the BROCH
BELLSLEABULLETIN:INTERACTIVEDIGITALMAGAZINE
ISSUE17:OCTOBER2024
CHAIRMAN MICHAELMURRAY
September Update: A Month of Challenges and Milestones
September has certainly been a month of mixed fortunes for us. While we faced disappointment with exits from both the Aberdeenshire Cup and the SPFL Trust Trophy, there’s plenty to be proud of, and even more to look forward to as we continue our season.
Trust Trophy Journey: Lessons in Every Game
Although we bowed out of the Trust Trophy, let’s not forget the exciting run we had, which gave us three great matches to enjoy. Every game provided a valuable learning experience for the team, pushing them to compete at a higher level. I know I wasn’t the only one hoping the Rangers B team wouldn’t be as tough as they were, but it was a fantastic challenge that tested the team.
Looking Ahead: Scottish Cup Showdown
Now, our focus shifts to the Scottish Cup, where we’ll face Rothes at home on the 28th of September. This is a brilliant opportunity for us to bounce back, and we’re all eager to progress to the next round of this prestigious competition. Playing in the Scottish Cup is always special, and we're excited to see what we can achieve.
Rising Stars: Youth Making Their Mark
One of the biggest positives this month has been the
MichaelMurray
emergence of some of our talented young players. We’ve seen appearances from Stuart Laird, Dylan Robertson, Adam Henderson, Flynn McKay, and Cameron Robertson. Their inclusion highlights the club’s proud tradition of developing and promoting local talent, and it's exciting to see them stepping up and contributing to the squad.
Celebrating Milestones: Wullie West and Greg Buchan
I also want to take a moment to acknowledge two significant milestones within the team. First, congratulations to Wullie West for achieving the most outfield appearances for the first team—a remarkable accomplishment that speaks to his consistency and commitment over the years.
We look forward to seeing many more appearances from him.
Additionally, Greg Buchan’s 200th appearance is another huge milestone that cannot go unnoticed. His dedication and hard work have been invaluable to the club.
Final Thoughts
While September has brought its challenges, it’s also been a month of growth, new opportunities, and important milestones. With the Scottish Cup on the horizon and young talent continuing to break through, there’s a lot to be optimistic about.
Let’s keep pushing forward and making progress as a team.Onward to the next challenge!
MATCH CENTRE
MANAGER
MARK COWIE
The ethos of the club is to promote youth players and that is one of the things I look to continuously do.
Usually in the monthly bulletin, I go through the games which have taken place the previous month and make comments on what I think was good and what maybe was not quite up to scratch. On this occasion I feel as if everyone already knows how the results have been of late, and we know as a backroom staff that these results are not in line with the standards we have set previously.Instead, this month, I want to give you an update on where we feel we are in terms of a squad and a club.
It is no secret, that we tried tirelessly to bring in new players in the summer. We were successful in signing local lad Liam Strachan from our neighbours Fraserburgh United. Liam will take time to get to grips with the frantic pace of the HFL, but he holds lots of ability and even more importantly he wants to do well not only for himself, but also the club. He has come in and fitted in well with the group and we hope we can work together for years to come.
Unfortunately, Liam was the only player we managed to get signed before the season started.We spoke to a couple of players who simply received better financial offers from other clubs so decided to go there.We spoke to players who it seemed weren’t fully invested in the fact they had the chance to sign for Fraserburgh, so we pulled out of the deals. I think it is important that players want to come to us.I don’t think we should have to work too hard to convince players to sign for this club. We have a set structure in terms of wages which we do not go beyond and yes this maybe is not at the levels of other clubs however it is still a good contract.We have a history behind us that surrounds the walls of Bellslea and are echoed continuously by those who have lived it and witnessed it in the terraces and stands.
We have a support that is second to none, who create an atmosphere at home games that many a club envies.There are few clubs at our level who can claim this.
We have an ever so supportive committee and board who look after the players as much as they can and who have a relationship with everyone that truly comes across as a second family.We as a club have a lot of attractions that should entice players to come and play for the club.
Ultimately yes, I would have liked to get two or three more players in who were closer to their peaks and had more experience at this level so that we could try and compete at the top on a consistent basis. This hasn’t happened and when you add in the fact that we lost Ryan Cowie to retirement and Ryan Sargent to a higher league then we were always going to be up against it.
Yet we have managed to put in some good performances, particularly in the early rounds of the SPFL Trophy against Hearts B and Forfar Athletic. The Rangers B game we came up against a side that were on a different level to us, and we must hold our hands up.It was a very harsh learning curve, but I was really impressed with them and fully expect a good number of those who played that night to go on and have successful careers in the game.
Mark Cowie
What we have at this club which I believe is the best in the area, is a youth set up which at this time is thriving. We do not set up our 21’s and 18’s to win both leagues,we set them up to fast track their development into senior football. Without meaning to come across arrogant, I feel we could win more 18’s leagues if we really wanted to as we could put out more 18year-old players and make the team stronger. However we as a club like to challenge players and feel some of them can sort of outgrow the youth league. Therefore, we take them out of the youth team and make them play 21’s instead and more importantly, either in with the first team or on loan at a junior club.
The likes of Jake Garden, Flynn McKay, Stuart Laird, Adam Henderson, Johnny Adams etc can still play U18’s however they are either with us on a Saturday or playing in the junior leagues. This makes it tougher for them but also creates opportunities for 16/17-year-olds to play regularly in the 18s league. I feel strongly that players need to be challenged. They have been playing against players of their own age and ability for long enough. I feel when they hit 16, they need to be challenged more and play both with and against stronger and better players to aid their development. I have canvassed for a few years now to increase the age limit at U21’s level from 3 overage players to 5 overage players. I feel too many view this league as a youth league when it isn’t, it is a reserve league so to speak where we need to test players to see if they are ready to play in first team HFL games. I want to play my 20-yearolds against top HFL players to see how they stand up and play with better players to see how their character adapts to it. I simply feel the current model is a bit too easy for some and we can’t fully gauge if players who play these games are ready to play HFL matches or not.
In summary, I guess what I am trying to say is the ethos of the club is to promote youth players and that is one of the things I look to continuously do.In recent times we have seen Kieran Simpson, Ryan Sargent, Logan Watt all come in from the youth team and hold down regular places in the first team. The next crop we have already seen glimpses of and will hopefully see a lot more of as the years roll on. The likes of Jake Garden and Flynn Mckay were playing juvenile football a matter of
months ago and now we expect them to hold their own in a Fraserburgh side that wants to compete on all fronts. We need to be patient with these guys. One thing for sure is that they will make mistakes, and they will have spells when they are not performing but it is my job, as well as the other coaches and the senior players, to look after these kids and keep pushing to develop them.My goal for them is not to play for Fraserburgh FC. I want them to play full time if possible or in the SPFL leagues if we can.
With Ryan Sargent for example did we want to lose him to Elgin? Of course not. Ryan had worked himself in to one of the better players in the league in his position but when that happened bigger clubs will come looking. Could we have stood in his way of trying the step up? No chance and I never will.
Yes, I want to have the best team I can playing for me here but not by holding players back from going up a level. These youngsters are our future, and we need to encourage them.No one ever expects things to be replaced but that is life.
Michael Stephen lost his club scoring record to Scott Barbour recently and one day someone will take it from Scott.Billy Gordon is our club’s record appearance holder however one local lad has his sights on it and by the looks of things will pass it, but then someone in time will pass him. That is what records are for – to be broken and we can only do that by creating the best environment we can for players to want to stay at Fraserburgh. We do this by making training enjoyable, creating an environment that is safe and fun to be in and by competing for trophies. I think we have managed to do that for the last 10 seasons and will endeavour to continue this for many more.
Our young players are excellent and will be excellent. Our youth coaches are excellent and will be excellent. We just need to give them the time and direction that allows them the best chance to succeed.
Thanks as always for your continuous support. It is always appreciated, even more so when we are going through tougher times.
Official Fraserburgh FC Tartan Retail Price List
*50% payable to Fraserburgh FC on order, with the balance payable to Mains Highlandwear (i.e. Kilt £262.50, Trousers £122.50, Waistcoat £79.50)
Order to Delivery:
Scarfs - In Stock
Kilts - 6 to 8 weeks
Ties, Trousers, Waistcoats - 10 weeks
MATCH CENTRE
GRANDSTAND APPLICATION SUBMITTED BROCH HERALD, 1921
An application was submitted from Fraserburgh Football Club, Ltd., for permission to erect a grandstand in Bellslea Park, and make certain alterations to the boundaries. It was proposed to have a grandstand to hold 500 persons, and to have offices and rooms underneath.
A plan of the works was examined by the Managers, who afterwards discussed the proposals.
The Clerk said there were five years of the lease to run, and the rent was £30 per annum. The club were prepared to pay an additional prorata rent for the extra ground. The pavilion would cost £1500.
Mr Dunbar said Bellslea Park was really the playground of Fraserburgh, not only for the Football Club but for the children of the town, to whom the links were practically barred for six months of the year. The granting of this extension would be a great thing for the Football Club. It was suggested that a bowling green for working men be constructed at the north-west corner.
Mr Reiach remarked that the commonty and Bellslea Park were held on different titles. He had
great sympathy with the Football Club, and they must try and meet them as far as they possibly could. They should appoint a small committee to report to an early meeting.
The Chairman said the difficulty of the ground might be got over by shifting the pitch towards Saltoun Place and reducing the Unionist Club.
Mr Proctor said the Scottish Association insisted upon the field being a certain size before certain games could be played upon it.
Mr Dunbar said working people demanded the same facilities for sport for their young folks as rich people obtained for theirs at public schools.
Mr Hunter said he was a supported of sport in every shape and form. They saw the advantage of that in the war, when mean in a high state of training went out with the first hundred thousand and saved the country.
Messrs Brown, Reiach, Hunter, and Peterkin were appointed a committee to confer with representatives of the Football Club and report within a fortnight.
Bellslea Park, early twentieth century and prior to the building of the Grandstand
PLAYER’S VIEW
BRYAN HAY
We have the best travelling fans in the league and it really does help the team when we are going through tough times
A change of voice for this months Bellslea Bulletin… don’t worry all you Willie West fans, he will be back giving his Stephen Fry-esque thorough and in-depth look at the results and upcoming fixtures next time… Anyway lets get to it.
Think its safe to say that September really hasn’t turned out quite how we would have liked, despite the fact we started the month very strongly away to Rothes in a mid-weeker. The team’s overall performance was very good and it was great to see so many of the young team make their full Broch debuts (Shout outs to Stuart Laird, Flynn McKay, Cammy Robertson, Dylan Robertson and Adam Henderson) – special mentions to Flynn and Cammy for grabbing their first Broch goals also, I’m sure these will be the first of many.
The final Debutant that night was of course Andy Reid who we signed in the summer from Locos, one of the best keepers in the league over the last 15+ years and it was great to have him back fit and playing finally for the Broch, well done all.
That I’m afraid was the only highlight from the month. Our hopes of progressing through to the Aberdeenshire Cup SemiFinal were snatched away at the death by Buckie, our SPFL Trust Trophy cup run came to an end down at Forthbank at the hands of Rangers B and our league form quite frankly has been woeful with losses to Brora & Lossie and a draw with Forres… safe to say there is plenty work to be done to turn around our season.
BryanHay
Players, management, coaches and background staff at the club are fully aware that the current performances and results have not been good enough or acceptable, the blame here lies fully with the playing squad and rest assured we are working hard to turn things around.
The introduction of some of the youth players into the first team setup has been brilliant for the club and the team but I think the senior players have probably let them down if we are being totally honest with ourselves but we’ve got to move forward.
October looks like it will be a difficult month again so its really time for us to stand up and turn things around. Difficult games lie ahead with us coming up against Keith, Nairn, Formartine & Locos who all look to be doing well at the minute,
thankfully three of these games come at the Broch and with the help of the Bellslea loyal I’m confident we can pick up some good results and start to turn things around.
Last thing from myself – we have been on the road quite a bit in September – five away games to be precise –and despite the downturn in results and performances the away support from our fans hasn’t faltered at all.
We have the best travelling fans in the league (biased opinion maybe) and it really does help the team when we are going through tough times so a big thank you to all from myself and the rest of the squad, your support is always appreciated.
Up the Burry.
Cheers, Hayzer
Debutant Stuart Laird on the move in the recent win
over Rothes
Photo: Barry Walker
MATCH CENTRE
Broch in seventh heaven on night of Fraserburgh
COMMERCIAL CORNER
GEORGE THOM
FRASERBURGHFC
As I write this update we are all looking forward to the start of our Scottish Cup campaign with the hope, like every season, that our journey will include being in the draw for the 4th Round of our National Cup competition - from a prestige and financial point of view this is really important to our Club.
I’d like to pass on my own thanks to Mark, James, our coaches and all the 1st team squad for a great SPFL Trust Trophy campaignreaching the last 32 was a great achievement and we may well have been beaten by the eventual winners, Rangers B, who were impressive on the night.
I will repeat my previous comments in these commercial updates that we need to run our Football Club as a business, and this includes, through Club 1910, engaging and giving back to our fellow local and regional businesses who provide financial and “in kind” support as a Sponsor, Official Partner and Advertiser.
Club 1910 was established in the Spring this year with 3 launch events – the objective of this Business Club is to work closer with our local and regional business community, to give something back through complimentary business events and to provide networking opportunities.
As I have shared already, generating new income
CLUB
1910
Forbusiness
GeorgeThom
streams, and retaining existing income sources continues to be a key priority for our Club, but commercially, this is an area we are finding more and more challenging over these past 6 months.
It is a real disappointment that we have had to make the decision to cancel our main annual fundraiser, our Business Lunch, which was scheduled for 1 November, due to lack of interest and support.
As a business, we feel our Club is in good shape and the Directors are determined to continue our efforts to generate the income needed to allow us to exceed the ongoing operational costs of our Club, with our priority being youth development, the team on the pitch, and at the same time, ensuring we are making provision for the non-playing side to include Bellslea Park maintenance and capital improvements.
I have provided more detail at our Club 1910 Events, but as a result of a few enquiries
I’ve had, here are the categories of our main sources of income, currently forecast for this season, in order of value:
1. Sponsorship
2. Hospitality Lounge contribution
3. Match Day Pay as you Go
4. Advertising at Bellslea Park
5. Official Club Partners
6. Season Ticket Holders
7. Events
8. FFC TV
9. Other: External - to include income from SFA and SPFL (variable depending on performance)
10. Other: Internal – to include Broch Lottery and Fans Brick wall
Some specific updates since last month…………..
CLUB 1910 UPDATE:
On 5thSeptember we hosted a Business Financial Planning event in our Hospitality Lounge.
Our Club 1910 members were joined by members of Network Northeast, an
established business network group.
Steven McKay from VT Wealth, and myself, facilitated a session on the importance of taking financial advice at every stage of the business cyclefrom start up, to growth, through expansion and maturity , and finally exit. A healthy discussion took place on the importance of managing business risk, tax planning and retirement planning.
Our next meeting is on Thursday 14thNovember 6:30pm to 8:00pm where Score Group, our Sponsors, have kindly agreed to provide a tour of the Score Group facilities, Ian M Cheyne Building, Wellbank, Peterhead.
To confirm your attendance please contact me George. thom@fraserburghfc.co.uk
SPONSORSHIP:
We continue to have sponsorship opportunities in the following areas:
� Match Day: (Promotional Flyer within this Bulletin) Most Highland League matches are still available.
� Player & Staff: We still have a small number of opportunities available.
� Youth development : Ongoing operational costs.
� 1st Team Squad: Attraction, development and retention of our playing squad.
� Bellslea Park ongoing maintenance.
� Hall of Fame and End of Season Awards Dinner, April 2025: Our flagship Annual Event where we are planning to have around 400 in attendance.
ADVERTISING: (Promotional Flyer within this Bulletin).
� We are really appreciative of all businesses who support us
season on season and to our new Advertisers this season at Bellslea Park –there are not many Clubs that have 120 Advertisement Boards at their ground. Thank you.
� We still have around 30 spaces around the ground that will hopefully suit every budget – starting from an annual fee of £180 + vat. Please contact us on stephen.sim@fraserburghfc. co.uk to reserve a Board.
OFFICIAL PARTNERS:
� Justrite/excel-sports:
We enjoy a great relationship with Steven and the team and we are very grateful for their continued support. We are currently in discussions on finalising our new away First Team strip for seasons 2025/27. In addition, we are exploring the possibility of a 3rd First Team strip for next season to recognise, and celebrate our 115th anniversary in 2025 – this top would incorporate our official tartan and also benefit a chosen charity.
� Mains Highlandwear: With Christmas just round the corner we have a new stock of our official Fraserburgh FC tartan scarfs available at £25. Please contact us on finance@fraserburghfc. co.uk to purchase a scarf. We plan to have these scarfs on sale at Bellslea park as we get closer to December. We also have a range of different products including kilts and waistcoats – please contact us to place an order.
EVENTS:
� Annual Golf Day: Friday 30th August: A big thank you Davie Milne for organising a successful Golf Day - full details on the following page of this Bulletin.
� Bonkers Bingo: Friday 29th November – this is our next scheduled event which is a sellout. Given the popularity of our first one earlier this year we plan to hold another evening in the Spring of next year.
� Hall of Fame and End of Season Awards Dinner: April 25th , Fraserburgh Leisure Centre: We are planning a bigger and better event for next Spring and more details will follow. For the moment please save the date. If anyone is led to be our headline sponsor for our biggest event in our annual calendar please get in touch with myself or any of our Directors.
� We will be organising a number of fundraisers through to the end of this season to help offset the loss of planned income from the now cancelled Business Lunch.
NEXT MONTH
In next month’s Bulletin, we will provide a further update on the non-playing side of our Club - on the back of us having to cancel a big fund raising event I’m keen to hear from any of our Bulletin readers with any suggestions of events you would support or feel would be attractive to our local community.
Please do get in touch with me on George.thom@sjpp. co.uk or any of our Directors.
Until our next Bellslea Bulletin, all the best,
George
FRASERBURGH FC GOLF DAY 2024
All at the Club would like to thank everyone who took part in our golf tournament on Friday 30th August at Fraserburgh.
Eighteen teams played on the day and the team winners were:
1st Watermill Coaches Ltd with a score of 54.2 net.
2nd Victoria Group Ltd 56.8
3rd Dennis Gordon Electrical Ltd 57.0
The winner of the Lucky Square No 70 was Mark Dougal from Peterhead .
From all at FFC a big thanks to M Squared Accountants for their sponsorship. Also to C & A West for the 3rd place prize and all the work they did for the event.
Many thanks to all who donated raffles and prizes for nearest to the hole etc.
Thanks to Barry Walker for spending the day with us taking photographs of the event.
Finally, a big thank you to Fraserburgh Golf Club staff for hosting the event in a very professional manner - great testament to the golf club. Thank you to Janette, Elaine and Ann-May for all their help.
The club are very much appreciative of all who took part in the event and hopefully we will see you all next year.
MATCH CENTRE
Kieran Simpson wheels away after nodding the Broch back into the game at Forres
Click or Double Tap for Nairn County Squad List
Photo: Barry Walker
Club Sponsors
We would like to thank our current Sponsors for your continued support, and to our new Sponsors, thank you, we are delighted to have your support.
Main Sponsor, Front of First Team Shirt, Club 1910
Youth Kit
FFC in the Community, FFC TV, Back of First Team Shirt
Bellslea Park Maintenance
Back of First Team Shirt
First Team Subs Jackets
Bellslea Park Maintenance
Coming up
LAST FIVE
It was night of Fraserburgh firsts in the 7-0 win at Rothes earlier in the month.
Our starting eleven featured two Broch debutants - goalkeeper Andy Reid, making his first appearance since joining from Inverurie Locos in July, and young forward Stuart Laird, fresh from his hat-trick for the U21s on Monday evening.
The match also featured firsts in terms of first team goals through Flynn McKay - who would go onto net a second - and Cameron Robertson in only his second top-team appearance.
Further debuts came in the shape of Dylan Robertson, a 66th minute replacement off the bench for Willie West, and Adam Henderson, who came on for Kieran Simpson some five minutes later.
Well done to all involved and here's to many more.
MATCH CENTRE
Official Travel Partner of Fraserburgh FC
A first start for Dylan Robertson came in the visit to Forres
Photo: Barry Walker
FRASERBURGH
Back Row: Dean Cowie, Aidan Sopel, Jamie Beagrie, Josh Bolton, Bryan Hay, Logan Watt, Connor Wood, Ross Aitken, Alex Mair, Sarah Robertson
Front Row: Derek Strachan, Greg Buchan, Joshua Hawkins, Paul Young, James McKay, Eddie Flinn
FRASERBURGHFC2024/25
Hay, Sam Inglis, Kieran Simpson, Joe Barbour, Lewis Davidson, Sean Butcher,
James Duthie, Willie West, Mark Cowie, Jake Garden, Scott Barbour, Flynn
head of youth
MATTHEW WEST
It has been a decent month for the club from a youth perspective. Our u21s picked up 3 points with a strong performance against Huntly at home. Our u18s played Deveronvale and Hall Russell United winning both matches 2-0.
A number of the youngsters, amid a busy and challenging period for our first team squad, have been given an opportunity. This is good and early signs, long-term, are promising.
I must say how grateful we all are for the hardest worked staff member in the club at the moment. Our dedicated physio Sarah Robertson who has had to put an extension onto the treatment room for the amount of injuries we have picked up recently across our squads.
Liam Gordon, our young goalkeeper, has been progressing well and recently we got feedback from manager Neale Sorrie at Tarves AFC: “We are delighted with how Liam has started the season. His ability to stay big and win 1v1 duels has been quite remarkable and already in the early stages of the season he has become one of our key players.”
Johnny Adam, our young defender, is out at Longside juniors and we recently got some feedback from manager Nicol Davidson:“Johnny has shown a lot of maturity for a young player. He has all the tools you want in a modern full back. Despite a few niggling injuries having a slight impact early on, we are really looking forward to seeing him progress with us over the coming months.”
I recently completed the ‘C’ License Coaching Course. Four days on the grass with coaches from all over the world making the journey to sunny Westhill. It’s important to acknowledge and congratulate my peers at the club for recent efforts.
Significant qualifications and
Matthew West
endorsements on the UEFA/SFA Coaching Pathway have been achieved. The Gaffer and Bax have recently passed the ‘B’ Licence and first team coach Anthony Sherlock has, after many years of hard work, passed his ‘A’ License. Personal development is vital and it is great for the club that our team are taking the time to gain such levels of competence accreditation with benefits for the club and more importantly our players.
Youngsters Adam Henderson and Sam Inglis have relocated to the central belt to begin University. Talented players, these lads are also very intelligent - I have no doubt both will embrace the challenge and adapt well to their new environment.
On behalf of all at the club I would like to pass on thoughts and well wishes to all involved in the terrible road accident a few weeks back in Banff. To hear of such incident involving local youth football players is hard hitting. It prompts a great sense of vulnerability, pressure, and situations our group may come across over the next few chapters of
life’s journey. This brings a natural anxiety which we must do our utmost to get the youths to understand and appreciate for there own benefit.
A busy month awaits for our youth teams in October. The u21s will travel to Ian Mair park to play high-flying Dyce. They then host Turriff on the last Monday of October.
Our u18s will also host Turriff at Bellslea in what will be a very difficult match, Turra making a really strong start to their league campaign.
We are also looking forward to welcoming Dundee u18s back to the Bellslea having hosted them earlier this year in a preseason friendly. This time its competitive action in the 3rd round of the u18 Scottish Cup. 11th October, Friday night under the lights at Bellslea. It’s sure to be a great atmosphere and experience for our players. We go up against one of the country’s top pro youth outfits. We hope to see you along to support the group.
Take Care - Matthew
development TEAMS
FIRST TEAM FIXTURES & STATS 24/25
MATCH CENTRE
MATCHDAY MASCOTS
Mascots for the visit of Banks o’ Dee were William Urquhart, who plays for Mormond Thistle 2014s and his favourite player is Willie West, and Logan Noble who plays for Kessock Park 2014s and his favourite player is Bryan Hay.
For the Banks o’ Dee game, we had Ellon Meadows 2014 at matchday club. Good bunch of boys and thanks to the coaches for their help today. Nice of them to let the mascots join in at half time. Good luck on your games for the rest of the season!
Click or Double Tap for FFC in the Community Facebook page
For the Brora Rangers match, our mascot was Alix Smith who plays for Link Up Girls.
Alix’s favourite player is number 11 Scott Barbour.
Kessock Park 2014s were our Matchday Club guests for the visit of
Rangers. We hope the boys had a good day and good luck with your games for the season ahead!
Brora
FRASERBURGH WHOLE FAMILY WELLBEING TEAM
Michelle Bolt, Gillian Rattray and Abbie Bruce are the newly created Whole Family Wellbeing Team in Fraserburgh.
FFC in the Community have been assisting the newly set up group over the past few months. We are hoping that the Bellslea will be a location for one of their drop in centres to help families in the area. We also arranged a free football drop-in event at their Family Fun Day. We had a great day at the Fraserburgh Leisure Centre. Over 30 children and a few adults took part. We had a free
raffle for a signed football too and our Bobby and Finlay bears were funnert after two hours of fitba.
Thanks also to Tesco in the Community for the donation of fruit that was handed out at the event.
Click or Double Tap for Fraserburgh Whole Family Wellbeing Team’s Facebook page
Well, the draw was made for the SPFL Trust Trophy 3rd round and we were drawn away to Rangers B, unfortunately we had too many players away on international duty that weekend! So the game had to be postponed, the new date has been announced, we played them on Tuesday 17th September at Forthbank Stadium in Stirling.
The under 21’s were away to Inverurie for their first game in the GPH Builders Merchants Aberdeenshire League, congratulations to Formartine United who won the trophy last season, the Broch started well and took the lead in the 3rd minute, a shot was blocked by the Inverurie keeper, Logan Watt calmly slotted the rebound into the bottom left hand corner of the net from 10 yards out, Inverurie levelled and then went ahead to finish the half 2 – 1 up, Zane Laird smashed in a beauty early in the second half to put the home team further ahead, Sean Butcher reduced the deficit from the penalty spot in the 58th minute, Stuart Laird had us all square in the 60th minute when his shot was deflected past the Inverurie keeper, the Broch scored the winning goal in the 81st minute, Callum Kelly smashed the ball home from close range when the Inverurie defence failed to clear the ball, a great start to the new League campaign with three points in the bag.
We followed that game up with a home game against the Banks o’ Dee, in a tight first half the Broch opened the scoring in the 25th minute, Aidan Sopel fired a freekick into the Dee wall, the ball broke to the left and Willie West stabbed the ball into the box, Logan Watt calmly slotted the ball home from 8 yards out with his left foot, no more chances were taken, but man of the match Joe Barbour made some great saves to keep the 3 points at the Bellslea.
The under 18’s were at home to Westdyke FC, there were no chances taken in the first half, Westdyke had a man sent off in the 32nd minute, the Broch took the lead in the 56th minute, Flynn
McKay broke down the left wing and crossed into the box, the ball was cleared back out to Flynn, he then stroked the ball home with his right foot from 12 yards out, the Broch doubled their advantage in the 72nd minute, after a run of great passes, Flynn McKay slotted the ball through for William Jones, he stabbed the ball into the left corner of the net with his right foot from 10 yards out, the Broch wrapped up the points in the 91st minute, a shot was blocked by the keeper, but Hamish Gordon followed in and stroked the ball into the empty net.
The sun was beating down at the Haughs when we went on our travels to play Turriff United, no chances were taken in the first half as the teams went into the break all square, Sean Butcher broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute, Paul Young passed the ball into the feet of Sean, he brilliantly turned the defender, he then fired a right foot shot into the left corner of the net from 9 yards out, Turriff drew level in the 68th minute, Jack McKenzie fired a freekick round the defensive wall and into the net, Lee Herbert won man of the match with a string of fine saves to ensure the points were shared at the end.
The draw for the first round of the Scottish Cup has taken place, we have been drawn at home to Rothes on Saturday 28th September.
The under 21’s were at home to Huntly in the Aberdeenshire League, the Broch took the lead in the 9th minute, Dylan Robertson burst into the last third and passed out to Josh Bolton, his shot was blocked and fell to Stuart Laird, he played a one two with Logan Watt who then slotted the ball behind the defence for Stuart to run onto, Stuart shot past the keeper from a tight angle with his right foot into the net, in the 40th minute it was all square, the Broch came out firing at the start of the second half, we were back in front in the 48th minute, a Stuart Laird corner was cleared back out to him, he swung a pinpoint cross onto the head of Adam Henderson who bulleted the ball high into the net, it was 3
in the 53rd minute, Joshua Hawkins played a ball out to Stuart Laird, he laid it off to Flynn McKay who ran in and shot past the keeper with his right foot from 16 yards out, Stuart Laird smacked in his second of the game in the 83rd minute, Cammy Robertson had his shot blocked and the ball fell nicely for Stuart to hammer home with his left foot, Dylan Robertson made it 5 with a header from a corner in the 85th minute, Stuart Laird wrapped up the scoring with his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the last minute of the game.
Next up the 1st team were away to Rothes on the Wednesday night, Willie West opened the scoring in the 16th minute, Liam Strachan slotted the ball through to Scott Barbour, his shot was blocked by keeper McCarthy, the ball breaks to Willie who strokes it home with his right foot from 6 yards out, Scott Barbour doubled our advantage in the 19th minute, Stuart Laird runs down the left wing, he swings the ball into the box, Scott Barbour rises and heads the ball into the left corner of the net from 8 yards out, the Broch made it 3 when Willie West scored his second in the 56th minute, Stuart Laird swung in a corner from the right with his left foot, Willie rose at the edge of the 6-yard box and headed the ball powerfully into the net, Scott Barbour scored the Broch 4th and his 2nd in the 57th minute, Stuart Laird swings in a corner from the left with his left foot, Kieran Simpson rose and heads the ball towards goal from 10 yards out, Scott fires an overhead kick with his left foot which smashes high into the net, Flynn McKay made it 5 in the 61st minute, Willie West has a shot which McCarthy blocks, the ball is played across the box by Joshua Hawkins, Flynn strokes the ball into the bottom right corner of the net from 6-yards out, Flynn McKay scored his 2nd and the Broch’s 6th in the 70th minute, Liam Strachan went down the right wing, he squares the ball into the box, Flynn slides in and hits the ball with his left foot, McCarthy can only watch the ball squirm under his body into the net, Cameron Robertson wrapped up the scoring in the 74th minute,
Stuart Laird swings in a corner from the left with his left foot, Kieran Simpson rises but the defender manages to flick the ball on, the ball falls to Cameron who takes the ball down, he fires it into the bottom left corner of the net with his right foot from 12 yards out.
A welcome 3 points on a night of so many firsts for the club, Andy Reid makes his debut and a clean sheet, also making his debut was Stuart Laird, further debuts came in the shape of Dylan Robertson, a 66th minute replacement off the bench for Willie West, and Adam Henderson, who came on for Kieran Simpson some five minutes later.
The match also featured firsts in terms of first team goals through Flynn McKay, he would go on and get a second, also Cameron Robertson in only his second topteam appearance. A huge congratulations to all involved and let’s hope there many more games and goals in the future.
We were next at home to table topping Brora Rangers, a mistake at the back allowed Brora to take the lead in the 7th minute with a Bryan Hay O.G., the Broch bounced back with a Scott Barbour strike in the 32nd minute, Joshua Hawkins threads a ball through for Scot to run onto, Scott fires a left foot shot into the net which scrapes past the left-hand post from 8 yards out, Brora were back in front in the 36th minute, Willie West cleared a ball out of the box which hit Kieran Simpson, the deflection went straight to the feet of Tony Dingwall who scored from close range, Brora went further ahead in the 80th minute, James Wallace fired in a shot which Andy Reid fumbled into the net, Sean Butcher gave us hope in the 89th min. Connor Wood fires in a free kick from the left, Sean flicks the ball with his head past Cameron Mackay from 7 yards out, Liam Strachan smashed a shot off the post in the last minute of the game but alas it was not to be.
The under 18’s were at home to Deveronvale on the Monday night, in a tight first half the Broch took the lead when Findlay Stephen tapped home from close range in the 45th minute, the Broch were 2 up in the 50th minute, the vale defence failed to clear their
lines and the ball fell out to Fergus Ross, he controlled the ball and smashed it home with his right foot from 9 yards out, another 3 points for the lads which maintains their 100% record.
On the Wednesday night we were off to Victoria Park Buckie to play in the Quarter Final of the Aberdeenshire Cup, Buckie opened the scoring in the 31st minute when a cross from the right was turned into his own net by Willie West. The Broch were fast out of the traps in the second half, Scott Barbour squared the game in the 51st minute, Flynn McKay plays a ball through the Buckie defence for Scott to run onto, he advances with the ball to the penalty spot and slots it into the bottom left-hand corner of the net, moments later the Broch went ahead when Scott Barbour grabbed his second in the 55th minute, Liam Strachan crossed the ball into the box, Scott heads the ball past Ridgers into the left corner of the net, Buckie levelled in the 61st minute when a Sam Pugh shot came through a ruck of players, Joe could only palm it into the net, Lyall Keir won the game for Buckie in the 95th minute, the Broch failed to clear the ball and he smashed it home from close range.
Forres away was next with a very young Broch team taking to the field, the Broch started brightly but Forres broke the deadlock with their first break up the park, Jordan Alonge waltzed through the Broch defence in the e13th minute and fired a shot past Joe into net, Kyle MacLeod doubled the home teams advantage in the 16th minute, the Broch were back in the game in the 48th minute, Scott Barbour fired in a deep cross from a corner on the left, Kieran Simpson rose and powered a header into the net from 6 yards out, the game was level in the 70th minute, a deep corner from the left was controlled by Aidan Sopel, he chipped the ball back into the 6 yard box, Scott Barbour rose and headed the ball in off the underside of the bar, we created many more chances but failed to get a winner.
Rangers B in the SPFL Trust Trophy 3rd round at Forthbank Stadium in Stirling was our next
match, early on we hit the bar straight from a Scott Barbour corner, unfortunately that was as good as it got, Rangers B deserved their victory by 5 goals to nil, Rangers no7 Archie Stevens was a stand out and must be pushing for a first team spot in the future.
We were away to Lossiemouth on the Saturday, no goals were scored in a poor first half, Logan Watt broke the deadlock in the 48th minute, Josh Bolton swung in a cross from the right wing, Willie West headed the ball back into the box from the bye line, Logan steadied himself and side footed the ball past Knight with his right foot from 10 yards out, later in the half various Broch mistakes resulted in a 3 goal to 1 defeat.
Let’s hope things are a lot better at the Bellslea this Saturday when Rothes come to call in the 1st round of the Scottish Cup.
For those who are still interested, Zander Smith has scoffed his 82nd match day pie to date this year, he has had a very busy September.
We hope to be running a bus to the Nairn County game on Saturday 12th October which will leave the Elizabethan at 11:30am, the cost of travel is £20 for adults and £10 for others.
Please note that all seats on all buses must be booked by contacting Barry Walker at the supporter’s club.
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.
MATCH CENTRE
of football?
I am a Doctor in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary
How long have you been refereeing for?
This will be my third full season
First match you can remember refereeing?
My first match I remember was in the juveniles in Aberdeen, Northstar Orange vs Westdyke Thistle.
Why did you start refereeing?
I played at a high level and had to make the decision between my career and playing football professionally. Women’s football back in 2017 was not at the point it is now, and I
medical degree. My love for the game never went away and I found that refereeing still allowed me to be involved in the game and participate at a high level.
Favourite ground to officiate at?
I had the privilege of officiating at Hampden Park in the Women’s Scottish Cup semi-final between Heart of Midlothian and The Spartans. The facilities were excellent and the level of play was outstanding.
Best refereeing moment?
My best refereeing moment was getting the opportunity to officiate
in youth international fixtures. This gave me such motivation to keep working hard and taking advantage of the opportunities that are out there.
Any pre match rituals or superstitions?
I would say I am quite a superstitious person. When doing pre-match inspections, I always check a specific half of the pitch before moving on to the other one and I have the same breakfast before every game –eggs and bagels.
One piece of advice to a new referee?
It may be difficult at times but there is always such a good support network in the refereeing community to ask any questions. Stick at it, work hard and most importantly, enjoy the game.
Best pieces of advice you were given?
Be proactive and always take the opportunity to learn at least one thing from every game.
BOOKREVIEW
A shared mutual love of the Highland League sees a father and son undertake a mission to complete matchday visits to all League grounds.
Taking inspiration from a poster on son Jake’s wall, and with visits to Brechin, Clach, Nairn, Brora, and Wick outstanding for the youngster, he challenges his dad to write his second book as they tick off these remaining five.
A change of plan leads to the decision to again visit the other 13 clubs, getting scarves from each while they’re at it. The HFL in a season may not sound like a massive achievement, but when you factor in that author Graeme’s work sees him working away for half the year, matches at each of the 18 grounds need squeezed in around a four-month period. With little leeway for the dreaded winter cancellations, was it even possible?
The book covers all games visited but is much more than just the 90 minutes on
the park. This is about the towns and cities, the grounds, the people, the pies. It is about the greatness of the Highland League along with Jake and Graeme’s unmistakable love for it. It has twists, it has comedy moments, it has disasters, it has numerous kickabouts with the wee man’s trusty yellow ball. It’s a travelogue, it’s a fan diary, it’s even a history book. But above all what this book is really is, is the tale of a man and boy travelling the guts of 2000 miles together watching their favourite league.
As far as tributes to the Highland League go this is well worth reading. It captures the heart and soul of the league in a worthy fashion.
Never Mind the Half and Half Scarves Here’s the Highland League is available via fitbawbagbooks@yahoo.com or Twitter/X @GilesGraeme
Photo: Barry Walker
CLUB
Bellslea Advertisers
We would like to thank the many businesses who advertise with us at Bellslea Park. Thank you for your continued support.
Mrs A's Cleaning
ACE Winches
Airo-Tech
Alexander Buchan
Andrew May Builders
Ban-Car Hotel
Barclay Carpets
Beach Café
Bellslea Bar
Bicocchis
Brown & McRae
C & A West
C & I Hydraulics
Cairnhill Developments
Caledonia Asset Finance
CDC Services
Cheers Café Bar
CK Travel Trade
Cowie Seafoods
Crudens Joinery
Davidsons Painters
Deejays
Dega Floor
Denis McDonald
Dennis Gordon
Designs on You
Deveron Direct
Duncan & Todd
Duncan Riddoch Plumbing
Dunes Golf Shop
Elizabethan Bar
Energy X
Entier
Euan Thomson Electrical
Findlays Hotel
Fitness Clan
Fraser Watt Painter
Fraserburgh Car Sales
Fraserburgh Engineering
Fraserburgh Funeral Services
Fraserburgh Harbour
Fraserburgh Kitchens
Fuvvy's Closet
G & J Jack
Morrison Motors
Motor Parts
Newline
North East Timber Supply
G5 Technologies Passell
Gillanders Motors
Gordie Designs
Grampian Lifting Services
Grampian Training Services
Gray & Adams
Greenwood Moreland
GTB Joinery
Handy Murray
Heath-Hill Hotel
I & K Supplies
I J McIntosh Butcher
IMS Group
J A Killoh
James A Adams
JBS Group
John Clark BMW
Johnston Carmichael
Kelar Cleaning
Kenny Murray Cars
Kineil Coaches
Kinnaird Travel
L & M Autos
LJF
M Squared Accountants
M3W
Mains Highlandwear
Maitlands
Manor Properties
Marmaris
Masson Glennie
MB Plant
McRae Stephen & Co
MK Property
Moats
Patsy Bruce
Paul Birnie Electrical
Paul Lawrie Golf Centre
PBP Flooring Solutions
Pentland Land Rover
Pink Petal
Premier Refrigeration
Reidfab
Rodgers Electrical
Rollstud
Rubicer
Ruxtons Garage
S & J's Fraserburgh
S T Tyres
Savoch Hire
SBP
Scissor Happy
Scot Trawl
SDC
Seivwright Brothers
SNP
Solasta Aesthetics
Sotties Fish Shop
Star Refrigeration
Stewart & Watson
The Grill
Thistle Windows
Victoria Group
VT Wealth
Watermill Coaches
Whitelink
Whyte Cargo
William Wilson
Williamsons Kitchens
MEMORY MATCH
BRECHIN BEAT BROCH
Brechin City v. Fraserburgh
Aberdeen and District League
Saturday 15th October 1921
Fraserburgh were the visitors at Brechin on Saturday last when an Aberdeen and District League fixture was decided, Brechin gaining the points by a 3-1 win.
The playing pitch is not a credit to a place the size of Brechin, being full of holes and bumps which will go to wander the best teams in the country. This of course is to Brechin City's advantage and the attention of the proper authority should be called to the state of the field.
The game throughout was contested on very robust lines and stoppages were frequent, the Brochers being oftenest the victims.
Twenty minutes had elapsed when McRobbie and Bruce got their marching orders after an exhibition of fisticuffs. Bruce was the aggressor but the referee ordered both off.
The game had scarcely commenced again when John McNab made off and beat Bruce with a rocket shot.
Kidd put Brechin on equal terms, beating Shield with a good effort.
Fraserburgh had done well with their handicap and on play ought to have been in the lead at half-time.
At the restart Fraserburgh opened like winners and got two corners in quick succession but shooting forwards were at a discount and Brechin made off towards Shield. Buchan was unfortunate to handle in the dreaded area but Shield saved the spot kick and cleared grandly.
John McNab gave the keeper a very hot handful which the latter saved well.
Fraserburgh were pressing strongly and the Brechin defence were none too safe. It looked anything on Fraserburgh taking the lead when Moir made off and gave Shield no chance.
This reverse made Fraserburgh redouble their efforts and they kept the defence on tenterhooks, Paterson and John McNab doing very fine work which was, however, unavailing and Brechin got away and added to their score.
Fraserburgh kept pegging away but the final whistle sounded without the score being added to.
Result - Brechin 3 Fraserburgh 1
Shield save some great shots. Mowatt was the best back on the field and had he been partnered the result would have been different. The entire half line played their usual game.
Forwards are the problem, and the centre forward the greatest of them all. Charlie McKay was decidedly off and does not seems to be doing himself justice in these last few games. McDonald and Jim McNab were both rather badly hurt and this affected their play.
The spectators were very one sided and if our local supporters had a little of their disease it would do no harm, although we sincerely hope that we will never hear a repetition of the epithets which were levelled at some of the Fraserburgh players without the least cause.
At the same time we would remind the local crowd that it is very bad form to give the visiting team all the credit and ignore any bright sparks which the home side might display. Some of the spectators at the Bellslea Park on Saturday were no asset to the team; of they cannot give honour where honour is due, they ought to stay at home.
Broch Herald, October 1921
Final Standings, Aberdeen & District League 1921/22
MATCH CENTRE
Match
Paul Young in midfield action during our visit to The Haughs
Photo: Barry Walker
DIRECTORY
Telephone
Broch Lottery
The September Lottery was drawn by Broch Legend, Brian McCann during the recent Aberdeenshire League match with Huntly.
1st Prize £300 - No 183 Darren Munro
2nd Prize £100 - No 84 Kenny Barbour
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.
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
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.
