Rubislaw, AAFA Division 1 (East), 19/5/25
Me still 343
Rattray’s XI Football Club
Founded – 1947
Nickname – Rats
Honours – AAFA Division 3 -1952/53. AAFA Division 2 -1953/54. AAFA Division 2 (East) 2015/16. Bowie Cup – 1990/91. Dickie Trophy – 2009/10. Stephen Shield – 2018/19.
The final day shoot out, which was actually spread over three days was upon Rubislaw. A place I seem to have been frequenting more than I would have imagined. It has been worth it. Whether watching my old great team Ellon Thistle or watching games that were detrimental to the winners of Division 1 (East) I seem to not be able to stay away. Tonight was the most important and the one that shaved years off the latter stages of my life. With Ellon Thistle’s results recently letting Rattrays XI creep up and hold their own destiny(something I predicted in mid April), tonight saw the last chance saloon for the longest serving club in the AAFA. Nerves? Holy shit, this was worse than anything I have felt before. But one thing I was sure of was, that when the Rats had the three games to go, Lads Club, Bon Accord and FC Polska, the points would be dropped v the latter. Maybe the AAFA thought similar given how the set the fixtures. Rattrays had done the needful coming into this, but Ellon’s great performance in Stonehaven on Saturday had really set this up for a cracking yet truly horrible night on anyone connected with the Jags. On my way to Rubislaw after an ace day with the loved ones I stopped at the Spar on Ashley Road and picked up some Polish beer(Tyskies) for the celebration. As I walked back to the car I thought maybe I had cursed it, thats how much my brain seemed to be in overdrive.
As I turned up amd walked down the hill towards the pitch the game had kicked off and Polska missed a big chance as their striker seemed to want too much time. Once across to the Polska sideline there were easily 25 Thistle linked folk in attendance. Polska looked up for this, where other teams may have already on the beach, they looked fired up.Dawid Gwizdek was next up with a chance for Polska but he fired his effort past Neil Walkers post. The opening goal came soon after and it was Gwizdek, this after a fine move saw Yemeliamov piss about in the box, the move looked doomed but Gwizdek was there to slot home from 10 yards. The lead lasted no time at all. The equaliser saw the best and worst of Glogowski in the Polska goal. From a stupendous save to his right from Morgan, he failed to deal with the resulting corner which allowed Morgan to stick the ball in the net . Rattrays should have been in the lead when Nasibi was squared the ball and from six yards somehow managed to shank his effort wide. The game as a neutral(not me) was quality and next up to blow a solid chance was Pawlak who instead of settling for a corner kept the ball live and fired an effort over the bar . Rattrays then went on to make a pigs ear of a decent move. Some good passing led to Ewan Morgan who shot wide under pressure. He claimed a pen but it was more to save his blushes. A big miss. One thing that was clear at the Grammar playing fields was, Polska were very confident on the ball. But this also led to some moments that made my arsehole twitch like a rabbits nose. Where they could lengthen the ball, there seemed to always be a touch, a turn and causing their own problems. It was enough to give anyone of a Thistle persuasion a stroke. You want entertainment from fitba. Polska give you it.
HT 1 v 1
Polska came out the traps fast in the second half and seemed to have decided to attack the Rats fullbacks with a couple of tactical tweeks. It was working too and they really should have been back in the lead when Gwizdek failed to beat Walker who had already dived before the shot. But the keeper stopped the ball with his legs. As I watched I couldnt help but be really impressed with Polska number 7 Premyslaw Nawrocki. Maybe carrying a bit of timber but used it to his advantage. A cracking player and very clever. This also goes for defender Marcin Moytl, the veteran Polska man was on top form all game. Then came a huge moment. Polska were awarded what was a stonewall penalty. This seeing Rats man Josh Milne red carded under no genuine complaints. Nawrocki stepped up and fired home from the 12 yard mark. 30 minutes to go and it was all going well from a Jags point of view. Then the aforementioned too many Polska touches and generally fucking about instead of going long cost Polska. A freekick was conceded at the edge of the box. Greg Kane hit it, the ball hit the edge of the wall and landed perfectly for Lewis Beattie who walloped the ball home. Rats were the better team now and there was no doubting. And as far a doubt goes they were robbed of a stonewall penalty when Wainwright was clearly clipped at the edge of the box. A huge let off for Polska and obviously Ellon Thistle. Polska kept at the task and were close to killing the game when Jacob Detner who had been a pest throughout squared a ball to Nawrocki who seemed to do everything right but Walker somehow managed to get down to his left corner and claw the ball out. A truly stunning save. In my head this seemed to trigger worry that it was a turning point and as the minutes ticked away, Rats were banging on the door. I was so nervous I had to go for a piss in the bushes. But Polska saw out the remaining time, the final whistle went and the Thistle folk went mad. 50 years since they last won a league, the drought was over. They were champions and heading to the top flight for the first time in their history. Rats were good in defeat and fair play to them, while Polska were asking for a pre-season friendly and beer. This must happen.
Whats a fucking rollercoaster. The greatest club in fitba, with some of the greatest people. Legends like Tichie, Menace and the greatest legend, my Dad. Then theres the players, the Les Forbes, the Mo, the photo mannie Russell, the Jock Cockburn, the everyone. I shouldn’t have been home to witness the run in, I was, and despite the shit in life, watching this bunch was my favourite times watching fitba to date. It kept me sane. What a club, a club I love. ‘mon the Jags.
ELLON THISTLE CHAMPIONS
Entrance – Free
Attendance – 87
Pie – Took my own juice and sweeties
Pint – N/A
FITBAWBAG 