The Scottish Cup 1st round and it obviously does get bigger and more important than Cumnock Juniors Fc vs Dumbarton, venue Townhead stadium.
A dreich Friday evening with my nephew starring as the linesman. My relationship with Cumnock Juniors FC stretches back over 20 years. I was acquainted with some ‘Nock’ followers and attended some of their fixtures. A Scottish Junior Cup tie against Tayport, a Junior side from the River Tay area I presumed, with a Port in addition. A healthy visiting support allocated the open terrace opposite the enclosed roofed home terrace. I have no recollection of the score other than The Nock lost.
My lasting memory was the temporary visit of some Glenafton fans. A side from the neighbouring village of New Cumnock their match had been postponed and some worthy lads thought it worthy of a chant and a loud challenge. What challenge that was I can only guess and resulted in the local Police meeting the challenge with prompt ejection.
My late career as a star, my words and description, in the sport of Walking football saw me play a few hours on the hallowed asrtomturf of Stadio Townhead. Aghast at my first sight of the dreadful changing rooms a fellow player assured me that said facilities were ‘miles better than they used to be’. Blooming heck. Nearby Ayrshire village of Auchinleck, home of the mighty Auchinleck Talbot lord it over The Nock. Dominating Scottish Junior football for many years they surely owe some of their success to decent showers and hygienic sanitary facilities. I have no knowledge of how good or terrible Talbot’s toilets are, I await a walking football visit.
The rain in Scotland last night fell mainly over the uncovered fans. No longer a muddy pitch to act as a leveller. An exciting match with little skill, lots of fast action. Scottish Junior football of the past was famous for infamous high tackles, shoving, blood and snotters and that was only in the warm ups. No longer, referees now can apply the rules of association football freely with no licensed and necessary adaption for thuggery. It is noticeable that older fans complain of fouls missed by the ref. The same older fan who would not that long ago have dismissed decapitation of an opponent as unworthy of a strong talking to. Gentle stuff indeed.
Dumbarton ran out worthy 3-1 winners progressing to round 2. No one was hurt, even the ref left with his dignity intact. Can I in conclusion reveal my brother and myself found the star of the show was the wifie stadium PA announcer. A rather shrill high pitched voice sold the lottery tickets with Ayrshire vigour. Announcing the teams emerging for the 2nd half she encouraged the young team in the shed behind the goals to make some noise, and they indeed followed orders, ken.
Great entertainment and not only on the astroturf.
