Bellslea Bulletin - Issue 10

BELLSLEA BULLETIN THE BROCH ONLINE MAGAZINE

ISSUE 10: DECEMBER 2023

Broch Directory

Fraserburgh Football Club, Bellslea Park, Seaforth Street, Fraserburgh, AB43 9BB Telephone Email Website

Contents

01346 518444 fraserburghfc@highlandleague.com www.thebroch.online

4

Address Book Chairman/Secretary Vice Chairman Directors

FINLAY NOBLE GEORGE THOM 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 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 Highland League Cup Qualifying Cup Aberdeenshire Cup Aberdeen Charity Cup Aberdeenshire Shield Fleming Shield Bells League Cup Aberdeenshire League Highland Youth League

1932/33, 1937/38, 2001/02, 2021/22 1958/59, 2005/06 1957/58, 1995/96, 2006/07 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 1911/12, 1913/14, 1921/22, 1926/27 1991/92, 1993/94, 1995/96, 1996/97, 1999/2000, 2011/12, 2015/16, 2019/20, 2022/23 1919/20 1972/73, 1973/74, 1975/76, 1976/77, 1978/79 1994/95, 1995/96, 1997/98, 2022/23 1992/93, 1993/94, 2001/02, 2003/04

Cover Star Our front cover this month features Aidan Sopel, our summer signing from Elgin City. A pacy and direct winger, Aidan recently marked his first top team start with a double at Rothes and we look forward to further contributions as he continues to settle in at Bellslea.

The Chairman

8

The Manager

12

The Captain

3

14

The Head of Youth

68

Question & Answer

THE CHAIRMAN

FINLAY NOBLE 4

Welcome to the December of our Monthly Magazines and I hope you are enjoying it as much as I am.

Steve Dickie is doing an excellent job and after submitting my piece, I get to read it as a fan. It’s a great read and something I’m genuinely looking forward to each month.

Please feel free to let us know your thoughts and suggestions, you know where to find us.

Well, that’s another calendar month without a home game but thankfully we have got past this crazy period, and we shall now see a decent run of home games.

We are looking forward to a cup final this weekend, in the Highland League Cup. It’s not a trophy we have had much luck in recently. To be honest, this season we haven’t had much luck but hopefully that’s turning, and we can get some breaks. It will be a very difficult tie as Brora Rangers have been excellent of late and we will need to be at the top of our game to get our hands on the trophy for the first time since 2006.

Despite being away from home the entire month, it’s been a decent enough one, other than the Banks o’ Dee game through there. I hate watching matches on plastic pitches, but they are part and parcel of the

game now, however thankfully there is only one in the league at the moment. That’s not the reason we lost, Banks o’ Dee are a decent side and we have no complaints on the result, but they have an advantage playing on their home pitch.

Wins at Rothes and Brechin were well deserved and hopefully we are getting back to something like ourselves. It has been a stop start season so far and we are hoping that it settles down and we can get a decent run of games. That depends on the weather over the next few months and as we all know that can be very unpredictable.

those who watched online. It was an awful night of weather but it was good for the youngsters to see such a support turn out for the game.

These guys play most Monday nights in either the U18’s or U21’s so please do come along and see them, most of these games are excellent entertainment and admission is free.

The Under 18 side had a great month with defeating Stirling Albion 2-0 here at Bellslea which set up the home tie with Rangers.

That was played last Friday and full credit to the lads for running a fulltime team so close. The 4-0 scoreline didn’t really reflect the game with the three goals in the last 15 minutes, two of which would have beat every goalie on the planet.

You may have noticed the flag flying at half-mast over the past week to 10 days, that was for the sad passing of Sandy Nicol. Sandy has been a vital part of the club over the past eight years where he has helped out around the club with odd jobs, especially on a Saturday morning before a home game getting the place ready and also post-match, helping tidy up. At the time of the Rangers game, he was almost a full time member of staff with the amount of tasks he was given by Jason over a period of six weeks! Sandy had such a calming demeanour, it was as if no job was a hassle to him and he will be sadly missed. Our condolences go out to Edna, Jason, Alexander, Julie and the extended family.

Many thanks to the almost 500 people who came along and to

Come awa the Broch Finlay

5

Highland League Fixtures 2023/24 Saturday July 29 2023 Fraserburgh v Lossiemouth

Saturday January 13 2024 Fraserburgh v Clachnacuddin

Saturday August 5 2023 Inverurie Loco Works v Fraserburgh

Saturday January 20 2024 Turriff United v Fraserburgh

Saturday August 12 2023 Fraserburgh v Buckie Thistle

Saturday January 27 2024 Fraserburgh v Wick Academy

Saturday August 19 2023 Fraserburgh v Deveronvale

Saturday February 3 2024 Fraserburgh v Forres Mechanics

Saturday September 2 2023 Clachnacuddin v Fraserburgh

Saturday February 10 2024 Formartine United v Fraserburgh

Saturday September 16 2023 Wick Academy v Fraserburgh

Saturday February 17 2024 Fraserburgh v Huntly

Wednesday September 27 2023 Keith v Fraserburgh

Saturday March 2 2024 Brora Rangers v Fraserburgh

Wednesday October 4 2023 Fraserburgh v Formartine United

Saturday March 9 2024 Fraserburgh v Banks o’ Dee

Saturday October 7 2023 Huntly v Fraserburgh

Saturday March 16 2024 Nairn County v Fraserburgh

Friday November 3 2023 Banks o’ Dee v Fraserburgh

Saturday March 23 2024 Fraserburgh v Rothes

Saturday November 18 2023 Rothes v Fraserburgh

Saturday April 6 2024 Fraserburgh v Brechin City

Saturday November 25 2023 Brechin City v Fraserburgh

Saturday April 13 2024 Strathspey Thistle v Fraserburgh

Saturday December 9 2023 Lossiemouth v Fraserburgh

To be rearranged: Fraserburgh v Turriff United

Saturday December 16 2023 Fraserburgh v Inverurie Loco Works

Forres Mechanics v Fraserburgh Fraserburgh v Nairn County

Saturday December 23 2023 Buckie Thistle v Fraserburgh Saturday December 30 2023 Fraserburgh v Keith Saturday January 6 2024 Deveronvale v Fraserburgh

Fraserburgh v Strathspey Thistle Fraserburgh v Brora Rangers

7

THE MANAGER

MARK COWIE 8

The month of November didn’t start too great for us. We lost at Banks o’ Dee, which is no shame as they are a very good team, especially at home.

However the manner of the loss was a sore one. We actually started well and had a couple of decent chances to take the lead but with their first attack of the game they scored after 5 minutes and then got another one soon after to go into a 2-0 lead.

We had the bulk of the ball after that but didn’t do anything with it. In fact Banks o’ Dee looked the more likely to score on the counter. We were far too passive, allowing opposition players time and space to take plenty touches without any pressure at all. We allowed the ball to come in to our box far too easily and we were simply not at it.

This was a tough spell with some really poor performances in the mix as well as some really good ones. We competed well against Aberdeen and Bonnyrigg Rose but ultimately, when you strip it back to the basics, we lost both games and were knocked out of two competitions. No matter how good the performances may have been, we lost the games and that’s something as a group we do

not like.

I spoke with James at length and he suggested we allow the players to have a week off. This league can be intense at times and we had had a lot of midweek games which had taken its toll on the group. We had quite a few niggles which needed a break, as well as a break mentally from football and each other. As we wouldn’t have a game the next week it was the perfect opportunity to give the guys some family time or time to themselves whilst we as coaches also took some time out before having a good night at Ryan Cowie’s testimonial dinner.

That was a great night and it was good to see Ryan get the recognition he deserves, like many before him. People don’t see the work Ryan puts in away from the park and he has been a huge benefit to me in terms of giving advice to both young and old about the nutritional aspects as well as work to do to get physically stronger. Everyone turned out in force and it was good to get together again at the event before we got back to it on the Monday at training.

The week before the Rothes game we stripped it all back and got back to the basics of what

we feel Fraserburgh should be about. We want to be more on the front foot and more energetic. The training sessions that week were hard and credit to each player as everyone came back with a point to prove.

maybe a little less high up the pitch. Our shape without the ball was excellent and although Brechin had the majority of the ball, they didn’t really trouble us.

We went into the Rothes game keen to get going again. We started really well. We pressed like we used to and forced mistakes from the opponents. We moved the ball quickly but more importantly we moved it forward when we could. The team was freshened up quite considerably with some guys who maybe haven’t had that many chances so far this term given an opportunity to start. They were really good.

I think Joe only had one real save to make. Joe has had a tough time of late with some uncharacteristic errors however he was exceptional against Brechin and his handling was superb.

He really helped the team out when coming for crosses and taking the sting out of the game.

Aidan Sopel was immense and caused no end of problems until he understandably tired. Aidan had been out of the game for some time but is getting his fitness up to a level that is required and no doubt will be a big player for us in time. I think we have seen some small glimpses of what is to come already. Zane Laird also started. He has been doing well in training and in the 21s and has been patient in waiting for his chance. He played well for the game and scored a great goal to give us a 2-0 lead. It was an important goal too as it gave us a bit of a cushion to go in at half time with.

Josh Bolton and Connor Wood were also very good and direct, full of energy. I was very pleased with the performance and I think it was what we needed.

We had another massive league game after that when we went back to Glebe Park to play Brechin City who were commandingly top of the league. We had been there already this season for the cup semi final where we won 2-1. We knew they would be up for it and also with a new manager the players would be looking to impress.

We put in another flawless performance.

We still had the same energy however

We won 1-0 thanks to a Ryan Cowie goal.

Maybe a three points not many expected us to get but we were well worth them and it sets us up well for a big cup final on Sunday 3rd December.

Brora have been playing really well and in my opinion their overall squad is as good if not better than anything else in the league so we know the challenge in front of us.

However finals are for taking risks and going for so we will try to prepare as much as we can to give us the best opportunity we can of being successful on the day.

Hopefully it’s an occasion that everyone enjoys and may the best team win.

MATCH PREVIEW FRASERBURGH v. BRORA RANGERS GPH Builders Merchants Highland League Cup Final| Sunday 3rd December 2023 | Harlaw Park, Inverurie

Manager: Ally MacDonald

Highland League results since 2015/16:

Captain: Dale Gillespie

2022/2023 Sat 11 Feb 2023 Brora Rangers 0-1 Fraserburgh Sat 24 Sep 2022 Fraserburgh 2-2 Brora Rangers

HFL Record Last 5 seasons* Pos W D L GD Pts 22/23 3 26 2 6 84 80 21/22 4 25 2 7 81 77 18/19 2 27 4 3 87 85 17/18 6 20 3 11 48 63 16/17 3 26 3 5 80 81 *Covid-interrupted seasons not included

2021/2022 Wed 23 Mar 2022 Brora Rangers 0-2 Fraserburgh Sat 7 Aug 2021 Fraserburgh 6-2 Brora Rangers 2019/2020 Sat 22 Feb 2020 Fraserburgh 1-2 Brora Rangers Sat 12 Oct 2019 Brora Rangers 0-1 Fraserburgh 2018/2019 Sat 22 Dec 2018 Brora Rangers 2-0 Fraserburgh Sat 11 Aug 2018 Fraserburgh 2-1 Brora Rangers

Top Scorer 22/23: Andy Macrae (28)

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Last 5 HFL Results: Sat 18th Nov: Brora Rangers 3-0 Huntly Sat 11th Nov: Formartine Utd 3-3 Brora Rangers Sat 4th Nov: Brora Rangers 3-2 Forres Mechanics Sat 10th Oct: Clachnacuddin 0-2 Brora Rangers Sat 16th Sep: Keith 0-1 Brora Rangers Broch’s all-time record v. Brora Rangers Played Overall

Won

Drawn

Lost

Scored

Conceded

127

60

24

43

291

216

Played HFL Cup

Won

Drawn

Lost

Scored

Conceded

2

1

0

1

3

1

Record Win 8-0 at Dudgeon Park, League 25th October 2003 Record Defeat 0-6 at Dudgeon Park, League 19th December 2015

2017/2018 Wed 18 Apr 2018 Brora Rangers 1-3 Fraserburgh Sat 26 Aug 2017 Fraserburgh 1-1 Brora Rangers 2016/2017 Sat 28 Jan 2017 Fraserburgh 2-0 Brora Rangers Sat 1 Oct 2016 Brora Rangers 2-0 Fraserburgh 2015/2016 Sat 19 Dec 2015 Brora Rangers 6-0 Fraserburgh Sat 29 Aug 2015 Fraserburgh 1-2 Brora Rangers

Please note all fixtures are subject to change, check the Club’s social media channels or https://www.thebroch.online for latest updates.

THE CAPTAIN

WILLIE WEST 12

What a difference a game of football can make to your week which saw us have some big lows and great highs in November.

We ended November with two clean sheets and two big away wins and the difference in moral and confidence is easy to see within the squad.

But we had a difficult start with League 2 opposition in Bonnyrigg in the Scottish Cup. It was a strange game where I think we expected a bit more from them since they have been doing quite well in the league but throughout the game I felt we played the better football. But football is not won with

possession unfortunately and we failed to create good opportunities to score. Their defensive line was very difficult to break down and, as they did previously against us in the PlayOffs, they did the basics very well and got the result over the line.

Next up Banks o’ Dee and a fixture where we knew it was going to be a battle. They seemed to be having an up and down season similar to ourselves but you know that there going to be up for it against the Broch and it proved to be the case.

We created some decent opportunities in the 1st half but weren't quite clinical enough to take but Banks o’ Dee were. Joe Barbour kept us in the game with

the penalty save but in the 2nd half we just couldn't create opportunities even with the majority of possession. Not an evening we will remember fondly.

Mark made a number of changes for the Rothes game following the previous defeats and it was great to see Zane score a screamer and Aidan with a couple to seal the win. I thought we were by far the stronger team. Joe Barbour also had a flawless performance.

Next up was the away trip to Brechin and arguably the toughest league game in the season. To a man I thought we were brilliant and put in a proper Broch performance. Real

grit and determination which included all the subs who came on. We perhaps got a bit of luck with the goal but that happens in football and it was great to see Rysie get the key goal. It was another great performance from Joe but also Beags and Hayser at the back.

We look forward to December where the big games keep coming. A Cup Final to look forward to and Lossie, Locos and Buckie in the league where we hope we can put ourselves closer to the top teams.

Come on i Broch Willie

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THE HEAD OF YOUTH

MATTHEW WEST 14

November has been a good month for the youth set up. It has been brutal weather every day (or it least it feels like it has) but that hasn't dampened the spirits of the lads who have trained well throughout.

coming on the tape he doesn't really want to see again but it's got to be looked at positively and bring afterwards some fun. We watch and see what can do better next time - let’s be realistic we make thousands of mistakes - this is how we learn.

Our home league match against Hermes on the sixth was a well earned victory having been set on our way by a screamer from young Owen Pearson after only a minute played. The match was entertaining and end to end with moments of quality in the final third. A strong performance from Daniel Cummings in goal made the difference on the night.

Sunday football at Bellslea was next up as we hosted Stirling Albion in Scottish FA Youth Cup. Although frustrating that the game had already fallen victim to Storm Babet we managed to use this to our advantage and had time to take in a Stirling Albion match.

This left us with good info and a feeling we could really cease the opportunity.

We have taken some time out to watch back the match together as a group and hone in on some areas from it as there are particular elements which we certainly think as a team we can look to improve on.

A video message from ex-Scotland Captain Charlie Mulgrew, a guest at Ryan Cowie’s Testimonial Dinner the night before, was sent to the players encouraging them to be brave, to enjoy the game, and to get into the next round.

The investment from the club in our match recording/broadcasting system is hugely beneficial for this and the guys respond well to these analysis sessions. Of course some instances arise where one wants the ground to swallow him when he knows a moment is

That’s exactly what they did with goals from Cameron Robertson and Flynn Mackay enough to see us through. At 1-0 up the game went a little flat when Stirling Albion were reduced to ten men after Ricky Milne pressed well, darted through on goal, with the

recovering defender over-eager to prevent him scoring and unfortunately getting sent off. It was an exciting cup tie til this moment then it went quite stale with a different challenge. We had the pressure on us as they had little to lose, and they came at us with little structure. We felt it was tougher to combat than the shape, style and threat they posed with a full compliment - but a clean sheet was great and the guys would be the only team to represent the Highland League in Round 4 of this year’s competition.

I made it fairly public in the build up that I felt our Youths deserved the chance to host Rangers under the lights at Bellslea and that, despite it being luck of the draw, it was also a reward for their countless hours of commitment.

All week the lads were buzzing for the game and you could sense a real excitement in the camp.

We had a difficult dilemma of being desperate for the weather to stay favourable to prevent any postponement but also aware that us Brochers would be more accustomed than our top-ranked opponents to a breezy night at Bellslea.

From a personal perspective, my father was delayed on his rig due to the weather which was pity. He’s a big supporter of my football commitments, growing up we spent many days watching our opponents. We had watched Stevie Smith play full back for years so for me to go up against him at Bellslea as coach was fun. Also to have ‘72 legend Dave Smith along to watch was terrific, a true legend.

For an hour the match was perfect and we restricted Rangers to very few goal-scoring opportunities. The discipline and work rate the

guys showed to stick to their tasks and play their part in the shape was outstanding. On the night our quality on the ball could have at times been more helpful in allowing us to carry greater threat. It was a hammer blow to lose a goal from a set play which we all felt was quite a cheap one to give away. We then go two up top and the game opens up with more turnovers - with the quality they have we knew we were taking a risk. We said as a group we would make sure they earned the outcome if it wasn't in our favour and we certainly made them earn their place in next round.

Despite the cup exit the message to the group is to back up the effort they produced with countless more - every session, every game, and keep improving. To not look back at what could have been - look forward with an energy and real determination for the hard work that lies ahead for us all.

U21s action returned on Monday 27th and it was a hard fought win against a stubborn Stonehaven team who fought back to create a close, end-to-end finish to the game, with the Broch winning 3-2 on the night.

This past month can give our Youth players short to medium term motivation, and special memories.......... to keep forever!

I want to thank the fans of the club for turning out in such numbers to support us. Especially the Rangers match in such tough weather conditions and at a busy time of year - it means so much to us all.

Thanks - Matthew

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THE OFFICIAL HIGHLAND LEAGUE MAGAZINE

& SPORT

MARCH 1991

“I’LL BE BACK” RESILIENT ROBBO AIMS TO HELP BROCH BABES Dave Robertson, his leg still in plaster, is determined to try to make a comeback next season to bring on his successor in the Fraserburgh attack.

'Robbo', who will be 33 in August, has not yet been told he will be able to play again... but his sights are set on donning the black and white jersey once more.

He was leading the North scoring charts with a phenomenal 20 goals into the first week in December - then came the accident at work which wrecked his season.

A sewage operator, he had just come out of a manhole when a

passing lorry caught a highpressure water pipe, and the backlash of it caught Dave and his workmate.

ALMOST KILLED "As I lay on the ground, I knew my leg was broken and all I could think of was that I would miss the Scottish Cup tie with Vale of Leithen which was only days away", he recalls. "In fact, I was lucky it was just my leg - if it had hit me above the waist it could have been fatal. At least a leg can mend."

The measure of Dave's scoring streak is that into February, over two months into his layoff, he is still second in the scoring charts to Caley's Billy Urquhart. "I was looking forward to my best-ever haul. My record is 22, scored back in 1983 when George Adams was in charge at Bellslea, and I was looking at topping the 30 mark.

But you can't look too far ahead in this game.

"Mind you, it says something about the younger strikers when two veterans like Urquhart and myself are the leading marksmen.

Lossie's Iain Stewart and possibly Scott Brown of Keith are the only young ones who look as if they could become prolific goalscorers."

Fraserburgh's teenage duo, Andy Lavelle and Paul Keith, are capable of blossoming, he

reckons. "They're just kids but they'll have learned a lot from this season, having had to take responsibility with me out of the side. I want to come back so that I can help these lads develop so that one - or both - could become the regular goalgetter the team needs."

Defeats from Cove in the Qualifying Cup Final, Evening Express Shield Final, and Scottish Cup wrecked what could have been a super season for Broch, but Robertson is convinced better days lie ahead.

"GUTTED" He'd like to be part of a trophywinning team - for, he revealed, he has never been in a team, at amateur, junior, or senior level, which has won an honour.

"I was gutted at the Qualifying Cup Final defeat, for the game just passed us by and it was a terrible spectacle. Cove were hungrier than us and deserved to win."

It was his second Qualifying runners-up and he also has two Aberdeenshire Cup runners-up badges - a paltry haul considering the wonderful contribution the widely-respected striker has made to Highland League football.

Dave started off with Strichen United and - whisper it in Fraserburgh - actually spent six months with Peterhead before returning junior and playing for Fraserburgh United for a year and

a half, going back to Strichen, and then being signed for Broch by Bobby Forsyth. Brian Sim, the current left back, signed just before him.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed my 13 seasons at Bellslea and, if the leg stands up to pre-season training, I'd love to play on for two more years to help the team through what will be a significant time.

There are a lot of good young players at Bellslea, Keith McCreadie could be a super midfielder - he could do what Charlie Duncan used to do, and there is a lot of potential, with a good pool to pick from.

"The club also has a team in the local amateur league now and there is another crop of likely lads coming through. I'd like to work with the strikers in the amateur team, to give them the benefit of my experience and put something back into the game.

"Charlie Duncan has brought Broch back to life and, for all the disappointments of this season, the makings are there of a team to win something. The Fraserburgh supporters have been so patient and loyal - they deserve something to shout about.

"In our two cup finals and two home Scottish Cup ties, in all of which there was only minimal opposition support, we played in front of over 11,000 fans. That shows the crowd potential for a

successful team.

"BE SINGLE-MINDED" Dave, who reckons John Sievwright is his most difficult opponent, reckons the Qualifying Cup victories over Elgin and Inverness Thistle this season were a glimpse of what Fraserburgh could be capable of doing consistently.

"We can't win things without goals - and the message I'll try to get across to Paul and Andy, two excellent prospects, is not to try and walk the ball in. I have only one thought in mind when I'm playing - to hit the back of the net.

These lads have to become more single-minded, and accept the burden of getting shots on target, if they are to cash in on their undoubted talent. A hunger for goals is what they need."

"Robbo" certainly knows the shortest route to goal and the competitive fire still burns within his as he contemplates the hard grind of fighting back to fitness.

Manager Charlie Duncan says: "I have faith that Dave will make it.

He's such an enthusiast that, in plaster and on crutches, he was still attended training sessions to remain part of the scene at Bellslea. He's been a marvellous player for this club and the players and supporters are willing him to return."

COMMERCIAL CORNER

GEORGE THOM 20

I’d like to start with a big thank you to our fans for the positive reaction to the launch of our new official Tartan - photos of our launch night at Bellslea Park are included later in our Bulletin.

As our fans will know, we are in a period of fixtures where there has been an 8 week gap of a home league match on a Saturday – in fact, as we enter December, we have only had five Saturday home League fixtures this season. Match Day income of gate receipts, raffle money and income generated from our Hospitality Lounge has been sorely missed.

I outlined in last month’s Bulletin that my fellow Directors and I are focussed, and are always looking for opportunities to generate income for our Club and at the same time, making sure we take every opportunity to engage with our fans and the wider community.

We are excited to announce the date and venue for our first ever Hall of Fame Dinner, which will also incorporate our traditional End of Season Awards night, in conjunction with our FFC Supporters Club. Please SAVE THE DATE... Friday 3rd May at the Fraserburgh Leisure Centre. We will provide more details at the start of January. To allow all our energies to organise a night to remember, we have made the decision to postpone our Business Lunch from 5 April to 1 November.

As a Board, we are extremely grateful to our loyal fans who support our Club financially through a variety of ways: 1. Our Season Ticket Holders 2. Match day attendance and buying raffles 3. Buying Club merchandise 4. Signing up to our Broch Lottery

5. Buying Bricks on our Fan’s Wall at Bellslea Park 6. Sponsoring our management and players 7. Subscribing to FFC TV We are also very appreciative of the many businesses who support us as our Official Partners, Sponsors, Advertisers and for also supporting us at our Fundraising Events.

Our Official Partners are Club Sponsors, or Service Providers who supply business services to the Club for free or at a discount. This extends to Businesses who pay an annual fee to sell their own products, inside Bellslea Park, or FFC branded products elsewhere: Accountancy: SBP Accountants Commercial Insurance: Borland Insurance Electrical: DG Electrical Financial Planning: VT Wealth Highlandwear: Mains Highlandwear Merchandise: Designs on You Retail: Justrite Travel: Watermill Coaches Visual Communications: Passells Our Sponsors provide an Annual Payment to the Club for a specific purpose, to include – Day to day Business Operations, Player Squad investment, Youth Kit purchases, Youth development, FFC in the Community and FFC TV streaming: Main and 1st Team Strip Sponsor: VT Wealth New Floodlights: Score Group

1st Team Strip Sponsor (Rear): Gray & Adams and Entier 1st Team Travel Kit: Watermill Coaches Youth: JBS Group / AM Campbell / PBP Services FFC TV: Gray & Adams FFC in the Community: Gray & Adams Ground Maintenance: Victoria Group In our first Magazine of 2024 we will be highlighting all our loyal and new Businesses, who make an annual payment to the Club to promote their Business/ Services through an Advertising Board at Bellslea Park – this is an important income stream to fund the ongoing, and increasing, day to day operational costs in running our Football Club.

We have currently around 30 opportunities to advertise within “Bellslea” so if you are led to support our Club, and at the same time promote your Business within our Ground, we would be delighted to hear from you – please contact us on stephen.sim@fraserburghfc.co.uk As I close, I would like to again thank everyone for supporting our Club financially through the various ways I’ve highlighted and I would like to wish all our fans a very Merry Christmas and all the very best for a happy and healthy 2024.

George

21

MATCH ACTION

A shortened November programme sees just the three matches with visits to Banks o’ Dee, Rothes, and Brechin.

BANKS O’ DEE 2-0 FRASERBURGH Breedon Highland League| Friday 3rd November 2023

Joe Barbour saves the Banks o’ Dee penalty

24

Fraserburgh had a couple of early chances with Ryan Sargent’s angled shot saved by Daniel Hoban before Ryan Cowie rifled narrowly over from 30 yards. Dee too the lead in the sixth minute with Kane Winton winning possession in midfield and driving forward, before teeing up Hamish Macleod on the left side of the area to curl into the top right corner.

Five minutes later it was 2-0 when Mark Gilmour burrowed down the right flank and found Michael Philipson and he fired into the top right corner from 20 yards. In the 42nd minute the home side were awarded a penalty when Lachie Macleod went down as he challenged Joe Barbour for the ball after the goalkeeper had spilled Hamish Macleod’s shot. Barbour redeemed himself by saving the spot kick from Dayshonne Golding low down to his right.

Despite their best efforts Fraserburgh struggled to carve out clear openings in the second half as they tried to mount a comeback. The Broch have now lost five pf their last six games in all competitions and

boss Mark Cowie was disappointed again with their showing.

“We probably had the bulk of possession but we’re not doing anything with it. We started well, had a couple of chances and 10 minutes later we’re 2-0 down to two mistakes. We’re trying to reduce those errors but we keep making them.”

“We need to be more aggressive; we didn’t match their physicality which isn’t like a Broch side. That wasn’t Fraserburgh, we normally compete and battle. We lost the battle and it cost us; boys aren’t quite doing enough.”

“Banks O’ Dee probably worked harder than us and that hurts. There’s a spark missing, we’ve got two weeks without a game and we need to get together and pull ourselves out of this slump. We are capable, we could go on a run and win a lot of games, but we must be better than what we are just now.”

Full Time: Banks O’ Dee 2 Fraserburgh 0

Banks O’ Dee: Daniel Hoban, Ramsay Davidson, Luke Emmett, Jevan Anderson, Alasdair Stark, Kane Winton, Michael Philipson (Max Alexander 73), Mark Gilmour, Lachie Macleod, Dayshonne Golding (Chris Antoniazzi 73), Hamish Macleod (Magnus Watson 65) (Marc Young 87).

Subs not used: Kyle Irvine, Kacper Lewecki, Matthew Wallace, Neale Allan.

Goalscorers: Hamish Macleod (6), Michael Philipson (11).

Fraserburgh: Joe Barbour, Lewis Davidson (Ross Aitken 46), Ryan Cowie, Kieran Simpson Paul Young, Jamie Beagrie, Ryan Sargent, Scott Barbour, (Josh Bolton 69), Logan Watt, Greg Buchan, (Aidan Sopel 61), Sean Butcher (Connor Wood 61).

Subs not used: William West, Zane Laird, Edward Flinn.

Referee: Lewis Brown, Assistant Referees: Jonatan Siluk & Graeme Jack.

ROTHES 0-3 FRASERBURGH

Breedon Highland League| Saturday 18th November 2023

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Aidan Sopel celebrates his second Fraserburgh cruised to a 3-0 victory against Rothes at Mackessack Park.

Aidan Sopel put the visitors ahead early on and after a glaring miss

by Rothes’ Jake Thomson, Zane Laird doubled the Broch’s advantage just before the break.

Sopel got his second and Fraserburgh’s third shortly after the break and the visitors navigated the rest of the game without too many threats and could have added to their lead.

Broch boss Mark Cowie felt his side were back to their best following their fine away win. “Rothes had their best spell when they missed a good chance and a minute later, we scored our second goal, but that’s football.”

“Before that we were excellent, we’ve had a break for a couple of weeks and we’ve worked hard on the training ground to get back to where we should be. I think that showed and that’s what this club is all about.”

Full Time: Rothes 0 Fraserburgh 3

Rothes: Sean McCarthy, Callum Haspell, Liam McDade, Ben Johnstone, Bruce Milne, Fraser Robertson, Jake Thomson (Duncan Proudfoot 63), Kyle Whyte (Ewan Neil 67), Gary Kerr (Matthew McConachie 75), Greg Morrison, Aidan Wilson.

Sub not used: Corey Marshall.

Fraserburgh: Joe Barbour, Bryan Hay, Paul Young, Jamie Beagrie (Kieran Simpson 40), William West, Aidan Sopel, (Ryan Sargent 67), Connor Wood (Scott Barbour 67), Logan Watt, Josh Bolton (Greg Buchan 67), Zane Laird (Sean Butcher 67), Ross Aitken.

Subs not used: Ryan Cowie, Edward Flinn.

Goalscorers: Aidan Sopel (15, 51), Zane Laird (44).

Referee: Lewis Brown, Assistant Referees: Darren Munro & Brian Fowlie.

Top Left: Aidan Sopel side-foots home the Broch opener Top Right: Joe Barbour, on route to completing Broch clean sheet number 45 Bottom: Zane Laird’s fires home a rocket

BRECHIN CITY 0-1 FRASERBURGH Breedon Highland League| Saturday 25th November 2023

Ryan Cowie drives it home to take the points north

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Fraserburgh manager Mark Cowie praised his players after the Broch inflicted a first league defeat of the season on leaders Brechin City.

The only goal of the game came after 20 minutes when City goalkeeper Lenny Wilson was adjudged to have handled a pass-back just outside the box.

Referee Mike Roncone immediately awarded a free kick to the visitors and when Ryan Cowie’s kick rebounded from the City defensive wall straight back to him, the 32-year-old full back

wasted no time in firing a blistering drive into the top corner.

“We’ve had a bit of a stop-start season which has been disappointing, but I thought that the work-rate and the performance that the boys put in was tremendous. It’s not often you come down her and limit Brechin to very few chances and I think they only has one or two clearcut opportunities over the course of the game.”

Full Time: Brechin City 0 Fraserburgh 1

Brechin City: Leonard Black Wilson, Ryan Ferguson (John Moreland 60), Lewis Martin, Hamish Thomson, Euan Spark, Marc Scott, Seth Patrick, Grady McGrath, Fraser Macleod, Ewan Loudon (Liam Duell 79), Ewan Murray.

Subs not used: Michael Cruickshank, Michael McArthur, Kevin McHattie, Jamie McCabe.

Fraserburgh: Joe Barbour, Bryan Hay, Ryan Cowie, Paul Young, Jamie Beagrie, William West (Greg Buchan 60), Ryan Sargent (Connor Wood 79), Scott Barbour (Sean Butcher 79), Logan Watt (Lewis Davidson 73), Josh Bolton (Kieran Simpson 60), Ross Aitken.

Subs not used: Aidan Sopel, Zane Laird, Edward Flinn.

Goalscorer: Ryan Cowie (20).

Referee: Mike Roncone, Assistant Referees: Lee Paterson & Shaun Telford.

Zane Laird in action during the recent 3-1 victory at Strathspey

Ryan Cowie Testimonial Dinner

A magnificent evening was had by all who attended the Chester Hotel to celebrate Ryan Cowie's Testimonial Dinner.

An abundance of friends, family, colleagues, and teammates past and present joined to pay tribute to Ryan as he rounded off a year which has seen the Broch face a strong Aberdeen FC side at Bellslea and which also featured a Kids Football Festival giving 140 keen youngsters the opportunity to play alongside their FFC heroes.

with ex-Scotland International Charlie Mulgrew who, over an 18-year career, played for Aberdeen, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers, Dundee United and Glasgow Celtic.

Guests also generously participated in an auction which included the raising of £700 for FFC in the Community through a pair of wellies signed by Charlie Mulgrew and Stuart Cowie.

A special thanks to Lori Davidson for organising the evening, to VT Wealth for their The 285 guests enjoyed an evening conducted kind event sponsorship, and to Mark Grant for

by MC Ian Thain who also held a Q&A session his photography.

FRASERBURGH

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

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

H FC 2023/24

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

OFFICIAL CLUB TARTAN LAUNCH FFC Vice-Chairman George Thom hosted our Official Tartan Launch Night in our Hospitality Lounge at the end of November. The event, held in conjunction with Official Club Partner Dave Main of Mains Highlandwear, revealed the popularity of our Loch Carron Lambswool scarfs and orders were also taken for Kilts and Waistcoats.

Our Kilt outfit, together with our waistcoat, will be on show in the Hospitality Lounge during our upcoming match versus Inverurie Locos on Saturday 16th December.

To arrange a fitting or for any other enquiries, please email on david@mainshighlandwear.co.uk Contact may also be made via Mains Facebook page or website:https://mainshighlandwear.co.uk/

Top: Adam Henderson of our Under 21s modelling with Dave Dave Main presenting Finlay with the Certificate of our official Fraserburgh FC Tartan

Bottom: Loyal Broch fan, Kenny Duthie, first to purchase our new Lambswool scarf

Official Highlandwear Partner of Fraserburgh FC

MATCH PREVIEW LOSSIEMOUTH v. FRASERBURGH Breedon Highland League | Saturday 9th December 2023 | Grant Street, Lossiemouth

Manager: Frank McGettrick

Highland League results since 2015/16:

Captain: Liam Archibald

2022/23 2023/2024 Sat 29 Jul 2023 Fraserburgh 3-1 Lossiemouth

HFL Record Last 5 seasons* Pos W D L GD Pts 22/23 14 8 3 23 -45 27 21/22 15 8 6 20 -51 30 18/19 17 2 2 30 -110 8 17/18 16 4 3 27 -84 15 16/17 12 11 5 18 -18 38 *Covid-interrupted seasons not included

2022/2023 Fri 24 Mar 2023Fraserburgh 3-0 Lossiemouth Sat 13 Aug 2022 Lossiemouth 0-7 Fraserburgh 2021/2022 Sat 19 Feb 2022 Lossiemouth 1-3 Fraserburgh Wed 6 Oct 2021 Fraserburgh 6-1 Lossiemouth 2020/2021 Sat 28 Nov 2020 Lossiemouth 0-2 Fraserburgh

Top Scorer 22/23: Liam Archibald (7) Last 5 HFL Results: Sat 25th Nov: Lossiemouth 5-3 Clachnacuddin Sat 18th Nov: Deveronvale 3-1 Lossiemouth Sat 11th Nov: Lossiemouth 1-0 Keith Sat 7th Oct: Lossiemouth 1-0 Wick Academy Wed 4th Oct: Strathspey Thistle 0-3 Lossiemouth Broch’s all-time record v. Lossiemouth Played Overall

Won

Drawn

Lost

Scored

Conceded

177

103

33

41

471

282

Played HFL

Won

Drawn

Lost

Scored

Conceded

154

89

28

37

422

257

Record Win 10-0 at Bellslea Park, League, 29th December 2018 Record Defeat 0-7 at Grant Park, League, 1st May 1965

2019/2020 Sat 18 Jan 2020 Fraserburgh 6-0 Lossiemouth Wed 11 Sep 2019 Lossiemouth 0-3 Fraserburgh 2018/2019 Sat 29 Dec 2018 Fraserburgh 10-0 Lossiemouth Sat 18 Aug 2018 Lossiemouth 0-7 Fraserburgh 2017/2018 Sat 24 Feb 2018 Fraserburgh 2-0 Lossiemouth Sat 16 Sep 2017 Lossiemouth 1-5 Fraserburgh 2016/2017 Sat 7 Jan 2017 Lossiemouth 1-2 Fraserburgh Sat 10 Sep 2016 Fraserburgh 0-4 Lossiemouth

35 37

Action from Victoria Park, Buckie and the Aberdeenshire Cup Final 2012. The Broch peg back Formartine’s two-goal lead and go on to take the cup by 3-1 on penalties.

Top: The Broch players celebrate Graham Johnston’s 85th minute leveller Bottom: Paul Leask claws away Richie Davidson’s penalty in the shoot-out

Top (left): Leask is swamped as the Cup is sealed Top (right): Skipper Steven Main holding it aloft Bottom: The victorious squad celebrate a magnificent victory

MATCH PREVIEW PREVIEW MATCH ROTHES v. FRASERBURGH FRASERBURGH v. INVERURIE LOCO WORKS BreedonHighland HighlandLeague League||Saturday Saturday16th 18thDecember November|2023 | Mackessack Park, Rothes Breedon Bellslea Park, Fraserburgh

Manager: Dean Donaldson

Highland League results since 2015/16:

Captain: Greg Mitchell

2023/2024 Sat 5 Aug 2023 Inverurie Loco Works 0-7 Fraserburgh

HFL Record Last 5 seasons* 2022/2023 Sat 28 Jan 2023 Inverurie Loco Works 0-4 Fraserburgh Sat 3 Sep 2022 Fraserburgh 1-2 Inverurie Loco Works

Pos W D L GD Pts 22/23 6 14 8 12 6 50 21/22 5 19 6 9 30 63 18/19 5 20 6 8 48 66 17/18 3 25 3 6 63 73 16/17 9 14 8 12 18 50 *Covid-interrupted seasons not included

2021/2022 Sat 15 Jan 2022 Inverurie Loco Works 0-2 Fraserburgh Sat 28 Aug 2021 Fraserburgh 3-0 Inverurie Loco Works

2019/2020 Fri 6 Mar 2020 Inverurie Loco Works 1-4 Fraserburgh Top Scorer 22/23: Robert Ward and Garry Wood (11) Sat 26 Oct 2019 Fraserburgh 2-3 Inverurie Loco Works Last 5 HFL Results: Sat 25th Nov: Inverurie Locos 3-0 Deveronvale Wed 22nd Nov: Forres Mechanics 0-1 Inverurie Locos Sat 18th Nov: Keith 1-2 Inverurie Locos Sat 11th Nov: Inverurie Locos 0-2 Buckie Thistle Sat 4th Nov: Wick Academy 2-1 Inverurie Locos Broch’s all-time record v. Inverurie Locos Played Overall

Won

Drawn

Lost

Scored

Conceded

65

29

11

25

121

101

Played HFL

Won

Drawn

Lost

Scored

Conceded

43

15

11

17

80

68

Record Win 7-0 at Harlaw Park, League 5th August 2023 Record Defeat 0-4 at Bellslea Park, League 24th November 2007 0-4 at Bellslea Park, League 14th April 2010

2018/2019 Sat 30 Mar 2019 Fraserburgh 2-4 Inverurie Loco Works Sat 3 Nov 2018 Inverurie Loco Works 0-5 Fraserburgh 2017/2018 Sat 13 Jan 2018 Inverurie Loco Works 2-2 Fraserburgh Wed 13 Sep 2017 Fraserburgh 3-1 Inverurie Loco Works 2016/2017 Sat 25 Mar 2017 Inverurie Loco Works 1-5 Fraserburgh Sat 17 Sep 2016 Fraserburgh 1-0 Inverurie Loco Works 2015/2016 Sat 2 Apr 2016 Inverurie Loco Works 1-1 Fraserburgh Wed 11 Nov 2015 Fraserburgh 0-1 Inverurie Loco Works

35 41

FRASERBURGH FC SUPPORTERS CLUB NEWS

42

It was a top of the table clash in the Aberdeenshire League on the last Monday of October, we were at home to Turriff United.

postponed as Nairn were playing in the North of Scotland cup final on the Sunday, well done to them as they beat Ross County by 5 goals to 4 at Grant Street.

The game started poorly as we conceded a goal in the second minute when we failed to clear a ball into the box, we created plenty of chances but went into the break one nil down, Zane Laird was taken down in the box in the 62nd minute, he dusted himself down and slotted home to bring the sides level, the Broch took the lead when in the 69th minute, Connor Wood fired in a curling shot which went in high off the left hand post, Turriff levelled and then went ahead with a cross come shot in the 84th minute, the Laird brothers salvaged a point when Zane raced down the left, he crossed low into the box for Stuart to ram home from 8 yards out.

As Nairn were winning the cup our under 18’s were at home to Stirling Albion in the 3rd round of the Scottish Youth Cup, we took the lead in the 23rd minute, we were awarded a freekick which was slung into the box by Evan Anderson, the keeper blocked an Adam Henderson header but Cameron Robertson smashed the rebound into the net, the Broch doubled their advantage in the 59th minute, Ricky Milne ran through to the keeper on the edge of the box, he flicked it against the Albion keeper, Flynn McKay gathered the rebound and rounded the keeper then slotted the ball into the empty net, the Broch could have added to their total with some good chances squandered later in the game.

On the first Friday night of the month, we were off to Banks o’ Dee for a league game, it’s a surface that I feel we have never played well on, that night was to be no exception as we were defeated by 2 goals to nil, 2 early goals and a fussy referee who booked almost our entire team made for a very quiet supporter’s bus on the way home.

The under 18’s were at home to Hermes on the first Monday of the month, we started the game quickly with Owen Pearson scoring in the 2nd minute, goals from Max Wiseman, William Jones and Max Wiseman again put us in at the half with a 4 goal to 1 lead, Stuart Laird came off the bench in the second half to claim a brace and give us a comfortable victory by 6 goals to 1.

We were supposed to be at home to Nairn County on the Saturday, that game was

The draw for the next round had already taken place, Rangers Youth will be coming to the Bellslea on Friday 24th November.

We were on our travels to Mackessack Park to play Rothes, after a fast one touch passing move down the right wing, Josh Bolton passes the ball to the feet of Zane Laird, his shot is parried by Sean McCarthy, Aidan reacts fastest and sweeps the ball into the net from 6 yards out, the Broch doubled their advantage in the 42nd minute, Aidan Sopel passes the ball forward, Callum Haspell can only divert the ball into Zane who is 18 yards from goal, he turns and smashes a right foot shot which flies into the top left-hand corner of the net, the Broch wrapped up the points early in the second half, Willie West takes a throw in on the left and finds Aidan Sopel,

he cuts inside the defender and gets to the edge of the box, he fires a right foot shot which cannons off the left-hand post into the net, the Broch created many more chances during the game but failed to convert them, a welcome three points against a tricky opponent.

Congratulations to Scott Barbour who while coming off the bench against Rothes, he made his 350th appearance for the Broch, Scott is in 23rd place in the all-time records for Broch appearances, next to chase down is Brian McCann who is in 22nd place on 364, Scott has also scored 236 goals during his career and is in 2nd place and only 1 goal behind Michael Stephen who is in 1st place.

The Bellslea was looking bright and shiny for the Scottish Youth Cup 4th round game against Rangers on the Friday night, the new floodlights were up and running and looking great, all at the supporters club would like to thank Foundation Scotland who awarded the club a grant for this project, we must also thank our new club sponsor Score Group, they made this investment possible with a significant financial contribution, thanks to all who in any way helped to make this ground improvements go ahead, everyone can “see the difference” that the LED lights have made.

The Broch team played well in the windy conditions and it was all square at half time with neither team able to score, Rangers broke the deadlock in the 60th minute and then doubled their advantage on the 75th minute with 2 clinical finishes, the Broch pushed more players forward later in the game and lost a further 2 goals in the dying stages, it was a great experience for a young Broch team who worked hard for the full 90 minutes.

We were away to Brechin City on the last Saturday of November, once again we stopped at Brechin Golf Club for lunch and refreshments before the game, once again a great time was had by all, the Broch were

awarded a freekick on the edge of the box in the 21st minute, Ryan Cowie hit the ball with his left foot into the wall, the ball broke back to him and he slammed the ball low into the right corner of the net with his right foot, this was to be the only goal of the game with the Broch defence putting in a brilliant performance, Joe Barbour hardly had a save to make during the 90 minutes, a welcome 3 points and a boost towards the Cup Final next Sunday.

We will be running buses to the Brora Rangers Cup Final game at Inverurie on Sunday 3rd December which will leave the Elizabethan at 12:30pm, the cost of travel is £10 for adults and £5 for others.

We will be running a bus to the Lossiemouth game on Saturday 9th December, the bus will leave the Elizabethan at 12:30pm, the cost of travel is £15 for adults and £8 for others.

We will be running a bus to the Buckie Thistle game on Saturday 23rd December which will leave the Elizabethan at 12:45pm, the cost of travel is £10 for adults and £5 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.

Visit FFCSC online at http://www. fraserburghfcsc.co.uk Ten Nil

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With offices in Aberdeen and Fraserburgh, our clients are at the very heart of our business which is built on strong values and attention to detail. Our commitment is to provide tailored, considered choices and forward-thinking financial advice to help our clients gain peace of mind and make the most of their money. https://www.vtwealth.co.uk/

44

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Our customers are at the core of everything we do, and this commitment has facilitated our success and growth. Our team works incredibly hard and their dedication to staying innovative and always looking for a better way, is integral to the considerable success and growth we have achieved together. https://www.gray-adams.com/

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CLUB SPONSORS 2023/24 PBP Services PBP Services was established in 1968 and provides high quality surface preparation and finishing services, specialising in all types of protective coating applications such as paints specified for the marine, industrial and commercial markets.

Our main services include all types of surface preparation such as blast cleaning using abrasive grits, UHP waterblasting, slurry blasting, steam cleaning, pressure washing and all types of mechanical tool preparation to surfaces ranging from ferrous and non ferrous metals, to concrete, fibre glass and wood. https://pbpservices.co.uk//

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DG Electrical Dennis Gordon Electrical is a family based company established in 1974 by Dennis Gordon.

The company has now expanded and employs over 35 members of staff. Based in Fraserburgh, our fully qualified team of electricians are on hand to provide comprehensive electrical services. https://www.dennisgordon.co.uk

Contact us to find out more about sponsorship opportunities.

George Thom Vice Chairman and Sponsorship Co-ordinator george.thom@fraserburghfc.co.uk

47

Willie West November saw our legendary skipper Willie West mark the 20th anniversary of a Broch career which began with a debut back in 2003.

In a glittering Bellslea career, Willie has so far: • Made 654 First Team appearances • Scored 166 First Team goals • Captained the side to the Highland League title • Won the Qualifying Cup • Won the Highland League Cup • Won six Aberdeenshire Cups • Won four Aberdeenshire Shields • Scored five cup final goals Highland League Weekly spoke to Willie about his incredible Bellslea career - click below to view the interview:

Willie in action during his Testimonial, July 2016

PLAYER & STAFF SPONSORS

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51

MEMORY MATCH

Fraserburgh come of age after a classic cup final Fraserburgh 4-3 Keith (after extra time) Qualifying Cup Final | Saturday 11th November 1995| Christie Park, Huntly

The crowd trouble which marred North football's showpiece Qualifying Cup final failed to spoil a fine game which lived up to all expectations.

The few lunatics who got carried away with the atmosphere have only themselves to blame for missing out on a classic match as the Broch babes finally came of age and deservedly won the cup.

With one swing of his boot, the man they call Babadoo finally killed off a spirited Keith side and took the Qualifying Cup to Bellslea for the first time since 1954.

After losing four major finals in a sixyear spell, Saturday was the day it all came good for the Broch who can now look forward to seriously challenging for the title.

Years of patience persevering with a youth policy has finally paid off for chairman Jim Adams and manager Charlie Duncan, although the team's immaturity almost cost them their finest hour.

"I though Keith could have scored again at the end just after they equalised to make it 3-3 as our defence's immaturity

showed and they went to sleep", said Duncan.

SCREAMING

"I was screaming at them just to lump the ball out of the park at the end but they are a young team and they were still celebrating our third goal. But saying that I thought they responded magnificently in extra time and James Geddes's goal was an absolute beauty."

The Broch boss feels that his side's emergence this season is all down to scoring goals.

"I said to them at the start of the season that we weren't scoring enough goals and that had to improve and they have responded magnificently and that is where we have improved," he said.

The goals that were scored by both teams on Saturday were straight out of the top drawer and good enough to grace any cup final in the land.

The Keith equaliser by John Wilson right on the final whistle was particularly good as he picked his spot and slid the ball under Billy Gordon to silence the noisy Broch support. Seconds earlier, the Fraserburgh fans had celebrated a stunning volley from Mike

53

McCafferty that seemed destined to send the cup on a journey to the coast.

a third goal for Fraserburgh and less than a minute later Wilson equalised.

But Wilson's cool head ensured celebrations were put on hold for an extra half-hour as he avoided temptation to blast the ball and went for precision instead.

Then came the final minutes of glorious action which sent the tie spinning into overtime when James Geddes took centre stage.

It was a moment of brilliance in a match which had everything and which swung like a pendulum, with both teams putting everything into it.

The young injury-hit midfielder, who has missed most of this season through injury, got the freedom of the Broch with one final swing of his boot in the dying seconds.

The game got off to a great start with Paul Keith heading the Broch in front after 16 minutes before Scott Taylor headed an equaliser that sent the teams in level at half-time.

It was a goal fit to win any cup and it was certainly enough to put an immovable grin on the face of his chairman.

54 DUBIOUS

Fraserburgh were a different team in the second half and pounded Keith before being being rocked by a penalty which fell into the dubious category.

Wilson netted from the spot and that seemed to take the initiative away from the Broch, but that was until John Thomson netted and changed the game again.

Broch themselves were then awarded a dodgy penalty with 12 minutes to go which the unfortunate Kris Hunter missed before netting the rebound which didn't count.

With that strike, Geddes made years of hard work pay off. How fitting it was to watch a young, local boy score and end the Broch's trophy drought.

FRASERBURGH - Billy Gordon, Scott Clark, Henry Michie, Jimmy Young, Derek Milne, Mike McCafferty, John Thomson, Clark Killoh (Ian Murray), Paul Keith, Kris Hunter (James Geddes), Michael Stephen. Unused Sub - Graeme Alexander KEITH - Thain, G.Taylor (Woolley), Wilson, Watt, Singer, Gibson, Thomson, S.Taylor, Lavelle (Nicol), Will, Allan Referee: Kenny Clark

Two minutes from time McCafferty hit

Source: P&J, Mon 13th Nov 1995

FRASERBURGH FC GROUND REGULATIONS

56

Copies of these Ground regulations are posted in areas of the Ground so as to be easily accessible and visible to spectators 1. All persons entering the Ground are admitted subject to the following Ground Rules and to the Rules and Regulations of the SFA and the SHFL. Entry to the Ground shall be deemed to constitute unqualified acceptance of all these Rules and Regulations.

2. All persons entering the Ground are admitted subject to the condition that they may be required to submit to search to prevent dangerous articles being brought into the Ground which might be used to cause injury or damage to persons or property.

3. Spectators are asked, in the interests of public safety and good order, to comply with all instructions issued by Police, Stewards or designated agents of the Club.

4. All matches are played in accordance with the Rules of the Scottish Football Association, the Scottish Highland Football League and, where applicable, the Regulations of U.E.F.A. com petitions.

5. Play cannot be guaranteed to take place on any particular day or at any particular time and the Club reserves the right to change its advertised fixtures without prior notice and without liability.

6. On no account will admission be granted to a person who is subject of a current Football Banning Order.

7. Tickets allocated by this Club are issued on the express condition that no holder shall sell or transfer the ticket for a larger price than face value. In the event of any breach of this condition Fraserburgh F.C. reserves the right to cancel the ticket and retain the money paid.

8. At all times, the right of admission is reserved by the Club Management and unless specifically authorised no transfers between Stands are allowed. Spectators found in the wrong area amid opposing fans may be ejected.

9. When a match is abandoned before the expiry of the first half, admission vouchers for the rearranged fixture will be issued to spectators. That arrangement does not however preclude spectators from seeking a cash refund from the Club on presentation of that voucher. The arrangements in cases where the match is abandoned after the expiry of the first half shall be a matter for the reasonable discretion of the Club.

10.

In the event of an all ticket match being postponed for any reason, the ticket can be retained and will be valid for the rescheduled fixture. Alternatively spectators will be entitled to a refund.

11.

Children over the age of 13 entering the Ground, must pay for admission or hold a valid ticket. Children 12 and under shall be admitted free of charge provided they are accompanied by an adult.

12.

Unauthorised persons are not permitted to enter upon the field of play or the perimeter track. Failure to comply may result in arrest or removal from the stadium, application of a stadium ban and/or instigation of Football Banning Order procedures.

13.

It is an offence under the terms of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995, as amended by the Crime and Disorder Act, 1998 to make any remarks of a racist nature. Any breach of this offence may result in arrest and instigation of Football Banning Order procedures.

14.

It is an offence under the Public Order Act 1986 for any person to enter, or attempt to enter the Ground: • whilst in possession of any article or substance whose main function is the emission of a flare for the purposes of illuminating or signalling (as opposed to igniting or heating) or the emission of smoke or visible gas, and in particular includes distress flares, fog signals and pellets and capsules intended to be used as fumigators or for testing pipes.

• with any article which is a firework.

• and subsequently activate smoke canisters and/or pyrotechnics, which can endanger the safety of spectators 15.

It is an offence under the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995 to enter or attempt to enter the Ground: • Whilst in possession of a controlled container which is or was capable of holding liquid and which, if thrown would be capable of causing injury to another person • Whilst in possession of alcohol • Whilst drunk 16. The use of threatening behaviour, foul or abusive language is strictly forbidden. Racial, sectarian, homophobic or discriminatory abuse or chanting is also forbidden and is considered as unacceptable conduct and may result in arrest and/or instigation of Football Banning Order procedures.

17. Persistent standing is forbidden in seated viewing areas. Anyone who continues to stand after having been requested not to, may be removed from the stadium and be subject to a ban.

18. Under no circumstances is it permitted to throw any objects whether on to the pitch or track or otherwise.

19. Club flags and banners, as well as any official national flag are permissible, provided they do not carry any additional religious, racist or other derogatory messages. Flags/banners must not interfere with the viewing capabilities or safety of other Spectators.

In addition, flags and banners must not be allowed to obstruct advertising boards or directional signage. Small flags can be mounted on garden canes provided the canes measure less than 100cms in length.

20. Unnecessary noise such as from the use of radio sets and behaviour likely to cause confusion, annoyance or nuisance of any kind, is not permitted in any part of the Ground.

21. With the exception of authorised Media representatives holding accreditation issued by the club/event organiser, the taking of photographs or filming by any means inside the Ground is prohibited. In addition, no transmission or reproduction, in whole or in part, in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise is permitted save with a special authorisation in writing by the club/event organiser and, where appropriate, the prior consent of the Scottish Football Association, the Scottish Highland Football League or appropriate body.

22. Only persons specifically authorised in writing by the Club are permitted to offer Newspapers, Periodicals or any other Articles for sale in the Ground and any charitable collection will only be permitted within the ground with prior written consent of the Club.

23. The Club reserves the right for its servants and agents and for members of Police Forces to remove from this Ground any person who does not comply with these Ground Regulations and with the Rules and Regulations of the SFA, SHFL. and/or where applicable, the regulations of U.E.F.A. Competitions or, whose presence in the Ground is, or could reasonably be construed as, constituting a source of danger, nuisance or annoyance to other Spectators.

24. CCTV cameras may be in use and recordings could be used in any proceedings.

25. The Club operates a Protocol Agreement with Police Scotland whereby the details of individuals who have been ejected or arrested at matches involving Fraserburgh F.C. either home or away, is shared with the Club. On examination of this information the Club reserves the right to indefinitely ban the individual from Bellslea Park and from purchasing tickets for away matches from the Club’s Ticket outlets.

26. In compliance with Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Act 2005, and the Prohibition of Smoking in Certain Premises (Scotland) Act 2006, smoking is permitted within areas designated for that purpose within the stadium. Failure to comply with this legislation will see the individual ejected from the Stadium and, where appropriate, issued with a fixed penalty ticket by the Police.

27. Use of umbrellas – fans can bring collapsible umbrellas into the stadium and retain them but cannot use them during the game.

Fixed umbrellas (of the type which have pointed metal ends) are not permitted into the stadium, per SFA ground rules.

First Team Stats and HFL Table

57

2023/24

Start Sub Total Goals Joe Barbour 19 0 19 Scott Barbour 16 3 19 8 Ryan Sargent 16 3 19 10 Sean Butcher 10 9 19 12 Paul Young 17 1 18 1 Greg Buchan 16 2 18 1 Kieran Simpson 16 2 18 Logan Watt 13 5 18 4 Connor Wood 7 10 17 3 Ross Aitken 12 4 16 William West 12 4 16 Josh Bolton 5 10 15 2 Jamie Beagrie 13 1 14 2 Bryan Hay 12 1 13 1 Ryan Cowie 10 3 13 1 Zane Laird 3 8 11 1 Lewis Davidson 8 2 10 Aidan Sopel 1 8 9 1 Grant Campbell 3 1 4 Edward Flinn 0 0 0 Cameron Robertson 0 1 1

P Brechin City FC 13 Banks o' Dee FC 15 Nairn County FC 15 Formartine United FC 14 Buckie Thistle FC 11 Huntly FC 14 Fraserburgh FC 13 Rothes FC 15 Brora Rangers FC 11 Turriff United FC 15 Lossiemouth FC 13 Inverurie Loco Works FC 15 Forres Mechanics FC 14 Wick Academy FC 13 Deveronvale FC 15 Keith FC 12 Clachnacuddin FC 16 Strathspey Thistle FC 14

W 11 9 10 9 9 8 8 8 7 8 4 4 3 3 2 2 0 1

D 1 5 0 2 1 2 1 1 3 0 2 1 3 2 4 2 5 1

L 1 1 5 3 1 4 4 6 1 7 7 10 8 8 9 8 11 12

GF 33 38 28 33 33 40 34 20 20 35 17 18 17 17 18 15 18 17

GA 6 13 23 16 10 22 18 21 10 29 23 31 23 33 41 21 54 57

GD 27 25 5 17 23 18 16 -1 10 6 -6 -13 -6 -16 -23 -6 -36 -40

P 34 32 30 29 28 26 25 25 24 24 14 13 12 11 10 8 5 4

FIRST TEAM FIXTURES & RESULTS 2023/24 Date Sat 1 Jul Sat 8 Jul Wed 12 Jul Sat 15 Jul Wed 19 Jul Sat 22 Jul Sat 29 Jul Sat 5 Aug Sat 12 Aug Sat 19 Aug Sat 26 Aug Sat 2 Sep Sat 9 Sep Sat 16 Sep Sat 23 Sep Wed 27 Sep Sat 30 Sep Wed 4 Oct Sat 7 Oct Wed 11 Oct Sat 14 Oct Sat 14 Oct Fri 3 Nov Sat 18 Nov Sat 25 Nov Sun 3 Dec Sat 9 Dec Sat 16 Dec Sat 23 Dec Sat 30 Dec Sat 6 Jan Sat 13 Jan Sat 20 Jan Sat 27 Jan Sat 3 Feb Sat 10 Feb Sat 17 Feb Sat 2 Mar Sat 9 Mar Sat 16 Mar Sat 23 Mar Sat 6 Apr Sat 13 Apr TBA TBA TBA TBA

Opponent Celtic Cove Rangers Fraserburgh United Aberdeen Maud Juniors East Fife Lossiemouth Inverurie Locos Buckie Thistle Deveronvale Deveronvale Clachnacuddin Strathspey Thistle Wick Academy Caledonian Braves Keith Brechin City Formartine United Huntly Aberdeen Turriff United Bonnyrigg Rose Banks o' Dee Rothes Brechin City Brora Rangers Lossiemouth Inverurie Locos Buckie Thistle Keith Deveronvale Clachnacuddin Turriff United Wick Academy Forres Mechanics Formartine United Huntly Brora Rangers Banks o' Dee Nairn County Rothes Brechin City Strathspey Thistle Forres Mechanics Nairn County Strathspey Thistle Brora Rangers

H/A H A A H A A H A H H A A A A A A A H A A H H A A A N A H A H A H A H H A H A H A H H A A H H H

Competition RNLI Benefit Match C. Scully Testimonial Friendly R. Cowie Testimonial Friendly Friendly Highland League Highland League Highland League Highland League Highland League Cup R1 Highland League Highland League Cup R2 Highland League Scottish Cup R1 Highland League Highland League Cup SF Highland League Highland League Aberdeenshire Shield R1 Highland League Scottish Cup R2 Highland League Highland League Highland League Highland League Cup Final Highland League Highland League Highland League Highland League Highland League Highland League Highland League Highland League Highland League Highland League Highland League Highland League Highland League Highland League Highland League Highland League Highland League Highland League Highland League Highland League Highland League

Result 0-0 (3-5 p.)

0-1 10-0 0-2 3-1 0-1 3-1 7-0 1-3 3-2 9-0 6-2 3-1 3-0 2-1 2-2 2-1 1-2 1-4 2-2 (4-5 pens) 3-0 1-2 (aet) 0-2 3-0 1-0

J.Barbour J.Barbour Flinn J.Barbour Flinn J.Barbour J.Barbour J.Barbour J.Barbour J.Barbour J.Barbour J.Barbour J.Barbour J.Barbour J.Barbour J.Barbour J.Barbour J.Barbour J.Barbour J.Barbour J.Barbour J.Barbour J.Barbour J.Barbour J.Barbour

Aitken Davidson Aitken Davidson Aitken Aitken Aitken Aitken Aitken Davidson Davidson Davidson Aitken Aitken Aitken Aitken Davidson Davidson Aitken Davidson Aitken Davidson Davidson Aitken Aitken

Hay Hay Beagrie Hay Beagrie Hay Hay Hay Hay Hay Hay 1 Hay Hay Hay Beagrie Beagrie Hay Beagrie Beagrie Beagrie Beagrie 1 Hay Beagrie Hay Hay

Simpson Simpson Simpson Beagrie Simpson Simpson Simpson Simpson Simpson Simpson Beagrie Simpson Simpson Simpson Simpson Simpson Simpson Simpson Simpson Simpson Simpson Simpson Simpson Beagrie Beagrie

West Aitken Hawkins 1 Cowie West Hawkins West West West Aitken West West Cowie Cowie Cowie West Beagrie West West West West Cowie 1 Cowie West West

Young Beagrie Buchan Campbell Campbell Campbell Campbell Buchan Campbell Campbell Buchan Buchan Buchan Buchan Buchan Watt Cowie Cowie Cowie Cowie Buchan Beagrie Buchan Watt Cowie 1

Buchan Buchan Watt 3 Young Watt Young Young Young Young Beagrie 1 Young Young Young Young 1 Young Young Young Young Watt Young Young Young Young Young Young

Substitutes

Watt Watt Sopel Wood Sopel Sopel Buchan Watt Buchan Watt Wood Watt 2 Watt Watt 1 Wood Laird Buchan Buchan Buchan Buchan Wood Buchan Watt Bolton Watt

Sopel Sopel Laird Butcher Butcher Laird Wood Butcher 2 Butcher 1 Wood Butcher 2 Butcher 1 Butcher 1 Butcher Watt Butcher Watt 1 Butcher Wood Bolton Butcher 1 Watt Butcher Wood Bolton

Sargent Sargent Bolton 1 Sargent Laird Bolton Sargent Sargent 1 Sargent Buchan 1 Laird 1 Sargent 1 Bolton 1 Sargent 1 Sargent 2 Bolton Sargent 1 Sargent Sargent 1 Sargent 1 Sargent Sargent Sargent Sopel 2 Sargent

S.Barbour Bolton S.Barbour S.Barbour Bolton S.Barbour S.Barbour S.Barbour 1 S.Barbour Sargent S.Barbour 3 S.Barbour 2 S.Barbour 1 S.Barbour S.Barbour Sargent 1 S.Barbour S.Barbour S.Barbour S.Barbour 1 S.Barbour S.Barbour S.Barbour Laird 1 S.Barbour

Flinn Flinn J.Barbour Flinn Flinn Flinn Flinn Flinn Flinn Flinn Flinn Flinn Flinn Flinn Flinn Flinn Flinn Flinn Flinn Flinn Flinn Flinn Flinn Flinn

Wood Young Davidson Aitken Hay Cowie Cowie Cowie Davidson Cowie Cowie Cowie West Davidson Hay Hay West Hay Sopel Sopel Hay West West Cowie Davidson

Bolton West Sargent 1 Sopel Young Beagrie Butcher 3 Sopel Cowie Young Simpson Wood Sargent West West Cowie Wood Wood 1 Bolton Wood Cowie Sopel Sopel Simpson Simpson

Butcher S.Barbour Hay Buchan Sargent Wood Sopel Wood 2 Beagrie West Sopel Bolton Wood Wood Bolton Barbour Bolton Watt Butcher Butcher Sopel 1 Wood Wood Sargent Sopel

Laird Butcher Young Simpson S.Barbour 2 Watt Watt Bolton Wood Sopel Sargent 1 Robertson Robertson Bolton Butcher Wood Butcher Bolton Laird Hawkins Watt Bolton Bolton S.Barbour Wood

Campbell Wood 2 Watt Wood Buchan Bolton Campbell Watt S.Barbour Watt Laird Laird Laird Laird Buchan Laird Laird Robertson Bolton Buchan Laird Buchan Buchan

Laird Butcher 2 Bolton Buchan 1 Butcher Laird Laird Bolton Bolton Bolton 1 Aitken

Cowie Laird

West West

Laird Butcher 1 Robertson

Laird Aitken

Kelly

Aitken

Robertson

Aitken Aitken Laird Laird Laird Aitken Butcher Butcher

Laird

Harris

2023/24 MID-SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW 11 MATCHES FOR THE PRICE OF 8!

Mid-season tickets will be valid from our match with Keith on 30th December.

Valid for entry to 11 Highland League matches!

Mid-season tickets offer significant discounts on match-by-match pricing.

Adult price £80 (£7.27 per match), Concessions £40 (£3.64 per match)!

Contact tickets@fraserburghfc.co.uk to place your order

Warming up at an autumnal Mackessack Park prior to the recent Highland League visit to Rothes

MATCH PREVIEW BUCKIE THISTLE v. FRASERBURGH Breedon Highland League | Saturday 23rd December 2023 | Victoria Park, Buckie

Manager: Graeme Stewart

Highland League results since 2015/16:

Captain: Kevin Fraser

2023/2024 Sat 12 Aug 2023 Fraserburgh 1-3 Buckie Thistle

HFL Record Last 5 seasons* 2022/2023 Sat 19 Nov 2022 Fraserburgh 1-0 Buckie Thistle Sat 30 Jul 2022 Buckie Thistle 2-1 Fraserburgh

Pos W D L GD Pts 22/23 2 28 3 3 66 87 21/22 2 29 2 3 106 89 18/19 8 14 7 13 18 49 17/18 7 15 6 13 24 51 16/17 1 26 4 4 94 82 *Covid-interrupted seasons not included

2021/2022 Wed 9 Feb 2022 Fraserburgh 1-3 Buckie Thistle Wed 25 Aug 2021 Buckie Thistle 2-2 Fraserburgh 2019/2020 Sat 21 Dec 2019 Fraserburgh 3-2 Buckie Thistle Sat 17 Aug 2019 Buckie Thistle 1-3 Fraserburgh

Top Scorer 22/23: Josh Peters (23) Last 5 HFL Results: Sat 18th Nov: Buckie Thistle 5-2 Wick Academy Sat 11th Nov: Inverurie Locos 0-2 Buckie Thistle Wed 4th Oct: Rothes 1-3 Buckie Thistle Sat 30th Sep: Buckie Thistle 6-0 Nairn County Sat 16th Sep: Banks o’ Dee 2-0 Buckie Thistle Broch’s all-time record v. Buckie Thistle Played Overall

Won

Drawn

Lost

Scored

Conceded

272

111

56

105

505

516

Played HFL

Won

Drawn

Lost

Scored

Conceded

183

72

39

72

328

362

Record Win 7-0 at Bellslea Park, League, 8th May 1920 Record Defeat 2-7 at Bellslea Park, 3rd November 1951 2-7 at Victoria Park, League, 2nd January 1958

2018/2019 Sat 23 Feb 2019 Buckie Thistle 1-4 Fraserburgh Sat 13 Oct 2018 Fraserburgh 2-1 Buckie Thistle 2017/2018 Sat 17 Feb 2018 Fraserburgh 2-2 Buckie Thistle Sat 21 Oct 2017 Buckie Thistle 4-1 Fraserburgh 2016/2017 Wed 12 Apr 2017 Fraserburgh 2-5 Buckie Thistle Sat 15 Oct 2016 Buckie Thistle 1-1 Fraserburgh 2015/2016 Sat 5 Dec 2015 Buckie Thistle 2-2 Fraserburgh Sat 15 Aug 2015 Fraserburgh 1-2 Buckie Thistle

35 61

U21/18 League Round Up Monday 27th November 2023 Fraserburgh vs. Stonehaven GPH Builders Merchants Aberdeenshire League Fraserburgh: Daniel Cummings, Lewis Davidson (Stuart Laird 61), Jake Garden, Adam Henderson, Dylan Robertson, Cameron Robertson (Joshua Hawkins 42), Zane Laird, Ricky Milne, Callum Kelly (Ethan Sutherland 71), Sean Butcher (Aaron Miller 71), Aidan Sopel (John Adams 61).

Sub not used: Liam Gordon.

Goalscorers: Sean Butcher (31, 48) Zane Laird (41 (pen)).

Stonehaven: Lewis Leiper, Finlay Walker, Jay Leslie, Thomas Paterson (Max Innes 66), Charlie Henderson, Murray Jamieson (Fraser Sim 66), Bailey Milne (Blair Thompson 79), James Gomes, Josh Middler, Thomas Chalmers (Ewan Milne 66), Jos McLaren.

Subs not used: Lewis Brougham, Daniel Middler.

Goalscorers: James Gomes (64), Own Goal (82).

Match Official: Referee: Ewan Pow. Fraserburgh started on the front foot with Zane Laird and Callum Kelly combining to set up Sean Butcher, but Lewis Leiper did well to thwart the Broch attacker. Thomas Chalmers went close for the visitors on 17 minutes when his raking drive from distance went just wide of goal.

Josh Middler sent a shot over the crossbar on 25 minutes and at the other end Kelly was put clear, but agonisingly for him his effort was cleared off the line. The visitors reprieve didn’t last long as the home side took the lead in fortuitous circumstances. Kelly’s shot rebounded off Laird into the path of Butcher who fired the ball home.

On 38 minutes Finlay Walker made good ground down the right flank and crossed to James Gomes, but again his effort went just over the crossbar. Stonehaven we made to rue their missed chances when Laird was tripped inside the penalty area on 41 minutes and he got up to coolly power home the spot kick. Just before the break Laird set up Butcher again, but the woodwork came to the visitor’s rescue.

Three minutes into the second half Adam Henderson’s long diagonal ball picked out Butcher who thundered home a volley off the underside of the crossbar, to seemingly make the points safe. On 55 minutes Butcher sent Aidan Sopel clear on the left wing and when the return pass came his way the Broch striker saw his shot saved by Leiper.

A minute later Henderson’s header from a corner was deflected wide. Hive pulled a goal back on 64 minutes when Gomes rose well at the back post to nod home Jos McLaren’s corner. Ricky Milne had a great chance to settle the game on 72 minutes when he broke

clear, but his shot flashed across the face of goal and just wide of the far post.

Stonehaven got a second goal on 82 minutes again McLaren’s corner caused confusion inside the penalty area and the unfortunate Milne put through his own goal. The Laird brothers combined on 87 minutes to create another great chance for the home side with second half substitute Stuart releasing Zane in on goal but he saw his shot blocked.

Fellow substitute Etah Sutherland then saw his effort from the resultant corner saved on the line before Middler had one final chance with a 25-yard shot at the end for Stonehaven which Daniel Cummings did well to make a smart save from.

Full time: Fraserburgh 3 Stonehaven 2 ——————————————— Monday 6th November 2023 Fraserburgh vs. Hermes Scottish Highland Football Under 18 League - East Fraserburgh: Daniel Cummings, Will Sim, Jake Garden, Ben Riddell, Corin McDermott, Owen Pearson, Kai Benson, Max Wiseman, William Jones, Hamish Gordon, Flynn McKay. Subs: Adam Henderson, Angus Robbie, Evan Anderson, Stuart Laird, Theo Watt.

Goalscorers: Owen Pearson (2), Max Wiseman (14, 27), William Jones (19), Stuart Laird (58, 65).

Hermes: Logan Miller, Conor Cruickshank, Ross Young, Alfie Wallace, Jack Pirie, Joshua Tempest, Louie Paterson, Mungo Preston, Aiden Topping, Liam Milne, Emmanuel Oghenekevwe.

Subs: Matthew Reid, Josh Murray, Shay Buchanan, Zach Boon, Archie LawrenceClark.

Goalscorer: Emmanuel Oghenekevwe (36).

Match Official: Referee: Graeme Smith.

Fraserburgh raced into an early lead against with Owen Pearson scoring inside the first two minutes.

Max Wiseman added a second on 14 minutes and five minutes later William Jones extended the lead further.

Wiseman got his second of the match and Fraserburgh’s fourth on 27 minutes, but Emmanuel Oghenekevwe reduced the leeway on 36 minutes to make the half time score 4-1 to the home side.

Substitute Stuart Laird added a brace after the interval, the first of which came on 58 minutes with his second goal coming 7 minutes later to give the Broch a comfortable home win.

Full time: Fraserburgh 6 Hermes 1

Scottish Youth Cup Round Up Sunday 12th November 2023 Fraserburgh vs. Stirling Albion Scottish FA Youth Cup 3rd Round Fraserburgh: Sam Inglis, Jake Garden, John Adams, Adam Henderson, Dylan Robertson, Cameron Robertson, Ricky Milne (Owen Pearson 52), Ethan Sutherland (Hamish Gordon 71), Evan Anderson (Max Wiseman 71), Stuart Laird (Ben Riddell 85), Flynn McKay (Aaron Miller 71).

Subs not used: Will Sim, Daniel Cummings.

Goalscorers: Cameron Robertson (23), Flynn McKay (59).

Stirling Albion: Kieran Northfield, Gian-Luca Elsoway (Jack Brown 71), Rory O’Donnell, Luca Scacchi, Miko Brown, Jacob Moynes, Lachlan Hunter (David Lewis 46), Alistair Graham (Cruz Dunbar 63), Aiden Ononiwu, Jacob Tosh (Liam Nichol 56), Ryan Heffernan.

Match Officials: Referee: Owen Lawrence Assistant Referees Craig Veith & Scott Martin.

A goal in either half was enough to see the young Broch secure a 4th Round tie against Rangers in the Scottish FA Youth Cup. A healthy crowd of 200 or so saw captain Cameron

Robertson open the scoring on 23 minutes.

The lead was doubled in the 59th minute through winger Flynn McKay and despite some late pressure the home side held on to record a comfortable win and set up a mouthwatering tie at Bellslea Park later this month.

Full time: Fraserburgh 2 Stirling Albion 0 —————————————— Friday 24th November 2023 Fraserburgh vs. Rangers Scottish FA Youth Cup 4th Round Fraserburgh: Sam Inglis, John Adam, Jake Garden, Adam Henderson, Dylan Robertson, Cameron Robertson, Ricky Milne (Hamish Gordon 84), Ethan Sutherland (Evan Anderson 71), Stuart Laird (Max Wiseman 84), Joshua Hawkins (Owen Pearson 63), Flynn McKay (Aaron Miller 84).

Subs: Corin McDermott, Daniel Cummings.

Rangers: Rydnn McGuire, Zander Hutton, Oliver Goodbrand, Leyton Grant, Jack Wyllie (Conor Campbell 72), Blaine McClure (Cameron Bell 63), Calum Adamson (Harry Weir 46), Findlay Curtis, Josh Gentles, Callum Burnside (Grant Leitch 83), Keiron Willox (Lyle Wark 63).

Subs: Arran Kerr, Alfie Halliwell.

Goalscorers: Callum Burnside (63), Josh Gentles (76, 90), Lyle Wark (88).

Match Officials: Referee: Lewis Brown, Assistant Referees: Alex Ross & Garry Duncan.

A large crowd of approximately 500 turned out to cheer on both sides in the 4th round of the Scottish Youth Cup. The home side were huge underdogs, but they rose to the challenge, especially in the first half where they limited the visitors to half chances and by getting their bodies in the way of any shots.

Indeed, it was the Broch who almost took the lead on 41 minutes when Stuart Laird, who had almost rounded the Rangers keeper earlier in the half, jinked past two defenders

before firing in a shot which Rydnn McGuire did well to save at his near post. A minute later Sam Inglis in the home goal was happy to see Calum Adamson’s shot rebound off the post and into his hands.

It took the Premiership youngsters until just after the hour to make their possession tell when Callum Burnside swept home a corner at the back post. Josh Gentles doubled the lead on 76 minutes when his long-range free kick curled past the despairing dive of Inglis.

With the home side tiring, substitute Lyle Wark hammered home a long-range drive on 88 minutes and right-on full-time Josh Gentles got a second and his team’s fourth which was very harsh on the Broch who had put so much into the match.

Full time: Fraserburgh 0 Rangers 4

UNDER 21s

OPPOSITION H/A SCORE Huntly H 5-0 P S P P P P Dyce A 5-0 P S P P P S Formartine United H 3-3 P P P Buckie Thistle A 7-1 P S P1 Inverurie Loco Works H 1-0 P P P Deveronvale A 3-4 P P P S Turriff United H 3-3 P P P P S Stonehaven H 3-2 P P P P S Keith A

UNDER 18s DATE COMPETITION Mon 28 Aug Highland Youth League Wed 13 Sep SFA Youth Cup Mon 25 Sep Highland Youth League Mon 09 Oct Highland Youth League Fri 06 Oct Highland Youth League Sun 12 Nov SFA Youth Cup Fri 24 Nov SFA Youth Cup

OPPOSITION Dyce Keith Deveronvale Turriff United Hermes Stirling Albion Rangers

P P2 P P1 P2 S S S P P P P1 P3 S P P2 S P1 P S P1 S P P3 P1 P P1 S1 P P P P S P P P1 S1 S P P1 S1 S P P1 S S

S S

S S S

Sam Inglis Daniel Cummings Liam Gordon Findlay Stephen Flynn McKay Taylor Dalgarno Cameron Robertson Owen Pearson William Jones Max Wiseman Evan Anderson Hamish Gordon Stuart Laird Kai Benson

DATE COMPETITION Mon 07 Aug Aberdeenshire League Mon 21 Aug Aberdeenshire League Mon 04 Sep Aberdeenshire League Mon 18 Sep Aberdeenshire League Mon 02 Oct Aberdeenshire League Mon 16 Oct Aberdeenshire League Mon 30 Oct Aberdeenshire League Mon 27 Nov Aberdeenshire League TBA Aberdeenshire League

Sam Inglis Daniel Cummings Jake Garden Cameron Robertson Dylan Robertson John Adam Ethan Sutherland Logan Watt Callum Kelly Josh Bolton Zane Laird Stuart Laird Aaron Miller Ben Riddle

DEVELOPMENT TEAMS FIXTURES & RESULTS

H/A SCORE H 3-4 A 6-1 P A 3-2 H 2-0 H 6-1 H 2-0 P H 0-4 P

P: Played from the start S: Came on as a substitute *Numbers alongside signify goals scored in match

P P P P

P P P P P P P1 P P1 P1 S P1 P P2 S P2 S P P1 P P S P P P1 S S P S P P1 S P P1 P P2 S P S2 P P1 P1 S S P S P P P S S S S P

S S

P S

Theo Watt Adam Henderson Fergus Ross Jayden Mackay Joshua Hawkins Ben Riddle Dylan Robertson Ricky Milne Aaron Miller Ethan Sutherland Jake Garden Will Sim Corin McDermott John Adams Angus Robbie

S P S P P1 P S S P S P P P S P1 P P S P S P1 P P P P P P P P P P1 P P S P P P2

S S S S S P1 P P P P P S S P P P1 S S P P1 P P S P S P P S S P P P P S P S P P S P P P P P P P S P P P

Flynn McKay William West Aidan Sopel Liam Gordon Lewis Davidsom Joshua Hawkins Ricky Milne Evan Anderson Adam Henderson Connor Wood Bryan Hay Sean Butcher Grant Campbell

Broch Lottery

FFC Lucky SQUARES

The November Lottery was drawn by Owen Lawrence, Match Official at our SFA Youth Cup match with Stirling Albion on Sunday 12th November.

To celebrate the launch of our official club tartan in partnership with Mains Highlandwear, we are giving one lucky fan the opportunity to win a made-to-measure kilt in the new FFC Club Tartan.

1st Prize £300 - No 91 George Birnie 2nd Prize £100 - No 129 Louis Thom Congratulations to 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.

There are will be 100 lucky squares available at £20 per square.

We will allocate a number to each entrant and would like either an email address and/or mobile phone number which we will use to notify you after each draw the winning numbers and winners. We will also let you know on a monthly basis how many entrants there are and value of the main prize.

If you would like a square please visit our Facebook Post or, for those who can't access that, contact James. a.adams@hotmail.co.uk.

Winning numbers will also be posted on Twitter and Facebook.

Payment can be made through PayPal at: fraserburghfc@highlandleague.com Please remember to select FRIENDS & FAMILY when you pay.

Please put LUCKY SQUARE as your reference.

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

The winner will be announced once all the squares are sold.

Good luck everyone!

Josh Bolton in action during our recent victory over Brechin City

QUESTION & ANSWER

BRYAN HAY

Where did you grow up?

Grew up in the Broch, Broch born and bred (well born in Aberdeen but lived in the Broch all my life.)

Team Supported as a boy?

Supported Rangers ever since I can remember, got that from my Dad and its not been too bad a journey so far.

First game you remember watching?

Well… my memory is shocking!

I think the games I remember watching earliest were probably Old Firm derbies, back in the McCoist and Hateley days, but can’t recall one specific game as the first one.

First game you can remember playing in?

Well again my memory isn't the best but i think it was probably through at Ellon Meadows with coach Alex Mair and the young Aberdour team (Alex tells some fibs about back in those days so don't listen to a word he says.)

Who do you sit next to on the bus?

I'm pretty unsociable on the bus to games, usually like to have a nap and listen to music so sitting by myself most of the time. The way back is different though, back of the bus with a couple of beers along with the rest of the boys.

Boots worn for your last game?

Like a Nike boot nowadays and you can’t go wrong

with a black pair of Tiempos (which I wore at the weekend). Looks like they are burst now so will have to invest in a new pair… old school Preds are the GOAT though.

Best moment on a football pitch?

Got to be walking out onto the Bellslea when we were playing Rangers in the Scottish Cup, being a Rangers fan probably made it a bit more special.

The Forres game at home when we won the league is a close second.

Favourite goal you have scored?

Haven't scored much so no-brainer here, the winner against Spartans in the Scottish Cup as it landed Rangers in the next round… 3 yard screamer it was!

Above: Bryan’s volley loops into the Spartans net to send the Broch through to the next round Favourite goal you have seen?

Didn't see it live but Zidane’s Champions League Final volley for Real Madrid at Hampden was

something special, class player, one of the best in my opinion.

Best player played against?

Probably got to be Niko Kranjcar when we played Rangers. He was in the twilight of his career then but what a player he was back in the day, Premier League legend.

Best player played alongside?

I would say its probably McBride, just a class act on the pitch, made it look so easy but his determination was just as impressive.

Giz probably not too far behind, he was unplayable for a spell and probably the most naturally gifted player (although I'm sure he worked pretty hard at it).

Funniest thing you have seen in a dressing room?

Probably not funny at the time but turning up to Wick, getting ready for the warm up and the basket containing everyone’s boots was still at the Bellslea, can laugh about it now but was panic stations then.

Any pre-match rituals?

Not really no, try to eat the right things the day before and the morning of the games and try to get out a walk on a Saturday morning but not much apart from that.

Which player in history would you like to play alongside?

Best centre half in recent times in my opinion would probably be Sergio Ramos so would say him.

What would you change about football?

Football is getting a little bit embarrassing now to be honest, slightest touch and refs are giving fouls. It’s a contact sport at the end of the day and i think people are forgetting that so would probably change something about that… maybe I wouldn't get sent off as much as a result!

How do you relax away from football?

Don't do much relaxing really. If I’m not playing football or training I’m usually in the gym.

I do like to go to the sauna when i can and like to watch my son play football, although that isn't that relaxing!

Favourite movie or TV series?

Like a comedy but probably couldn't narrow down my

favourite film so will go with the TV series… the American Office… so, so funny and comedy you probably wouldn't get away with now!

Favourite band or artist?

Again i would struggle to pinpoint a favourite but The Courteeners would probably edge it.

Big fan of The View and The Snuts (two brilliant Scottish bands) who i will be seeing in the next couple of months. Also can’t forget about Bundy!

Worst taste in music?

God, it could be any of the young team! They all seem to be into this new rap rubbish, Drake and them guys… utter garbage!

Who has the worst taste in clothes?

Again some of the young team, Josh and Connor are probably the main culprits although Willie has had have fair share of questionable outfits over the years.

What other sport would you have liked to give a go?

I'm into a lot of sports, could watch most sports really but I did quite a lot of Track and Field when i was a kid so would probably like to have given that a bash. I was quite good at the Long Jump and the Triple Jump.

What do you love most about playing football?

Oh i would love to say that winning games of football and the feeling it gives you, which i do love.But I’ve always loved just playing football, even just having a kick about with my pals or just going out the back by myself and kicking the ball about… not really sure what it is that I love about it but something has obviously stuck with me!

Fraserburg

gh FC 2006/07

MATCH PREVIEW FRASERBURGH v. KEITH Breedon Highland League | Saturday 30th December 2023 | Bellslea Park, Fraserburgh

Manager: Craig Ewen

Highland League results since 2015/16:

Captain: Ryan Robertson

2023/2024 Wed 27 Sep Keith 2-2 Fraserburgh

HFL Record Last 5 seasons* 2022/2023 Sat 18 Feb 2023 Fraserburgh 4-0 Keith Sat 3 Dec 2022 Keith 2-2 Fraserburgh

Pos W D L GD Pts 22/23 15 7 6 21 -49 27 21/22 13 10 4 20 -52 34 18/19 13 10 7 17 -6 37 17/18 15 4 4 26 -59 16 16/17 10 15 2 17 -14 47 *Covid-interrupted seasons not included

2021/2022 Sat 5 Mar 2022 Keith 0-5 Fraserburgh Sat 16 Oct 2021 Fraserburgh 7-0 Keith 2019/2020 Sat 19 Oct 2019 Fraserburgh 4-0 Keith

Top Scorer 22/23: Kieran Mooney (8)

2018/2019 Sat 16 Mar 2019 Fraserburgh 3-1 Keith Wed 8 Aug 2018 Keith 0-3 Fraserburgh

Last 5 HFL Results: Wed 22nd Nov: Brechin City 3-1 Keith Sat 18th Nov: Keith 1-2 Inverurie Locos Wed 15th Nov: Keith 3-1 Strathspey Thistle Sat 11th Nov: Lossiemouth 1-0 Keith Wed 4th Oct: Nairn County 3-2 Keith Wed 27th Sep: Keith 2-2 Fraserburgh

2017/2018 Sat 25 Nov 2017 Fraserburgh 1-2 Keith Sat 5 Aug 2017 Keith 0-3 Fraserburgh

Played Overall

Won

Drawn

Lost

Scored

Conceded

259

115

39

105

505

483

Played HFL

Won

Drawn

Lost

Scored

Conceded

177

74

26

77

363

348

Record Win 9-1 at Bellslea Park, League, 9th August 1930 Record Defeat 2-9 at Kynoch Park, League, 18th August 1934

2016/2017 Sat 18 Mar 2017 Keith 2-6 Fraserburgh Sat 29 Oct 2016 Fraserburgh 1-3 Keith 2015/2016 Sat 12 Dec 2015 Fraserburgh 0-3 Keith Sat 22 Aug 2015 Keith 1-2 Fraserburgh

35 75

FAN FOCUS

BRIAN DICKSON

When did you start watching Fraserburgh and why? Can you remember your first game?

First game was way back in 1952. I was 6 years old, and I think we were playing one of the Inverness teams. I was up in the stand, and at that time the stand had shutters that blew open and shut with the wind…and I nearly fell oot! I’ve never been in the stand since!

Which part of the ground do you go in and why? Any friends you want to mention?

Stand side, between the stand and the toilet (affa handy for Tony). My footy friends are Tony Beacom, Joe Burnett, and anyone else who wants the pleasure of my company.

Best game and why?

Easy…Peterhead 0 Broch 10. Why? Because it was against Peterheid.

Mind you, Broch 1 Dundee 0 also comes to mind, as does when we beat Forres at the Bellslea to win the league.

Mark Cowie, Tony Beacom, and Brian with the Highland League Championship trophy

Worst game and why?

Cup Final at Huntly, Peterhead 8 Broch 0. Sour grapes says that the game should never have been played on the mud bath of Christie Park.

Favourite Fraserburgh player of all time and why?

Rexy Hunter, as well as being a great player, he was also a great character.

I remember one time he went down in the box, he turned to me and said “that’s how you win a penalty”, after scoring it, he turned to me and shouted “that’s how you score a penalty”…an unforgettable moment!

Favourite current player?

I still think Fig is our number one (hopefully by the time this is published he’ll be our top goal scorer.)

If you could sign one HFL player for the Broch who would it be?

Horace Ormsby. Fantastic winger for Vale. I believe he would fit right into our team.

Your all-time Fraserburgh XI? Very difficult, but here goes; Billy Gordon Russel McBride Bryan Hay John Duthie (Tozie) Michael Stephen Scott Barbour Rexy Hunter Scott Murray Paul Keith Davie Robertson Wee Alikie Stephen Thing you like best about the Club?

A very friendly, family club which is professionally run.

Favourite Highland League ground apart from Bellslea?

Princess Royal Park, Banff, because it’s nae far to travel.

One thing you'd like to change about football?

Keep the game flowing. Too much deliberate time wasting, especially by goalkeepers. I would like to see more yellow cards for this.

Any other club you support?

HELL NO! Only one team for me.

Who's going to win the league this season?

I would like to think the Broch, but I think it’ll be Buckie.