their whole team from last season which is a fine starting point for the challenge of another promotion. But they have added some steel to the defence mainly in ex Cruden Bay Juniors defender “Deej” who I will guarantee will rattle a few bones over the course of the season. But the balance of the squad with old guard Menace, Jock, Stabber etc and the younger legs around them will work well. On the old heads I thought Nellie had a cracking game at the back. Solid with booming challenges(of course) but when he did make an error his recovery was always spot on. Man of the match in terms of the pretty in pink boys(training shirt not actual strip). Brodie looks a player too. Tricky with fast feet. I also noticed ex HFL man Scotty Clarke is now part of the coaching team. Good experienced head to have helping out there. then to top things off the Thistle pitch is in a great condition but wasnt ready for tonight hence the Junior pitch being used. A new groundsman has been employed at the Meadows and it shows. I have a good feeling about my “other team” for this coming season. Hopefully I am proved correct.
Entrance – Free
Attendance – 54
Pie – N/A
Pint – N/A
Score Predictions – Me 1 v 1, Wee Man 1 v 2
Score Predictions Season Totals – Me 0 v 0 Wee Man
FITBAWBAG 
Another season and more journeys into the footballing world far from the mince of modern fitba. Always a great read and magic insight into the lower leagues. Another book must be considered after more travels. Keep up the good work.
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