Rangers B V Ayr United – SPFL Trust Trophy Second Round (14/09/2021)
Didn’t expect to be attending a game tonight but a late invite from my mate Bam, meant I was making my second visit of the season to the C&G Systems Stadium in Dumbarton, this time to watch Rangers B team take on Ayr United. I’m not a big fan of Premier League B teams taking part in senior team competitions, so for the night I adopted Ayr United for the night, also swayed toward the Honest Men because ex Shrewsbury Town goalkeeper coach Dave Timmins is the Ayr United assistant manager.
Got myself a prematch steak pie and a Fanta for the price of £4.60, not going to lie the pie wasn’t a good one, there was some odd residue on the bottom of the pie and a weird taste to the filling.
Ayr took the lead 5 minutes before half time through O’Connor with a well taken goal just inside the box, not going to lie it was a very undeserved lead in my opinion, as the Championship side looked woeful at times.
Halftime came and the kids birthday party began, with some embarrassing music (calling it music is being kind) called “The Bouncy Bouncy”. I’ve heard some bollocks at the football before but that’s definitely now top of the list. A good first half if you were a fan of the Rangers B side, they created a lot more and looked very dangerous in wide positions. As I said Ayr had not looked good in the first half, playing too many long balls and not being able to get the upper hand on the young Rangers players.
2-0 to Ayr after a cracking free kick, sweetly struck from just outside the box into the top corner by Chalmers. Soon 3-0 after a scramble in the box Fjørtoft prodded home from close range.
Although the scoreline ended 3-0 but the scoreline didn’t reflect the match itself as it took up to about 20 minutes into the second half for Ayr to actually looked the better side. The score was unfair on Rangers B but they just didn’t take any of the chances they created, and due to the rainfall the pitch got heavy and the young players tired. I got my wish though as Ayr progress to the third round and a B team were eliminated.
Our drive back home wasn’t the best as the motorway that took us straight home was closed and the diversion we were sent on added a fair amount of time on to the journey, always what you want when your knackered and you have to put up with more of Bam’s awful singing.
So onto my ratings…
Ticket Price – £10
Programme –N/A (Team sheet only)
Programme Rating –N/A
Refreshments – 3/10
Stadium Facilities – 6/10
Getting To Stadium – 8/10
Stadium Rating –6/10
Thanks for reading my thoughts on Rangers B against Ayr United.
Glasgow United V Dalry Thistle – SFA South Challenge Cup Round 1 (11/09/2021)
Last minute trip to a game today, with the Edinburgh Derby not till Sunday, I woke up and checked the fixtures and decided to make the trip to Shettleston for Glasgow United V Dalry Thistle in the SFA South Challenge Cup first round. A pretty easy journey with just one change on the train at Glasgow Queen Street, then an easy walk to the ground from Shettleston train station which after a stop at Tesco for a sausage roll and a bottle of water was a straight walk to Greenfield Park.
Got to the entrance to the ground with no turnstile open, I was directed towards an open gate and was told to just head through. Did it want to do a junior team out of money so when a member of the club passed me, I made sure to slip him my fiver. Could smell good followed my nose towards the half way line and found the snack bar, treated myself to a burger and a can of Sprite for £4, no pies today but must say it was a bloody good burger. Needed a pee and was directed inside the club house and ended up using the home dressing room toilet, luckily the home side were still warming up or that could have been awkward haha.
Found a spot close to the half way line just behind the away dugout under the stand that ran along half of the touchline, the weather looked like it could take a turn for the worse at any point so didn’t want to get caught in the rain just to be safe. The grounds a nice little non league ground, along with the stand I was under there was some terracing behind one of the goals and ratings running along the other touchline and goal line. The stand I was under was terraced and an old metal stand that had a family of pigeons housed above me, luckily I managed to last the game without getting shit on by a pigeon. The signs around the ground still said Shettleston Juniors as the club only this season changed their name to Glasgow United.
The opening goal of the game was came from a penalty to Dalry after the home keeper took down the attacker inside the box but no card for the keeper following the foul. Dalry’s Cole Wilson put away the spot kick with ease to make it 1-0 to the away side, which was a little unfair on United as they had been the better side up to the goal going in.
With ten minutes left till half time Glasgow United equalised after a free kick was blocked but not dealt with and United’s Jordan Mcgrotty caught a half volley which went in off the post. After the goal, United’s coach was booked for arguing with the referee for wanting the Dalry keeper sent off for the foul that led to the free kick.
United took the lead just before half time in controversial fashion, the ball looked like it had gone out for a goal kick as a cross was cut back across the six yard box and Jack Campbell side footed past the substitute goalkeeper to make it 2-1 to the home side.
The game took a nasty turn before the end of the half after a foul that led to a free kick, there was some pushing and shoving and the referee seemed to have lost control as the home side dictated to the referee where the free kick was to be taken from. The referee called for half time what felt a little early after many incidents, which added to why I felt he lost control of the game.
Safe to say the break didn’t help the referee get a grip of the game as the players seemed to be running things from the off in the second half. I did enjoy after United’s Steffan Graham was fouled there was some good winding up between him and the crowd.
With around five minutes left to play it was 3-1 to the home side after a peach of a free kick from the edge of the 18 yard box, bent around the wall low and past the keeper by Graham.
It was soon 4-1 to Glasgow United, a lapse of concentration at the back by Dalry followed by a good whipped ball to the back post was met by Ross Barclay who swept the ball into the net.
Glasgow United showed in the end why they are the team playing at the higher level than Dalry Thistle, but if I’m being honest they should have got the victory but I don’t think it was a 4-1 game at all but the better side got the win in the end.
So onto my ratings…
Ticket Price –£5
Programme Price –N/A
Programme Rating –N/A
Refreshments –7/10
Stadium Facilities – 5/10
Getting To Stadium –9/10
Stadium Rating – 7/10
Thanks for reading my thoughts on Glasgow United against Dalry Thistle.
Hearts V Hibernian – Cinch Scottish Premiership (12/09/2021)
Safe to say I was up before my alarm went off this morning as I definitely had the Edinburgh Derby day buzz. Decided to not get the bus into Glasgow to then get the train to Haymarket, I instead opted for a taxi to Easterhouse and get the train from there. The train was busy but due to it being the 1000 train it was a lot quieter than the train I got on for the Aberdeen game. A bloke sitting opposite me must have noticed my nerves/excitement as he leant over and offered me a beer to settle the nerves, I politely declined as I don’t drink but it’s nice to see there are some decent folk out there. Passed my time on the hour long train journey by listening to the fantastic “Scarves Around The Funnel” podcast, as I was a week behind I really enjoyed the episode about Foundation Of Hearts and how the fans saved the club.
Before heading round to the entrance I went into the club shop and as I left I bumped into Hearts legend Gary Locke, who’s a great guy. My seat was moved again for the game dude to CoVid protocols, but this time luckily I wasn’t sat behind the goal and I was only 2 blocks down from where my usual season ticket seat is in the Wheatfield Stand in Block F. As I got round to the Wheatfield Stand I was met by a massive queue to get into the ground with over half an hour till kick off.
I got into the ground with 15 minutes till the game started and the queue for the snack bar was pretty big, the fact I had to find my seat meant that I decided to wait for a pie and drink till the game began when it quietened down. Decided on a steak pie and a Fanta, which set me back £5.80, the pie came in a nice little cardboard case which meant minimal mess but I felt the pastry on the pie was a little dry and too crispy for me.
A good atmosphere had been created before kick off with both sets of fans in full voice, the feeling in the stadium was great and added to the buzz I woke up with this morning. Was pleasantly surprised that when I took my seat, the old man I usually sit next to in Block D was in the seat next to me. It’s weird that we don’t know each other’s name or anything about each other but for 90 minutes we talk all things Hearts and you’d think we had know each other for years, safe to say I’ve missed sitting with him since last February, it made things seem a bit more normal.
A decent first half and had that lively derby game feel to it, some good football and both teams not scared to attack. Hearts were creating well through the middle with Woodburn and Baningime being standouts. As always the SFA officials left a lot to be desired as they made some comical errors against both sides. It’s good to have a keeper like Gordon in between the sticks as a few times he kept the scores level at halftime, and it gives us confidence knowing he’s our last line of defence.
Second half continued at the same pace with both sides going for it but it felt like Hearts had the better of the possession and also the chances as Gary Mackay-Steven had two decent chances. When Ginnelly and McKay came off the bench they both looked like causing Hibs problems but neither side could find a breakthrough and the first Edinburgh derby of the season ended in a 0-0 draw. I disagreed with the sponsors Man Of The Match as they went with Craig Gordon, who had a great game but I had to give it to the impressive Baningime who was solid in the tackle, crated through the middle and looked hungry for the full 90 minutes.
I said before the game that I thought it would be a draw, the way plenty of previous recent Edinburgh derby games have gone. I might sound a little biased but I think in the second half the game was for the taking for Hearts but at times the Jambos were lacking with that final ball, be it in to the box or getting the shot off. A draw still means Hearts are unbeaten in the league and with 11 points, which is a good position to be in after 5 opening games.
So onto my ratings…
Ticket Price – Season Ticket
Programme Price –£3.50
Programme Rating –8/10
Refreshments –5/10
Stadium Facilities –7/10
Getting To Stadium – 8/10
Stadium Rating – 8/10
Thanks for reading my thoughts on Hearts against Hibs.
Glasgow City V Servette – UEFA Women’s Champions League Second Round Second Leg (08/09/2021)
Bit of a strange kick off time 1510 on a Wednesday, managed to get to the game as my college course allowed me to get to Broadwood. An easy trip to the stadium as my father in law was heading out and gave me a lift through to Cumbernauld and dropped me off in the car park, so happy days. Another bonus was that Glasgow City made the entry to the game free of charge and refunded those that had purchased a ticket before the announcement. Also upon entry to create some atmosphere plastic clappers we’re being handed out to everyone as the came in, didn’t use mine but I gave mine to the little girl who lives next door.
As the whole stand was opened for the game I managed to get a seat pretty much bang on the half way line so I was happy with that. A good view and could see the afternoon sun bouncing off the river behind the stand opposite me.
The City side had a few changes with some of the usual starters on the bench, so I think a different approach was being taken for the second leg. The first 10 minutes was pretty end to end with both sides looking to get forward but neither breaking through. There was a break in play as Servette player went down with a head injury they needed the physio on for treatment. Servette clearly didn’t want Glasgow City to get into any sort of groove as they kept catching them with needless fouls stopping play. But that plan didn’t seem to work for long as Farrelly smartly flicked the ball over the defence and Chinchilla ran on to the ball and calmly lit the ball past the keeper for 1-0 after around 15 minutes gone. Not long after the goal play was halted after a visiting player took a knock to the head which required attention and a second player to be bandaged up within the opening 20 minutes.
A lapse of concentration in defence saw the away side have an opportunity but after going one on one the shot was sent wide, City weren’t deterred and countered but Fulutudilu couldn’t beat the keeper after some great work from the striker. The away side were putting in some shocking challenges and I’m surprised how number 24, Soulard, had not been booked as the referee had a word with her on more then one occasion.
With just five minutes before half time, there was an absolute calamity at the back as Alexander picked up a back pass and an indirect free kick was given to Servette inside the box and Jade rifled the ball in to the roof of the net from inside the six yard box with the free kick, to make it 1-1 and 2-2 on aggregate.
To be fair the first half was dominated by Glasgow City and the fact they went in level was a bit harsh on them but it shows that good teams will take advantage of mistakes made at the back and that happened. No half time pie for me today as I had a gyros delivered just before I left the house, just two cups of Sprite and a packet of ready salted crisps which came to £4.50 which I was happy with as at most grounds you’d be lucky to get a drink for that price. One plus of it being half time was the annoying boy sat a few rows behind stopped talking and comparing the game to a game on FIFA and mocking the players and fans, I was considering moving seats but didn’t want to give up my good view.
A new half of football but yet another mistake at the back as Van Wyk slipped on the edge of the box and Servette made City pay as Maendly headed in from close range to give the Swiss side the lead with just three minutes of the half played.
Clare Shine went close to bringing City level with an overhead kick with quarter of an hour to go and then up the other end Servette got through after the City defence stopped looking for offside but Nakkach shot wide when it was easier to score than miss.
It was a game where defensive errors ended up costing City the game and their place in the Champions League this season, I couldn’t even say that Servette were the better side as I really don’t think they were but they are the side going through. As I waited a while after the game for my taxi joke came the Glasgow City players left to board the team bus and all looked really gutted as they left the stadium.
So onto my ratings…
Ticket Price –£0
Programme Price –N/A
Programme Rating –N/A
Refreshments –8/10
Stadium Facilities –8/10
Getting To Stadium – 8/10
Stadium Rating –7/10
Thanks for reading my thoughts on Glasgow City against Servette.
Shrewsbury Town V Gillingham – Sky Bet League 1 (28/08/2021)
Finally after an almost two year wait I was back home at my boyhood team and my club, Montgomery Waters Meadow to watch my beloved Shrewsbury Town take on Gillingham. A different walk to the ground as Crouchy parked up in Rebrook, the opposite part of town I usually would come from but it was still a pretty straight forward walk to the ground and probably helps that I know Shrewsbury like the back of my hand. Before the walk Crouchy lad got changed into his Salop shirt which coupled with his Town shorts made him a fully fledged kit wanker at the age of 35!!
We got to the ground about an hour before kick off and took a wander around the stadium, took a few photos and went to the club shop to pick up my new Salop home shirt that had been put aside for me by an old teaching assistant from my school days Sib, who works in the club shop and a programme. Had a quick gander in the fan zone and then split from Crouch to make my way round to my seat, as I found my turnstile I bumped into a Salop player from the Conference years, Martin O’Connor which was a bonus. When I got inside the ground I grabbed myself a pre match pie and a bottle of Fanta which came to a total of £4.50, my steak and ale pie was nice but a shame about the pastry as it fell apart pretty easily making it a difficult one to eat without a fork.
As the game kicked of myself and my mate said that Gillingham looked like they were there for the taking today and Salop seemed to take the upper hand in the opening of the game but on 12 minutes via a bit of a howler from Maroši after a Tucker shot that he should have held onto somehow crept through his arms, Gillingham took the lead but you could see how frustrated Maroši was with himself.
Following the goal Town kind of found themselves on the back foot, Cosgrove had chances to equalise but he either took too many touches when he should have got his shot off or passed when the shot was available for himself. Was not a fan of the majority of the Town fans booing the team off at half time, fair enough we were 1-0 down but it was a lot better performance than recent weeks.
The second half started and Town looked like they had the spring in their step back that they had to start the first half as they seemed the more dangerous of the two sides. After a clearance following a Leahy cross Salop drew level on 60 minutes with a sublime overhead kick from Bloxham, this may have been one of the best goals I’ve seen in person at a Shrewsbury game. Great technique and what a goal to be our first league goal of the season, much deserved from the youth team graduate as he’s really been impressive so far this season.
After the equaliser only one team looked like getting anything more than a point out of the game and it came on 68 minutes following an Udoh ball that was cut across the six yard box and Cosgrove made amends from his earlier untaken chances with a great finish to make it 2-1 to Salop. Town looked dangerous and could have easily won more comfortably in my opinion as the second half continued.
As if a first pair of League One goals and looking like a first League One win of the season wasn’t enough, the game then ended in madness with a mass brawl involving both sets of teams and benches following a coming together on the pitch involving David Davis and a Gillingham player which resulted in both being sent off and Harry Burgoyne who was an unused substitute being shown a red for his involvement.
A great return back to Montgomery Waters Meadow for me today with Shrewsbury getting the win and a much better performance from the team, Gillingham manager Steve Evans, lived up to his pantomime villain reputation also. It was good to see how passionate Steve Cotterill was on the side lines and he was hardly ever sat on the bench.
I don’t hide the fact that I preferred Gay Meadow but Salop have been able to make Montgomery Waters Meadow our home and it looks and feels like our home too. I’ll never not enjoy a trip back home to watch my club Shrewsbury Town.
So onto my ratings…
Ticket Price –£20
Programme Price –£3
Programme Rating – 8/10
Refreshments –6/10
Stadium Facilities –6/10
Getting To Stadium –10/10
Stadium Rating –8/10
Thanks for reading my thoughts on Shrewsbury Town against Gillingham.
Shrewsbury Town U18 V Morecambe U18 – EFL Youth Alliance Under 18 North West (28/08/2021)
This was my first youth team fixture in quite some time, but thought the chance to watch two games in one day was too hard to say no too. I met up with my old mate Crouchy (he’s 6 foot 7) at Shrewsbury train station as I was staying in near by Wellington with friends and we then walked back to his motor a few streets back from the station. Then made the short drive to Sundorne where the Shrewsbury Sports Village is situated, stopped off at Robsons Shop to grab a drink and a chicken and bacon slice.
I’d never been to the Sports Village before and to be fair it bettered my expectations as it’s a proper good little set up there with a stand behind the home dugout and some terracing behind the one goal, unfortunately for some reason they didn’t allow fans into the stand or terracing due to Covid although you were lucky if there was more than 50 people there so it would have been easy to socially distance. Instead we were behind a 8 foot tall metal mesh fence which ruined the view a little to be fair but I can’t complain as it didn’t cost me anything to watch.
It was good to see ex Salop midfielder and a favourite of mine Stewart Drummond taking charge of the Morecambe side, even managed to have a brief chat with him before the game kicked off. Town dominated the early goings and after Jenson Cooper missed a sitter from close range, he redeemed himself with a neat snap shot just inside the box that easily beat the keeper to take the lead. Morecambe’s Sandle caused Town some trouble as he hit the bar when the Salop keeper was far off the line, some good vision from the Morecambe lad. Cooper then doubled the Salop lead with a header which he got up well for.
Salop went in 2-0 up at the break and it was much deserved, they had most of the ball and threatened more than Morecambe. I said to Crouchy that Salop looked more of an established team who have played together for a while as Morecambe looked like they were still trying to get as a team. I needed a leak at half time but as we’re not allowed in the pitch side area there was nowhere to do said leak, so we walked across the other pitches towards a wooded area and I relieved myself behind a tree as the portaloo I was told was by the pitches was nowhere to be seen.
After a nightmare at the back by the Morecambe centre half, Salop’s Louis Lloyd nodded the ball over him and ran onto his own flick to hit a tidy first time finish past the keeper to make it 3-0 to the Shrewsbury Town youth team.
To be fair it was a good game and played at a great pace, a bonus to see the Town youth side get the win too. A nice way to start a two game day of football, I think in the future if I’m attending a Shrewsbury Town game I will be checking if the Under 18’s are playing in the morning and definitely attend again. I’m hoping next time I’ll be allowed into the stands or on the terrace.
So onto my ratings…
Ticket Price –£0
Programme Price –N/A
Programme Rating –N/A
Refreshments –N/A
Stadium Facilities –1/10
Getting To Stadium –8/10
Stadium Rating –5/10
Thanks for reading my thoughts on Shrewsbury Town U18 against Morecambe U18.
Hearts V Aberdeen – Cinch Scottish Premiership (22/08/2021)
Earlier start than expected, due to the rail staff strikes still happening every Sunday there was no train from Stepps to Edinburgh. So I had to get a bus into Glasgow and then a train from Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh. But it’s all worth it as I’m finally heading back to Tynecastle for the first time since February 2020. The bus journey was improved when a dog got onto the bus, happy Daz and made up for leaving mine at home all day today with my wife. Due to the lack of trains and only one service to Edinburgh an hour, the train was heaving which did wonders for my anxiety. Decided to read a book, Locked Out Of Our Hearts: Scottish Football Survives The Pandemic by Alastair Stupart.
Once off the train at Haymarket, i was greeted in the pub opposite the station by some Aberdeen fans chanting, football is well and truly back! I made the walk to Gorgie. A walk I know like the back of my hand and to be honest with you had missed. I walked a lot slower than I usually would due to a mix of arriving with 2 hours to kick off and so that I could take everything in on my walk to the stadium.
Popped into the club shop to get number 26 printed on the back of my home shirt in honour of the late great Marius Žaliūkas, also picked up a pin badge honouring him. Nice and quick service in the club shop, so next on the walk I went to Gorgie Fish Bar for a pre match scran, a pair of jumbo sausages that went down a treat.
It was an easy enough walk to Tynecastle but then the fun began as I tried to find how to get into the Roseburn Stand, as my seat had been moved from my usual spot in the Wheatfield Stand on the halfway line. After asking several stewards where to go, I was sent to 3 different gates all telling me I couldn’t go in that way. I was even sent to the turnstiles for away fans by one steward, which was really worrying. Finally finding the right turnstile I went to my relocated seat behind the goal. I went to get a drink before kick off to find they only had Capri Sun or water, so I paid £2.80 for a Capri Sun. I also then found out that I didn’t bring anything to attach my new flag to the railings with, so I had to hold it up and I will remember for the next game to bring some ties.
I’ve never been a fan of watching football from behind the goal and try to get a seat as close to the halfway line, that’s where my season ticket seat is but due to needing to keep areas by the tunnels clear I was moved. We were seated near the away fans and we were only separated by what could be described as a fabric barrier the kind that separates the queues at an airport check in. Although I’ve been to many games since June there’s nothing quite like being at one of my home grounds, Tynecastle Park and next week will be the same when I go to Montgomery Waters Meadow.
From the off it was clear that Peter Haring wasn’t going to let Scott Brown have an easy afternoon as in the opening minutes he put in a few tasty challenges on him, also his every touch greeted by boo’s on mass. Aberdeen broke through the Hearts defence only got the yellow wall that is Craig Gordon to put a stop to any chance.
On the 26th minute the Hearts fans remembered captain Marius Žaliūkas by all four stands housing Jambo’s twirled their scarves and chanted Zak’s name. Disrespectfully the Aberdeen fans decided to chant “What the fucking hell is that?”, even though it had been announced over the PA system prior to the game and on the digital advertising board during the 26th minute. After half a minute they went silent probably realising what arseholes they were. REST IN POWER BIG ZAL 5-1!!
Hearts had a shout for a penalty as Ginnelly seemed to have been brought down after taking on a Don’s defender but the referee waived play on. Liam Boyce looked to have done the keeper and open for a goal but the linesman flagged late for offside, promising from Hearts.
Decent first half, Hearts had the ball in the Aberdeen half for the most part after the Don’s kept it in the Jambo’s half for the first 10 minutes of the game. Peter Haring and Baningime had good halves in the middle as did Ginnelly put wide, he even maintained it when he switched flanks midway through the first half. Promising from Hearts just feel they need to make the most of their chances they are creating as Gordon didn’t have much to do.
The Jambo’s had an early chance after the break with Ginelly from distance but the visitors then caused issues in the Hearts box. Hearts had the best opportunity of the game yet but Mackay-Steven fired wife from close range after good Hearts pressure.
On 54 minutes Gary Mackay-Steven made a run in the box and was brought down, after a delay the referee pointed to the spot. Up stepper top scorer Liam Boyce who calmly smashed the ball down the middle to make it 1-0 to the Jam Tarts. Hearts maintained the upper hand until a lapse of concentration at the back after 71 minutes, saw a ball that was flashed across the goal not dealt with and after a ball back into the six yard box Ojo beat the Hearts defence to the ball at the front post to beat Gordon to equalise. Scott Brown did what Scott Brown does best be a knob and antagonise the Hearts fans and then followed up with a rash challenge on Halliday, no idea how he wasn’t booked up to this point.
The goal seemed to give the Don’s a boost as they had the majority of the ball and pressed Hearts deep into their own box. Hearts worked the ball wide and went close as a shot was hit across the face of the goal but Cochrane couldn’t get on the end of it. Aberdeen went close as the ball was whipped across the six yard box but John Souttar slid to clear. Late on Aberdeen’s manager Stephen Glass was booked for mouthing off at the officials.
So on my return to Tynecastle ended in a 1-1 draw, which to be fair was the right result as I don’t think either side did enough to earn three points. I think if Hearts had been more clinical in the final they’re then it could have been a different story, but still unbeaten in the league. I thought Haring had a good game and Aberdeen are a decent side so a point in my opinion is a good one.
So onto my ratings…
Ticket Price –Season Ticket
Programme Price –£3.50
Programme Rating –7/10
Refreshments –4/10
Stadium Facilities –6/10
Getting to stadium –8/10
Stadium rating –8/10
Thanks for reading my thoughts on Hearts against Aberdeen.
Glasgow City V BIIK-Shymkent – UEFA Women’s Champions League First Round Group 2 Final (21/08/2021)
Got the train to Croy which is the nearest station to Broadwood Stadium, then the 25 minute walk from the train station to the stadium in some nice rainy weather. Not the safest of routes I’ve ever walked to a game if I’m being honest as the majority of the walk was alongside a pretty busy road and crossings several large roundabouts. Decided to cut through the retail park next to Broadwood Stadium as the rain eased off, almost slipping on my arse as I walked down the shiny and super slippy path. Made it with no broken bones or bruises at the stadium with it pissing down again and the stewards making us wait outside rather than wait inside.
Took a seat as close to the halfway line as I could but still maintaining a good view and far enough back that I was keeping dry, alright the first seat I sat in has a leak coming from the roof so moved in a bit as the black clouds over the stand opposite looked like the rain would be here for the duration.
I’ve been to Broadwood Stadium twice before and it’s a good stadium for a lower league Scottish team in Clyde, an Astro turf pitch and only 3 stands, with a sports centre behind one of the goals. Glasgow City used Broadwood as their home last season but have returned to their usual home or Petershill Park this season but used Broadwood for their Chanpions League games.
Picked up a prematch pie and 2 waters for £3.50 which in football stadium pricing was a pretty good price. A nice full steak pie with plenty of meat which was tender and not chewy like some football pies, throughly enjoyed said pie.
Chinchilla who can creat magic at any point for City did just that in the 3rd minute as she created some great space on the edge of the box and hit the bar after having the keeper beat. Then followed a moment of madness from the referee as she booked Fulton for from what it looked like in the stand for taking a free kick before the whistle was blown but was then allowed to take the free-kick again, I’ve never seen a player booked for that before in all the years I’ve watched football. Captain Jo Love went close after some great passing and moving in the box, but shot just wide and then Shymkent went up the other end and created a great chance as the ball was flashed across the six yard box.
City had the ball in the back of the net and a chunk of the crowd thought it was a goal but unfortunately the ball had just gone out before the cross, some good pressure from City though against a physically strong team. Shymkent then went close shooting inches wide from the edge of the box, then minutes later but for some good goalkeeping and defending they could have taken the lead.
Glasgow City had the upper hand for the majority of the first half and were unlucky to not go into the break ahead, but Shymkent looked more dangerous in the last five minutes before the half time whistle.
The second half was an end to end start with both sides testing the keeper, but nothing quite good enough to break the deadlock. Following a lapse of concentration at the back, Chinchilla beat the defence and the keeper from just inside the box on 60 minutes. After falling behind Shymkent were putting in some reckless challenges and picking up several stupid yellow cards.
Both defences were solid and making some great last ditch tackles during the second half and neither looked like adding to the 1-0 score line. But the Kazakh side almost did with five minutes left after a poor clearance but the attacker shot high and wide. There was a late shout for a penalty from the crowd as the ball seemed to hit Shymkent’s number 5 on the arm but no penalty given. Shymkent had a great chance in injury time, flashing the ball across the face of the goal from the edge of the box.
The game finished 1-0 to Glasgow City, who progress to the second round of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. The right result in the end as City dominated the majority of the game but Shymkent put in a good performance and made City work for the win.
So onto my ratings…
Ticket Price –£12.50
Programme Price –N/A
Programme Rating – N/A
Refreshments – 8/10
Stadium Facilities –8/10
Getting To Stadium – 3/10
Stadium Rating – 7/10
Thanks for reading my thoughts on Glasgow City against BIIK-Shymkent.
Celtic V Hearts – Premier Sports Cup Second Round (15/08/2021)
To be able to go to my first Hearts game of the season and first Hearts game since 15th February 2020 against Hamilton, I had to go incognito and sit behind enemy lines. As Celtic did not give an away allocation and it’s close to where I live so wasn’t going to miss out, I ended up buying a home end ticket from general sale.
Due to RMT Union strikes on Sunday’s I couldn’t get the train to the game, so was relying on the bus service to Duke Street. As I’m useless at knowing when to get off buses in Glasgow I was happy there were others going to the game so got off when they did. Once off the bus I had a 20 minute walk to the stadium, no need for google maps today as can see Celtic Park from where I got off the bus. As I passed as badge and scarf seller I noticed two very random things to see in Glasgow, they were selling a Shrewsbury Town badge and also a AFC Telford United one. Made me feel a little bit home sick haha.
Had a little look around the ground before entering and taking my seat just to the left of the halfway line, say to say I could be the only Hearts fan at the game today but fuck it, as I said no way I’m missing watching the Jam Tarts on my doorstep. Had to be extra sly taking photos of the Hearts players warming up. Still wearing my colours though, with my lucky Hearts boxer shorts and white Umbro T-shirt, wasn’t going to be taking my jacket off regardless how much I sweated! Seemed odd with no away fans but I’m glad I wasn’t sat behind the pillar that blocks the view in the away section.
Decided on a prematch pie as there was no queue, £3 for a pie and £1.70 for a Capri sun. Not the best of pies I’ve ever eaten, a burnt crust and not much steak inside.
As the teams were read out, to no surprise the Hearts names were met with boo’s and still not sure how I feel about Salopian boy Joe Hart playing for Celtic. The opening 15 minutes Hearts were on the back foot but did well to shut out any Celtic attack. Edouard went down in the penalty area claiming a foul but the referee was having none of it and booked him for diving.
The home side took the lead on half an hour as Edouard was given too much space in the box and he put the ball past Gordon. Hearts were sitting far too deep and inviting Celtic to attack and from a corner after some poor marking they doubled the lead to through a Welsh header.
A very tough first half to watch from a Hearts perspective, barely out of our own half and struggled to put together a string of passes.
Went to use the loo and get a drink at half time, luckily I had my disabled toilet key with me as the queue to the genre was horrendous. As was the queue for the food stand, it was they long it was out into the tunnel to the stands so no drink for me.
Nice to see a second ex Salopian take to the field for the second half as Josh Ginnelly came on to replace Andy Halliday. Gino did well to work the ball into the box and went down in the six yard box but no penalty given. The defence had Craig Gordon to thank up the other end after he made two clinical saves. Ginnelly made a difference since coming on, getting on the ball and causing the Celtic defence problems.
Ginnelly again found space out wide and played the ball into Boyce who was taken down, with the whole crowd booing him and Joe Hart trying to put him off, he coolly out the ball into the net.
The comeback was short lived as a ball was played into the box to Furuhashi who was in space and beat Craig Gordon for 3-1.
A minute into 2 minutes injury time Hearts grabbed a second as McEneff smashed in from close range following a cross from the left by Kingsley. But it was too late as moments after the game restarted the referee blew for full time.
Hearts playing too deep cost them today as they let Celtic dictate the game for most of the 90 minutes. Another goal for Boyce and nice to see McEneff get a goal as he’s been impressive since joining Hearts, Ginnelly made a difference after coming on at half time.
Can’t knock Celtic Park as a stadium, it’s one of the biggest stadiums in Scotland and a good atmosphere can be created but the queues for food and toilets let’s it down a little.
So onto my ratings…
Ticket Price –£17
Programme Price –£3.50
Programme Rating –7/10
Refreshments –4/10
Stadium Facilities –5/10
Getting to stadium –8/10
Stadium rating – 7/10
Thanks for reading my thoughts on Celtic against Hearts.
St Rochs V Drumchapel United – West of Scotland League Conference C (14/08/2021)
Had a massive detour to get to the game today as I had to head into Glasgow to print my ticket for tomorrow game as Celtic won’t let you show an E-Ticket on your phone. Boarded the 1301 from Glasgow Queen Street to Barnhill and made the stupidly wet 20 minute walk to James McGrory Park. The rain had been spitting up until I got off the train and boy was it pissing down, definitely a day I’m glad I made the decision to pack my waterproof coat.
The road google maps took me on came to an abrupt halt as it was fenced off begin a padlocked gate the looked like it hadn’t been open for quite some time, so the only route I could take was through a field with a derelict football pitch in. I’m sure it would be a nice walk if I had the dog and better footwear on.
This is my third St Rochs game in two months and at the third different ground with them being the home team, this time in the League at their home ground James McGrory Park. The ground is a nice non league ground with lots of character, the graffiti on the walls really around the stands made it really feel like a unique ground and a must visit for any ground hopper. The ground has a snack stand serving warm food and drinks, which seemed to be doing good business.
I took a spot up in the Teddy Croly Stand on the half way line behind the away dugout, as I made my way round the ground passed a Jack Russell behind the goal. Had a great view from where I was and not as busy as the opposite stand, luckily the rain had stopped. St Rochs give off a real community spirit that care about and celebrate their history around the ground.
Both teams started the game at a quick pace, what you would expect with both looking like two teams that could have good seasons. Longworth for St Rochs looked like he wanted a goal with a few early long range efforts testing the keeper, McLaughlin in green and white who impressed me the last two times I’ve seen St Rochs again looked dangerous and creating good chances while troubling the defence. McMullin for Drumchapel was getting in good space but just wasn’t getting the ball as the away side seemed to want to play through the middle. Not sure the person filling in on the line on my side knew what he was doing as he stood in the same half as the bloke on the other side and stood chatting to someone in the crowd, the joys of junior football. We really do need to start having linesman at this level of football as decisions are being missed as the referee can’t judge from his vantage point.
I think I jinxed it as the half went on both sides were like brick walls at the back and neither side could find a breakthrough. Any attacking free kick or corner was being dealt with easily by defenders and the keepers. Close to half time Longworth for The Candy went close following a corner hitting the ball just wide of the post. A bit of controversy on half time as a St Rochs player went down in the box but from where I was standing it was clearly a dive and he should have stayed on his feet as was in a great position. Then up the other end Drumchapel’s McMullin hit the post from distance, but we went into half time 0-0.
No pies left when I went over to the snack stand at half time so I had a Bridie instead, which was more than worth the £1.50 I paid for it as it was full of meat and tasted amazing. Both goals were full of kids having a kick about during the 15 minute break and I was happy to see the person running the line on my side made it into the correct half this time.
Drumchapel went on the front foot as the second half started and forced a cracking save out of the St Rochs keeper minutes into the half. Then straight up the other end The Candy went close after a one on one with the keeper, a fast start the same way the first half started. There was a shout for handball from the Candy fans but nothing was given. During the second half I spotted two more dogs, a Labrador and a Terrier. Dog Watch brought to you by Daz Carding….
The deadlock was broken as after a great ball through in the box, Hughes found space and put the ball through the keepers legs with a great finish. The lead was doubled after the United keeper had a mare and palmed the ball into the path of Longworth who curled the ball inside the post from close range, he got his well deserved goal.
Not many minutes had passed and Drumchapel halved the lead with a long ranger from Finnigan who gave the keeper no chance. Longworth got his second and made it 3-1 to the home side after a defence splitting through ball and after a neat touch put the ball in the top corner.
My jinx must have undone itself as they game was a cracking watch for a neutral, some great football played and topped off with 4 goals. Really enjoyed the game and the ground, as I said before would highly recommend a visit to James McGrory Park.
So onto my ratings…
Ticket Price –£6
Programme –N/A
Programme Rating –N/A
Refreshments – 10/10
Stadium Facilities –8/10
Getting to stadium –6/10
Stadium Rating –8/10
Game Rating –8/10
Thanks for reading my thoughts on St Rochs against Drumchapel United.
Football Days With A Salopian Jambo 