Bellslea Bulletin - Issue 13

BELLSLEA BULLETIN 13

MAIN CLUB SPONSOR

CHAIRMAN FINLAYNOBLE

It has been a hectic month, February, and March is going to be even worse. Six games were completed in February with four wins, one draw and one defeat. That’s a decent record in any league but I have no doubt that the players and management won’t be sharing that view, as they always look to win every game.

March will see us play seven games, and very difficult ones at that. Culminating with the League Cup Final on 30th at Inverurie. In amongst that is also a home tie with Buckie Thistle in the Semi Final of the Aberdeenshire Cup. Certainly, a set of games which will have lots of interest for the supporters.

The highlight of the month for me was seeing young Joshua Hawkins score his first goal for the club last Saturday against Nairn County, the fact it was set up by Callum Kelly made it all the better. That’s the sort of stuff that I love seeing. I have kept up my record of seeing every “first” goal for the club since April 1980 when Jim McLeary scored his only Broch goal on a Wednesday night at Bellslea against Huntly in a 3-1 defeat. I wasn’t allowed to go, being only 11.

I had a similar record on debut’s until Mark Cowie played Andrew HannarinanAberdeenshireShield tie at Turriff Utd in 2017. Ironically,

FinlayNoble

he wasn’t signed on the morning of the game, and I had to orchestrate the signing from my holiday in Poland with the help of Jason Nicol. I should have listened to my wife and not answered the phone. ShewillarguethatIneverignorea Mark Cowie phone call but quite frequently reject hers!

It is always an honour to witness moments of history at the club, and in February we witnessed our first competitive game against Hermes, Jamie Beagrie make his 150th appearance and Sean Butcher score his 100th goal for the Broch. I am sure we will see some more before long.

Our more eagle eyed supporters will have noticed we seem to have a problem at the far side with water running onto the pitch. After 114 years we have finally fixed the

drainage at the clinic corner but as luck would have it the water has moved down the touchline. It is proving to be a headache but hopefullyBrian,Johnandtheteam will get a fix. No pressure! Our pitch has been in great shape over the years and it is fair to say that recently we have seen more water falling from the skies than ever. Therearepuddlesalloverthetown where we haven’t seen puddles before so we guess it is all connected. Surely it cant all be blamed on coos fartin.

As always, I hope you enjoy reading the magazine and if you have any ideas for articles then please get in tough.

Come awa the Broch Finlay

Coming up

BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE BRORA v. BROCH

SAT. 2nd MARCH

DUDGEON PARK, BRORA

LAST FIVE

Inaugural Hall of Fame Dinner

+End of Season Awards Night in conjunction with FFCSC

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

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

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

1

MANAGER MARK COWIE

February started with a good 3 points at home to Forres.

I changed the team up a bit for this game as I felt the players were not quite 100% with the games they had had and on such heavy parks. We were in good control of the game in the first half but again one lapse in concentration saw us concede a soft goal and mean we trailed 1-0 at half time.

I asked for a cleaner second half as I felt we had been relatively wasteful. We started okay in the second half however I threw Scott Barbour and Ryan Sargent on, and the game sprung to life. It was maybe a change that was needed but that is nothing against the lads who came off, I just think we finally managed to take control of the game fully after the changes and Fig showed what he is capable of with two goals which ultimately gave us a 2-1 win to start the month well.

We then had a midweek game against Hermes at home in the Aberdeenshire Cup. We played really well in the first half and managed to get ourselves a couple of goals. Our play was good in spells where at times we caused a lot of problems.

Half time came and it maybe came at the wrong time for us as we didn’t really turn up second half. Bryan Hay felt his calf tighten so we took him off as a precaution and put Jamie Beagrie back in to defence. Jamie can stroll that position however we have seen some good, controlled displays from him in midfield of late so I think because we moved him back it affected the rest as then Paul Young didn’t have the same freedom and you could see we weren’t quite at the same levels as the first half. We defended well however and manged to see the game out and set up a home tie in the semi-finals against Buckie Thistle.

Next up was a tough trip to Formartine Utd. The pitch was bordering on unplayable however I felt from their side that they wanted the game on as they felt we were vulnerable. This made me push to get the game on. I felt over the piece we were the better team who controlled the game. Formartine sat in and looked to hit us on the break which they are good at with their

Mark Cowie

forward players however I felt we kept Wade and Reid relatively quiet. We somehow ended up 2-0 down going in to the last 10 minutes which was unjust in my view but credit to them all they never gave in and kept going, managing to get a point with goals from Butcher and Willie. I was happy with the performance and although I am not always happy with a point on this occasion I was. We had gone to a good team and been the better side.

A week’s break was well earned with Huntly the next visitors to Bellslea. We started this one good and were 1-0 up early on. One of their players then got sent off quite rightly too for a cynical lunge on Aidan Sopel. The first half petered out a bit, but we were ruthless in the second half, ending up scoring 6 in total but it could have been some more as their keeper had a few good saves, we had a couple of goals ruled offside which were really close and we hit the woodwork twice. Really good to win in this manner given the reverse fixture and what happened there.

Then the big one came with an away game to Buckie, although it ended up being played at Lossiemouth. There was nothing really in the first half between the teams but Buckie as they do, managed to take

their only really chance of the game and go in one up at the break. Second half we pinned Buckie back, creating 4 or 5 glorious chances which we didn’t convert. We played well and again I felt we at least deserved a draw, however luck seemed to be on their side which is a good sign if you are going for a league title. We didn’t finish the game well and our discipline let us down a bit as we allowed Buckie to see out the last 10 minutes a bit too easily.

We reacted well to finish the month with a 3-0 home win against Nairn who themselves have had a good few results this season.

All in all, a good month leading up to a bigger March. I am happy where the lads are at present, we simply need to start converting more of the chances we create and reduce the number of goals we concede. Sounds easy however when you say it but the lads are working hard every session and I am sure this will be repaid going forward as we are still a very dangerous and good side on our day.

Hopefully, March is a good month for us all with some really big games due to take place. We cannot wait!!

Coming up

LAST FIVE

The Broch line up from 1934

Sean Butcher fires home his 100th Broch goal during the recent win over Huntly

Photo: Mark Grant

CAPTAIN WILLIE WEST

3rd Forres Home 2-1 Win

Following a disappointing defeat from Turriff the management freshened up the team with a few changes. However it would be the substitutes that would make the difference between the teams with Sarge and Fig coming on to save the day, Fig with his two goals and Sarge's general play. Forres made it difficult for us but over the piece I think we deserved the 3 points. Young Joshua Hawkins made his 2nd start in 4 days in left midfield. I was very impressed with Joshua in preseason and not surprised in the slightest when he was recalled from Maud during the season.

7th Hermes Home 2-0 Win

Next up Hermes and we made it through to the next round but it wasn't an enjoyable 2nd half for many of us as didn’t hit the performance level we had in the 1st. But credit to Hermes as they played some good football without creating much clear-cut chances. Our big centre halves Keezo and Hayser came up with the goods on the day.

10th Formartine Away 2-2

This would be our 6th game in 18 days and we knew it was going to be a real test of our fitness and mentality against a top team. I thought we were excellent on the day and deserved to win the game. Aidan Sopel made a big impact coming on and was a real threat but it was good overall team performance. Mark and Bax made some changes with returning Ryan Cowie, Greg Buchan and Ross Aitken returning to the starting 11 but all contributed and played well.

It's been unusual to see Ross missing training recently through injury as he has almost been an ever present since signing. He has a tremendous attitude and hopefully he can get the back of his injuries to finish the season strongly.

We found ourselves 2 nil down which I didn’t feel was a fair reflection of the play but Formartine had defended well and restricted us to many chances. But super sub Butch as always managed to get in the right place at the right time to knock one home and I also managed to get an equaliser at the death.

Willie West

17th Huntly Home 6-0 Win

We started off this game very well and a great goal for Sean Butcher to get his 100th broch goal was a fantastic achievement. Aidan then took a sore one and Huntly got a man sent off for a high tackle. A couple of goals from Keezo and Fig and we were running riot. Sarge chipped in with one as well. It would have been great to get a penalty and see Keezo and Fig argue over it but it wasn’t to be although both had good chances to get their 3rd. A good win and another clean sheet for Joe and the team.

21st Buckie Thistle Away 0-1 loss

We were well up for this one following Buckie’s impressive recent results and it was a bit strange to play this one at Lossie. Mark and Bax set up the team a little different for this one and we took a bit of time to get on top of Buckie but once we did I felt we were the better side for the majority of the game. But goals win games and unfortunately the 1 shot on target they had ended up in the net when on another day we could have scored a few.

24th Nairn

County Home 3-0 Win Nairn were going to be a bit on an unknown with an impressive result against Buckie earlier in the month but also some defeats there too. I was a bit disappointed not to see Big Tokely taking the field as it makes me feel young when he is still playing but think the Nairn team missed him more! It was quite an even game and it took us until near the end before Fig managed to give us that needed 2 goal cushion following Beags header from a corner. As I am writing this, just realised we have scored 5 goals from corners this month which is nae bad. But one of the biggest celebrations of the day was to go to Joshua Hawkins for his first goal which I am sure will live long in his memory and also one of many to come.

March doesn’t get any easier for us but some challenges the team is relishing as we enter a vital part of the season which will deem us failures or winners. We will be doing out utmost to be the latter!

Willie

Official Travel Partner of Fraserburgh FC

MATTHEW WEST

Weather continues to hamper our schedule, games with Keith and Formartine both falling victim to waterlogged pitches.

I have been complimentary of the group’s efforts throughout this winter period, they continue to train at a good standard. Despite the natural disappointment when you get the shout at lunchtime, that the game you have prepared for has been called off - you will now train, you must find motivation and not be disgruntled.

Credit to the group they've been upbeat. Recently we done some basic fitness tests at an 18s session and the results were very positive, validating the efforts we have observed. Young Hamish Gordon come out on top on the night, he will be the one the guys are chasing to beat when these come around in future. We believe this is healthy for the group, to drive each other on and push to get fitter.

We make the guys aware of the dedication and commitment it takes to be a top Highland League player, this shown by guys like Ryan Cowie, Bryan Hay and Willie West - who are in the gym every day looking to get stronger, fitter, sharper, better.

We see young Joshua Hawkins and see that he has, physically, a bit to go to catch Ryan and Willie, but this lad has done remarkable to bulk up significantly recently. I know he has the attitude to keep at it. To see him now comfortable in possession, wiry, tenacious, energeticcertainly worthy of praise for how he has handled his opportunity to

Matthew West

get valuable experience in the first team set up. I hope this brings fresh energy to his peers within the group.

We were grateful for ex- Skipper Ryan Christie aka Boomer for taking his Maud Juniors through to play our 18s in a friendly match on Kessock Park last Wednesday. This game allowed us to get guys minutes and was a good test against a team much stronger physically.

Only one game for us in league duty, we hosted Deveronvale at home. A dry night with no windthese have been hard to come by recently..... We controlled the game, at times a bit boring - but we kept a clean sheet which, for the back 5, I was so happy for. We scored a couple of good goals through Theo Watt and Angus Robbie.

We have been chatting a lot about the importance of a squad and the impact and mentality of players when they are on bench - we have

looked at South Africa's recent triumph in the Rugby World Cup, Philip Clement’s rotations at Rangers, and also our own First Team and how they were dead and buried at Pitmedden the other week, before Mark made some changes and the subs rescued a point. This is something our guys seem to have embraced quite well, we are desperate for this to continue.

A bounce game for a Broch XI v Longside Juniors was a good opportunity to get our senior youth players from the U21s team some minutes in a midweek game. They prepare for what will be a busy spell of games with loan clubs, when the run in of the local Junior Leagues gathers pace.

March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb....... with many tough games coming up - we will need to be like the lion all the way through til May.

Thanks-Matthew

On this day MARCH DOWN THE YEARS

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

1958: Freddie Smith nets a treble as Clachnacuddin go down 5-3 in this Bellslea encounter

1935: A last ever meeting with the nowdefunct Inverness Citadel sees the Broch run out winners by 4-1

1990: Ross County pay a visit to the Bellslea and go down 3-0 thanks to a John Fraser hat-trick

2023: The journey to Wick is a successful one as the hosts are thrashed by six to nil

11th

1911: The Aberdeenshire Cup is claimed in the Broch’s first trophy, coming in a 2-0 win over Buckie Thistle at Pittodrie

12th

1938: The Broch take a two goal lead to Peterhead for this Aberdeenshire Cup Final second leg and, despite losing by 3-2, the Cup is Bellslea bound on aggregate

13th

1954: Billy Bradford bags a brace as a trip to Lossie brings a 2-1 victory

21st

1959: Clachnacuddin are the guests as the Broch keep up their championship quest, doubles from Alfred ‘Junior’ Russell and Billy Meldrum securing a 4-1 win

22nd

2003: Graham Johnston makes the first of his 502 Broch appearances in this 3-0 home win over Fort WIlliam

23rd 2022: A midweek trek to Brora as the title run-in gathers pace. Goals from Willie West and Ryan Sargent ensure no slip-up in a fine 2-0 win

24th

1973: Buchan rivals Peterhead come to Bellslea on Shire Cup semi-final duty and are dispatched 2-0 through Ian Sharp and Bertie Bowie counters

14th

2012: The Broch go nap in the Aberdeenshire Cup Final, winning by 5-0 over then-junior Banks o’ Dee

25th 1933: The Broch are crowned Highland League Champions for the first time, a 6-0 win over Inverness Thistle sealing the deal

5th

2022: A Sean Butcher treble in Mark Cowie’ s 250th game in charge helps the Broch to a 5-0 win at Kynoch Park

15th

1975: A five-goal-thriller at Lossiemouth sees the Broch take the points with a double from Bobby Fraser and a Charlie Esslemont counter

6th

2013: a midweek visit to Lossiemouth produces a 4-0 win, Courtney Cooper leading the way with a double

16th

1929: The Black Watch, stationed at Fort George, welcome the Broch for a Highland League encounter which ends with a 3-0 win for the visitors

26th

1938: A 2-2 draw at home to Buckie in the final match of the season, but its not until 23rd April that the title is confirmed through Clach’s defeat to Peterhead

27th

1976: A double from Dave McKenzie and a Bertie Bowie strike wins the Aberdeenshire Cup, Huntly going down 3-1 in the final at Bellslea

7th

8th

9th

10th

2015: A crucial penalty save from Scott Cowe and a Peter-Alexander Bruce treble sees to Broch come from behind to pip Clach by 4-2

1924: The Broch win through to the Aberdeenshire Charity Cup Final as visitors Peterhead are trounced by seven to nil

2019: Paul Campbell and Sean Butcher both bag hat-tricks as a visit to The Haughs sees a 9-0 cruise

2018: A rip-roaring League Cup tie with Nairn sees the Broch make the semis by virtue of a 4-3 win at Station Park

17th

1990: A young Aberdeen side, featuring future Internationals Eoin Jess, Scott Booth, and Stephen Wright, forces a 1-1 draw in this Shire Cup semi at Bellslea

18th

19th

1995: A fine 3-1 win on the road at Elgin City with Keith McCredie and Marino Keith (2) ensuring the points head east

2014: After trailing 2-0 when the original fixture was abandoned, the Broch take full advantage in the rearranged fixture, smashing Cove by five goals to one

20th

2002: A tense top-of-the-table clash with Buckie Thistle sees Gavin Wemyss net the only goal as the Broch take a huge step towards the title

28th

1964: Deveronvale are crushed by seven to nil in this league encounter, Junior Russell the chief executioner as he nets four

29th 1997: The Aberdeenshire Cup Final is held at Peterhead to commemorate their last season at Recreation Park, but the Broch take the trophy by 3-2

30th 1929: Fixture congestion leaves the Broch to play two matches on the same day! The first XI defeat Elgin City 3-0 at home while the second string go down 2-1 at Forres

31st

1956: The short-lived Supplementary Cup competition sees the Broch progress through goals from Thomas Sandison and Norman Massie 2-1 win over Ross County

COMMERCIAL CORNER GEORGE THOM

In last month’s Commercial update I outlined that the Board of Directors are currently reviewing all nonplaying operations of the Club, and exploring new

FRASERBURGHFC

CLUB Forbusiness 1910

ways to generate income to fund our ongoing operations including our player recruitment, development and retention budgets.

A key part of this focus, is to have a closer engagement with our business community, and I’m delighted that over 30 people, representing Businesses who already support us financially, accepted our invitation to one of the three launch events of our new Business Club, Club 1910.

At these Launches we shared an organogram of a new business structure we are working on to take the Club forward, and also took the opportunity to provide an overview of the Club finances.

We also had a good discussion, and received ideas on how local and regional businesses can help one-another, our Community, and importantly help the club financially in a number of ways.

It was agreed that we would meet monthly, and attendance is open to all Club 1910 Members –membership is complimentary, and open to all Businesses who already support us financially –Club Sponsors, Official Partners and Advertisers. The Club 1910 Meetings will mainly take place in the Hospitality Lounge at Bellslea Park and provide an opportunity for networking, and with a speaker at every meeting which will be on a topical business aspect and/or football related.

I’m delighted to share that one of our main Sponsors, Score Group, have kindly agreed to provide a tour of their Glentest Facility at Peterhead to our Club 1910 members. This will take place during April at Wellbank Road, Peterhead. The tour will be in the evening and

GeorgeThom

shall last for an hour. Please register your interest, or to find out more by contacting me on George.thom@fraserburghfc.co.uk.

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

During March we will continue our non-playing examination of our Club and in particular a full review of the HOSPITALITY LOUNGE operations – as shared at the launch of Club 1910, the surplus generated from our Hospitality Lounge is an important income generator for our Club, and we need to balance the financial benefits of operating this Lounge on Match Days, with our fan experience, including the value received for both season ticket holders and individual match day guests to make sure we get things right for Season 2024/25. As I mentioned last month we will involve representatives from all key stakeholders including existing season ticket holders, regular matchday visitors and our FFC Supporters Club. The early wish, and feedback we have received, is that many of the key features that have made the “Hutty” such a unique experience for our fans and visitors over the years, need to be retained.

Finally, the planning for our 1st Hall of Fame and Annual end of season awards Dinner Disco on Friday 3rd May is now well under way – thank you to Mike and Kenny from our Supporters Club for your involvement and support. It is important that we kept this new Dinner, which we hope will become an established event in the Club programme, local and at a price that we feel is great value for money. Please see a separate promotion on page 4 of this Bulletin. Spaces are going fast, so to reserve a Table of 10 or individual tickets please contact events@fraserburghfc.co.uk.

NEXT MONTH

In next month’s Bulletin as we enter the last few weeks of Season 2023/24, we will provide an update on our ongoing operational review of the non-playing side of our Club – if any of our Bulletin readers would like something specific covered in the Commercial update, please do get in touch on george.thom@fraserburghfc.co.uk.

Until our next Bellslea Bulletin, all the best, George

Mascots for the Forres match were brothers Lucas and Jensen Jack. Jensen is aged 8, attends Inverallochy School, and plays for Link Up. Lucas is aged 7 and also attends Inverallochy School. He plays for Invercairn Juniors.

MATCHDAY MASCOTS MATCHDAY CLUB

Mascots for Huntly’s visit were Summer Watson, age 8 who attends St Fergus Primary and plays for St Fergus Flames and Buchan Girls. Her favourite player is Sean Butcher and Zak McKenzie, age 7, who attends South Park school. Zak plays for Link Up and his favourite player is Logan Watt

Link Up 2013 YFC were February’s first visitors to Bellslea Park for our junior match day.

The boys and Amelia were brilliant. Some very good football on show, some future FFC stars for sure. Good luck for the season ahead

For the Nairn game, mascots were Morgan and Harvey Duthie. Morgan is 10, attends South Park, and plays for Link Up. His favourite player is Logan Watt. Harvey is 6, also attends South Park and plays for Link Up. His favourite player is Scott Barbour.

Our second matchday club guests of the month were Peterhead Boys Club 2016's. They were nominated by their coach and former player Dean Cowie.

The boys were a lively bunch, some very good football played today boys. Good luck in your 5v5 festivals

CHANGING ROOMS PLAYBARN STARS

ThePlaybarnStarsnurserygroupalsohadarecentvisitto the Bellslea and enjoyed a look round with some time on thepitchtoo.

ThankstoScottBarbourfororganising.

Our Changing Room Project continues to have a positive impact to the four men that havesignedup.

Last week we had a talk from Finlay Noble on the Stadium tour. He shared some great memories of his time at the club.

Thanks to Brian of SAMH for taking his time to host this at theBellslea.

RC4 TESTIMONIAL DONATION

We were delighted to receive a cheque for £700 for our Community work from the Ryan Cowie Testimonial Committee.

This amount was raised at his Testimonial Dinner from an auction item. The item was a pair of Welly boots kindly donated from his Dad. Link up 2013 helped Claire receive the cheque from Ryan at our match with Forres at the start of February.

We are both very humbled to receive this and appreciate Ryan thinking of us.

Coming up

BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE BROCH v. BANKS O’ DEE

9th MARCH BELLSLEA PARK, FRASERBURGH

MEET the ref DUNCAN NICOLSON

WHAT IS YOUR JOB OUTSIDE OF FOOTBALL?

I’M A COMMERCIAL GRADUATE IN THE ENERGY INDUSTRY.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN REFEREEING FOR?

I’VE BEEN REFEREEING FOR 9 YEARS.

FIRST MATCH YOU CAN REMEMBER REFEREEING?

IT WAS A SCHOOL’S MATCH – FORTROSE ACADEMY VS CULLODEN ACADEMY 2ND YEARS.

WHY DID YOU START REFEREEING?

A DWINDLING PLAYING CAREER AND A LOVE OF THE GAME! HAVING PLAYED AT A GOOD LEVEL WHEN GROWING UP, I FOUND MYSELF DROPPING THROUGH THE LEVELS IN MY LATER TEENS. REFEREEING ALLOWED ME TO STAY IN THE GAME I LOVED, AND BEING ABLE TO QUICKLY PROGRESS THROUGH THE

RANKS HAS ALLOWED ME TO REACH A LEVEL HIGHER THAN I EVER WOULD AS A PLAYER.

FAVOURITE GROUND TO OFFICIATE AT?

OFFICIATING AT HAMPDEN PARK WAS AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE – EVEN IF IT WAS EMPTY DUE TO COVID REGULATIONS. ANY GROUND WITH AN INTENSE ATMOSPHERE GETS THE ADRENALINE FLOWING AND CREATES REAL ENJOYMENT THOUGH.

BEST REFEREEING MOMENT?

GETTING THE OPPORTUNITY TO REFEREE THE HIGHLAND LEAGUE CUP FINAL IN FRASERBURGH LAST YEAR BETWEEN INVERURIE LOCO WORKS AND BANKS O’ DEE WAS A BIG HIGHLIGHT – THE GAME WENT WELL FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE REFEREEING TEAM WHICH MADE IT EVEN BETTER. PROMOTION TO CATEGORY 1 DEVELOPMENT AND HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO REFEREE IN THE SPFL HAS ALSO BEEN VERY REWARDING.

ANY PRE MATCH RITUALS OR SUPERSTITIONS?

I’M NOT PARTICULARLY SUPERSTITIOUS BUT I ALWAYS TAKE A MOMENT TO COMPOSE MYSELF ALONE IN THE CHANGING ROOM WHILE MY ASSISTANTS ARE CHECKING THE PLAYER’S EQUIPMENT PRE-MATCH.

ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO A NEW REFEREE?

THERE WILL BE TOUGH TIMES, BUT THE GOOD TIMES MAKE IT ALL WORTHWHILE. STICK AT IT, WORK HARD, AND THE REWARDS WILL COME.

BEST PIECES OF ADVICE YOU WERE GIVEN?

IT’S TO FORGET THE LAST DECISION AND FOCUS ON GETTING THE NEXT ONE RIGHT. REFEREES MAKE MISTAKES, BUT IT’S ABOUT BEING ABLE TO ENSURE THAT ONE POTENTIAL ERROR DOES NOT AFFECT OR INFLUENCE OUR PERFORMANCE FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE MATCH.

FRASERBURGH

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

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

FRASERBURGH 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

Coming up

BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE NAIRN v. BROCH SAT. 16th MARCH STATION PARK, NAIRN

LAST FIVE

FAN FOCUS

FIRST GAME YOU CAN REMEMBER WATCHING?

My first game was against Peterhead in Aberdeenshire Shield Final. Broch won 4-2 if I mine right, I’d think it was 1995.

WHERE DO YOU NORMALLY WATCH FROM? WITH ANYONE?

I’m always in the stand right on the half-way line. I sit with Broch’s very own Archie McPherson, aka Ian McDonald, Robbie McDonald, and Stephen & Fraser Milne.

BEST GAME AND WHY?

Fraserburgh v. Cove Rangers, 27th December 2015. We won 4-2. Bellslea wiz rocking that day - “can we play you every week”.

WORST GAME?

Losing the Cup Final 8-0 ti Peterhead in the pouring rain at Huntly.

Jamesie Mark

FAVOURITE ALL TIME FFC PLAYER?

Mikey Stephen wiz always great to watch and I wiz mascot walking oot we him.

FAVOURITE CURRENT FFC PLAYER?

Ryan Sargent

ONE HFL PLAYER YOU’D BRING TO THE BROCH?

Jordan Macrae of Brora

ALL TIME FFC ELEVEN?

Billy Gordon

Derek Milne

Bryan Hay

Russel McBride

Willie West

Grant Campbell

Ian Murray

Jamie Beagrie

Michael Stephen

Scott Barbour

Brian Thomson

LIKE MOST ABOUT THE CLUB?

Best club in the world

FAVOURITE OTHER TEAMS?

Celtic come second to Broch

FAVOURITE HFL AWAY GROUND?

Inverurie Locos

ONE THING ABOUT FOOTBALL YOU’D CHANGE?

Yellow card sin bins

WHO WILL WIN THE LEAGUE?

Gan to be tight we Buckie n Brechin. Bit widna like ti see Buckie win anything!

LAST FIVE

The victorious Broch team following their HFL Youth League play-off in May 2004

FFCSC NEWS

On the 3rd February we were at home to Forres Mechanics, the Broch started the game brightly but Forres opened the scoring with their first attack, Lee Fraser slotted the ball past Joe into the bottom lefthand corner of the net, well done to Lee who scored his 150th goal for Forres, the Broch had a strong wind at their backs for the second half, they managed to equalise in the 5th minute, Connor Wood passed the ball into the feet of Ryan Sargent on the left wing, Ryan gets to the bye line and crosses to the near post, Sean Butcher manages to flick the ball off the keeper, Scott Barbour who had just come on as a sub reacts quickly and fires the ball into the net, the Broch went ahead in the 68th minute, Sean Butchers shot gets blocked, the ball spins out to Scott, he controls the ball just outside the corner of the 6-yard box, he turns and shoots with his left foot, the ball goes past three Forres defenders then sneaks past Lee Herbert and trickles over the line, it was great to get back on our winning ways after the defeat at Turriff.

We were at home to Hermes on Wednesday 7th February in the quarter final of the Aberdeenshire Cup, the snow started to fall just before kick off but thankful stopped before it became a problem, the Broch were the better team in the first half and Hermes struggled to get out and threaten the home sides goal, man of the match, Jacob Otto in goals for Hermes produced brilliant save after brilliant save to keep the Aberdeen Junior team in the game, Bryan Hay broke the deadlock in the 24th minute, Logan Watt swung in a corner from the left to the back post, Bryan rises and heads the ball down into the left side of the net, the second goal like busses came along immediately after the 1st, Logan Watt once again swings in a corner from the left to the back post, Kieran Simpson heads the ball towards goal and Connor McKenzie can only help the ball into the net, we had many more chances to add to the score, but keeper Otto was at his brilliant best and finger tipped save after save over the bar, we now have a semi-final game on the 6th March at home to Buckie Thistle to look forward to.

Our next match was away to Formartine United, we were unlucky to go in at half time 1 goal down, things got worse in the 80th minute when Julian Wade slotted home a second for the home team, Sean Butcher got us back into the game in the 84th minute, Kieran Simpson heads the ball down into the 6-yard box, from the left corner of the box, Sean takes a touch then slots the ball past Ewen Macdonald into the bottom left corner of the net with his right foot, we drew level through Willie West in the 93rd minute, Connor Wood heads the ball back into the box from a clearance, Willie steadies himself and slots the ball past Ewen Macdonald with his right foot from 6-yards out, a share of the points was the least we deserve.

Huge congratulations from all at the supporter’s club go to Willie West who scored his 169th goal for the Broch in the Formartine game, this puts Willie 3rd ahead of Graham Johnston who is now in 4th place in the Broch all time goals records, Willie has now made 663 appearance for the Broch, Jimmy Young is his target for 2nd place who has 680 appearances.

Congratulations also go to Logan Watt who made his 100th appearance for the Broch against Formartine, Logan made his debut in a 5-0 victory over Wick

Academy at Bellslea Park on 27th July 2019,he scored his first of 20 goals so far at Lossiemouth on 19th February 2022.

We were supposed to be at home to Formartine United in the under 18’s League on the Monday night, the Bellslea was deemed unplayable so that game will have to be played at a later date.

Next up the first team were at home against Huntly, Sean Butcher netted in the 8th minute, Jamie Beagrie sent a pass up the right channel, Ross Still failed to clear and Sean runs onto the loose ball, he moves into the edge of the box and fires a left footed shot past Fraser Hobday into the net, things got worse for Ross as he was sent of soon after for a reckless challenge on Aidan Sopel, the Broch had further chances to extend their lead in the first half but failed to convert, Ryan Sargent had 3 great chances early in the 2nd half, one of them was a penalty which Hobday saved diving to his left, in the 53rd minute he did score, Bryan Hay fired a long pass from the back to Aidan Sopel on the left wing, he chests the ball down then slots a perfect pass into the box, Ryan slides in and slots the ball past Fraser Hobday into the net from 8 yards out, Kieran Simpson made it 3 in the 55th minute, Greg Buchan curled a free kick in from the left, Kieran gets a glancing header which flies into the net at the near post, Kieran Simpson scored our 4th in the 68th minute, Scott Barbour swung in a corner from the left, Kieran rises highest and bulleted a header into the net from 6-yards out, Scott Barbour in the 80th minute scored our 5th , Scott gets the ball out on the left wing, he rounds Stevie Paterson and moves towards goals, he gives Fraser Hobday the eyes and slots it between him and the post from 10-yards out with his left foot, Scott Barbour wrapped up the scoring in the 84th minute, Scott played a one two with Connor Wood, he sets himself and fires in a powerful left footed shot which goes between the legs of the keeper into the net, a very strong performance by the lads in a game they could have scored a barra load.

Congratulations from all at the supporter’s club go to Sean Butcher who scored his 100th goal for the Broch in the Huntly game, Sean is in 12th place in the Broch all time goals records, next for Sean to chase down is Billy Bradford who is on 106, Sean has now made 187 appearance for the Broch, he made his debut for the Broch on Wednesday 11th April 2018 at the Bellslea against Cove Rangers which we lost 1 nil, he scored his first and second goals for the club away at Lossiemouth on Saturday 18th August in a 7 nil victory, had it not been for the Covid virus Sean would have reached this landmark even sooner.

The under 21’s game at Keith on the Monday night was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. We had a midweek trip to Lossiemouth where we played Buckie Thistle, Buckie’s park is still unplayable and Deveronvale have no lights so Grant Street was used, it was a very tight first half with very little football being played as both teams just cleared their lines, Buckie broke the deadlock with a fine finish from Lyall Keir in the 32nd minute, in the second half the Broch had various chances which we failed to convert, strong claims for a penalty were also waved away by referee Harry Bruce, it was a tight game that the lads deserved to get something from, but that’s fitba.

The last Saturday of the month we were at home to Nairn County in the league, the lads produced a comfortable 3 goal to nil victory in the game, In the 13th minute Scott Barbour swung in a corner from the right, Jamie Beagrie rises highest and powers a header in from 5 yards out to get the scoring going, Scott Barbour stretched our lead in the 76th minute, Paul Young sent a long ball over the Nairn defence, Scott runs onto the ball, he then slots it past Dylan Maclean with his left foot from 12 yards out, Joshua Hawkins completed the scoring in the 92nd minute, Lewis Davidson throws the ball over the Nairn defence to Callum Kelly, he passes the ball to Josh on the penalty spot, Josh spins and fires a crisp right footed shot into the bottom right hand corner of the net.

Congratulations to Joshua Hawkins from all at the supporter’s club, Josh netted his first goal for the first team in the Nairn game, we hope this is the first of many more in his career with the black and whites.

The last Monday of the month the under 18’s were at home to Deveronvale, it was almost half time when the Broch broke the deadlock, John Adam sent a cross into the box, the Vale defence failed to clear and with the aid of a slight deflection Theo Watt fired the ball home, the Broch were on the front foot all the way through the second half and made the points safe in the 90th minute, Evan Anderson’s shot was saved, but Angus Robbie kept his head a slotted the rebound home, another 3 points for the lads and another solid performance.

For those who are interested, Zander Smith has scoffed his 16th match day pie to date this year. All these buses are dependant on the number of people who want to go.

Due to a lack of numbers, we are sorry that we will not be running a bus to the Brora game on Saturday 2nd March.

We will be running a bus to the Nairn County game on Saturday 16th March which will leave the Elizabethan at 11:30am, the cost of travel is £20 for adults and £12 for others.

We will be running buses to the Brora Rangers Cup Final game at Inverurie on Saturday 30th March which will leave the Elizabethan at 12:30pm, 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.

MEMORY MATCH

JIMMY YOUNG TESTIMONIAL

FRASERBURGH…………3 ASTONVILLA …………5 byDAVEEDWARDS

A crowd of around 2,500 at Bellslea were treated to a thrilling display of attacking football from both sides yesterday.

In the fifth minute, Fraserburgh surprised their illustrious English Premiership visitors with a stunning opening goal. Paul Keith set up Kris HUNTER and his low angular drive from 14 yards gaveformerEnglandunder-21 keeper Michael Oakes no chance.

Hunter then picked up a chest injuryandwassubstituted,just before Villa equalised, striker RichardWALKERheadingover BillyGordonintothenet.

In the 13th minute, Broch striker Michael Stephen was bundled over in the box and referee Sandy Roy pointed to thespot.

The man of the moment,

Jimmy Young in his testimonialgametookthespot kick himself, but Oakes swung himself to his right to brilliantly turn the ball round thepost.

But in the 33rd minute Bellslea Park erupted once more when the Broch regained the lead, STEPHEN hammering the ball wide of Oakes from eight yards.

In the 54th minute, Villa grabbed the equaliser when sub Darren MIDDLETON curled a beauty high past Gordon.

Villa took the lead in the 62nd minute when Alan LEE gave Gordon no chance with a flashingdrivefrom16yards.

Julian JOACHIM put Villa further ahead with a simple tap-in in the 69th minute. A minute later, former Broch

player Scott MURRAY marked his return to Bellslea by nodding him another from closerange.

Sixty seconds later it was 5-3, Broch sub THOMSON thundering a 25 yarder low pastOakesandintothenetoff thepost.

At the end of the day, the real winner was the quiet man of North football, the everpopularJimmyYoung.

FRASERBURGH: Gordon, Milne, Michie, Young, McBride, Geddes,Murray,Hunter,Keith, Norris,Stephen

ASTON VILLA: Oakes, Kirby, Hynds, Petty, Charles, Collins, Murray, Davies, Walker, Joachim,Lescott

Referee:S.Roy(Aberdeen)

Willie West wheels away in delight after his last-gasp leveller at Pitmedden

Photo: Barry Walker

Coming up

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES

Advertising opportunities at Bellslea allow you to promote your business within our ground whilst at the same time supporting our club.

We offer a range of options with an Annual Fee of:

• Behind Goals: £400 + vat

• New Terrace area: £400 + vat

• Above Hospitality Lounge: £400 + vat

• Pitch-side: £230 + vat

• Behind dug-outs: £180 + vat

• Gate 2 & 3 area: From £100 + vat to £300 + vat

• Larger boards around the ground: From £460 to £500 + vat

High quality Design, Production, and Fitting facilities are provided by Passell, our Official Communications Partner:

• Standard Board £275 + vat

• Double Board £500 + vat

To make an enquiry, please contact stephen.sim@fraserburghfc.co.uk

Q&A JoshBolton

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP? NEWMACHAR

TEAM SUPPORTED AS A BOY?

ALWAYS SUPPORTED MAN UTD ALSO FOLLOW ABERDEEN

FIRST GAME YOU REMEMBER WATCHING?

FIRST GAME I REMEMBER WATCHING WAS ABERDEEN VS RANGERS AT PITTODRIE - I MUST’VE BEEN ABOUT 5 YEARS OLD, WAS A LONG TIME AGO

FIRST GAME YOU CAN REMEMBER PLAYING IN?

FIRST GAME I REMEMBER PLAYING WAS FOR MY SCHOOL P4 - THINK WE LOST BUT CAN’T REMEMBER WHAT THE SCORE WAS

WHO DO YOU SIT NEXT TO ON THE BUS?

NORMALLY SIT NEXT TO LOGAN OR CONNOR

THE BOOTS YOU WORE FOR YOUR LAST GAME?

RIGHT NOW I’M REALLY LIKING THE PHANTOMS BUT THEY’VE WENT AND CHANGED UP THE LOOK ON THEM SO WILL BE CHANGING FOR MY NEXT SET. NEXT SEASON I’LL HOPEFULLY GET THE PREDS BUT IT’S A NIGHTMARE TO GET A HOLD OF THEM

BEST MOMENT ON A FOOTBALL PITCH?

BEEN A FEW GREAT MOMENTS BUT WHENEVER I’VE WON A TROPHY THAT FEELING JUST CAN’T BE TOPPED

FAVOURITE GOAL YOU HAVE SCORED?

I’LL GO WITH A BROCH GOAL. MY FAVOURITE IS PROBABLY FROM LAST SEASON AGAINST THE VALE, I SCORED FROM A VOLLEY FROM A CORNER

FAVOURITE GOAL YOU HAVE SEEN?

BEEN A FEW GREAT GOALS BUT I LIKED RYAN’S ONE AGAINST THE VALE - NAE LIKE HIM TO PUT IT TOP BINS FROM 30 YARDS

FUNNIEST THING YOU HAVE SEEN IN A DRESSING ROOM?

PRETTY MUCH ANYTHING SOPEL DOES IS FUNNY - GOOD TO HAVE HIM AROUND

ANY PRE-MATCH RITUALS OR SPECIAL ROUTINES?

FOR PRE MATCH I NEED TO HAVE CHICKEN AND RICE A FEW HOURS BEFORE A GAME THAT’S ABOUT IT

WHICH PLAYER IN HISTORY WOULD YOU LIKE TO PLAY ALONGSIDE?

MESSI

IF YOU HAD THE POWER, WHICH ONE THING WOULD YOU CHANGE ABOUT FOOTBALL? VAR

HOW DO YOU RELAX AWAY FROM FOOTBALL?

NORMALLY JUST EITHER GO TO THE GYM OR PLAY MY XBOX AND WATCH NETFLIX

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIE OR TV SERIES?

GAME OF THRONES IS QUALITY

FAVOURITE BAND OR ARTIST?

DRAKE IS MY GO TO NORMALLY

WHO HAS THE WORST TASTE IN MUSIC IN THE DRESSING ROOM?

100% HAYZER

IF YOU COULD HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE ANOTHER SPORT A GO ON A NATIONAL LEVEL, WHICH SPORT WOULD THAT BE?

I’VE BEEN ENJOYING WATCHING NFL SO PROBABLY THAT

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT PLAYING FOOTBALL?

JUST EVERYTHING ABOUT IT, WINNING, PLAYING WITH A TEAM - FEEL LOST WITHOUT IT WHEN YOU’RE NOT PLAYING ON SATURDAYS

Match Gallery 1

Match Gallery 2

PLAYER AND STAFF SPONSORS

WEDNESDAY

development TEAMS

FITBA2006

FROM THE ARCHIVES

International Football 1911

FRASERBURGH PLAYER AS CENTRE HALF-BACK

The selection of Wilfred Low to fill the onerous position of centre halfback for Scotland in the great international match at Liverpool on Saturday gave peculiar satisfaction inthenorth.

Low is a native of Fraserburgh, but went to reside in Aberdeen when quiteyoung.Hecomesofa greatfamilyoffootballers, whose name will ever be associated with the game inAberdeen.

Learning his football in several of the local junior teams, Low later served Aberdeen for a few seasons,buttwoyearsago crossedtheBorderwhither his brother Henry had preceded him a season before,andisnowplaying fortheSunderlandclub.

WilfredLow

Wilfred soon demonstrated his undoubted ability to the Newcastle directors, and almost immediately found a regular place in the team, while it was his distinction last year to obtain an English Cup badge during his first seasonofEnglishfootball. Of the robust type of player, Low excels in breakinguptactics,andby many is regarded as the beauidealofacentrehalf foraninternationalmatch, where artistry in rendered less effective by spoiling tactics such as his. He has already played against Wales this season, and, although Thomson of

Sunderland was favoured against Ireland, that player did not give satisfaction, while after Low’s magnificent display in the English Cup semifinal tie on Saturday 25th March, his claims to be included in the international team were undisputed. Wilfred in the youngest player on the Scottishside.

Hisfather,MrWilliamLow, is in the employment of the Fraserburgh Harbour Commissionersasamason diver. He is meantime fulfilling a contract in Orkney but will return to Fraserburghnextmonth.

BROCH

DIRECTORY

Telephone 01346 518444

Email fraserburghfc@highlandleague.com

Website www.thebroch.online

Address Book

Chairman/Secretary FINLAY NOBLE

Vice Chairman GEORGE THOM

Directors JAMES A ADAMS

JAMES G ADAMS

ROBERT COWE

DAVID MILNE

EWAN MOWAT

JASON NICOL

Treasurer STEPHEN SIM

Webmasters FINLAY NOBLE

MARK SIMPSON

Committee GAVIN BRUCE

ELIZABETH DUNBAR

STUART ELLIS

FRANK GOODALL

WILLIAM McKENZIE

STEPHEN SIM

MARK SIMPSON

IAN SMITH

NICHOLAS FORMAN

FFC in the Community

Magazine Contributors

CLAIRE BATTY

GRAEME NOBLE

MARK SIMPSON

FINLAY NOBLE

BARRY WALKER

DUNCAN BROWN

MIKE McLEAN

MARTIN MOIR

MARK GRANT

NICKY CORDINER

STEVE DICKIE

Football Department

Manager MARK COWIE

Assistant Manager JAMES DUTHIE

Coaches

ALEX MAIR

ANTHONY SHERLOCK

EDDIE FLINN

Head of Youth MATTHEW WEST

Youth Coaches DEAN COWIE

GRAHAM JOHNSTON

WILL RAMSAY

ANDREW DUNBAR

Kit Manager DEREK STRACHAN

Kitmen

ZANDER SMITH

SCOTT MURRAY

Captain WILLIAM WEST

Physios

SARAH ROBERTSON

EMMA THOIRS

Club Doctors DR MICHAEL DICK DR GAYLE NOBLE

Club Honours

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

Highland League Cup 1958/59, 2005/06

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

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

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

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

Fleming Shield 1919/20

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

Broch Lottery

The February Lottery was drawn by match referee, Joel Kennedy before the recent Wick game.

1st Prize £300 - No. 200 Tina Gibbins

2nd Prize £100 - No. 3 Ewan Mowat

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

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

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

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

Payment methods;

• Standing Order of 12 months at £5

• Standing Order of 4 Quarterly payments of £15

• Standing Order of 2 Half Yearly payments of £30

• Standing Order of 1 Annual Payment of £60

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

Winning numbers will also be posted on Twitter and Facebook.

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

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

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