#09 v Stenhousemuir - Tuesday 23rd March 2021 by peterheadfc

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Season 2020/21 MATCH DAY #09

2nd Round

PETERHEAD v STENHOUSEMUIR Tuesday 23rd March 2021

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PETERHEAD FOOTBALL CLUB

Est. 1891

Address

Balmoor Stadium Balmoor Terrace Peterhead AB42 1EQ

Telephone Email Official Website Facebook Twitter

01779 478256 office@peterheadfc.co.uk www.peterheadfc.org @peterheadfc @pfcofficial

Scottish League Div 2 Champions 2013/14, 2018/19 Scottish League Div 3 Runners Up 2003/04, 2012/13 Scottish Challenge Cup Runners Up 2015/16 Chairman Directors

Rodger Morrison Michael Duncan Les Hill Charlie Watt

General Manager

Martin Johnston

Team Manager Assistant Manager Goalkeeping Coach Sprint Coach Physiotherapist Kit Man Assist. Kit Man Groundsman Assist. Groundsman Safety Officer

Jim McInally Davie Nicholls Jim Butter Stuart Hogg Gregg Smith Jock Morrice Marco Alexander Stan Stephen Jason Gordon Craig Keir

Community Liaison

Nat Porter

Hon. Club Chaplain Hon. Club Doctor

Neil Cameron Dr. Iain Small

Bar & Catering Manager Match Day Announcer Office Administrator Accounts Assistant Blue Toon Talk Editor

Mary Buchan Graeme McLean Sharon Brown Mandy Davidson Ken Morton

BTT Contributors Duncan Brown, Sharon, Brown, Charles Buchan, Jamie Currie, Martin Johnston, Issac Buchan, David Reid, Glenn Moir, Peter Myers, Nat Porter, The Late George Ritchie, Craig Stewart. Please note that some of the views expressed herein are not necessarily those of Peterhead FC 3

by David Reid

This evening’s opponents Stenhousemuir currently play in SPFL2 and are currently sitting 5th in the league table with 4 wins, 3 draws and 3 defeats. Consistency has been the main issue for the Larbert side in what is a competitive League 2 with only 3 points separating second placed Elgin City and Stenny. The Warriors have been busy in the transfer market prior to this Scottish Cup encounter bringing in Thomas Collins on loan from East Fife, Collins a striker who will be more remembered for his time in the Lowland League with BSC Glasgow who scored 19 goals in all competitions last season before making the move to Methil. The attacking midfielder, who can play wide or through the middle, has joined Davie Irons’s side until the end of the season.

Irons spoke to the Stenhousemuir official website who said, “We are really pleased to have brought Thomas into the squad, it’s a really good bit of business for the club, I am sure he will improve us. “Collins is an energetic and dynamic attacking player who has shown he is capable both as a wide attacker in a three or as part of a two man strike force. We had some good reports from his time at BSC and have carried out some further work covering this season. “He will add energy and intensity to our play and will bring more goals into the team. Irons has also kept goalkeeper Paddy Martin on board until the end of the season on loan from Hibernian. The 21-year-old goalkeeper joined Stenny in October as part of a strategic partnership between the two clubs. This partnership between the two clubs is the 1st of its

kind in Scottish football which will allow players coming through the player pathway at Easter Road to get Scottish League football experience with Callum Yeats & Jayden Fairley also having a spell currently on loan at Stenhousemuir.

Referee Chris Graham decided afterwards to call the match off with conditions deteriorating rapidly in freezing temperatures, the visitors were 1-0 up at the time. Thankfully for Stenhousemuir, McCracken got back to health & is now on the way to recovery.

Meanwhile, it wasn’t a great start to the new year for Stenny or defender Adam McCracken who suffered a serious injury last weekend which saw their home match against Stirling Albion abandoned after 30 minutes due to an icy pitch.

On Saturday, Stenhousemuir won their first gamne back after the restart with a 2-0 home win against Albion Rovers. A Botti Biabi header after 29 minutes saw the Warriors open their account for the afternoon with the experienced Mark McGuigan doubling his sides lead at the start of the second half. The win now sees the team just three points off the play off place and the hope of promotion back to League One.

Northern Irish left back McCracken who only signed for the club a few weeks ago on Christmas Eve, was knocked unconscious just before the half hour mark following a collision and after receiving treatment for several minutes, an ambulance arrived pitch side to take the left sided player to hospital.

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FROM THE DUG OUT

Jim praised his players for handling the burden of expectation being placed on them early in Saturday’s 1-0 win over visitors Airdrie. Jordon Brown’s second half goal sealed the Blue Toon’s with Jim saying: “We went into the game as underdogs however that all changed after four minutes when their player Kyle Turner was sent off. I thought it was a red card straightaway and I am pleased that Ryan was able to continue as it could have been a bad one.” “As soon as their player was dismissed the onus was on us to attack more and use our man advantage. The players knew that but thankfully they never rushed into anything. They kept possession well and waited for a chance and when it came Jordon gave us all a reminder about what he can do.” “Airdrie did hit the bar at nil-nil but they did not have too many other efforts at our goal. An attempt going close like that could have spooked the players but they never panicked and stuck to their jobs.” Jim had special praise for the midfield duo of the experienced Scott Brown and debutant Hamish Ritchie as he said: “It was a good all round team performance but Scott was exceptional. He ran the midfield and brought other players like Andrew McCarthy into the game.” “As for Hamish I am delighted with his debut. I thought he was a good player when I saw him with Inverurie Locos however he was better than I thought he was. He had a shooting chance at the goal however he recognised Jordon was in a better position and passed to him and that maturity will stand him in good stead”. 7

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Mrs Brown’s Boys

Peterhead Football Club were delighted to announce that Jordon Brown had agreed to return to the club following his recent release from Cove Rangers Football Club. Jordon first joined the club from Aberdeen in 2013 and he spent five years at Balmoor (one of them playing alongside his brother Jason) before moving to Cove where he was part of the squad that secured senior football as well as the League 2 title last season.

Peterhead manager Jim McInally said, “When Jordon left Cove we had a chat and I am delighted that he has agreed to come back to us. I think having his brother here was a big factor and he was immediately in my plans for the Cove game once his registration went through on the morning of the game.” Jim’s was further delighted to have him in the squad for Saturday’s game v Airdrieonians and for him to score what proved to be the winning goal.

The 28 year old made his debut in the 1-0 defeat to Cove Rangers at the start of January. 9

THE CHANGING FACE OF SCOTTISH FOOTBALL by Charlie Buchan

Those of you who are observant will have noticed one or two new names appearing in the preliminary and early rounds of this season’s Scottish Cup. The main reason for this being the mass exodus of Junior clubs who joined the Scottish Football Association's pyramid system at the end of last season. Of 158 clubs who responded to a questionnaire sent out by the SJFA, 99 replied yes to the question: “Should Junior Football join the current pyramid system?” Just 55 clubs were not in favour signalling the end of the Junior game as we know it and the dawn of a new era in the Scottish pyramid system. East Super League side Bonnyrigg Rose had already revealed that they had been making plans to leave the Junior game, following in the footsteps of Kelty Hearts, who made the transition to the East of Scotland league at the start of last season. 10

The historic move saw the creation of a seventh tier, with the four Scottish Professional Football Leagues followed by the Lowland and Highland Leagues (fifth tier) and the East of Scotland (Premier) and South of Scotland Leagues (sixth tier) joined by a new West of Scotland League (Premier). Under the current system, the Lowland and Highland League winners play off for the right to challenge the bottom club in the SPFL for their place in League 2. The new seventh tier will see 2 Conference leagues in the East of Scotland and 3 Conference leagues in the West of Scotland. It is undoubtedly the biggest and most radical change to the senior game in history. Former SJFA secretary, Tom Johnston said at the time, “We realised that there was a growing swell of clubs who wanted to take part in the senior game, so the results have not come as a surprise to us.”

Johnston admitted he had been surprised to hear of Bonnyrigg’s wish to leave the Junior game, with Premier League Dalkeith Thistle having previously expressed their wish to join the East of Scotland League.

themselves financially will have the opportunity to rise to the top in a revolutionary league system. …and rightly so!

Who knows now what holds for the Junior game postcovid19 with their numbers seriously depleted and those who have made the step up have adjusted well and they are gradually making an impact on the senior game? I for one am pleased to see this happen, it may be that in ten years’ time the teams listed in the league system in Scotland will be in huge contrast to that of old. No longer will be see league tables propped up by unambitious and backward thinking clubs. Instead, those clubs who can now show the desire to improve on and off the park and who can sustain 11

A story of football in Peterhead from 1946 and including other aspects of life enjoyed by children brought up during and immediately after the 39-49 war years. “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory” was first serialised in the Buchan Observer in 2002 and we are delighted that Blue Toon Talk brings you the Late George Ritchie’s wonderful account of his memories to a whole new generation of Blue Toon fans.

PART 40 –

Hard Times and “Tackety” Boots

If there was major unemployment in the family the “buroo” money was small help and especially so with large families. No Welfare State benefit giros available in those days. There was however a “Soup Kitchen” situated where the current “Job Centre” is now placed at St Peter Street. The last desperate resort however, was the Registrars Office. It was there that Mr Beverige would decide if the family could put forward a favourable case of extreme need and be deserving of two or three shillings from the “Hardship Fund.” The address of the office was 88 King Street. This number was so well known it was carried into the early days of Bingo playing in Peterhead. When 88 was drawn it was called out as “All the eights, Eighty Eight! Father Bev.” The term was not to be regarded as complimentary to the gentleman. It surely can’t have been much fun having plenty in those days. There surely would be nothing to 12

brag to the grandchildren about in later life.

The austere period after the war is emphasised by a story related to me by George (Dodo) Taylor, a member of the Prison Officers football team. It seems a close friend had secured a job with the gas works after returning from active war service. The job involved heavy manual work and the wages were regarded as very poor. On George’s advice his friend then moved to a post with the Prison Service. After his first nightshift the governor informed the new officer that there had been a complaint by one of the inmates that his walking the hall with “tackety” boots was keeping them awake. His senior enquired if he could wear some other form of footwear? He had no other boots and told George of his predicament. Before his next shift George removed the tackets from his friends boots with a pliers before fixing new rubber soles to the boots. There would be no more complaints from Johnny Ramensky.!

‘Gentle’ Johnny Ramensky was a Scottish career criminal and regular inmate at Pterhead Prison who used his safe-cracking abilities as a commando during World War II. Though a career criminal, Ramensky received the nickname "Gentle Johnny" as he never used violence when being apprehended by the police

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TOMMY DOCHERTY – 1928-2020

Everyone within Scottish football was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Scotland manager Tommy Docherty recently. Throughout his football career and life, Tommy had a profound impact on the game. He played with distinction for Shettleston Juniors, Celtic, Preston North End, Arsenal and Chelsea and earned 25 international caps for Scotland, including two World Cups in 1954 and 1958. Tommy went on to become a successful Scotland manager during an extensive coaching career, winning seven of 12 matches in charge between 1971-72 before joining Manchester United, with whom he won the FA Cup and Second Division title during five years in charge.

“He was on record as saying that the biggest regret of his career was leaving his Scotland managerial role and looking at the results and performances he inspired, it is hard not to wonder what might have been had he remained.

“His charisma and love for the game shone even after he stopped managing and it was entirely fitting that Tommy should be inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame for his lifelong service. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

He was inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame in 2013. Rod Petrie, Scottish FA President: “Football has lost a tremendous personality in Tommy Docherty. He was tenacious on the park and a great leader off it. “Tommy was a regular in the Scotland side in the 1950s that qualified for two World Cups, and his record as Scotland manager was impressive, albeit cut short by his decision to take the Manchester United job.

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MATCH REPORT

PETERHEAD v AIRDRIEONIANS Saturday 20th March 2021 • SPFL1 Peterhead restarted their League 1 campaign in the best possible way with a 1-0 win over Airdrie at Balmoor. The Blue Toon gave a debut to Hamish Ritchie and Niah Payne with local boy Danny Strachan on the bench after joining on loan from Dundee. One-time Bradford striker Payne had the game’s first chance when he glanced a header goalward however it was easily dealt with by Max Currie in the Airdrie goal.

Blue Toon boss Jim McInally had lamented before the game that his side were due a break against their visitors after a run of four narrow defeats and they got one after just four minutes.

fired a fine pass from Ritchie wide. At the start of the second half Ritchie had a header saved and Isaac layne was denied by Currie. Connell had another opportunity before the hour mark however Peterhead’s possession approach to the game started to take over and they made the breakthrough on 66 minutes. Ritchie who had made an impressive debut received the ball at the edge of the box and just when everyone thought he would shoot he rolled the ball into the path of Jordon Brown who slotted home the first goal of his second spell at the club. A second almost arrived through Ritchie with 14 minutes left however his curling effort cleared the bar.

Airdrie debutant Kyle Turner was late and high in a challenge on Ryan Conroy on the touchline and was shown a red card by referee Steven Kirkland.

Despite not adding to their advantage Peterhead saw the game out without panic and secured the three points that takes them level with their opponents.

Peterhead had 86 minutes to find a winner however they also had to guard against a reorganised Airdrie side who were up to make sure that their numerical disadvantage did not hurt them.

Manager Jim McInally said: “It was a good, controlled performance. We had to be patient to get a goal and we did that. I thought Hamish Ritchie was excellent and Jordon gave us a reminder of what he did in his first spell here.”

The visiting Kyle Connell had a chance blocked before an effort from Andrew McCarthy at the other end met the same fate.

Peterhead – Rae, Bailey, Jason Brown, Freeman, Conroy, Ritchie, S.Brown, Jordon Brown (Kesson 75), McCarthy, Payne (Armour 61), Layne (Strachan 82)

Airdrie’s Callum Gallagher sent an effort against the bar before McCarthy wasted Peterhead’s best effort of the first half when he

Unused substitutes – Wilson (G/k), Lyle

TODAY’S REFEREE: ASST. REFEREE 1: ASST. REFEREE 2:

PETERHEAD Ben ARMOUR Kyle BAILEY Steven BOYD Jason BROWN Jordon BROWN Scott BROWN Ryan CONROY Alan COOK Simon FERRY Gary FRASER Kieran FREEMAN

Derryn KESSON Isaac LAYNE Derek LYLE Andy McCARTHY Andy McDONALD Kieran McGRATH Niah PAYNE Joshua RAE Hamish RITCHIE Danny STRACHAN Lenny WILSON

SQUADS Mike RONCONE Stuart STEVENSON Filippo MAZZONI

STENHOUSEMUIR Botti BIABI Ryan BLAIR Paul BROWN Thomas COLLINS Callum ERSKINE Jayden FAIRLEY Cameron GRAHAM Josh GRIGOR Thomas HALLERAN Jack HODGE David HOPKIRK Chris KANE Creag LITTLE

Paddy MARTIN Adam McCRACKEN Mark McGUIGAN Christopher McQUEEN Tommy MUIR Andy MUNRO Martin SHIELS Graeme SMITH Greig SPENCE Callum TAPPING Jonathan TIFFONEY Ryan WATTERS Callum YATES

SPFL1 RESULTS ● SPFL1 TABLE ● TODAY’S FIXTURES First Stage of Season (Matches 1-18)

Second Stage of Season (Matches 19-22) TOP 5

HOME \ AWAY AIR CLY COV DUM EAS FAL FOR MON PAR PET

HOME \ AWAY

2:0

3:2 1:0 0:2

3:0 1:2 1:0 1:0

Airdrieonians

- 5:0 1:1 0:2

Clyde 2:4 Cove Rangers

0:1 1:3 0:3

2:3 -

3:1

1:0 -

Dumbarton East Fife 2:0

0:3 0:1

1:0

Forfar Athletic 1:3

4:0

Partick Thistle 2:1

0:2 1:0 2:1

Second Stage of Season (Matches 19-22) BOTTOM 5

- 2:3 0:2 1:3 0:0 - 0:1 3:2

1:1 0:0 2:0 2:2

Peterhead 1:0

2:0 - 1:1 2:0 0:0 2:1

0:1 0:0

Montrose

2:1 - 2:1 2:0 2:2

Falkirk 0:1

HOME \ AWAY

- 0:1 0:1 1:1

SPFL1

POS. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Falkirk Cove Rangers Montrose Airdrieonians Partick Thistle East Fife Peterhead Dumbarton Forfar Athletic Clyde

TONIGHT'S FIXTURES SCOTTISH CUP - Round 2 LEAGUE 2 Nairn Co unty v M o ntro se

Stranraer v B rechin City

A rbro ath v Falkirk

A lbio n R v Edinburgh

B ro ra Rangers v Hearts Dumbarto n v Huntly Elgin City v A yr United Fo rmartine v A nnan A th Keith v Clyde M o rto n v Dunfermline P artick Th v Co wdenbeath P eterhead v Stenhsemuir Stirling A v Raith Ro v B uckie Th v Inverness CT

P 12 12 12 11 11 10 12 10 11 9

HOME W D 4 2 4 0 2 1 2 1 2 3 4 1 3 1 2 0 0 1 2 0

L 1 2 2 2 1 0 2 2 4 4

F 8 11 8 8 7 10 5 2 3 7

A 3 6 6 4 5 4 5 4 9 14

AWAY W D 3 1 2 2 3 2 3 0 2 1 1 0 2 0 1 2 2 2 1 0

L 1 2 2 3 2 4 4 3 2 2

F 12 5 11 9 3 5 6 3 3 3

A GD PTS 5 12 24 4 6 20 11 2 18 8 5 16 2 3 16 10 1 16 8 -2 16 7 -6 11 6 -9 9 8 -12 9

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1968

1907

1935

1974

1985

1996

The SPFL Trust launched a new-look Christmas initiative designed to support those who need it most at this time of year, Festive Friends – At Home which was supported by Peterhead FC. And critically, funding previously announced from James Anderson and The SPFL Trust`s second anonymous donor meant that a total of £87,700 was committed to this year’s campaign. That meant that SPFL Trust were able to more than DOUBLE the number of people clubs were able to support. As such, more than 2,400 people received a socially distanced doorstep visit to their home and a Christmas hamper, delivered by a friendly face from their local SPFL club. 26

It’s been a tough year for everyone due to Covid-19, but of course, it has been especially difficult for the elderly who are at higher risk of social isolation. Ordinarily, Festive Friends with Peterhead FC takes place at Balmoor`s Bloo Toon Lounge. Participants enjoy a tasty Christmas lunch, Christmas Carols from Buchanhaven School Choir, a club gift, as well as the means to get there and home. Over 400 people have enjoyed the event in the last four years.

not least for those who are experiencing social isolation. Festive Friends has been such a successful programme that has grown year on year, and so we recognised that we needed a new approach to keep the programme going, in 2020. “Festive Friends At Home, was about more than just sending out Christmas hampers; it was about delivering compassion, patience and kindness at the end of a year when it never meant more.

Physical distancing rules meant that wasn’t possible in 2020, so Peterhead FC flipped the entire operation, and headed into their communities to make over 100 doorstep visits.

“We’d like to thank James Anderson and our second donor for their support in delivering this initiative. Their generosity enabled us to reach more people than ever before.”

SPFL Trust interim chief executive Warren Hawke comments: “This year has been challenging for us all,

“We’re therefore delighted to support this very worthwhile cause, working closely with our partners in continued on page 30

in association with Tennents

continued from page 27

Continued from Page 27 the SPFL Trust and football clubs across Scotland. Peterhead FC Community Liaison Officer Nat Porter said, ` We were delighted when the SPFL Trust decided to continue the Festive Friends initiative. It has always been very popular and well received in the community.

With the help of Chairman Rodger Morrison, Team Manager Jim McInally, Directors Les Hill , Mike Duncan, Charlie Watt, Local Councillor, Dianne Beagrie , Sandy Garvock from the local Deep Sea Fishermen's Mission and myself we delivered the grand total of 105 hampers in the Peterhead and surrounding areas.` Most of the recipients were over 65 years old and included 98 yr old Alex Ritchie and 91 year old `Dodo McDougall. Dodo was absolutely delighted and said ` what a lovely gesture from Peterhead FC. 30 30

I`m absolutely chuffed with the hamper and delighted to meet Team Manager and former Scotland international Jim McInally in person. It`s cheered me up no end. Thank you` Amongst the recipients were 5 hampers to Tremaine House which is a fantastic sensory centre for adults with autism. We also delivered to 4 ladies whose husbands are in Care Homes with dementia and they will not be allowed to join for Christmas dinner due to Covid. They were all delighted and one lady Mrs Robertson said, “My husband is a great fitba and Peterhead FC fan. He hasn’t been to a game for a wee while now but it is so nice of the Club to give me this lovely hamper. I`ll be sure to tell him`

We delivered a couple of hampers to Kirkburn Court and the Care Home Manager advised us that the 55 residents were being vaccinated that afternoon. It was no wonder he appeared really happy! Another ex fisherman who has hit on hard times and his wife came to the door and he `was delighted that Peterhead FC were helping the local community and in particular the elderly ex fishermen who have lost their jobs in the past few years ` Nat concluded `In summary it was a great day which brought a doorstep chat and a smile to a lot of nice people. Lots of worthy people and good causes out there. Delighted that the SPFL Trust decided to go ahead with the initiative in spite of the restrictions.`

HEAD

2 HEAD

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

WHO WILL WIN?

HOME WIN

DRAW

AWAY WIN

4/5

3/1

NB: All Odds subject to change

FORM

PETERHEAD

STENHOUSEMUIR

20 MAR 21 SPFL1

Peterhead Airdrieonians

1 0

WON

20 MAR 21 SPFL2

Stenhousemuir Albion Rovers

2 0

WON

02 JAN 21 SPFL1

Cove Rangers Peterhead

1 0

LOST

26 DEC 20 SC - Round 1

Stenhousemuir Preston Athletic

4 1

WON

22 DEC 20 SPFL1

Peterhead Montrose

1 1

DRAW

19 DEC 20 SPFL2

Elgin City Stenhousemuir

2 0

LOST

19 DEC 20 SPFL1

Partick Thistle Peterhead

0 1

WON

12 DEC 20 SPFL2

Stenhousemuir Stranraer

2 2

DRAW

PREVIOUS MEETINGS AT BALMOOR 13 MAR 18 Peterhead 1 AWAY SPFL2 Stenhousemuir 2 WIN

11 NOV 17 SPFL2

Peterhead Stenhousemuir

2 3

AWAY WIN

22 APR 17 SPFL2

Peterhead Stenhousemuir

0 1

AWAY WIN

26 DEC 16 SPFL1

Peterhead Stenhousemuir

0 2

AWAY WIN

01 Feb 16 SPFL1

Peterhead Stenhousemuir

4 1

HOME WIN

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#6 – NAT PORTER Nat first played for Peterhead in 1973; he was at that time only 14 years old. The game was against Keith in the Bells Cup competition and it is understood he is the youngest ever player to represent Peterhead Football Club. His first full season as a contracted player was in 1977 under the then manager Colin Grant. Nat played for many seasons primarily as an outside right although he was equally effective on the other flank. He did also on occasion figure in the left back position. He started playing organised football with the juvenile club ‘Juko’s’ before moving to Buchanhaven Hearts in the junior grade and then to Peterhead in the Highland League. Nat was one of the last genuine wing players for the club. His excellent close control and pinpoint crossing were features of his wing play and when the opportunity came along he was regarded as a deadly finisher. Nat names John Sievwright as his most respected Peterhead teammate saying “John’s height and long legs allied to a great positional sense took us out of a few scrapes”. He also had great respect for full back Kevin Walker adding that any free kick 25 yards from goal was well within Kevin’s range of thunderous goal scoring efforts. As his most respected opponent Nat plumps for Roddy

Davidson of Inverness Caledonian. His pace and physical presence made him a daunting full back to play against. The 3-3 drawn first replay against Raith Rovers in the Scottish Cup 4th round at Recreation Park on the 25th February 1987 is the game that will always live in in Nat’s memory. The adrenaline of playing in front of more than 8,000 people was, he says, “tremendous” and multiplied a hundred times when Jim Bain headed home a cross for the equaliser. A close rival to that memorable occasion was the league winning game in 1989 when the championship was secured with a 3-1 win against Huntly at Christie Park. Nat provided the touchline cross for Ian Fraser to put the game safe with the third goal. Nat’s greatest disappointment were being on the losing end of a 4-3 scoreline against Elgin City in the 1982-83 League Cup Final at Keith and then a few weeks later to lose 3-2 against Caledonian in the final of the Qualifying Cup at Borough Briggs. Nat is still involved with Peterhead FC as our Community Liaison Officer looking after Child Wellbeing and Protection. 35

IS IT TOO LATE FOR LENNON TO TURN THINGS ROUND? by ISAAC BUCHAN

#7 – GEORGE BUCHAN After serving in the navy during the Second World War, Dodie was signed by Peterhead on his return to civvy street. He was installed as the team captain for the start of the 1946-47 team which was the first season of Highland League football since 1939. Strangely it would seem there are no records of him ever playing organised football in Peterhead before this time.

Dodie was named in four Highland League select teams and was invincible in the air and on the ground. Very few centre forwards ever got the better of him. He was however known to dislike playing against much smaller opponents and picked Jimmy Pines and Billy Weir, when he played for the ‘Broch’ against him, as the two most difficult players he ever had to play against.

The team, led by Dodie, won the league championship in that season by two points with Huntly in second place. The Qualifying Cup was also won that season with a 3-2 victory over Clachnacuddin in the final and later his team won the Aberdeenshire Cup with a 6-2 aggregate score against Huntly. This trio of trophies by Peterhead was not equalled by the club until season 1988-89.

Dodie was indeed the ‘captain courageous’, displaying at all times an indomitable spirit and a strong will to win for his home town club. He worked for Crosse & Blackwell as a stores supervisor until his untimely death in April 1976. He was married to his beloved Winnie for 28 years at the time of passing. He and Winnie have 3 sons and 1 daughter. The younger son, James, was later to figure prominently in goal for Peterhead in the 80s before emigrating to Canada.

In his eleven seasons with Peterhead, interrupted by a short spell with Fraserburgh, Dodie added another two league winners medals and similarly two Aberdeenshire Cup medals to his collection of silverware. The team from 1946-47 until 1950-51 won the title three times and only lost out on four successive titles by one point, drawing 2-2 with Clachnacuddin on the last day of the 1947-48 season, when a win would have seen the title again at Peterhead for what would have been a 4-in-a-row sequence. 36

For many of the older generation Peterhead supporters George ‘Dodie’ Buchan will remain strong in their memory as one of Peterhead’s finest ever players. His name will remain forever in the annals of the clubs history. He, Frank Middleton and Bill ‘Cutty’ Strachan are the only three players who will ever have won three Highland League Championship medals playing for Peterhead. Such a feat cannot now ever be repeated.

#8 – JOHNNY MARTIN Born in 1922, John (known as Johnny) signed for Peterhead in the summer of 1948. He played with junior club Hall Russell from 1939 until his call up in 1941. He then resumed playing for the same club after the war. His teammates then included Jimmy Paterson and Ian Hay who joined Peterhead at the same time. Jimmy’s brother Willie, and outside left Freddie Smith, were also signed to form the clubs “famous five” forward line. Johnny was an integral part of the team that won the league championship twice, in 1948-49 and 1949-50. In his first season he scored 15 goals from a final goals total of 120 that season. This was a Highland League record for many years only to be surpassed by Brora Rangers with 123 goals in 2013-14 and then most recently Formartine United with 137 goals in 2015-16. The leading scorer was Jimmy Paterson with 42 goals. A diminutive bundle of energy, Johnny was a gifted passer of the ball and had a splendid array of dribbling skills. Always a firm favourite with the supporters even to the extent that it was not unusual for them to write to Johnny expressing their delight at his cheery enjoyment of the game and his highly entertaining style of play. In a press interview at the time, he gave as his

favourite game was a friendly match for a Peterhead/Fraserburgh select against Celtic on the 5th April 1949. Johnny was made captain after George ‘Dodie’ Buchan called off. He put the select team ahead before the interval taking a pass from Smith on the left wing. He moved towards the corner of the box and from 20 yards show across Scotland’s goalkeeper Willie Miller into the far top corner of the goal at the Queen Street end of Recreation Park. Two late goals from John McPhail saw Celtic win 2-1 in front of a crowd in excess of 6,300. John left Peterhead in 1951 for a spell with Huntly before returning in 1953. Work commitments saw him retire from the game in 1955. He once declared his most respected opponent as George Tough, the Buckie Thistle full back. His favourite team colleagues were not surprisingly Jimmy Paterson and Ian Hay. John passed away in 1971 at the age of 49; just hours after playing for his team which had just won the Aberdeen Inter Club wifeLeague Billiards Championship. Leaving behind his Annie, daughter Shiela and two sons Ian and Bruce. The later is former Sunnybank, Montrose and Keith player; Bruce also managed Keith for a few years from 1985. 37

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I’VE BEEN FAIRLY HAPPY WITH MY SEASON SO FAR JAMIE CURRIE SPEAKS TO RYAN CONROY

Peterhead’s good recent run of being unbeaten in three matches came to an unfortunate end last week. The Blue Toon battled well against Cove but they lost 1-0 and to rub salt into the wounds, Cove’s goal came from former Blue Toon hitman Rory McAllister. After the goal, Jim McInally could only stand and watch as Simon Ferry and Steven Boyd both saw red, but the team can take heart from their performance on the day despite the numerical disadvantage.

“The sending offs obviously changed the game but the boys stuck together, I felt. I reckon we were a wee bit unlucky not to get a draw out of the game.

I wouldn’t say it was extra hard to take because Rory scored; we know his qualities. It’s hard to take when you lose any goal in a game.”

Ryan Conroy who played at left-back during the fixture gave us his thoughts on a frustrating afternoon.

Cup runs are always important in any season. However, they may have an extra significance due to the current economic climate and the pandemic for clubs in Scottish Football. Conroy explained how important a good Scottish Cup run is to the club this season.

He said: “It was a hard one to take considering how well we played, and given the fact that we were a couple of men down.

He explained: “I think a good cup run is always good for the club even more so this year with covid. However, getting a good league finish is most important but, as I

said, it’s good for the confidence to get a good run in the cup.”

have enough on the day to advance to the next round.

Conroy has played at left-back this season and performed really well in this role. It’s a position he’s enjoying and he’s been relatively pleased with his performances on a personal level so far.

“I think Stenny will be a tough game. Every time I’ve played them in my career it always has been a good battle.

He revealed: “I’ve been fairly happy with my season so far. It’s been a while since I played left-back so it takes a few games to get used to the positional side of it. But I’ve been happy to have played all but one of the games and feel like I’ve got more to give for the remainder of the season.”

“I think if we perform the way we can and have been recently, I'm pretty confident we can get through to next round, but we will have to be at our best and the boys know that.”

The Scottish Cup run takes full focus today as Peterhead host League 2 side Stenhousemuir. The opposition sit 6th position with 12 points from nine games. Conroy is hoping he and his teammates can 41

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MATCH STATS ● APPEARANCES ● GOAL SCORERS n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n

10-Oct 13-Oct 17-Oct 24-Oct 31-Oct 07-Nov 10-Nov 14-Nov 21-Nov 28-Nov 05-Dec 12-Dec 19-Dec 26-Dec 02-Jan 20-Mar 23-Mar 27-Mar 30-Mar 06-Apr 10-Apr 17-Apr 20-Apr 24-Apr 27-Apr 29-Apr 01-May 04-May

Opponents Dundee United Brechin City Airdrieonians Cove Rangers Clyde Montrose Kelty Hearts St Johnstone Dumbarton Forfar Athletic Falkirk East Fife Partick Thistle Montrose Cove Rangers Airdrieonians Stenhousemuir Dumbarton Clyde Forfar Athletic Partick Thistle East Fife Falkirk Split 1 Split 2 Split 3 Split 4 Split 5

F 1 3 0 0 2 2 1 1 1 0 1 2 1 1 0 1

Away Home Away Home Away Away Away Home Home Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Home Away Home Away Home Away Home

A 0 1 2 2 0 3 1 3 0 1 2 1 0 1 1 0

1 Rae Rae Rae Rae Rae Rae Wilson Wilson Rae Rae Rae Rae Rae Rae Rae Rae

2 Mulligan Bailey Freeman Freeman Freeman Freeman Freeman Bailey Bailey Bailey Bailey Bailey Bailey Freeman Freeman Freeman

3 4 Conroy J.C. Brown Conroy J.C. Brown Conroy J.C. Brown Conroy J.C. Brown Conroy J.C. Brown Conroy J.C. Brown Conroy J.C. Brown Freeman J.C. Brown Freeman Ferry J. Brown Freeman MacKenzie J.C. Brown MacKenzie J.C. Brown MacKenzie J.C. Brown J.C. Brown Mackenzie Conroy J.C. Brown Conroy J.C. Brown

5 Bailey MacKenzie MacKenzie Bailey Bailey Bailey Bailey Conroy Conroy Conroy Freeman Freeman Freeman Bailey Ferry Bailey

6 Ferry Ferry Ferry S. Brown S. Brown S. Brown S. Brown S. Brown Fraser Cameron Conroy Fraser Fraser Ferry S. Brown McCarthy

7 McCarthy McCarthy McCarthy Cook Cook Cook Cook Ferry McCarthy S. Brown Fraser McCarthy Ferry Cook Cook Ritchie

8 S. Brown S. Brown S. Brown McCarthy McCarthy McCarthy McCarthy McCarthy S. Brown Fraser S. Brown S. Brown S. Brown Fraser McCarthy S. Brown

9 10 Layne Boyd Layne 2 Boyd Layne Boyd Cameron Boyd Fraser Cameron Fraser Cameron Fraser Cameron Fraser Boyd Boyd Armour McCarthy Boyd McCarthy Boyd Conroy Cameron Conroy Boyd Cameron S. Brown Cameron Boyd Layne J.A. Brown

11 Armour Armour Bailey Lyle Boyd Armour 2 Armour Armour Cook Armour Cook Boyd Layne Boyd J.A. Brown Payne

Substitutes Wilson, McKenzie, Lyle, Fraser, Cook, Kesson, Cameron Wilson, Cook, Freeman, Lyle, Cameron, Kesson Wilson, Cook, Freeman, Lyle, Cameron, Kesson Layne, Kesson, Wilson Armour,Kesson,Bakar (T), Wilson, Lyle Ferry, Boyd, Kesson, Bakar (T), Trialist, Wilson, Lyle Ferry, Boyd, Kesson, Bakar, Lyle Cook, Kesson, Cameron, Bakar, Lyle Layne, Kesson, Cameron, Bakar, Trialist, Wilson, Lyle MacKenzie, Cook, Kesson, Bakar, Wilson, Lyle Kesson, Cameron, Bakar, Wilson, Lyle Layne, Cook, Kesson, Bakar, Wilson, Lyle Cook, McCarthy, Kesson, Cameron, Bakar, Wilson, Lyle Layne, Kesson, Bakar, Wilson, Lyle MacKenzie, Kesson, Bakar, Wilson Wilson, Armour, Lyle, Kesson, Strachan

KEY - n SPFL n Betfred League Cup n Tunnocks Caramel Wafer Challenge Cup n Scottish Cup BOLD NAME = Goalscorer ITALIC NAME = Penalty SHOTS GOALS CONCEDED CLEAN SHEETS GOALS SHOTS ON TARGET FOULS CONCEDED YELLOW CARDS RED CARDS

Falkirk

Clyde

Montrose

Airdrieonians

Forfar Athletic

Cove Rangers

East Fife

Peterhead

Airdrieonians

Clyde

Dumbarton

Partick Thistle

Cove Rangers

Forfar Athletic

Falkirk

Dumbarton

Partick Thistle

GOALS GOALS CONCEDED CLEAN SHEETS SHOTS SHOTS ON TARGET FOULS CONCEDED YELLOW CARDS RED CARDS

Falkirk

148

Cove Rangers

135

Dumbarton

Montrose

125

Partick Thistle

118

Forfar Athletic

Airdrieonians

111

Peterhead

Airdrieonians

East Fife

Montrose

Dumbarton

East Fife

Forfar Athletic

Clyde

9 10

GOALS GOALS CONCEDED CLEAN SHEETS SHOTS SHOTS ON TARGET FOULS CONCEDED YELLOW CARDS RED CARDS

Falkirk

164

Cove Rangers

Peterhead

161

Montrose

143

Partick Thistle

Cove Rangers

133

Airdrieonians

East Fife

130

Peterhead

Airdrieonians

127

East Fife

Dumbarton

124

Dumbarton

Forfar Athletic

121

Clyde

Partick Thistle

104

Forfar Athletic

GOALS GOALS CONCEDED CLEAN SHEETS SHOTS SHOTS ON TARGET FOULS CONCEDED YELLOW CARDS RED CARDS

Clyde

GOALS GOALS CONCEDED CLEAN SHEETS SHOTS SHOTS ON TARGET FOULS CONCEDED YELLOW CARDS RED CARDS

Peterhead

Forfar Athletic

East Fife

Montrose

Airdrieonians

Cove Rangers

Falkirk

Airdrieonians

Montrose

Falkirk

Partick Thistle

East Fife

Clyde

Dumbarton

Cove Rangers

Partick Thistle

Dumbarton

Clyde

Forfar Athletic

GOALS SHOTS ON TARGET CLEAN SHEETS SHOTS GOALS CONCEDED FOULS CONCEDED YELLOW CARDS RED CARDS

3 2 1 1 1 2 0 0 0 0

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SCOTTISH CUP THIRD ROUND DRAW

Looking back on his memories of the competition, Lovenkrands said: “The 2002 final actually came on television recently and I watched it with my daughter, it still gives me goosebumps to this day. It’s crazy that it is approaching 20 years ago now. I knew at the time how big it was, of course, but it isn’t until now when I still hear so many stories from fans all these years later that it truly sinks in that bit more.” On the Third Round draw, he added: “No cup games are easy, Rangers drawing Cove Rangers at home is an interesting one to watch and anything can happen in knockout football. It will be a special day for Cove Rangers travelling to Ibrox of course and there are some very exciting ties in there. I’m looking forward to seeing how the Scottish Cup unfolds this season.” 45 teams went into the mix following a number of postponements, the 32 eventual winning teams will form the 16 fixtures in the Third Round. The ties will be played on the weekend of 3rd April.

The draw for the Scottish Cup Third Round is as follows: Brora Rangers or Heart of Midlothian v Stranraer Celtic v Arbroath or Falkirk Dumbarton or Huntly v Aberdeen Dundee United v Partick Thistle or Cowdenbeath Dundee v St Johnstone East Fife v Greenock Morton or Dunfermline Athletic Elgin City or Ayr United v Keith or Clyde Forfar Athletic v Edinburgh City Formartine United or Annan Athletic v Motherwell Fraserburgh v Nairn County or Montrose Hamilton Academical v St Mirren Livingston v Stirling Albion or Raith Rovers Peterhead or Stenhousemuir v Kilmarnock Queen of the South v Hibernian Rangers v Cove Rangers Ross County v Buckie Thistle or Inverness Caledonian Thistle

The official club shop is located in the main office and is open on a non matchday. A wide variety of club merchandise and souvenirs are available and in stock to purchase. We are awaiting delivery of more stock as only a handful of tops remain. Home/Away Shirts Adult Youth Junior

£49 £45 £39

Home/Away Shorts Adult Youth Junior

£28 £26 £22

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£13 £11

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£22/£13 £18/£12

Pin Badges Scarf (Blue) Scarf (Stripe) Squad Snood Water Bottle Wooly Hat Pom Pom Hat Santa Hat Mugs Pint Glass Air Freshner Car Sticker Money Box Metal Keyring Plastic Keyring Fob Keyring Bottle Opener Snoods

£3 £8 £8 £15 £2 £7 £10 £5 £10 £10 £2 £2 £7 £2.50 £1.50 £2.50 £2.50 £10 47

SHELLEY KERR STEPS DOWN AS SCOTLAND WOMAN’S COACH

The Scottish FA can confirm that Shelley Kerr will step down from her role as Scotland Women’s National Team Head Coach with our best wishes. Under Shelley’s leadership, the SWNT has achieved historic success in qualifying for last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in France. Unfortunately, Scotland’s hopes of reaching a third major tournament in succession ended with defeat against Finland in the UEFA Women’s EURO 2021 qualifier at the start of the month. With two group matches remaining to be played, against Cyprus and Portugal, in February - and following discussions between Shelley and Ian Maxwell, the Scottish FA Chief Executive - it was agreed by both parties that the timing was right to allow a new Head Coach to begin preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 qualifying campaign. Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA Chief Executive: “Shelley’s impact on the Scotland Women’s National Team cannot be underestimated. We are thankful for her contribution in leading the team to historic success in qualifying for the Women’s World Cup, and for the dedication and commitment to advancing the women’s game at all levels. “She has been a proud ambassador of women’s football throughout her career: as a former internationalist with 59 caps, as the first woman to manage in the senior men’s game in Scotland with Stirling University, and of course her achievements as SWNT Head Coach. “This UEFA EURO qualifying campaign ended sooner than we anticipated and we both felt it was the right time for the national team to regroup in time for the World Cup qualifiers, and for Shelley to fulfil her career ambitions with a fresh challenge. She will remain an advocate for the women’s game in Scotland and we wish her the best for the future.” Shelley Kerr: “Naturally, I am deeply disappointed that we failed to qualify in our recent UEFA EURO qualifying campaign. There were huge expectations surrounding the whole team, based on our recent successes, but I couldn’t be prouder than to have led 48

the team - as well as the team behind the team - to the Women’s World Cup. “I thank the Scottish FA and all who supported me in fulfilling my dream of leading our country to the World Cup finals for the first time. I am privileged to have played a part in such an historical moment in Scottish football. That is something that will live with me forever. “I have lived and breathed the sport for as long as I can remember, so I know in my heart that the time is right for a new head coach to take the team forward to the next campaign. I dedicated almost four years to the role as national coach. Having spent my life in football and worked at every level of the pathway, it has been the pinnacle to date to get the opportunity to work with such a fantastic squad of players. “At the start, we set out to inspire the nation by implementing a style of football that was both exciting and entertaining – and I believe we achieved that. “I would like to thank the players and support staff who have given their time, expertise and professionalism in the overarching quest to play on a European and world stage. It’s a huge testament to the squad of 40 players who have been instrumental in raising the profile of girls’ and women’s football in Scotland. I know they will continue to inspire the next generation. “There are many variables in top-level sport and despite many challenges, the team has progressed, developed and proved they can compete on the game’s biggest stage. I wish them every success and will continue to cheer as a proud, passionate Scottish supporter.

“I know the timing is right for me to look ahead to the next chapter, to face new challenges and to create and enjoy more amazing experiences on my journey.”

REF WATCH ( Average all SPFL1 Matches )

FOULS

YELLOW

RED

Gavin Ross

Colin Steven

Peter Stuart

Alan Newlands

Calum Scott

Steven Kirkland

Craig Napier

Graham Granger

Matthew McDermid

Barry Cook

41 49

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GOAL SCORERS

APPEARANCES

GOALS

Mitch Megginson - Cove Rangers

Jack Hamilton - East Fife

Dale Carrick - Airdrieonians

David Goodwillie - Clyde

Russell McLean - Montrose

Callumn Morrison - Falkirk

Brian Graham - Partick Thistle

Graham Webster - Montrose

Ben Armour - Peterhead

Daniel Denholm - East Fife

3 51

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THE EPIC FOOTBALL DAY TRIP As football fans we are often asked to endure miles and miles in order to support our beloved heroes. With Peterhead situated in the North East it may seem like every away trip, with the exception of Cove, is an epic one. Those that travel on the supporter’s club bus will not doubt testify to many tales of delays and trips where they have missed kick off for various reasons. We have all made that trip where things have gone wrong whether transport is to blame or simply wrong timing on your part. It therefore is not that common where you hear of players being late for kick off until you hear the story of Gillingham’s epic trip to play Barrow in October 1961. The Gill’s thought they could travel to Barrow on the day of the game. The journey from the north of Kent’s River Medway to the tip of the Furness peninsula in Lancashire (as it was then) was over 300 miles. A train leaving London Euston at 9.05am seemed a safe bet. The team should arrive over an hour before kick-off, which was at 5.15pm, as Barrow had no floodlights.

First came the 35-mile coach trip to Euston. The coach made an early morning start but ran into heavy traffic. Officials estimated the time-distance equation and grew agitated as the coach arrived at Euston half an hour after the train left. The options remaining were not promising. The next train, the 10.25, would arrive one minute after kick-off. The coach would be far too slow and card would be very risky. There was only one possible option – aeroplane. Club officials discovered two suitable scheduled flights – the 10.40 to Manchester and the 11.00 to Newcastle but both were fully booked. The next idea was to charter a plane. One was arranged but the company had to fly it from Gatwick to London Airport, where the Gillingham party would be waiting. The cost of the plane was £500 – money in advance. Gillingham officials also telephoned the football league where they negotiated a 15 minute delay in kick-off

time. The players would be asked to forgo their halftime interval. It was a 5.30pm kick-off now.

They reached Holker Street in Barrow at 5.30pm but the players needed to change.

The next problem was the plane’s destination. They decided to head to Squire’s Gate Airport in Blackpool, about 70 miles from Barrow. This meant arranging another journey where a coach was to be hired to meet them at Squire’s Gate, but, as time slipped by, officials realised a coach would be too slow. Four cars were hired and a police escort arranged for what would be a hectic last leg of the trip.

Gillingham, as you can appreciate, were not ideally prepared to play a Fourth Division game. They’d been up early, stuck in traffic on a coach, forced to hang around, shepherded on to a plane (the first time for some), driven rapidly through the countryside and told to change as quickly as they could. By half-time they were five goals down to Barrow.

The charter flight left London Airport at 2.31pm having been delayed in a queue of planes. There were less than three hours before the match. The plane arrived at Squire’s Gate at 3.25pm. Within 20 minutes everybody was in cars but they still had a 70 miles journey in 105 minutes.

The problem now was the light. By the 74th minute, when Barrow were leading 6-0, referee Mr Jobling from Morecombe felt it was too dark for football. He allowed an extra couple of minutes under Barrow’s training lights - just time for Barrow’s seventh’s goal but finally abandoned the game shortly after seven o’clock.

There were no motorways in the north-west in October 1961 so the roads around Morecombe Bay were among the country’s worst for a late dash by car through driving rain.

The Football League ruled that the 7-0 score line should stand as a result. Gillingham’s next away game was an even longer trip to Carlisle United, luckily they set off in good time and won 2-1. Taken from ‘football’s strangest matches’ book dated 2010 (Portico)

WHEN THE WARRIORS DUMPED THE DONS by Peter Myers

Stenhousemuir pulled off one of the greatest shocks in the Scottish Cup when they sent Aberdeen reeling out of the competition in 1995. The 2-0 defeat to “a team cobbled together for a pittance” was as sensational as the day Berwick Rangers knocked Glasgow Rangers out of the Cup in 1967.

all the pressure will rest on the Aberdeen players’ shoulders. Terry Christie made it quite clear before the St Johnstone replay that we would always be concentrating on the league and anything we achieve in the cup is a bonus. Here’s hoping for another exciting cup match and perhaps even another surprise result.”

Aberdeen were going through a period of turmoil in early 1995 after manager Willie Miller was sacked on February 6 following a run of poor results which left the Dons second bottom of the Premier Division. In contrast, Second Division side Stenhousemuir had been making steady progress in the Scottish Cup. Local rivals East Stirlingshire were eliminated 3-0 at Ochilview. They disposed of Arbroath 4-0 at home in the next round before progressing to the next stage when Terry Christie’s team drew 1-1 with St Johnstone and then beating the First Division outfit 4-0 in the replay at home.

Yes, it was more than a surprise result. Dons fans were incredulous that their team, which boasted five full internationals, four former under-21 internationals and a member of Scotland’s B squad, should have been humbled by a side of part-timers who had been recruited from the junior ranks or were cast-offs from other clubs. Among the latter was forward Adrian Sprott whose goal for Hamilton Accies knocked Rangers out of the Scottish Cup at Ibrox on January 31, 1987. The Lanarkshire side were bottom of the Premier Division and few had given them any chance against Graeme Souness’s side. Sprott recalled his sensational goal in a recent interview: “We had a free-kick on the main stand side of the pitch near the halfway line. Gerry (Collins), I think, took it. A long ball into the Rangers’ box, where Dave McPherson, under no pressure and trying to keep possession, took his eye off the ball and found its way into my path. I struck it well with my left foot across (Chris)

The Warriors were clearly a team to be respected as Aberdeen were to discover to their cost when they were drawn against them in the fourth round at Ochilview on February 18, 1995. The preview of the clash in the match programme indicates the hosts were not anticipating a shock result: “Once again, Stenhousemuir are clearly the underdog and

Main Picture: Aberdeen's Joe Miller, right, challenges Jimmy Fisher for the ball

Woods, and the rest as you say is history.” The Warriors’ goals were both scored by 26-yearold Ayrshire dairy farmer Tommy Steel, whose occupation prompted a flurry of puns including: “The goals saw Aberdeen’s sour season turn rancid.” Steel’s first strike came after Aberdeen failed to deal with a high ball into their box. Goalkeeper Theo Snelders dropped the ball and Steel took advantage by striding into the area and shooting home. His second was also the result of bad defending and lethal finishing. A corner was swung in from the right, with the ball hurtling well past the penalty spot. Steel ran from the far side of the box to volley the ball into the bottom-left corner. Press and Journal sports-writer Graeme Bryce was excoriating in his assessment of the Dons’ defeat: “Words like shameful, humiliating, inept and embarrassing are not terms I use lightly. But I make no apologies for listing them in the wake of Aberdeen’s Scottish Cup exit at the hands of Stenhousemuir.” Aberdeen caretaker manager Roy Aitken apologised to the club’s stunned supporters: “Our second-half performance wasn’t worthy of what you’d expect from the team which played so well against Rangers last week.”

The Warriors went on to the quarter-finals before being defeated 4-0 by Hibernian, but there was the consolation of winning the Challenge Cup in the following season. In contrast, Aberdeen finished ninth in the Premier Division after a wretched season. Painful memories were stirred when the two sides met again in the Scottish Cup in January 2019. Former Aberdeen player Duncan Shearer said he had been afraid to come out of the house lest he should incur the wrath of Dons fans. Despite home advantage, the Dons found the League One team were no pushover. Max Lowe gave Aberdeen a first-half lead but Mark McGuigan headed an equaliser beyond the grasp of goalkeeper Joe Lewis to earn a replay at Ochilview. The Dons stepped up their game and were 3-0 ahead at half-time with goals from Niall McGinn, Sam Cosgrove and Greg Stewart After the interval the Pittodrie side lost their fluency and allowed Andy Munro to grab a consolation goal for the home side. A bizarre own goal by Ruaridh Donaldson sealed the visitors’ 4-1 victory. Perhaps not many fans were aware that Aberdeen’s first ever match was against Stenhousemuir on August 15, 1903 when both sides were playing in the Northern League. The result was 1-1 as was the return fixture at Ochilview.

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