How an enforced hiatus from work led me to the most exhilarating period of fitba watching in my life, the final 48 days of Ellon Thistle’s 2024/25 title win.
Monday 19th of May 2025, I find myself a fit to rupture bag of anxieties as I head to the western side of Aberdeen. The destination for this warm spring city night, the Grammar Playing Fields on Harlaw Road. What was the intention of the trip to what is historically a rugby venue? The finale of the 2024/25 season for my hometown amateur side Ellon Thistle, this despite the club having already played out their full quota of 24 league games for the campaign. A bit of clarification on how this scenario came to being. With a 5 v 1 demolition job down the coast in Stonehaven against AC Mill Inn Academy the previous Saturday, it left the Jags to stew for around two days to realize how their destiny would pan out. Despite massacring off the Stonehaven side’s title aspirations with their emphatic victory, they could do naught about Rattrays XI. Rats, the oldest remaining team in the Aberdeenshire Amateur Association had one sole job, procure maximum points in the west end v FC Polska. By doing they were to be crowned top dogs of the Division 1 (East). Anything else would hand the title to Thistle and see them reach the Premier League. With incoming reconstruction of the divisions for 2025/26, it meant only the champions were to gain promotion.
What brought me here? It is quite a simple explanation, personal and family ties with the club, no better motivation than that. With my old boy occupying the current secretary role, a position he has ruled since 2005, a year that tied in with me signing for the club for the next six seasons there is a long family history with Ellon Thistle. It is a club very close to my heart. I even got them on the telly at one point. Since I retired my Umbro Specialis due to a combination of injury and work commitments I have always been a visitor to the Meadows and on the road, albeit somewhat sporadic. The viewing became a tad more possible in 2018 after I exited Pittodrie as a season ticket holder for the final time. Thistle have always been one of the most watched teams during Wee Man and I’s nomadic football wandering days (this along with Aberdeen and Banks o’ Dee).
In March an email popped into my inbox, a mail from my companies HR that in short told me without directly using the words, that I was facing a period away from work, a hiatus that would be anything but fleeting. With visa related issues barring me from entering Angola, I was to get an extended time at home with loved ones, something that could never be sniffed especially after working away half the year for the last 14 years or so. That alone was a magic feeling. This also had the knock on effect of being on home soil for the business end of the Aberdeenshire Amateur campaign. Who was to know how much of a myriad of emotions these few months would turn out to be? From feeling as if I was on the cusp of a stroke caused by apprehension and tension (and referees) at times to seeing my dad punching the air with glee at final whistles. This was about to be the most enthralling period I can ever remember watching live football in. One which turned out to be more significant than the exploits of my actual lifelong team in AB24 who were also up to their own success, success which fell almost into irrelevance.
Overall, in 2024/25, I watched the Jags on 13 occasions throughout the season. This equated to almost half of the league campaign, as two of these matches were cup-ties at Stoneywood Parkvale and Alford. Prior to my barring from landing at Luanda Airport I had four of Thistle’s games in the bag for the season. A run of them was then to come during my work exile, but I will point out, not knowingly. More because something was brewing on the park but also within me. I had caught the bug and gravitated towards them for the remainder of the season.
Continental 1 v 3 Ellon Thistle, Webster Park, Kingswells, 2/4/25 (League) *
It all began as we sat on the hill adjacent the Webster Park pitch in Kingswells. Coffee and Star Bar in hand perched on a spot faced with incredible views of the Aberdeen skyline in the distance. The park its self may be basic but overall it is surely one of the peak picturesque venues in the AAFA. With the Northfield Mast and the radar station at Perwinnes Hill standing out like modern monuments beyond thick yellow Broom that could be seen in all over, it really is a bonnie backdrop for a 22 man battle. Is there a more picturesque amateur ground locally? A debate worth having for sure. Ellon were visiting the leagues bottom side in the first of the midweek matches for the season. I had asked Wee Man if he fancied it as it was a lovely night weather wise. Neither of us had watched a game there prior, I had played it numerous times for Thistle and at juvenile level but it was a maiden voyage as a punter. If truth be told, the original plan for the night was the ‘Whisky Derby’ between Keith v Rothes in the Highland League but things change and my arsedness for the drive to Moray deteriorated, was this for a reason? Therefore, for the laterally arranged B plan, we were in the company of Thistle’s photo mannie Russell for the duration, witnessing the Jags take the points after a deserved 1 v 3 victory with goals from Michael Moffat, Ryan Webster (screamer) and David Coutts. Not all plain sailing but a win taking the Jags to 32 out of a possible 45 points so far, sitting in second with nine games to play.
Alford 3 v 2 Ellon Thistle, Alford Playing Field, Alford, 5/4/25 (Bowie Cup)*
Next up was the pre-mentioned trip to Alford in the cup on the following Saturday. The top two of the Division 1s head to head in the semi-final of the Bowie Cup. The Jags were put to the sword 3 v 2 in what was a ripsnorter of a clash. Another one under the hot sun (it is always fine in Alford). Thistle went into a comfortable two-goal lead (Moffat double) and things were looking dandy. The hosts soon upped their game and before the half came, they were in the lead 3 v 2, albeit heavily aided by suspect goalkeeping. Come the final whistle Ellon had exited all the cups for the season and only had the league to dedicate their concentrations on. Was this a bad thing? I think it played into their own hands, and would benefit them going forward. After a yap with Dad prior to leaving the Donside town, he concurred. No cup final to distract them, an unbeknown bonus in the long run.
Ellon Thistle 2 v 0 AC Mill Inn Academy, The Meadows, Ellon, 9/4/25 (League)#
Going into the next league card, Ellon, Rattrays XI, FC Polska, Beacon rangers, Stonehaven Athletic and AC Mill Inn Academy were in contention for the title. The latter were the opponents for Thistle at the Meadows on the subsequent Wednesday to Alford. This one I missed as mid-week home games were off the cards due to the more important bath and bed duties with the wee wee man. There is no time to make it up the A90 for kick off. The Jags made a statement with a sound 2 v 0 win. One in which I was reliably informed Thomas Blakey scored a half way line effort. Some going on the sizable Meadows pitch. Another three points on the board and even though any winning the league talk was being played down somewhat, this was becoming a serious title challenge.
Kaimhill United 0 v 3 Ellon Thistle, Kaimhill, Aberdeen, 12/4/25 (League)*
Next up was inner city fitba as Thistle headed to Kaimhill in Aberdeen to take on the eponymous United. Handy given the custom of a wander, fine piece and feeding of the ducks at the at Duthie Park on a Saturday morning with both the wee men in tow. After dropping off the youngest with his lovely mum, an early arrival in Kaimhill was upon us. This giving us ample time for a more than satisfactory length kick about in the goals, this rapidly turned into a sweat fest in the searing heat. Once the game got going the good guys were in an early lead when a comedy of errors saw a Cammy Moir’s effort find the net. This after three Thistle attempts were blocked, and not dealt with by the Kaimhill defence when they really should have been. Callum Donald added a second when he buried a penalty before half time. Once the second half was underway, warfare broke out. Not on the pitch but in the bushes behind the goal to our right. With some vigorous rustling, and disturbing ear piercing squawking Wee Man and I headed to investigate. What had transpired was a Goshawk had grabbed a young magpie and proceeded to try to rip it to bits in the bush. This triggering the local magpie battalion who were having none of it and launched a dive-bombing offensive on the bush in heavy numbers to try to free their fallen comrade. As we watched on, I could not help but think these heroic magpies resembled the Japanese kamikaze pilots of the ‘40s given the motion and trajectories they were taking on. Going by the visible blood and guts at the foot of the plant, these efforts were futile in the end. It was quite the odd sight leading us to miss seven or eight minutes of the match. Back on the scorched and threadbare Kaimhill pitch, Thistle grabbed a third killing the game when Ross Fraser tapped into an empty net from close range taking advantage of a keeper spill. That was not it for the action though. When the final whistle blew Kaimhill man Uyi Umineni who looked handy after his introduction as a sub decided to get handy, literally handy, as he was throwing punches at Andreas Misacas. The Ellon man evaded them all. I could only think Umeneni was left upset by a late challenge on him in the dying embers of the game. A challenge that was not from the man who’s jaw he was trying to tickle. Another three points, bird warfare, a pre-match picnic, elongated kick about in the sunshine and time with Dad. A highly entertaining afternoon complete with a win at a tough place to play fitba. An afternoon where Wee Man clearly enjoyed himself, as he was all Thistle talk on the way home.
Stonehaven Athletic 4 v 2 Ellon Thistle, Jim Glennie Park, Stonehaven, 17/4/25 (League)
Stonehaven beckoned four days later for me on my tod (sans Wee Man I mean as Dad was there), helped massively by the later kick off at the floodlight Jim Glennie Park. I was to make it in ample time and even managed to squeeze in a swift jar in the town pre-game. League wise had been easy going on the blood pressure thus far but the nights viewing under the Glenury Viaduct was to be somewhat arduous. Thistle simply put, were mullered by the best team I had seen to date in the division. The game was quite even until half time with the hosts going in with a 1 v 0 lead. However the blow of losing industrious midfielder Ryan Webster to a nasty head knock, one which splattered crimson across the artificial pitch clearly rocked Thistle. The second half was a very different story. Out played, out classed and defeated by a team who did not give them a minute’s peace taking advantage of any Jags errors. Taking my Ellon tinted glasses off, I was very impressed with Athletic who were superb on the night. Old fashioned, 4-4-2 with winged wide play. The way I like to see the game played. A devastating performance from who would turn out to be the best player I had seen all season in Lewie Sawyer. A man who scored all of Stonehaven Athletics goals on the night. That boy can play. Putting my Thistle specs back on, driving out of Mineralwell Park after full time, my inner monologue was telling me “Oh for fuck sake”. Was this to be a nail in the title aspirations?
Bon Accord City P v P Ellon Thistle, Rubislaw, Aberdeen, 19/4/25 (League)
Postponed due to bloody cricket. We were to be there.
Bon Accord City 1 v 6 Ellon Thistle, Rubislaw, Aberdeen, 21/4/25 (League)
Take two and with no fuds in whites playing the slave drivers game going about on a Monday night we were go. On my lonesome again for this one, a game, which ended up a blistering performance that was never in doubt. I was to miss the first goal as a combination of wee wee man’s bath and bed and the earliness of the strike from Misacas. I turned up only five minutes in. However, it was clear Thistle had started as they meant to go on. Cammy Moir added a double in the first half killing the game. Rubislaw is my dad’s old stomping ground as he is a Grammar FP and played rugby for them back in the day (to be noted he was missing tonight as he was playing the sport he took up after he gave up the egg, bowls). I had always wondered what was in the old Grammar Pavilion, a bonnie building which I think dates back to the 1920s. The building itself was built as a war memorial after the Great War but unfortunately the doors were locked as I tried to enter at half time. A nosey through the windows had to suffice. The second half was largely in favour of the Jags like as the first was. Moffat was as if a man possessed as he attacked city at every opportunity culminating in two assists early on for Donald and Fraser respectively. ‘Deej’ Coutts made it six with a quickly taken free kick, one that I think other refs may have disallowed. A raft of subs were made and Thistle stagnated. Bon Accord got one back via an OG by Coutts who had now scored at both ends. Despite being a consolation it had been coming as the visitors had switched off.
Here I will take a minute to explain what was about to happen. If there was any doubt of me being totally invested in the Thistle cause by this point, my credentials went right up. This is where I ended up taking in games that affected Ellon where they were not involved.
Ellon Thistle 9 v 4 FC Polska, The Meadows, Ellon, 23/4/25 (League)#
As mentioned above home games midweek were out for me. Defences clearly on top here. You would think a score line so high would be a rarity. Not when playing Polska. They had a habit of wacky goal ridden games during the season. Michael Moffat hit 4, Callum Donald 3 and one each for Cammy Moir and Ross Fraser. No matter how crazy it may have been it was another three points on the board and pretty much the end of FC Polska’s title bid in the process.
Bon Accord City 1 v 3 AC Mill Inn Academy, Rubislaw, Aberdeen, 23/4/25 (League)
With the Meadows not on the cards a second trip to Rubislaw in 48 hours was to be the entertainment for the night, this to do some spying on the title competition. I also have a lot of time for City with numerous views over the last few seasons so another chance to see them. As the goals were flying in up north in Ellon, BAC were giving the Stonehaven side a good go with Martin Johnston the best player on the park. But the home side shot themselves not once but twice and gifted ACMIA a two goal lead. There was also a miss of the season winner when from a handful of yards out with an gaping goal, ACMIA striker Kinghan went for a World Cup finish into the top corner but instead sent the ball over the bar with the ball reportedly landing in Culter. The second half saw an incredible amount of diving and some retaliation rough housing from the home side. But also saw a goal a piece. 1 v 3 and the away side still very much in the hunt.
Bridge of Don 3 v 3 Bon Accord City, Westfield Park, Bridge of Don, 26/4/25 (League)*
With no fixture for the Jags it was more nosiness for us as we headed to see one of the remaining for teams left on Ellon’s fixture list(I say fixture list but there is no such thing in the AAFA). This time it was a trip to Bridge of Don who were to host Thistle at some point before the season end. Another new club to visit with a pre-match feed and pint in the nearby Blackdog. What is not to like? Throw in a spare full size set of goals for a kick about and there is even more reason to appreciate the afternoon. The visitors in BoD? Bon Accord City, a third time I was to view them in six days and it would not be the last for the season either. A cracker of a game for the neutral complete with scenic views of the city and a humongous dog cheering on City. The game saw Bridge of Don in their Lyle and Scott attire going into a two goal lead via Lovie and Bowie. But as soon as the second was in City were awarded a penalty to half the lead. This got the tails up and before the half Bon Accord deservedly equalized through Booth. A very enjoyable half of fitba it must be said. BoD restored the lead in the second half with a second for Bowie(tidy player). The game was played at furious speed throughout the second period and a goal was sensed and when it appeared it was the equaliser at the death when Bridge of defender Rose knocked the ball into his own net from a set piece. A game which was a great advert for the Amateur game which made me glad I came to spy on the home side. A team I felt could be stuffy for Thistle. Interestingly as the second half played out, we could hear the drums and singing from Pittodrie at the other side of the Don. Watching amateur fitba instead of Aberdeen. Something which tells a huge story of where I am at with my fitba watching habits these days.
FC Polska 5 v 6 Ellon Thistle, Sheddocksley, Aberdeen, 30/4/25 (League)
I have said for a long time the best game I have ever attended was Forfar West End 4 v 4 Tayport in the East of Scotland Junior Consolation Cup. Well it now has a rival. After sharing 13 goals the previous week in Ellon, these two were at it again. I talked about a “myriad of emotions” earlier. This game had it all and the rest. A great man once said “football, bloody hell”, a perfectly put summation of the nights action. This encounter could be a book in itself. Thistle were up 0 v 2 quick sharp through Moffat and Donald and went on to spurn two or three big big chances after. The visitors were flying in the opening stages and looked to have killed the game with a third via the head of Coutts. But Polska, a team never down and out reduced the arrears immediately through the ever impressive Przemyslaw Nawrocki. The Poles then upped their lets say gamesmanship. With failing to beat Ellon at football a week prior they resorted to the dark arts and lashings of it. This heavily aided by the referee clearly knowing who he wanted to win this match. I have seen bad referees in my time but holy shit this took all the awards. Looking back at my Whatsaaps to my dad(who funnily enough was in Poland on holiday) makes for some expletive ridden reading. Genuinely the worst I have ever seen. The dark arts were more than apparent but there were blatant fouls that man in the middle referee was clearly doing nothing about. This while picking up Ellon for the slightest of things. Polska were leaving feet in, elbowing, kicking out and just being shitehouses in general. But don’t get me wrong I am all for this and feel it is missing in the game these days. But when a referee fails to deal with it, it sends the message that its fair game and it increased as the game got older. The ref even saw an elbow to an Ellon face off the ball , one which was a subtle as a shark attack, then spoke to the assailant once the ball was out of play saying he “can’t do that”. This right in front of me and I was fucking apoplectic. The man was failing in his duty of protecting the players. It was truly incredible. Especially while booking Thistle players for asking questions about the said off the ball antics and late challenges. His offsides also fueled the flames on the fact it was clear who he wanted to win. It goes without saying this aided Polska who started the second half pinning Ellon back and inevitably scored when Adamczyk headed very well across Morris’ goal into the side of the net. But incredibly straight away, against the run of play Callum Moir received the ball free around 15 yards out and lashed it into the goal to make it 2 v 4. The Ellon side touchline was a mass of joy and relief. Surely a winning position…..well let’s say the alleviation in Ellon moods were premature as they were soon reduced to 10 men when Thomas Blakey was binned for a handball in the box. (A rare correct decision). Nawrocki buried the pen past Morris. It was a case of here we go again with large swathes of Polska attacks. For a second time in the half Thistle scored against the run of play when that man Moir again sent another long ranged effort past Polska keeper Omernick. Two goals breathing space again. Going by the way the game had panned out thus far I was not getting ahead of myself especially with the two man advantage the Poles had with the lack of Blakey and the presence of the referee. Polska then grabbed a fourth when Robert Pawlak was sent clean through to calmly finish low past Morris. I think at this point my heart was fit for giving out. If it was not ready then it certainly was when an equaliser came specifically as the referee allowed an offside in the lead up that was at least 5 yards daylight. He had his chance to get Polska back into it and took it. I didn’t even see who scored as my attentions had turned to referee and his duplicity as did most the western side touchline on this ‘Sheds’ pitch. A truly astonishing call from the official. 5 v 5 and to get a draw in the circumstances would have been a honourable point. The action wasn’t over as step forward the referee again who sent Ellon manager Les Forbes off for ‘failing to control his touchline’. I am no expert but I am sure the referee has to warn you first then if it doesn’t improve he can then send you off. He showed the red with no warning whatsoever as he was told to “fuck off’ by a punter (Not me for the record). This summing up his horrific performance overall. He was still to play a vital role in this match yet too. As the game was coming to a close Polska were positively bombarding Ellon, and as in early stages of the match this had a goal written all over it and not one in the correct net. The ref clearly sensed this too and added on an utterly absurd amount of injury time that was nearing ten minutes, but in huge get it right up you fashion Ellon snatched it when Moffat got in behind down the left, the Thistle sharp shooter cut inside and sent a dart across Omernick into the bottom corner sending the Thistle touchline wild and spilling on to the pitch (Yes this was me). But incredibly the referee did not blow and continued to play after centre and there was once chance left for Polska but Ellon veteran keeper Morris made sure the points were going north as he stood up big to Nawrocki and saved with what I think was his shoulder. The final whistle finally sounded on what seemed like Thursday morning and the ref could do nothing about this massive win for Ellon. A match that will go down in the all time classics for me, even if it did shave years off later life. Did it surpass the aforementioned cup tie in Forfar. I would have to say that was the case here. A beer was sorely needed after that.(Or 3 or 4)
Bridge of Don 0 v 0 Ellon Thistle, Westfield Park, Bridge of Don, 7/5/25 (League)
As rare as seeing a live badger in the north east, an amateur game drawing a blank. (Thistle’s first since 23/3/19 v Banchory). This is the first I have ever viewed at this grade and I am sure of it. As the low lying sun was burning retinas not much happened in the first half barring Bridge of Don hitting the bar. But even through the glare it was clear Thistle were not at the races here. A very poor half of fitba. Ellon were subjected to some deservedly harsh words from gaffer Les Forbes at half time. He was right in all he was saying. A line that struck was (possibly paraphrased him here but close enough) . “You are a team trying to win the title but you don’t fucking look like it”. A bang on assessment. The words worked as Thistle appeared in the second half with a bit more fire in their bellies. They were creating but just not getting the last bit right. Then came one of those moments where your ticker again feels a bit dicky. Ellon conceded a penalty when Liam Kerr was penalised for handball. Harsh maybe but despite the hands being close to his body the balls travel into the box was stopped so I do get it although don’t agree. Stuart Wright took it upon himself to take the kick facing Steven ‘Mo” Morris. He struck it well into the corner but Ellon’s 48 year old keeper was up to it and stretched to his right with a strong right hand leaving Thistles other quadragenarian Stephen Cruickshanks to follow in and clear. At this point I turned to dad and my exact word were “Mo has just done something very fucking special there”, what I was getting at was I felt that was a league winning moment. Thistle pushed and pushed, hit the woodwork but couldn’t get the ball in the net. But the biggest remaining chance was for Bridge of Don. The face off between Wright and Morris was on again like at the penalty. Wright was in with nobody around, Morris decided to sprint out to narrow the target, Wright got his shot away and with his face Morris stopped the ball. They all count no matter which body part. One point added taking the tally up to 48 from 66. How crucial would that one be and by that, crucially bad or crucially excellent?
Ellon Thistle 1 v 2 Beacon rangers, The Meadows, Ellon, 10/5/25 (League)*
This was always to be a tough game. Up until recently Beacon had been in the running. A hard shift incoming for sure, but it will be if you don’t turn up. Ellon were poor here. There was an early speculative Coutts effort from 40 yard which went just over and no more. Barring that Ellon were as good as non existent for the first 35. Beacon capitalised on the poor showing and were the superior footballing team but also noticeably the ruggeder team in the physical battles. The Aberdeen side took the lead through a bit of a freak goal when striker George broke through and managed to loft the ball over the onrushing Morris, it looked a cert to be heading over the bar but it seemed to seize in the wind, travel in slow motion and drop under the crossbar at the last second. 0 v 1 and it was deserved no matter how it went in. The same man doubled the advantage from the penalty spot when the ref blew for a nothing penalty. Nobody seemed to claim, nobody cared, but the ref pointed to the spot after a so called “collision”. George made no mistake leaving Morris to watch the ball nestle from the kick. Then came another moment of contention, after Donald won the ball against rangers defender Stewart, the defender took umbrage to the challenge and stamped on the Thistle man’s inner thigh, this was clear as day. Given the fact the usually timid Donald got involved says it all, Stewart then threw a headbutt toward Donald which then resulted in some head on head rutting stag action. Both players were booked as if the stamp never happened. Thistle kept at it and Deej Coutts rattled the bar with a header from a corner. It deserved a goal. As the half burnt on Thistle were the better team but the break scuppered them somewhat. The Jags were better in the second half and were given a lifeline when the ref awarded the second penalty of the game. A ball over the top saw Misacas burst into the box , the Ellon man’s touch saw the rangers defender dive in, the contact was there, and audibly there too and the ref didn’t think twice. Donald made no mistake. Then another controversial moment when Brodie Stewart was called as offside while clean through after being played in by the rangers defender. It could not possibly be offside due to a deflection but the ref called it back. Thistle continued to take the game to rangers, but the away side were very good in dealing with everything chucked at them, add the time wasting and the “injuries” they were clearly more street wise and hats off to them. They knew exactly how to play this and it worked, despite a coat of paint away from conceding an equaliser late on when Cruikshanks thundered a header off the bar. A potential hammer blow. One that could be seen in the New Inn after the match. A lot of dejected faces. It was now out of Ellon’s hands. All they could do was win their final match which would eliminate AC Mill Inn Academy from the reckoning and hope Rattrays slip up in their final two matches. My blood pressure had reached the upper levels and would likely remain their until the following week.
Rattrays XI 4 v 1 Bon Accord City, Rubislaw, Aberdeen, 14/5/25 (League)
The Rubislaw groundshare derby was a must see for me. Could City do Thistle a favour? No being the succinct answer. They were well whipped by a sharp looking Rats. Wainwright, Mennie with goals in the first half, Daniele and Mennie again(a fine freekick) with the second half efforts. City’s consolation came from the bonce of Ryan Milne. Routine stuff for the Rattrays. Before leaving I had a wee blether with Rats man Daz Calder(Ex-Jag for the record) at full time discussing it was now a last game finale and the scenarios that could unfold. Rats needed an Ellon win to eliminate ACMIA from the race. Ellon obviously needed to win. As did Daz’s side . The weekend could not come quick enough despite knowing the incoming levels levels of uneasiness which were to be at their absolute zenith.
AC Mill Inn Academy 1 v 5 Ellon Thistle, Jim Glennie Park, Stonehaven, 17/5/25 (League)
So there we were in the fantastic coastal town of Stonehaven, a month after my last visit where I had a nasty feeling of fearfulness about the way the season was to head. But, then again, here we were on the final day shoot out. Or so you would have thought. Cricket again had stopped fitba being played at Rubislaw meaning if the Jags were to win today and go top, they would have to wait until the following Monday to know if it was enough as Rattrays v Polska was scheduled for then. After a pint and something to eat down the harbour area we meandered back to Mineralwell, all the while my brain was in overdrive. In short, “Don’t fuck this up” is what was the main message in my head. In the end I need not have worried as Thistle put in their best performance of the season. Against a young team full of exuberance and energy a lot of credit has to got to Les and Glenn in the Ellon dugout as they got their tactics spot on. It was akin to Napoleon and the Battle of Austerlitz. Just a tactically outstanding performance and executed with military precision. The best I had ever seen Thistle play. ACMIA were blown to pieces. Ellon had the ball down and played some really bonnie fast paced fitba. The first few minutes saw a couple of corners for the home side but there is nothing much more to say about the boys in pink . Ellon wanted this more and it was abundantly clear. The balls into the corners for Moffat and Misacas to run on to were wreaking havoc. This while Ryan Webster spoiled any potential moves attempted by the home side. He was a man on a mission. To add to this superb showing full back Brodie Stewart putting in a prime Roberto Carlos like performance. It was the full back who set the ball rolling for Thistle when after a brilliant corner on top of keeper Bentinck the ball was cleared for another kick. Again Stewart sent it straight at Bentinck who did not come allowing Tom Blakey to barge through a pile of bodies to smash in a header. This warmly welcomed by Thistle fans and Rattrays XI players and committee (a decent number in attendance). Thistle didn’t let up and kept at the Stoney side and soon grabbed a second. Again starting from the left peg of Stewart who had burst up the line to send a ball across the 6 yard box, Bentinck hesitated and the ball found Michael Moffat’s head at the back post. Thistle were rampant. Ellon then made it three when a ball over the top dropped in the box, Bentinck seemed glued to his line again and once he decided to go for the ball Blakey was already in to lob the keeper. 0 v 3 and cruising. This was like a blitzkrieg. However there was a black mark for Ellon as they blotted their copy book when Josh Rae(number 78, eh) was in far too much space in the area, his effort was tame but it took a wicked nick on the way through leaving Morris stranded watching the ball trickle into the net. The goal coming in the last minute of the half. Half time kick about was brief as it is with amateur fitba but it ended with a bit of banter with the Rattrays XI guys…..or one day Ellon Thistle Ultras as it was. All good craic to be fair. I then quickly nipped over to the Juniors to get a coffee and a packet of Stonehaven JFC sweeties. You canna beat a bag of Stoney Sookers. On the park Thistle continued their onslaught and early doors Moffat broke through, while bearing down on goal he could have easily taken on the shot himself but decided to square it to newly introduced sub Ross Fraser who had a tap into an empty goal. A choice piece of unselfishness from Moff, a man who was chasing the Thistle top scorer award for the season^. As it went in you saw the ACMIA heads drop in unison. From here the home side were nowhere to be seen. They were bust and Ellon had done their part in the last (three) day shoot out. But they were not finished. Subs were made including Euan Watson . A very direct wide man and it was no surprise to see him with his first touch send a great ball to Moffat who buried an effort across goal as you would not expect nothing less from the Thistle goal machine. Awesome stuff. The pre-match nerves were completely unfounded and for the journey back home there were feelings of euphoria but it was not to last as I would soon remember there were still another 90 minutes to go.
Rattrays XI 2 v 2 FC Polska, Rubislaw, Aberdeen, 19/5/25 (League)
Back to where this piece started, May 19th in the west end. Rubisalw again, I would have been as well pitching up at the near by Palm Court Hotel for April and May. This was the most important visit of them all and the one that sped up the aging process ten fold. With Ellon Thistle’s recent results letting Rattrays XI creep up and hold their own destiny(something I predicted in mid April when I told my dad, “dinna rule out Rats”). Taking my place on the Polska touchline in the company of maybe 25 other Ellon Thistle related people including 16 players/committee. Nerves? Wow, this was worse than anything I have felt at the football 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, they would drop versus the latter and have Whatsapp conversations to prove this claim. Maybe the AAFA thought similar given how they set out the fixtures. Rattrays had done the needful coming into this, but Ellon’s superlative generating performance in Stonehaven on Saturday had really set this up for a cracking yet truly horrible night for anyone connected with the Jags. On my way to Rubislaw after an ace day with the lovely two which suppressed the agitation for the time being, I stopped at the Spar on Ashley Road and picked up some Polish beer(Tyskies) for the potential post match celebration(or drowning of sorrows, they were being guzzled no matter what). I had an extremely strange feeling about me. I was the most nervous I had found myself in 40 years on the planet yet very confident at the same time. I don’t even know how that was possible. Then as I walked back to the car I was positive I had cursed it, that’s how distorted my brain seemed to be. As the game was in its infancy I could see FC Polska looked really up for this fight, where other teams may have already on the beach, they looked fired up. The opening goal came early and it was for the Poles through Gwizdek, this after a fine move saw Yemeliamov piss about in the box for aeons, the move looked a cert to be doomed but the ball broke free and 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 from close range . Rattrays should have been in the lead when Nasibi was squared the ball and from six yards somehow managed to shank his effort wide. A let off. The game as a neutral(not me) was quality and action packed 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. It was only the proverbial fag papers width away . Rattrays then went on to make a pigs ear of a decent move. Some good passing led to Ewan Morgan shooting wide under pressure. He claimed a pen but it was more to save his blushes. A big miss at this point in the game. 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 the fear. You want entertainment from fitba. Polska give you it in abundance. 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 tweaks. 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 couldn’t help but be impressed with Polska number 7 Premyslaw Nawrocki. Maybe carrying a bit of timber but used it to his advantage. A cracking player and very astute. One of the best in the amateurs. This also goes for defender Marcin Moytl, the veteran Polska man was on top form all game. Then came a huge moment not only in the match but in the whole Division 1 (East). Polska were awarded what was a penalty. No complaints from any angle as Rats man was Josh Milne red carded adding to Rattrays staggering 20+ reds for the season. 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 buggering 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. Nervous ending and feeling of wanting to be sick incoming. Rats were the better team now and there was no doubting this. Then a heart in mouth moment, they were robbed of a stonewall penalty when Wainwright was clearly clipped at the edge of the box. A poor decision from the ref and gargantuan in the grand scheme of things. 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 with two hands. 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 as a chorus of “championes” echoed across the adjacent Anderson Drive as they topped the division by one solitary point. It had been 50 years since they had last won a league, the drought was over. Rats were good in defeat and fair play to them, while Polska were asking for a pre-season friendly and beer. What a feeling, and what a team. To this day I cannot remember driving home given the elation. Last thing I remember is congratulating manager Les in the car park. All irrelevant. It was over and the league shield was heading to Ellon. Me? I was heading for a few Tyskies to wind down.
*With Wee Man #Did not attend
^ He ended up tied with Callum Donald
I am a cheerleader for the levels away from the upper echelons of Scottish fitba. That I cannot shy away from. But that has not swayed my thinking here. These 48 days added fuel to the fire that football away from the big leagues is more fun than the sterilized, VAR, money, no 4-4-2, ruined big leagues. It is a hill I will die on. 13 games, 64 goals(well 63 as I missed the first Jags goal v Bon Accord City), three unvisited venues for me, four for Wee man, an uncalculatable amount of emotions and 1 league title. All for the cost of zero pounds. A bargain. Football is about entertainment and we got it by the bucket load. But it was about more than that. We got to see what it meant to the people involved up close. Folk such as ‘Mr Ellon Thistle’ himself Tichie Birnie and club captain Stephen ‘Menace’ Cruickshanks the two longest fitted cogs at the club who pre-date my old man and me arriving. Then there is my Dad, getting to hang out with him a bit more than I would be in the habit of and seeing him get thrown through the emotional ringer was brilliant. Les the manager was another, a man I have known for many a years through fitba and the relief on his face in the Rubislaw car park when it was all over was a picture. Russell the photo mannie who I always look forward to our sideline yaps deserves a mention too. There was speaking to those I don’t know from the players to the sideline and seeing the peaks and troughs of elation and anguish. There was also a trend of ex-players watching from every decade of the clubs almost 60 years existence. This included George Rennie who was often present home and away and even came down to Rattrays v Bon Accord to spy like I did. This is a dude who played in the first ever Thistle team to take to a fitba pitch. Yes there may not be 15k or so like there would be at Pittodrie but it doesn’t lessen the highs and lows. I look back and wish I could do it all over again. I have been through cup wins with Aberdeen, near relegations, Alex Miller, Derek fucking McInnes and none of these periods have brought out the heartstring yanks and what felt like haymakers to the brain at times. There have been highs and this rivalled them all if not bettered but more interestingly the whole Thistle experience dwarfed what was happening with the Dons and the Scottish Cup. Folk will think that is mad, but life is mad and it can throw a surprise you. Ellon Thistle winning the league trumping the importance of Aberdeen winning the Scottish Cup. Who would have thought that pre-2018? I better add that Wee Man and his Blackburn team also won their league so the Dons fell even further down the list of significance. I suppose a question is, have I found a home for football viewing after seven years of no fixed abode in fitba terms? That remains to be seen but Wee Man and I have been to the Meadows three times this season already. So it is not to be ruled out yet. Another question is, I wonder what would have happened if we headed to Keith instead of Kingswells when this all kicked off?
As I sit at my desk, finally back at work, writing this in my peaceful hours after shift following that six month interlude I cant help but feel that like my luck was in with my embargo to a certain degree. Six solid months hanging out with the most important people in life and taking in the wee wee man growing up from toddler to a proper wee boy was the most important factor bar none. But of course there was also the extra added bonus of those 48 days of turbulence and euphoria following the Jags.
FITBAWBAG 