Bellslea Bulletin - Issue 14

FINLAYNOBLE

Welcome to the April edition of the Bellslea Bulletin.

I was hoping to be able to write this column with the Highland League Cup sitting in the boardroom but unfortunate that isn’t the case. While the game on Saturday had a disappointing end it should be remembered it was a great achievement in getting to the final. Sixteen other clubs would have been delighted to have been in our position. Losing on penalties is no disgrace and it was a top class save from Joe Malin that denied Sean Butcher. I know Sean is heartbroken about it but it shouldn’t be seen as a miss, it was on target and on any other day it would have gone in. Full credit to the guys at Locos for hosting an excellent day and congratulations to Brora Rangers on winning the cup. We move on to fight another day. We had won the previous five finals we have competed in so it had to happen sometime.

Our league game at Brora at the start of the month had us victorious by 2-1 in a fully deserved win. What stood out for me that day was how all interested parties came together to get the game played. It is well documented that Brora Rangers have had an issue with their pitch this season and the weather that day was not good with heavy rain forecasted to hit the area around 11am and last for a few hours. The two clubs agreed to having King George VI Park in Golspie as a standby and we further agreed that we would travel not knowing where the game would be played, even if it was as late as 2pm. As it turned out, the forecast was accurate and when we arrived the pitch was 80% perfect but the problem area wasn’t. Gordon Morrison, the referee, was brilliant and allowed the home team to work on the pitch and Mark and the players were prepared to play the game.

FinlayNoble

As were the Brora management and players. The rain went off as planned, the Brora ground staff (Directors really) put in a power of work soaking up the water and we got the game played. It was a great effort from everyone and was like how it used to be in the past. Maybe new ideas and safety concerns aren’t always right, I have been watching the Broch for 45 years and haven’t seen anyone injured by a muddy pitch.

We had four other wins over the course of the month, at home to Banks O Dee and Rothes, and away wins at Nairn and Forres.

The Rothes game had two significant milestones take place, Scott Barbour became the first Broch player to get to 250 goals for the club and Callum Kelly got his first. That little stat, for me, sums up the club. If Callum, and all the other young players at the club, can learn from Scott on how to prepare for games and put in the hard work, it will almost certainly pay off.

The only other defeat came at home to Buckie Thistle in the Aberdeenshire Cup Semi Final. It was a really disappointing night and to be fair, we didn’t play badly. Joe Barbour had a difficult night, but these things happen, and I have a list the length of my arm of games where Joe has kept us in it and allowed us to claim a victory. I am pretty sure Joe’s biggest critic that night was the face staring back at him from the mirror.

The league season is coming to an exciting finish and as I predicted way back in August, it was going to be a different one in respect of no games being easy and nobody would go on a crazy winning run. It will all be decided in the next fortnight and as it stands, we are still in the race, albeit needing some big favours. To be in that position going into April is a huge credit to the management and players.

Come awa the Broch

Finlay

BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE

BROCH v. BRECHIN SAT. 6th APRIL BELLSLEA PARK, FRASERBURGH

LAST FIVE

Inaugural Hall of Fame Dinner

+End of Season Awards Night in conjunction with FFCSC

7.00 PM to 12 midnight, Friday 3rd May, Fraserburgh Leisure Centre

Tickets £40 each or £400 for a Table of 10 (to include two-course meal followed by Disco)

Please contact events@fraserburghfc.co.uk to reserve your place

Last-gasp Butcher snares the points in Sutherland

BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE

SAT. 2nd MARCH

DUDGEON PARK, BRORA

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

SATURDAY 2ND MARCH DUDGEON PARK BRORA RANGERS FRASERBURGH |

MANAGER MARK COWIE

The month started with an away trip to Brora Rangers. When we got there, I must be honest I wasn’t sure if the game would go ahead as there was visibly water lying on one quarter of the park. I spoke to the team, and we were happy to play the game as we didn’t want it to be a wasted journey. Luckily, the referee used common sense and allowed the Brora officials to work on the park up until kick off. Come 3pm, it wasn’t the best surface but both teams and the referee were happy to go with it. We started well and managed to go 1-0 up. We played well in the early stages before letting Brora back in to the game towards the end of the half where they levelled the game at 1-1. We controlled large parts of the second half, but it looked like we weren’t going to get that goal. Thankfully, the ball broke in the box at one of our corners and Sean Butcher managed to smash it in to the net as he has done a lot in his career, to give us a 2-1 win. This was a good result as Brora is a very difficult place to go but we managed to grind out a result.

Next up was Buckie Thistle at home in the Aberdeenshire Shield semi-final. It was a very strange game where in my opinion there was very little between the teams, much like the league game a couple of weeks earlier. However, we made some big mistakes during the game and they each ended up in Buckie scoring. We lost the game 5-2 which I feel was a little unjust however we know as a group that if we make the sort of mistakes we did then it will be very difficult to get any sort of result. This defeat meant we had lost our grip on the trophy which was disappointing.

Then we had another tough game in the league at home to Banks o’ Dee. They are a physical team who can dominate their opposition if allowed to however I thought we stood up to the challenge and again were in control for large parts of the game. I thought first half we were the team on the front foot and got ourselves in to a two-goal lead. When you play the top teams, you must accept that they are going to have a spell. With the wind in their backs, Banks o’ Dee came in to the game in the second half and managed to get a goal back. Having said that though I do not think they created any real clear cut chances in the game where we defended well and managed to get over the line with a 2-1 win to keep us within touching distance at the top.

Seven days later and we would travel to Nairn to play the reverse fixture. Once more we controlled the first half but there was a luck of a cutting edge in the final third and we didn’t really create much. Second half was a different story however and we got an early goal and then took the game by the scruff of the neck from there. In the end we won 3-0 at notoriously difficult venue for us so I was pleased with the result.

Midweek saw us back up north again, this time to face Forres Mechanics. For another game in a row,

we were the team in control but lacking that spark in front of goal. A frustrating first half was followed by a slightly better second half. We managed to go 1-0 up through Fig but they score with a penalty later in the game. Credit to the guys though as they never give up and we managed to get a winner in injury time through Logan Watt. It was probably deserved over the piece as we were the team looking to win the game more and thankfully, we got there.

Next was a home game against Rothes where we probably played our best football of the month. We were more consistent over the piece and created numerous chances which we just didn’t quite seem to take. In the end we ran out 5-0 winners and it was most pleasing to see Joshua Hawkins complete a 90 minutes and perform well, arguably our best performer on the day, as well as Callum Kelly score his first goal for the club. I am always getting on at Callum as I believe he has a lot of tools to do well for himself, just sometimes think he needs to make things happen a bit more. He and Joshua are not here simply to make up numbers. They are both in the squad on merit, so they need to start pushing the boys in front of them to the side and stamping their authority. Hopefully, this will come as both have undoubted talents which hopefully we will see in years to come.

This then allowed for the show piece event of the month in the Highland League Cup Final against Brora Rangers. We didn’t have the greatest build up as we lost Sean Butcher and Lewis Davidson to niggles. Both were happy to go on the bench for the game but admitted they were not 100% fit. I had to throw Greg Buchan in at right back. I knew Greg could do a job so didn’t have any concerns there. As it turns out I think he was one of our best players on the day, keeping Tony Dingwall quiet as well as

getting forward and being an attacking threat for us. We were good in the first half. Brora had one chance where they should have scored, but we scored one and created other good chances. A mix of poor finishing and some unbelievable saves from their keeper meant it was only 1-0 at HT. Second half I wanted us to come out and kick on but ultimately it didn’t happen. We gave Brora too much space and they took control of the half. For 20 minutes we struggled to cope which isn’t like us. They equalised with a well worked goal but didn’t really create too many other openings until the last five minutes when we were pushing for a winner. It seemed they had settled for penalties and got their wish when the ref blew for full time at 1-1. To be fair all five of our penalties were good quality however Joe Malin managed to save Sean Butchers kick and that tied in with them scoring all five of their kicks meant they would lift the trophy. I can not fault the lads. At the end of the day, we lost on penalties which isn’t nice but something we need to take on the chin and use as ammunition going forward. We will be back in a cup final sooner rather than later, to give the players a stage to play on again and give the fans a day hopefully to remember.

Our following for the final was incredible. So many black and white out to support us and we were truly grateful for the support. Even our own set of ultras who grow larger each week are really adding to the atmosphere at games and should be encouraged. Fair play to them and I know I speak for the team when I say thank you to everyone who turned out not only for the final, but also for the cold, wet, windy days which maybe aren’t all about cups and shields, but each are as important as the other. We truly are blessed as a club to have such a fantastic support as we do, and I am sure we have will more successful times in the future. Thanks again.

Mark Cowie

LAST FIVE

The Bellslea Boys unveil one of their new flags during the recent Rothes match

MATCH CENTRE

Buckie go nap as Broch lose

Shire Cup grip

EVENING EXPRESS ABERDEENSHIRE CUP

WED. 6th MARCH

BELLSLEA PARK, FRASERBURGH

|ABERDEENSHIRE CUP|

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

FRASERBURGH

BUCKIE THISTLE

WEDNESDAY 6TH MARCH

BELLSLEA PARK

WILLIE WEST

As I write this, we prepare for a huge game against Brechin City on Saturday where if we can win, puts it in our own hands to stay in the title race until the last game of the season. A feat which we didn’t think would be possible earlier in the year. The team are fully focused on the game and want to put last week’s big disappointment behind us in our cup final defeat against Brora.

Our defeat to Brora last week was a hard one to take and the League Cup again slips away from us. But credit to Brora, they haven’t had one of their best seasons in the league but they still have a lot of quality in their squad and experience which got them over the line. Joe Malin getting man of the match was fully deserved but goes to show how the game went where on another day we go a couple of goals up and perhaps do enough to win. It looked promising when Fig scored from a decent effort but Brora’s equaliser ensured penalties and for the 2nd season in a row we go out against Brora in the League Cup on penalties.

However, our league form in March was very impressive with 5 wins from 5 which included an away victory to Brora and a home win against Banks of Dee being the highlights. The journey home from Brora following our 2-1 win thanks to a last-minute winner from Butcher was an enjoyable one (and another 2 goals from corners!). Solo song performances from Joshua “The Hawk” Hawkins and Calum provided brilliant entertainment on the way home, well done lads. We weren’t sure the game would go ahead at Brora with all the rain but thankfully it did.

The Banks of Dee game (on the back of the Buckie cup defeat) was an excellent team performance but I was particularly impressed with Bryan Hay, Sarge and Fig bossing their positions. Beags, Greg and Aidan also put in good performances. Its always a battle

Willie West

against Banks of Dee and this time around we managed to hold on to the win even when their keeper should have equalised in the dying minutes.

TheNairnCountygameweplayedwell and fully deserved the win. Each of our top scorers (Butch, Fig and Sarge) managing to get on the score sheet.

Forres Mechanics followed, another mid-week game and it was a tough one with Forres showing their league standing to be false. We needed another last minute winner this time from super sub Logan Watt which got usoverthelineandanunusualheader from Fig. Joshua Hawkins started this one and was excellent but unfortunately was on the end of a heavy tackle coming off injured soon after.

Lastly the Rothes game and a convincing 5-0 win with Logan chipping in with a couple of goals and a good performance (cementing his cup final place) but it was great to see

Callum Kelly finish off a good move with a composed finish, his first of many in a black and white shirt, Sargent and Fig with the other goals.

Unfortunately, even although we can be labelled as a ‘Cup Team’ by fellow fans and players, our cup form didn’t match the league form in March (a bit like our league winning season). Out of the Aberdeenshire Cup following a 5-2 defeat from Buckie which was not to the standards we all expect at the Bellslea. Positives we did take were goals for Ross Aitken and Aiden Sopel and some minutes for Joshua and Calum.

So out of all the cups and only league games remaining, the team look forward to racking up as much points as possible to finish as high as we can in the table.

Scott Barbour celebrates his 250th Broch goal during the recent win over Rothes

Photo: Mark Grant

Official Travel Partner of Fraserburgh FC

head of youth

MATTHEW WEST

A busier month for the youth teams throughout March.

Coaches Will Ramsay and Charles West continue to deliver challenging sessions to our foundation group with the players responding well and feedback positive. It has been good to introduce several new players to our group from the 2010 age group. We are excited to see these guys progress with us.

U18s started the month with a trip to Turriff. Hamish Gordon put us ahead with a good finish. We have been encouraging Hamish to be more direct in the final third and this goal showed he has taken this onboard as certainly 3 months ago Hamish may have been looking to pass or overplay in this situation - hopefully this gives Hamish more confidence and we can get the rewards. Having retained and moved the ball well for large spells, we didn't handle a few moments of pressure either side of HT and found ourselves trailing 2-1. A penalty kick and red card for skipper Adam gave us a mountain to climb but credit to the group,theyworkedhard.Theypulled a goal back through a neat finish from Evan Anderson and asked questions of the Turriff back lineright till the death.

Our match against Hermes was postponed due to weather which meant next up was a trip to Lawsondale to take on Hall Russell United. A competitive and entertaining match ended 2-2 with bothteamshavingchancestotakeall

three points. We felt the group showed bravery and composure to get on the ball but at times struggled to progress forward with any great tempo and this caused many turnovers or easy opportunities to press square and backwards passes.

We challenge the group to continue to be brave but to also consider variation. A bad moment on the night saw skipper Johnny Adam pick up a muscle strain midway through the2ndhalf.Johnnywillbesidelined for a minimum of 4 weeks, a huge blow for the group as he’s been excellent this year.

Next up we hosted Inverurie Locos at Bellslea. A combination of our group under-performing and Locos playing well made it a tough night for us to endure. Amid a below par performance, it was good to see the group rally and show spirit. We trailed 4-1 at half time – with the reality here that a win was very unlikely. We challenged the guys at the break to - stick together, suffer &

win the second half. Thanks to some heroics from Sam Inglis in goal and the group digging in we did and the match finished 5-3.

Our final fixture of March was cancelled 10 minutes before kick-off last Thursday as Formartine’s North Lodge Park. The surface was sodden after monsoon-like rain fell throughout the early evening at Pitmedden. This left the officials with a decision which frustratingly they took an hour to make.

April is going to be intense with games scheduled every Monday and Thursday including the U21s last game of the season being held at Keith on Monday 1st.

We are ready - we will enjoy and endure.

Take care - Matthew

Matthew West

MATCHDAY MASCOTS

For the Banks o’ Dee visit, our mascot was Rio Barbour. He’s 3 and attends Playbarn nursery. A regular at CB coaching and his fave players are his Mum, Dad, Ryan Cowie and Ryan Sargent.

MATCHDAY CLUB

Our guest for the Banks o’ Dee match were Peterhead Boys Club 2017. Coached by our own Sean Butcher we very much enjoyed having you along at the Bellslea.

Our Mascots for the Rothes game were Freddie Smith and Charlie Watt. Freddie is aged 7, plays for Link up 2016, and his favourite player is captain William West (his uncle). Charlie is 8 and attends St Combs Primary School. He plays for Fraserburgh Link Up 2015s and his favourite player is also Willie West (his cousin).

Our second matchday club visitors for the month were Mintlaw BC 2014. Some very good football on show from the boys. Good luck with your games for the rest of the season!

MATCH CENTRE

Early show secures the points as Dee are sunk at Bellslea

BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE

SAT 9th MARCH BELLSLEA PARK, FRASERBURGH

Match Gallery 1

Match Gallery 2

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

BELLSLEA PARK FRASERBURGH BANKS O’ DEE

SATURDAY 9TH MARCH

On this day APRIL DOWN THE YEARS

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

1950: Robert Mennie fires in four goals as Inverness Thistle are brushed aside by 7-2 at the Bellslea

2008: Alan Hale nets the only goal of the game at Huntly in what is Finlay Noble’ s first match as Chairman

2021: Scottish Cup Third Round action and a trip to Montrose Goals from Gary Harris and Scott Barbour can’t prevent the Broch going out as the hosts win 4-2

2009: A visit to Keith for the Highland League Cup semi, goals from Hale and Johnston see the Broch home by two goals to nil

2014: A 6-0 win at Fort William and Willie West’s third of the game brings up his hattrick and the Broch 5,000th goal

6th 1991: A treble from Andy Lavelle and a Symon Sim goal as the Broch defeat Nairn County 4-0 at the Bellslea

7th 1973: A fine 5-2 victory over Deveronvale at Princess Royal Park secures the Aberdeenshire Cup for the fifth time

8th

2006: League business and a trip to Huntly sees a 2-0 win with goals from Graham Johnston and Russell McBride

9th 2022: A crucial win in the penultimate match on route to the league title is settled by Ryan Cowie’s goal directly from a corner

11th

2018: A debut as a trialist for Sean Butcher as the Broch go down 1-0 at Cove.

10th

2004: A Michael Stephen hat-trick isn’t enough to take the points against Locos as the match finishes in a 3-3 draw

12th

2003: A double from Mark Cowie helps the Broch to a 5-0 win on the road at Brora Rangers

13th

2019: The long journey to Fort William is a fruitful one, doubles from Sean Butcher and Aidan Combe helping to secure a 7-0 win

14th

1928: Aberdeenshire Cup Final success comes with a 2-1 win over Aberdeen at the Bellslea

15th 2006: Highland League Cup drama in the Quarter-Final tie as the Broch win the shoot-out by 4 pens to 2

16th 2022: Forres visit for the final game of the season There’s to be no slip up as the Broch go nap to win 5-0 and take the League Title to Bellslea

17th 2013: Turriff United are the visitors in this Highland League match, goals from Willie West (2), Ryan Christie, and Courtney Cooper securing a 4-2 win

18th 1914: After the Aberdeenshire Charity Cup Final with Buckie ends 1-1 on aggregate, the title is decided on corners won with Broch triumphing 7-6

19th 1930: Another Aberdeenshire Cup Final tie with Aberdeen and this time the sides can’t be seperated as the match ends up 4-4

21st 1987: A John Thomson double and a Graeme Yule counter helps the Broch to a 3-1 victory at Deveronvale

22nd 2006: A Highland League Cup semi sees the Broch progress via a penalty shoot-out as Nairn are narrowly defeated at the Bellslea

23rd 2011: Willie West nets the only goal of the game as Cove Rangers go down 1-0 in another Highland League Cup semi final

24th 1957: The Supplementary Cup Final sees a 1-1 draw with visitors Lossiemouth, Alex Stephen grabbing the Broch’s goal

25th 1983: The Broch go down by 1-0 at Pittodrie in this ‘Shire Cup Final The Dons include Leighton and Angus who would pick up Gothenburg medals a fortnight later

26th 1930: Congestion means two games are played on the same day, the First XI go down 3-1 at Pittodrie whereas the second string win 5-4 up at Clach

27th 1957: A replay of the Supplementary Cup Final draw on the 24th sees Lossie take the trophy by 2-1 despite John Strachan’s goal

28th 1973: Success in the Bells Cup Quarter Final as Buckie are routed 5-1 at Victoria Park, Dave McKenzie (2), Gibby Stephen, Ally Fordyce, and Jimmy Noble with the goals

29th 1933: A crucial 2-1 win over Clachnacuddin as the Broch edge their way towards the League Title for the first time

20th

1988: A Wednesday night under the Bellslea lights sees a 3-3 draw with Huntly, Keith McCredie grabbing a hat-trick for the hosts

30th 1956: Disappointment in an Aberdeenshire Cup Final which was held over from the previous season as Buckie win 1-0

COMMERCIAL CORNER

GEORGE THOM

At the outset, on behalf of all the Directors, I’d like to thank our fans for turning up in such big numbers at the Highland League Cup Final last Saturday. It just wasn’t our day, but

the backing the players received was superb and your support to our Club is very much appreciated.

In previous month’s Commercial updates, I outlined that the Board of Directors have been reviewing all non- playing operations of the Club and exploring new ways to generate income to fund our ongoing operations, including developing our Club youth framework, continuing our strong links with our community, and ensuring we remain competitive by supporting Mark and James with our player recruitment, development and retention budgets.

It has been clear to the Directors for some time that we need to strengthen our Committee to make sure we have the right framework in place, not only for day to day and match day operations, but also to take the Club forward. We shared an organogram of a new business structure at our Club 1910 launches - we have 6 key areas within the Club we need to focus on:

· Football Operations: Management and Playing side.

· Commercial: Club 1910, Income generation, book-keeping, HR Governance etc.

·Business Operations: Risk Management, Security, Regulation, Match Day etc.

· Hospitality: Lounge and Boardroom.

· Community Engagement: Our fanbase, FFC in the Community, Schools, Social Media, Club Website etc.

· Bellslea Park: Maintenance – during the season and close season, Ground improvements and new projects.

So, with the exception of the Football operations of our Club, we would be delighted to hear from anyone who has a passion for our Club and has the desire, energy, right skill set and time to help in any of the 5 areas highlighted.

With regards to a specific and important part of our Club, we have started a full review of the HOSPITALITY LOUNGE operations – the next stage is to engage representatives from all key stakeholders including existing season ticket holders, regular matchday visitors and our FFC Supporters Club . We have been receiving great feedback from match day visitors on their experience in “The Hutty” this season and whilst not everyone likes change, as Directors, we have a responsibility to manage and explain any changes we make in a transparent way – everything we do is for the benefit of our Football Club.

Club 1910 Update:

Due to the School Easter Break, our next event is in May.

On Wednesday 22nd May, between 12 Noon and 2:00pm, we are hosting a business networking event in our Hospitality Lounge in collaboration with “Enterprising Aberdeenshire” and “Broch Business Together”. This will be a business networking event where we will have the opportunity to learn more about our three Business Groups – all have been set up to encourage development and growth in Fraserburgh and surrounding areas.

As I mentioned last month, Score Group, one of our main sponsors, have kindly agreed to provide a tour of their facilities – this will now take place on Thursday 6th June to our Club 1910 members, meeting at the Ian M Cheyne Building, Wellbank, Peterhead, AB42 3GL. The

tour will start at 6:30pm and will finish at 8:00pm. Please register your interest, or to find out more by contacting me on George.thom@fraserburghfc.co.uk.

We will publish details of future meetings in our Bellslea Bulletins and through our social media channels. If any businesses have suggestions of speakers please do get in touch.

Finally, we are all looking forward to our 1st Hall of Fame and Annual end of season awards Dinner Disco on Friday 3rd May – thank you again to Mike and Kenny from our Supporters Club for your involvement and support. As I write this article there have been over 270 spaces taken for our Dinner – so if you want to join Mark, the coaching team and 1st team squad for a great evening please contact events@fraserburghfc.co.uk. to reserve a Table of 10 or purchase individual tickets.

NEXT MONTH

In next month’s Bulletin, as we enter a busy close season period, we will provide an update on our plans over the summer – if any of our Bulletin readers would like something specific covered in the Commercial update, please do get in touch on george.thom@fraserburghfc. co.uk.

Until our next Bellslea Bulletin, all the best, George

GeorgeThom

Match officials Alex Ross, Greg Soutar, and Andy Ewen lead out the teams at the recent Highland League Cup Final Photo: Mark Grant

MATCH CENTRE

Second half blitz as Broch steam away at Station Park

BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE

SAT. 16th MARCH

STATION PARK, NAIRN

Match Gallery

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

FRASERBURGH

SATURDAY 16TH MARCH

STATION PARK NAIRN COUNTY

FRASERBURGH

Back (left to right): Scott Murray (Kitman), Connor Wood, Aidan Sopel, Ryan Cowie, Josh Bolton, Edward Finn, Bryan Hay,

Front (left to right): Greg Buchan, Zane Laird, Grant Campbell, James Duthie (Assistant

Hay, Joe Barbour, Lewis Davidson, Sean Butcher, Logan Watt, Ross Aitken, Sarah Robertson (Physio), Alex Mair (Coach) Manager), Willie West, Mark Cowie (Manager), Ryan Sargent, Paul Young, Scott Barbour

Appearances & Goals

MATCH CENTRE

Late Watt winner throws a spanner in Mechanics’ works

Match Gallery

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

WEDNESDAY 2OTH MARCH MOSSET PARK, FORRES FORRES MECHANICS FRASERBURGH

LAST FIVE

FFCSC NEWS

Well, I cannot believe that the season is almost drawing to a close, there is only 4 games left to finish the season.

At the start of March, we were on our travels to play Brora Rangers, the game was in doubt when we arrived at 1 o’clock as heavy rain was pouring down, our very own kit man Derek Strachan was pushing a surface squeegee machine over the wet bits in an attempt to get the game on, thankfully his efforts were rewarded after a bit of common sense from the referee and both teams who wanted to play the game, the Broch went ahead in the 2nd minute, Scott Barbour curled in a corner from the right, the ball sailed over the keeper and was cleared off the line by a Brora defender, unfortunately for him his clearances hit one of his own players and went into the net, the Broch had two great chances which both scraped past the right hand post from Sargent and Barbour, Brora drew level mid-way through the half with a fine finish, in the second half the Broch took control of the game, Sargent looked unlucky to be given offside after a fine finish, the Broch continued to press and were rewarded with 3 points in the last minute of the game, Scott Barbour sent in a deep corner from the left, Bryan Hay rose highest at the back post, his header was deflected towards the goals, Logan Ross could only palm the ball away, Sean Butcher was first to react and slammed the ball high into the net, the Broch deserved to win the game and made the long trip home a very pleasant one.

On the first Monday in March the under 18’s were away to Turriff United, the game was played on the astro turf, both teams wanted a win to push them up the table, Hamish Gordon scored in the 27th minute which made the game level at 1 all at the break, Evan Anderson scored in the 86th minute, alas the lads lost the game by 3 goals to 2.

The first team had an Aberdeenshire Cup Semi Final against Buckie on the Wednesday night, Buckie went ahead in the 17th minute when Joe went walkabout and Lyell Keir chipped the ball over his head into the net, it got worse for the Broch in the 23rd minute, Joe went out of his box and his clearance went straight to the feet of Jack MacIver, he slotted the ball into the empty net from 25 yards out, Ross Aitken pulled a goal back in the 30th minute, Ryan Sargent delivered a cross from the left into the box, Ross runs across to the ball, takes a touch at the edge of the box, then fires in a shot with his left foot which deflects off Andrew MacAskill and loops over Stuart Knight into the net, Buckie scored with a penalty early in the second half to finish the game as a contest, they went further ahead in the 79th minute, a ball played over our defence allowed Marcus Goodall to run through and chip the ball over Joe from 30 yards out, Aidan Sopel got a goal back in the 92nd minute, Ross Aitken fired a long ball up field, the ball finds its way to Logan Watt, he chips the ball to Aidan, he carries the ball into the box and shoots with his left foot, the ball strikes Joe McCabe and loops over Stuart Knight into the net, good luck to Buckie in the final against Inverurie.

On the 9th March we were at home to the Banks O’ Dee, the Broch started the game brightly and went ahead in the 8th minute, Alisdair Stack was short with a header back to his keeper, Scott Barbour raced through and flicked the ball with his left foot past the advancing Daniel Hoban, from 14 yards the ball bounces into the bottom left-hand corner of the net to open the scoring, Aidan Sopel doubled our advantage in the 21st minute, Lewis Davidson throws the ball forward to Logan Watt, he does a clever backheel into Scott Barbour’s feet, Scott gets to the bye line and dribbles past Ramsay Davidson, he passes the ball across

the six-yard box, Aidan dives in and stabs the ball home with his left foot from 3 yards out, the Broch had chances to finish the game off but there was no further scoring in the first half, Dee were back in the game on the 77th minute, a corner was swung in from the left, the ball bounced about in the 6 yard box, Bryan Hay tried to boot it up field, unfortunately it hit Jevan Anderson and flew into the net, both teams had chances to score late in the game but the Broch held out to claim all 3 points.

On the Monday the under 18’s were supposed to be away to Hermes, unfortunately the game was called off on Monday morning.

On Saturday the 16th March we were on our travels to Station Park Nairn, it was a tight first half with neither team able to break the deadlock, Ryan Sargent put the Broch ahead in the 57th minute, Aidan Sopel controlled the ball on the left wing, he played a perfectly weighted pass into the box for Ryan to run onto, he hits the ball with the inside of his left foot from the corner of the 6-yard box, the ball goes past Dylan MacLean into the bottom right-hand corner, Scott Barbour put us 2 up in the 66th minute, Sean Butcher played a pass for Scott to run onto, he fires a shot from the edge of the box with his left foot into the left side of the net, all three points were in the bag when Sean Butcher scored a third in the 92nd minute, Scott Barbour fired in a deep corner from the left side, Kieran Simpson headed the ball back into the six-yard box, Sean hooks the ball into the net with his right foot, a great 3 points which keeps us in 3rd place in the league.

On the Monday night the under 18’s were playing Hall Russell United at Lawsondale Westhill, it was a tight first half until the Broch opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, Theo Watt sent in a curling effort which went into the top right hand corner of the net from 20 yards out with his right foot, Hall Russell drew level on the 57th minute with a cracking header from a corner, they went ahead in the 66th minute after putting the Broch defence under pressure, the Broch salvaged a draw in the 80th minute, Corin McDermott played the ball off to Evan Anderson, he smacked it in from 6-yards out with his right foot.

Wednesday 20th March saw us away to Forres Mechanics, the first half was played at a fast pace with few chances created by either team, the Broch took control of the game in the second half and ran out worthy winners, the deadlock was broken in the 64th minute, Willie West who had just come on off the bench swung a ball into the box, Scott Barbour stooped and headed the ball into the bottom left corner of the net from 7 yards out, the game was all square in the 80th minute after Bryan Hay miss timed a tackle on Callum Frame in the box, Craig Mackenzie stepped up and slotted it into the right corner of the net, the Broch wrapped up all 3 points on the 90th minute, once again Willie West swung a ball into the box, Logan Watt managed to bundle it home off his chest from 3 yards out, a hard fought win which takes us up to second place in the league.

Our next home match was against Rothes, the weather did its best to ruin the day but the Broch would have none of it, Logan Watt opened the scoring in bizarre fashion in the 20th minute, Logan swings in a corner from the left, Sean McCarthy cannot get his fingers to it, the ball swings in on the wind and goes into the top corner of the net, our second goal was scored by Scott Barbour in the 36th minute, Kieran Simpson sent a long ball forward, Logan Watt flicks it on for Scott to run onto, he slots the ball past Sean McCarthy with his left foot from 22 yards out, Logan Watt added a third in the 68th minute, Paul Young threads the ball through to Logan, he takes a touch and bullets a

right foot shot high into the right side of the net from 14 yards out, Ryan Sargent made it 4 in the 72nd minute, Greg Buchan does brilliantly to get to the bye line from a Scott Barbour pass, he crosses the ball into the box where Ryan stabs a left foot shot from 5 yards that goes into the bottom lefthand corner, the game was wrapped up by Callum Kelly scoring in the 90th minute, Paul Young threads a pass through the defence, Callum races onto the ball and from the edge of the box he slots the ball into the bottom right corner of the net, a huge congratulations to Callum after scoring his first goal for the Broch, let’s hope it’s the first of any more to come.

The under 18’s were at home to table toppers Inverurie Locos on the Monday night, Inverurie were a bigger and stronger team and were 3 goals up after 33 minutes, the Broch got a goal back in the shape of an OG in the 34th minute, Locos scored their 4th just before the half-time whistle, Locos went further ahead in the 59th minute, the Broch continued to battle away and scored a second in the 82nd minute, Hamish Gorden sent in a looping header into the net, the Broch were awarded a penalty which Theo Watt tucked away just before the final whistle.

A busy time for the 18’s as they were away to Formartine on the last Thursday of the month, heavy rain during the day resulted in the game being postponed 10 minutes prior to the kick off.

The last game for the month was the Highland League Cup final, the Broch were playing Brora Rangers at Harlaw Park Inverurie, a large traveling support welcomed the teams onto the park, Scott Barbour opened the scoring in the 30th minute, Aidan Sopel passed the ball out to Scott on the right wing, he cut inside and fired a low shot with his left foot from 22 yards out, Joe Malan could only help the ball into the bottom right-hand corner of the net, Brora equalized in the 57th minute, Paul Brindle moved down the right wing, he passed the ball into Tom Kelly who slotted home with his right foot from 10 yards out, both teams tried to claim a winner but there was no further scoring, the game was decided by a flying save to his right by Joe Malan, Sean Butcher hit the penalty well but the keeper made a great save and the Cup was won, very disappointing for the lads as they could have had the game won in the first half, well done to Brora.

For those who are still interested, Zander Smith has scoffed his 27th match day pie to date this year, he would have been 2 further on but his mum would not allow him to go to Forres.

We hope to run a bus to the Strathspey Thistle game on the 13th April which will leave the Elizabethan at 11:00am, the cost of travel is £20 for adults and £12 for others, details have been sent out, so book early.

We hope to attract new members to the supporter’s club as we have kept our membership and bus prices at the same cost as last year.

Non members are also very welcome to travel to games but they will have to pay an extra £2.

Our bus info page will tell you the cost and times of bus travel, we leave for home right after the final whistle.

development TEAMS

Barbour 250th and Kelly’s 1st as Rothes are swept aside

BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE

SAT. 23rd MARCH

BELLSLEA PARK, FRASERBURGH

Match Gallery

Match Gallery

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

SATURDAY 23RD MARCH

BELLSLEA PARK, FRASERBURGH

LAST FIVE

FAN FOCUS

Gordon Beagrie

WHEN DID YOU START FOLLOWING THE BROCH?

Went from Longside when Aberdeen were away from home with my Dad to a few games early 70s.Remember the games being really physical, some big crowds as well.

WHICH PART OF THE GROUND DO YOU GO IN AND WHY? ANY FRIENDS YOU WANT TO MENTION?

Go in front of the stand. Started to go there with Alan Dickson (Mark's Dad), Stone Campbell (Paul’s Dad) joined us there for a few seasons. I enjoy the friendly repartee with the stand side linesman.

BEST GAME AND WHY?

Must be Brechin away when we were down three nil after twenty minutes or so.To come back and win 5-3 was incredible, definitely the game that won the league in my opinion.

WORST GAME AND WHY?

Probably a few I played in but in more recent times, Scottish Cup away to Gala Fairydean if I remember correctly. Should have been a “gimme” but lost against very poor opponents.

GrandsonGordon(background)with &Son(foreground) andtheHighlandLeague Championshiptrophy

Think we followed that with away trips to Brora and Wick.

FAVOURITE FRASERBURGH PLAYER OF ALL TIME AND WHY?

Far too many really good players to pick out one. Just surprised more Broch players didn’t go on to play at a higher level.

FAVOURITE CURRENT PLAYER?

Wife says it has to be Jamie.

IF YOU COULD SIGN ONE HFL PLAYER FOR THE BROCH WHO WOULD IT BE?

Would prefer to see more young local lads breaking through but Max Barry of Buckie plays with a “swagger” we maybe lack at times. Always looking to get on the ball.

YOUR ALL-TIME FRASERBURGH XI?

Did this for the club podcast and could have picked three or four different teams. So I will go for the title winning team from two years ago. Best TEAM wins the league not individuals

GordonplayingfortheBroch versus St Johnstone

THING YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT THE CLUB?

Still a great local identity with good backing from the town and surrounding area.

I played for a few years, now Jamie, hoping grandson can follow the tradition.

FAVOURITE HIGHLAND LEAGUE GROUND APART FROM BELLSLEA?

I enjoyed playing at both Ross County and Elgin City. These days would go for Brechin, great set up and Broch have a really good record there.

ONE THING YOU'D LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT FOOTBALL?

More common sense from referees, let game flow. Cut out play acting.

ANY OTHER CLUB YOU SUPPORT?

Aberdeen

WHO'S GOING TO WIN THE LEAGUE THIS SEASON?

Might be a wee twist or turn yet, but can’t see past Brechin now

Willie West wheels away in delight after Logan Watt is swamped by his teammates following his last-gasp winner at Forres

Photo: Barry Walker

MEET the ref SANDY ROY

WHAT WAS YOUR JOB OUTSIDE OF FOOTBALL?

I qualified in 1972 as a Chartered Surveyor dealing with Business Rates, working for the local Council in Elgin, before, on moving to Aberdeen in 1984, joining a private professional company. I retired in 2010.

HOW LONG DID YOU REFEREE FOR?

I started refereeing in February 1973 (North Region Juniors) and retired as a referee in May 1998 (Scottish Premier League). At that time, referees were required to retire from Senior Football at 50 years old. I was immediately appointed as a Referee Development Advisor for the Scottish FA before being appointed as a Referee Supervisor (now Observer) in February 1999 and then as Referee Association Manager (Aberdeen & District – my current position ) in May 2005.

FIRST MATCH YOU CAN REMEMBER REFEREEING?

10 February 1973 Cabar Feidh v Buckie Rovers in North Region Juniors

WHY DID YOU START REFEREEING?

Long story, but I claim that I was“hijacked” into it by Robbie Harrold and John Grant – both very active referees at the time!! Robbie continued to be my unofficial “Mentor” throughout my refereeing career.

FAVOURITE GROUND TO OFFICIATE AT? Dens Park, Dundee

BEST REFEREEING MOMENT?

Being chosen as an official (linesman) for the 1997 Scottish Cup Final between Falkirk and Kilmarnock.

MOST MEMORABLE GAME YOU OFFICIATED AT?

Linesman - European Cup Quarter Final (2nd Leg) AC Milan v Werder Bremen in San Siro Stadium on 15 March 1989

ANY AMUSING INCIDENTS YOU CAN LOOK BACK ON?

In my first game in the Speyside Welfare League in May 1974, Aberlour Villa v Newmill, the visitors walked off at the end of the 90mins, refusing to play extra time as “you have already given them the game”!

ANY DECISIONS YOU WISHED YOU COULD GO BACK AND CHANGE?

Too many to list here!

VAR – YES OR NO?

Yes, but with improvements. It is still in its infancy in Scotland, but is successful in other countries after it has settled in.

IF YOU WERE GIVEN THE CHANCE TO CREATE OR AMEND A RULE, WHAT WOULD CHOOSE?

2 stand out for me:- 1) the current law relating to handball ; 2) Offside

IS THERE ANYTHING AT ALL YOU THINK WE AS CLUBS COULD CHANGE TO ENCOURAGE MORE PEOPLE TO BECOME REFEREES?

Anything similar to what Fraserburgh FC are doing locally in terms of advertising, promoting and providing facilities for education of new referees. Beyond recruitment, the real problem is retention of referees. That’s where Clubs can make an impact - by protecting new referees operating at the lower playing levels, eg SHFL U-18s or Aberdeenshire & District League U-21s

ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO A NEW REFEREE?

Always be prepared to listen to advice from more senior colleagues. Consider the points made and look to take them into your game. At the very least, give it a try.

BEST PIECES OF ADVICE YOU WERE GIVEN?

In my days in North Region Juniors whilst living in Elgin, I was fortunate to have a Mentor – a former referee - who came with me to almost all of my games. We always dissected my performance on the way home and he never held back when “advice” was needed. Every session always ended with his words – Always remember that “the man who never made a mistake never made anything”!

PLAYER AND STAFF SPONSORS

Cup final heartache as Broch lose out in shoot-out

GPH HIGHLAND LEAGUE

SAT. 30th MARCH

HARLAW PARK, INVERURIE

Match Gallery

Match Gallery

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

FRASERBURGH BRORA RANGERS

SATURDAY 30TH MARCH

HARLAW PARK, INVERURIE

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Highland Focus April 1975

BRIAN FIRST EVER BOSS

After “doing a Billy McNeill” and stepping down after 14 seasons as Fraserburgh’s centrehalf, Brian McCann has beenappointedtheclub’s firsteverteammanager.

The big pivot is also to receive a testimonial game at the start of next season at which it is hoped that Aberdeen will supplytheopposition.

Brian, who has an SFA coaching certificate, now has the problem of finding his own successor inthenumberfiveshirt.

Hesays,“I’mdelightedat becoming the first manager of my home townteam.Oursuccessin recent years has been founded on the fact that

we are an all-local side andIhaveknownmostof the present players since they were old enough to walk.

“Wehavethebiggestand best support in the HighlandLeagueanditis because we pin our faith on local talent. I will continue that policy and we will not bring in anyone from outside the Buchanarea.”

Fraserburgh have lost their star inside forward Jimmy Noble to their great local rivals Peterhead - which is roughly comparable to Kenny Dalglish joining Rangers

Jimmy, who lives in Fraserburgh, comments, “I hope the fans will forgive me - but I don’t thinktheyeverwill.”

Meanwhile, over 100 Highland League players have applied to take part in the SFA coaching scheme being pioneered intheNorth.

The first coaching weekend is at Inverness on 30th May, at Elgin the following weekend, and thenatBrora.

SFAchiefcoachPeterRice isinchargeonthecourse helped by Doug Houston of Dundee United and St Johnstone’s Jim O’Rourke.

The course follows an approach by the North of Scotland FA to the SFA to give Highland players a break in this context for the cost of going to Largs summer school is often prohibitive for many Northstars.

BROCH

DIRECTORY

Telephone 01346 518444

Email fraserburghfc@highlandleague.com

Website www.thebroch.online

Address Book

Chairman/Secretary FINLAY NOBLE

Vice Chairman GEORGE THOM

Directors JAMES A ADAMS JAMES G ADAMS ROBERT COWE

DAVID MILNE

EWAN MOWAT JASON NICOL

Treasurer STEPHEN SIM

Webmasters FINLAY NOBLE MARK SIMPSON

Committee GAVIN BRUCE ELIZABETH DUNBAR

STUART ELLIS

FRANK GOODALL

WILLIAM McKENZIE

STEPHEN SIM

MARK SIMPSON

IAN SMITH

NICHOLAS FORMAN

FFC in the Community CLAIRE BATTY GRAEME NOBLE

Magazine Contributors MARK SIMPSON

FINLAY NOBLE BARRY WALKER

DUNCAN BROWN

MIKE McLEAN MARTIN MOIR

MARK GRANT NICKY CORDINER

STEVE DICKIE

Football Department

Manager MARK COWIE

Assistant Manager JAMES DUTHIE

Coaches ALEX MAIR

ANTHONY SHERLOCK

EDDIE FLINN

Head of Youth MATTHEW WEST

Youth Coaches DEAN COWIE GRAHAM JOHNSTON WILL RAMSAY ANDREW DUNBAR

Kit Manager DEREK STRACHAN

Kitmen ZANDER SMITH SCOTT MURRAY

Captain WILLIAM WEST

Physios SARAH ROBERTSON

EMMA THOIRS

Club Doctors DR MICHAEL DICK

DR GAYLE NOBLE

Club Honours

Highland League 1932/33, 1937/38, 2001/02, 2021/22

Highland League Cup 1958/59, 2005/06

Qualifying Cup 1957/58, 1995/96, 2006/07

Aberdeenshire Cup 1910/11, 1937/38, 1955/56, 1963/64, 1972/73, 1975/76, 1996/97, 2012/13, 2014/15, 2015/16, 2019/20, 2020/21, 2022/23

Broch Lottery

The March Lottery was drawn by match referee, Kevin Murray before the Nairn County game in February.

1st Prize £300 - No 130 John Joiner

2nd Prize £100 - No 74 Ian Reid

Congratulations to our winners and many thanks for your continued support.

NOTE - We will no longer be sending out emails to everyone advising of the draw results, but will continue to update the web page and our Social Media Pages.

Congratulations to all our winners and many thanks for you continued support.

If you would like to take part please request a form by emailing stephen.sim@fraserburghfc.co.uk and we will send you a mandate for you to return completed to the club either by post or in person.

Payment methods;

• Standing Order of 12 months at £5

• Standing Order of 4 Quarterly payments of £15

• Standing Order of 2 Half Yearly payments of £30

• Standing Order of 1 Annual Payment of £60

• Cash or cheque payment payable to Fraserburgh FC Development Fund.

Winning numbers will also be posted on Twitter and Facebook.

Aberdeen Charity Cup 1911/12, 1913/14, 1921/22, 1926/27

Aberdeenshire Shield 1991/92, 1993/94, 1995/96, 1996/97, 1999/2000, 2011/12, 2015/16, 2019/20, 2022/23

Fleming Shield 1919/20

Bells League Cup 1972/73, 1973/74, 1975/76, 1976/77, 1978/79

Aberdeenshire League 1994/95, 1995/96, 1997/98, 2022/23

Highland Youth League 1992/93, 1993/94, 2001/02, 2003/04

The allocated number will be yours for the duration of your subscription.