University of Strathclyde
Shinty Club
Match Reports
Glasgow University vs University of Strathclyde
3 - 4
The mighty Strathclyde, with a 100% record in our last 7 games, travelled the short(er distance than the union to Yoker) distance across the west end of the city to take on our closest adversaries, Glasgow University.
As you would expect, so close to the climax of the season, it was as strong a squad as the ’Clyde (use of “’” so we don’t resemble the gypsies that are Clyde FC) have ever fielded. Not one call off. Not one crap reason for not playing. Not even a good reason for not playing!
In fact when the squad (we can call ourselves a squad when we have more than 15 players) turned up we realised not everyone could get a game. As a result Ali Laird and Joe joined the travelling support on the hill.
The travelling support in shinty terms was large. In university shinty terms it was astronomic. Most of the girls team, Gemma, Oonagh and Mel were joined by Kirsty on the sideline, to cheer on the team in blue. Add to this most of the GMA entourage plus a healthy number of players meant that the ’Clyde had a majority of the support on the day (so much for that poster campaign by the homeside!).
We must also be the most photographed shinty team in history. I counted four cameras (there could have been more) in total. That is a whole load of photos.
Onto the game - Strathclyde lined up with Stuart in goals, Calum and Sean as full backs and Coppers and Raghnall at half back. The midfield was made up of MacPhee at full centre assisted by MC and Oates on either side. It was in the forward line the Strath were particularly strong with Martin playing at half forward and Skip at full forward with Peter and Gav on either wing. This meant a place on the bench for Cailean (returning from injury), Dool, Calum and super-sub Alan.
As is the norm with Glasgow they were not short of familiar faces. Dave Moore, Craig Ross and the MacDonald brothers came up against their team mates of the previous week when playing for the Scottish Universities. Ben Wear came up against his official university. Simon made his second appearance of the season against the team he used to captain (we may forgive but we will never forget). Wilson, the keeper, travelled down from Aberdeen to face the team he played for in last years Littlejohn and John Boyd came face to face with many of his team mates from this forthcoming summer season (I counted 7)
The game started as many Strathclyde games seem to these days. Glasgow immediately took the upper hand but found themselves a goal down in the early stages. My sources tell me it was the team driver, Martin, that scored it, taking him to a personal tally of 6 for the season. From memory it was a goal mouth scramble.
The half continued with Glasgow putting the ’Clyde goal under immense pressure. The best chances fell for Gilleasbuig MacDonald who barely managed to trouble the Strath keeper. To be fair his best effort did rattle the post (as photos have since proved I clearly had it covered….)
Towards the end of the half Strathclyde did come more into the match forcing some last ditch clearances from Glasgow keeper. As a result of this, Glasgow brought on ex-SU captain Simon MacGruer to a chorus of boos from the traveling support (well it was mainly Joe).
As a result of the attacking play by Strath, the Glasgow keeper was forced to kick the ball, leaving debutant ref, Daniel MacIntyre, no option but to point to the spot. Martin confidently came forward from half back (where he had swapped with Raghnall who was struggling to cope with the pace of Glasgow half forward, John Boyd) to strike it. Unfortunately for all those supporting the Strathclyde cause, Martin missed/the keeper saved it. This caused much debate in the pub afterwards as to what constituted a “miss”.
In the end it didn’t matter as in the stramash that followed the keeper again kicked the ball. You would think he would learn. This time Raghnall promises me his shot was goalward bound before the infringement took place. Not trusting Martin with the second penalty, Ali Cameron stepped up to slot Strathclyde’s second goal of the game.
There was no further scoring in the first half, despite much of the play being in around each team’s “d”.
A rousing team talk was given by captain, Ali Cameron and it seemed to work.
The second half started with the Glasgow team somewhat confused. It appeared that Aonghas forgot that at half time you generally switch ends, meaning that he had to play full forward for the rest of the game. This at first seemed a dodgy move by Glasgow as Strathclyde added a third and a fourth in quick succession from captain Ali Cameron. These goals meant that we had our first “hat-trick hero” of the season. I have little or no idea how these goals happened so I’m not going to even try and make something up.
Complacency seemed to set in at this point. Whether it was the fact that minds started thinking about the next game against RGU, or the fact that we were getting two free dinners, or the fact that Glasgow clearly weren’t scoring 4 goals (no matter how many times Aonghas claimed he would score 5), we let Glasgow back into it.
The first Glasgow goal had more than a little controversy about it. Aoghnas appeared to push Calum out the way before showing football skills that would have him playing for Aberdeen, if only there were scouts there to see him. As it happened he drilled (ahem) the ball low into the corner meaning I did the splits rather than try to stop the ball.
The second Glasgow goal of the afternoon was also scored by Aonghas as he turned and smashed (again, ahem) a shot just inside the right hand post. It was a very deceiving shot… as I thought that it might just slip past the post. Oops.
The third goal was from a similar range but was scored by younger brother Gilleasbuig. This time it was drilled (actually) into the bottom right hand corner leaving me with little chance. I’m putting these three goals down to the fact that the MacDonald brothers both bailed out of last Saturday’s celebration in Portree at a very early stage. Lightweights!
Somewhere in between all this Peter managed to get hit in the eye. It took around 10 minutes to get him off the pitch but fortunately the injury was not of a serious nature. It was however pointed out to Peter that he should be careful of his retina falling out later in the evening. I’m sure he did indeed keep a look out for that happening although I’m not entirely sure he would know what one looked like should he suddenly find it in his hand.
Strathclyde committed two subs to the action. Dool came on for Oates just before Oates folks turned up to watch their son in action. This is the second time they have come to watch Strathclyde without even seeing their son play. The other sub was forced, as Peter was replace by fit again Cailean.
The remaining minutes were somewhat frantic as Glasgow pushed for the elusive equaliser and Strathclyde tried all the tricks in the book to slow the game down. There was much relief on the terraces/hill when the referee blew the final whistle.
It was a game played in a very sporting spirit, another excellent advert for University shinty.
As is obligatory after beating Glasgow the team lined up for a photo. I’m not entirely sure why we do this. Perhaps it’s to annoy the opposition or just because we want to re-live another monumental victory over our greatest rivals.
After the game we all ended up in the “Primary” for a deep fried feast. Then we all headed to O’Neils for a second deep fried feast. I’m not just saying this because I have to but O’Neils must be one of the best pubs in Glasgow. They even reserve seats for us right in front of the flat screen tv so we can watch Wales beat England!
After the Glasgow boys bailed on us we headed up to the sports bar. It appears the Strathclyde team finds it hard to lose as we won the sports quiz. As a result we have put buying new strips on hold, as everyone now appears to own a Tennents t-shirt which can clearly be used instead.
We would also have won the egg and spoon race if we had not been set upon by one of the opposing teams.
All in all it was another amazing night out.
This is all very good I hear you say… but what does all this mean for the league? Well… Glasgow play Edinburgh at Garscube this Saturday and if they take at least a point we win the league. I’m sure I speak for all when I wish Glasgow all the very best for Saturday.
Should the unthinkable happen, Edinburgh beat Glasgow (mon the mighty gold and blacks!), then the focus turns to our last remaining match against John Barr’s RGU. At time of publication it is still unclear when this match will be, but the next likely date is 23 February at Yoker. To be crowned champions, we need to take at least a point from this game. After a very close run thing in Aberdeen I’m sure RGU will be seeking revenge for Alan’s last minute winner.
If by some horrible twist of fate Edinburgh beat Glasgow and we don’t get a point from our game at RGU it is out of our hands. Edinburgh will then have to travel to Dundee and host a game with Glasgow. They must win both of these to take the title on goal difference.
If we show the same level of commitment I’m sure it won’t come that.
I’m not sure if this is the right time but does anyone remember what Ali Cameron said last year at the Littlejohn? I’m sure he said that if we win he would buy us all a drink. I’m sure he would like to make this very generous offer again for the league campaign and I should think he will stretch this offer to supporters.
It’s only fair Ali!
Ps Two games you are actively encouraged to attend this weekend. At Garscube you can go and watch Glasgow entertain Edinburgh with a 1.30 throw up. Supporting Glasgow is actively encouraged for one match only!
The other game is at Yokermill between GMA (Stuart, Martin, Raghnall and possibly others) v Fort William (Niall). There are many possible questions to be answered this weekend… Can GMA beat last year’s camanachd cup finalists? Will Fort William underestimate their lower league opponents? Will Niall be able to fit into Fort William shorts?
All will be revealed on Saturday at 2 pm!
St Andrews University vs University of Strathclyde
0 - 2
Ok… before I start, a little bit of factual information for the St Andrews girl in the pub. Strathclyde University is in fact a… University! The clue really was in the title. Second of all, Strathclyde is not in Glasgow!
Now that that’s out of the way on with the rest of the day…
As has become the norm with the shinty team we had quite a few calls offs, even before Saturday morning.
Alan Fettes – doing uni work. Almost as bad as picking hockey over us!
Ali Coppers – also doing uni work. The amount of effort you put into your degree I hope you get a first!
Sean – exam. We’ll let you off just this once.
Niall McPhee – suspended. That’s right. The first ever player to be suspended in the University league. Useless fact #1. Niall has picked up more disciplinary points than the whole of GMA this year. Dirty *******!
Ali Cameron – went to Ibrox. Enough said. Interesting fact #2. Ali Cameron has played less games than Dundee! Another good effort.
On Saturday morning Dool also called off sick. This left us with 11 players meaning we had to phone Joe to tell him his ankle wasn’t sprained, and even if it was, he was still playing in goals!
The bus journey went well enough. Despite the intended route being closed we made it there 45 minutes before throw up (quite possibly a new record?). For legal reasons the explicit events of what happened shortly after we turned off motorway cannot be mentioned. Ask someone who was there. It involved a mini bus full of school kids…
For those of you who haven’t been to St Andrews, it’s beside the sea. Even when everywhere else is hot, St Andrews is cold. So on a December afternoon we weren’t exactly treated to tropical temperatures. I’ll be kind and say it was -10.
The referee, once again, was Euan Pearson. As I slated him last week, credit where credit’s due. He had a good game (there I’ve said it!). I think he might love us now, after we all lined up for him to check our boots and sticks without him even asking us. He said (with a tear in his eye) that’s the first time anyone has ever done that for me. Our pleasure, Euan.
With Calum having taped a “1” onto Joe’s back, there was no controversy about what the keeper was wearing this week.
The team lined up with Joe in goals, Calum MacLean at full back, Raghnall at half back, Oatesy and MC as wing backs, Gavin in full centre, Calum Martin and Peter were wing centres, Martin at half forward, Liam “Ali Motion” Jackson and Ali Laird at wing forwards and Strathclyde’s answer to “The Goal Machine”, Stuart Murray, at full forward.
Along with Joe having a sprained ankle, Liam “Ali Motion” Jackson is on the recovery from an illness and goal keeper/full forward Murray was hoping to take a rest this week due to a throat infection. So it wasn’t exactly a “full strength” Strathclyde team.
The game itself was generally one way traffic. A combination of last ditch tackles, good saves by the St Andrews keeper (unfortunately wearing neither a fishing hat or odd socks this week – do we have a St Andrews spy reading our reports?) and poor finishing, kept the scores level for far too long in the first half.
After about half an hour Strathclyde finally took a deserved lead. It was a third goal in three games outfield for goal keeper Murray. Despite the fact it was me that scored it I’m not entirely sure how it came about (a sign of how bad I was feeling). The ball got played in from the left hand side (possible from Peter) and I backhanded it into the middle of the net, with neither the “might of 50 elephants”, nor the “grace of 50 butterflies” but a goal’s a goal!
Half time came with the score still 1-0. An inquest was held into why exactly we weren’t winning by at least 10 goals, and it was decided that the finishing was to blame.
Into the second half then and the promised goal fest never really materialised. Good play on the wings from Liam aka Ali Motion and Ali Laird were providing full forward Murray and now half forward Gavin with opportunities they were unable to take.
With about 20 minutes of the second half gone the game was over as a contest. Again, although I was close to it I have no recollection of the set up of the goal. I know Martin drilled the ball home but how he got the ball is still a bit of a blur.
At this stage with myself wondering what exactly I was doing this far up the field I swapped with Joe. Unfortunately I didn’t have a goalie top with my name written on it L.
I’m not really sure what happened for the rest of the game. I got a couple of touches as St Andrews over hit some passes but that was about it. It didn’t look like we created too much at the other end but it wasn’t important by this time.
I did have an interesting conversation with the goal judge who had just been subbed though. Apparently we are seen as a dirty team. It wasn’t entirely clear if this was solely down to Niall’s effort in the first game against the Fife side or not. For the official record we are not a dirty team and if the St Andrews players could block then most, if not all, of the injuries suffered in Glasgow could have been avoided.
The second interesting part of the conversation was about the St Andrews Shinty Club night out. This showed up the social class of the two universities quite nicely. Strathclyde might be having a night out (ask the social convenor – Mr A. Coppers), and if we do it will likely be in the union. Nothing wrong with that.
On the other hand St Andrews are going to the casino on “daddy’s credit card”. Get your finger out Coppers!
The game finished 2-0 and the ill members of the Strathclyde team were particularly happy to get back to the changing room.
We got taken back to the usual pub (Castle Tavern I think) but the food, it has to be said, was particularly sub-standard. Two packets of cocktail sausages and two packets of sausage rolls. All cold by the way. Not the usual feast we are used to at O’Neills!
The bus journey home was quite uneventful. Raghnall cried because Aberdeen lost. I celebrated because not only did Thistle score, they got a point! Woo!
A scenic route home got us back to Glasgow for about half seven and the party animals in the team went to the all nighter.
Hope you all don’t feel too ill!
And we’re now 6 points clear at the top of the league.
Special mentions:
- Gemma. Aka Supporters Club. Went all the way to St Andrews to watch that! Good effort!
- Ali Motion for answering our late call.
- Joe for answering our even later call.
- Gavin for that hat (again!).
- Calum for admitting his undying love for all things GMA on his caman.
- Martin for driving us all the way there and back (different routes). Hands up all those who knew Auchtermuchty actually existed! We even got a tour of the town centre although we failed to find a shop that sold “I’ve been to Auchtermuchty” T-shirts. There’s always next year.
Team: Joe, Calum MacLean (it’s only taken me about 8 weeks to get it right), Oatesy, MC, Raghnall, Gavin, Peter, Calum Martin, Martin, Ali Laird, Liam “Ali Motion” Jackson and Stuart “Goal Machine” Murray (if it’s good enough for an Edinburgh guy who doesn’t score it’s good enough for me!).
Robert Gordon's University vs Strathclyde University
3-4
This game will be remembered as a momentous occasion for two reasons (other than the result). First of all we managed to arrange a bus (cheers to Martin for driving!) and second the Convenor, Captain and Secretary all appeared in the same game for the first time this season!
With the number of late calls offs in past weeks it was with great surprise that only one player called off this week. Calum Martin (again…!) was allegedly lying in a pool of his own vomit in Victoria Halls. Although we only had one player called off, our entire supporters “club” called off on the morning of the game! It is rumoured (when I say rumoured I really mean fact) that Gemma, Angus and Joe were all a little too intoxicated to make the long journey north.
The journey went well until we passed the junction for Forfar. We joined the queue and sat there and waited for some movement. Slowly we moved forward to see that a lorry had crashed into a tractor. For some reason the referee thought this was our fault. We will ask the lorry driver not to crash into the tractor next time, we promise!
Since we arrived slightly late the referee (who apparently had only arrived 10 minutes before us) said that we would play “until it gets dark”. The phrase that immediately sprung to mind was “how long is a piece of string?
Anyways… on with the game… and only after I had convinced the referee that I was in fact the goal keeper despite the fact I wasn’t wearing the number “1” - harder than you might think.
The ‘Clyde took a strong side to Aberdeen and started with myself in goals, Callum at full back, Sean and Oates as wing backs and Niall at half back. This was just so that he could hit and get hit by John Barr for 90 minutes. Let’s just say they didn’t disappoint. The midfield contained Raghnall, a rather hung-over MC and Dool. The forward line was possibly as strong as we have fielded all season. Martin was half forward, Ali Captain (yes he played!) was full forward with Gavin (for anyone who wasn’t there, you have to see his hat) and Peter as wing forwards.
Another bright start by the Strath saw yet another early goal. Ali Cameron scored it. Not sure how. We went 2 up shortly after. I’m guessing that Peter scored that one.
It was certainly not one-way traffic at this stage. A long range effort was saved with the hand by Murray and Callum decided he was the keeper when tipping a John Barr effort over the bar (I had it covered anyway…).
The battle between Barr and Niall was hotting up by this stage. Niall broke at least one of Barr’s sticks and had been given a final warning for “persistent fouling”.
Into the second half, and it didn’t take long for this game to burst into life (with a little bit of help from myself). Shortly after the break Barr found himself in plenty of space about 40 (maybe more) yards out and lobbed in a shot. I misjudged it slightly (well ok totally) and it was 2-1. Apologies to everyone.
Fortunately for me, we went straight up the pitch and re-established our two goal lead. Again I think I’m correct in saying it was Peter who scored but I may be wrong. They all looked the same in the gloom.
To be honest the referee could have blown his full time whistle at any point, as by anybody’s standards, it was most definitely dark. We were informed at this point that it was not dark it was merely “dusk”. Answers on a postcard for the spot-the-difference competition.
As predicted by myself long before the game started (no one was willing to take me up on my bet), McPhee got booked. Again. This time for “persistent fouling”. A club committee meeting will be held to see if any disciplinary action will be taken.
As complete darkness quickly approached, RGU cut the deficit to one. An effort by Barr (has anyone noticed he’s the only RGU player I know the name of?) hit the post and in the following scramble the RGU full centre was able to drill the ball past the helpless (honestly) Murray.
At this point the Strathclyde defence was under constant pressure. The brief chances we got to relax, when the ball was put past the post, didn’t last long. This was down to my apparent time wasting. I wasn’t aware there was any rule that said I had to run to fetch the ball.
The game turned farcical as it moved into injury time (yes this was the same game that wasn’t going to last the 90 minutes as it was too dark). A RGU corner came in and keeper Murray stopped the ball with his (stationary) foot. Murray cleared the ball to the touch line to look round and see the referee pointing to the spot. One can only presume he thought I kicked it but his decision was never made public.
While I searched in the darkness for the player taking the penalty something whizzed past my left ear. I’m guessing it was the ball.
I apologise for any damage I may have caused to the post in the aftermath of that decision.
Anyways. 3-3. Game on.
At this point it looked like there would only be one winner and I don’t think the solitary Strath fan (Dool and Gav’s mate) was holding out much hope.
Shots continued to fly in the general direction of the Strath goal. One was even on target. This was where I got to make up for my earlier error by tipping the ball away for a corner. From the corner RGU again blasted wide. Shame that.
After McKellar’s horrific eye-bursting injury in the middle of the second half, Fettes had run in circles for 15 mins, been muscled off the ball and missed sitters. However, all this had acted as a warm up, allowing him to rediscover his recently-found striker’s instinct. After a strong through-ball from McCulloch, Cameron fought with his marker and the ball eventually ran under the RGU player’s legs to a waiting Fettes.
To avoid ruining the chance to offside, a bodyswerve was called for, which also acted to dazzle the opposing keeper whilst Fettes tapped the ball under his legs and into the net. The seventh goal of the afternoon didn’t have the might of any elephants, but certainly the grace of 50 butterflies.
The final minutes were fraught indeed, with RGU earning several more corners and creating several chances, but none were capitalised upon, thanks to a combination of poor finishing, unerring defending, nimble goal-keeping and of course pitch-blackness! After approximately 10 minutes of injury time the referee blew his whistle.
It was a very relieved Strathclyde side who headed back the changing room and onto the pub or the hospital (extra blocking practice for Raghnall this week methinks).
Finally for those that are counting, and I’m sure we all are, that’s 6 wins on the bounce - well done people!
Special mentions this week go to:
- Raghnall. Getting hit on the leg in the first minute (by that man Barr again) and playing on. Unfortunately any praise he got for this was short lived. While sitting in the hospital waiting room to get his graze examined, he asked me if I would hold his hand should he require stitches. Errrm, let me think about this for a minute, no!
- Dool. For also getting injured. This time a head wound. Clearly being from Bute he is used to this sort of thing so he didn’t require any medical attention.
- Ali Laird (came on for Peter) and hero Fettes for missing most of their Beastie Boys concert. I would add in Peter but since he was learning Beastie Boys songs on the way to the game he doesn’t really count!
- Mr Convenor for again coming onto the pitch and sparing our blushes.
- And finally to Martin for driving us all the way to Aberdeen and back. Much appreciated by all (even if they weren’t quite sober enough to say it themselves).
Super Strath: Stuart, Callum MacLean (spelling ok for you this week?), Oates, Sean, Niall, Raghnall, Dool, MC, Martin (driver), Gavin, Peter and Ali Captain.
Subs: Mr Convenor and Ali Laird.
Stu & Al
Strathclyde University vs St Andrews University
6-0
Strathclyde have a 100% record at Fortress Yoker. On the other hand St Andrews were still searching for their first win of the Uni league season. On paper it looked like the game may be a bit one sided and in the end it was an easy victory for the Strath boys.
Due to the now standard calls offs for crap reasons, Strath struggled to reach the 12 players required for a team. Calum McLean headed up north to attend Kinlochshiels dinner/dance and came away with U21 player of the year (well done!!!) - if that information is wrong then blame McPhee. Captain Ali Cameron was for some unknown reason in Aberdeen (maybe he got the weeks mixed up?). Club convenor, Alan “the next Ronald Ross” Fettes inexplicably chose hockey over shinty.
Other notable absentees (sorry if I missed anyone) were Oatsy who went to paint ball and Ali Coppers [plural?] who went to the rugger.
Ok, so onto the ones that could be bothered to turn up! The team was bolstered by the return of prolific striker Park along with “Dool” and Liam. A big hand to Alistair Laird who made his first ever appearance in a shinty match (honestly, it’s not normally that cold, I promise!).
The side had an unfamiliar look to it. Murray started in goals, with Sean and Raghnall being joined in defence by “Dool” and Liam. Stenson dropped back to midfield with Angus and debutant Laird taking up positions on the wing.
Before I talk about the game I think it needs pointing out that it was freezing cold and very wet!
Strathclyde were wearing their fetching “France” GMA strips while St Andrews sported an assortment of colourful strips. My personal favourite though was the goal keeper, who chose one blue and one red sock, and also what appeared on first glance to be a fishing hat.
For the first 15 minutes the game was fairly even. The only chance of note I can remember is when an early lack of communication within the Strath defence let in a random St A’s player who fired wide from about 12 yards.
At the end of the aforementioned first 15 minutes the deadlock was broken. I could lie and say that good work by player x coupled with a cracking finish from Park should have this goal pushing for goal of the season…. But I can’t remember it. In fact the only reason I know it was Park who scored is that Iain (who ref’d for free as long as we all go to GMA ceilidh – more on that later) has written it down for us! Cheers!
The second and third goals came in quick succession in the 22nd and 26th minutes (to be precise). Again I could make up a scenario for the goals but they were probably both just good finishes from Martin. In fact I’ll add in “clinical”. But I’ve since been told one of them went through the keeper’s legs – doesn’t stop it being clinical though!
Although mostly one way traffic at this point there were a couple of scares for the Strath defence. On one occasion the St Andrew’s forward managed to get past keeper Murray, before missing (possibly due to having three Strath players running straight at him).
The handful of ‘Clyde fans didn’t have to wait long for their teams 4th goal. This goal I do remember. The forwards somehow managed to turn a scramble in the box into a scramble in the midfield. MC (no idea what that name’s about) emerged with the ball and fired (am I over using the word “fired”?) it past the helpless keeper. This, thanks to the ref again, happened in the 35th minute.
The only other note to make on the first half was the number of injuries sustained by the St Andrews team. Shortly before half time ex Jordanhill School and current St Andrew’s defender Andrew Patterson took a blow to the head and his afternoon was over (hope all is ok!).
At half time there wasn’t really a rousing chat from anyone. It was noted that we should really be more than four up though as a number of guilt edged chances had been missed by the forwards.
One major part of the half time discussion is what use the people of Yoker would have for the ice cream van that went past the ground. Bear in mind it was approximately minus 20°C (give or take a degree or two).
It was decided that when the goal tally reached six that goalkeeper Murray should get the chance to move up front. It’s unclear whether this acted as a deterrent to the forwards scoring any more goals, as they did their best to miss at every opportunity.
The second half remained goalless for 22 minutes in which time St Andrews gave (the by now absolutely freezing and soaking wet keeper) one measly touch.
It was on the 67th minute that Park sealed his move back to goal keeper. Again not sure what happened but I’m sure it was a fine goal.
Not able to wait any longer for the forwards to score the sixth, keeper Murray, now turning blue, got his chance up front with Martin joining Park in moving back allowing Liam to move to half forward.
For the last twenty minutes Murray missed countless chances while MacPhee pummeled the ball over the head of all forwards at regular intervals.
On the 80th minute mark the scoring was complete. A slip by the St Andrew’s captain gave Murray a free shot at goal and he fired (once too often) high into the roof of the net (I would compare my shot to the “might of 50 elephants” but I think Alan has cornered the market on that one!).
The last 10 minutes were played out in the freezing cold and everyone celebrated as ref Murray (Iain) blew the final whistle. It was unclear whether the result was being celebrated or the fact that finally we go to go inside!
As normal the team moved to O’Neils on Queen Street for what can only be described as a feast. St Andrews were unable to join us (possibly visiting the hospital on the way away?) and as Joe had ordered food for 30, the 11 of us who turned up had a cracking time!
Team: Stuart Murray, Sean Deakin, Raghnall “£50 for a haircut” Robertson, Liam Jackson, Andrew "Fonnesbeck" McKellar, Niall MacPhee, Peter Stenson, Iain McCulloch, Angus Murray, Alistair Laird, Martin Bell and Gavin Park.
Subs: Well Jonathon Oats was named on the team sheet but failed to arrive until after the end of the game.
With other results going our way the mighty Strathclyde today went 4 points clear at the top of the league. This was due entirely to Glasgow losing their second game on the bounce going down 4-0 to Dundee.
Edinburgh University vs Strathclyde University
1-2
The mighty Clyde travelled to the capital city with high hopes of repeating the result of the home leg 2 weeks before where they emerged 1-0 winners. They knew, however, that it wouldn’t be easy, remembering the fight that Edinburgh Uni gave to keep the game goalless until towards the end of the match. This game was going to be tough, that was for sure.
Had it not been for awards ceremonies, groin strain, studying and chest infections, a full squad would’ve been on the cards, but from the huge derby-winning squad of the previous week only 12 remained. This was pushed to 13 after the announcement that the man in the middle of the 2 unis, Sean Deakin, was willing to risk paralysis and face his former team-mates, despite suffering from an injury to his back. An extreme show of dedication to his new badge (which is purely metaphorical, as the strips have the GMA crest!).
All was eventually well, and everyone who turned up at the Union managed to successfully make it to Peffermill (after a couple of wrong turns!). The men braved the painful cold which you can only feel when standing still for the length of a game, to watch a 7-a-side Strathclyde Women’s team put in a solid performance against the powerful Edinburgh side.
Although missing their captain, their defensive stalwart and a goalscorer from last week due to the aforementioned call-offs, Strathclyde still retained a solid backbone of a team. MacPhee, Bell and Maclean headed a squad which had plenty of fight and stamina aplenty, ensuring a solid performance. Unfortunately, the conditions meant that much of the play remained in the midfield, and although creating chances, Strathclyde struggled to put the ball in the oft clichéd net. Luckily, an exemplary piece of striking prowess towards the end of the match brightened up this tense encounter to give the fans something to write home about.
The opening period, all of a couple of minutes or so, set Clyde up for the rest of the match, with a goal from Bell. Some deft attacking midfield play led to a poorly cleared ball from the Edinburgh back line, and the ball fell to Bell, who made use of the bobbly, frozen surface, and slotted it just into the keeper’s right hand post. Any optimistic thoughts that this would be a walkover proved to be completely incorrect.
Edinburgh came straight back at Strathclyde, goalkeeper Stuart Murray having to stay on his toes to keep out the Edinburgh forward line. After battling up the pitch, the Clyde were often thwarted by a strong Edinburgh back line, whether it be from balls through the middle from MacPhee or Bell, or crosses from the likes of Murray and Macdonald.
Half-time, and the message from the tactically-proven management team of Bell, Macphee and the likes was clear: we were mince and had to play better. The second half wasn’t a great improvement, and although the Strathclyde work rate was still high, Edinburgh had a fair few promising skirmishes dangerously close to the ‘Clyde goalmouth. Again, a combination of the cat-like goalkeeping skills of Murray, and the brute force of the defence kept the ball from between the posts.
As the game wore on, the tension escalated, and it was recognised that it would take something utterly special to put this game beyond doubt. After a lung-busting 75 min shift from the exponentially improving winger Angus Murray, the management signalled for a change. That change came in the form of Alan Fettes, who according to common belief (and indeed his own!) was at the club for no other purpose than to muck up the organising of the club week after week.
With excellent service from his midfield, Fettes used his first touch to get his range, firing into the side-netting. A similar situation barely a few minutes later proved greatly more fruitful. Picking the ball up facing away from goal, Fettes shimmied to the right and threw his attacker off. A nimble turn placed the ball in his path, facing towards goal, attacking from the right hand wing.
With might comparable to 50 elephants, the sacred caman swung to connect with leather, sent the ball rasping goalwards, and everyone stopped in awe. That was, of course, apart from the opposing goalkeeper, lightning fast in readying himself for the oncoming bullet. Through a sublime ironic stroke this very goalkeeper, Eoghann Stewart, was in fact the cousin of Fettes. Although he got an entire hand to the ball, he only ensured the net didn’t burst upon impact, and Fettes notched up perhaps his first ever goal in competitive shinty.
After a celebration consisting mainly of bewilderment, the Clyde set up for the restart. Unfortunately this state of shock continued, and in a matter of minutes an Edinburgh attacker found space on the edge of the box. To use one of this reporter’s most hated sporting clichés, he “only had one thing on his mind” and sent the ball towards the net, leaving Murray with no chance. 2-1.
The remaining seconds were as fraught as one would expect in the circumstances, but the ‘Clyde held on. After consultation with the linguistically knowledgeable opposition goalkeeper, it was concluded that Fettes’ strike was not the ‘winner’, although ‘clincher’ could acceptably be applied.
Cries of “the next Ronald Ross” from some of the team and “the next James Clark” from Niall MacPhee will no doubt prove far from the eventual truth, but this reporter is happy to award himself a proverbial 15 minutes of fame: it may never happen again….
Team: Stuart Murray, Jonathan Oates, Calum Maclean, Alistair MacNeil, Sean Deakin, Ragnhall Robertson, Niall MacPhee, Iain McCulloch, Angus Murray, Martin Bell, Peter Stenson, Cailean MacDonald
(super) Sub: Alan Fettes
AF
Strathclyde University vs Glasgow University
3-0
With the University league now in full swing it was the turn of Strathclyde to attempt to defeat the “Mighty Gold and Blacks” (their words not mine) for the first time. In turn Glasgow were attempting to be the first team to leave Yoker with anything but an invite to O’Neils for some great grub.
The Glasgow team was not short on familiar faces. Ex Strathclyde captain and stalwart of the Strathclyde team (and union) for the last four years, Simon MacGruer made his first appearance against his old team mates. Present Strathclyde student Ben Wear also made his first appearance against his present institution (there’s no turning back now Ben!).
Other familiar faces in the Glasgow side included Glasgow Uni Secretary and Skye 1st team player Gilleasbuig MacDonald and John Boyd who lined up in opposition to no fewer than seven of his GMA team mates from the past summer season.
The Strathclyde team was largely unchanged from the previous week’s narrow victory over Edinburgh. Niall MacPhee was unavailable due to the Fort William derby and captain, Ali Cameron, was “travelling”. In the only change David MacPherson (playing under the “one foreigner rule” – they had Simon), Camanachd Cup winner with Inverary, came in at full centre allowing Martin to take up his more familiar role in the forward line.
It didn’t take long for Strathclyde to break the deadlock (is anyone counting the clichés?). After about five minutes the Glasgow keeper palmed a shot into the path of Kilmorays’ Gavin Park who picked his spot well. 1-0.
At some other point in the first half, probably between the half hour and half time, Martin made it 2-0. Finding himself in plenty of space, probably around the penalty spot (it’s hard to tell from the other end of the pitch as Alan will testify), Bell blasted the ball past the helpless Glasgow keeper.
It wasn’t all one way traffic in the first half. A combination of good defending from Calum from Kinlochshiel (I will learn your surname), Raghnall, Sean and Oatsy and poor finishing from the Glasgow forwards left me particularly cold in the goals.
A mention must be made at this point of David at full centre who controlled the game in the first half aided by Andrew and Ia(i)n on either wing.
Half time came and we all waited for an inspirational team talk. In the end we settled for Martin’s words of wisdom. Whatever he said must have worked because shortly after the break the game was over as a contest. A “stramash” in the Glasgow area allowed “Dool” (I think) to somehow get the ball over the line (again it’s hard to tell from the other goals).
The first substitution took place shortly after the first goal. Ally “Coppers” MacNeil came onto replace Iain who had taken a stick to the face in the first minutes of the match. This allowed Oatsy to move forward into wing centre and McNeil to take up his familiar wing back role.
Angus and Liam joined McNeil on the pitch shortly after, replacing the influential McPherson and someone else (I didn’t notice anyone going off but I presume we didn’t play the last 20 minutes with 13 players).
With Strathclyde presuming the game was won Glasgow came back into the game in the final ten minutes. Some last ditch defending and a save from yours truly was required to ensure that the Strath’ recorded our second clean sheet on the trot.
The final whistle went shortly after Glasgow’s first shot on target and we all gathered round for a celebratory picture for our home page.
Yoker is now officially a fortress St Andrews surely can’t be looking forward to being the next visitors in a couple of weeks. I’m sure the locals will once more be very accommodating. If we’re really lucky they might walk round the pitch next time instead of straight across it.
Special mention this week has to go to Mr Convenor (Alan) for racing from his hockey match (what was he doing there anyway?) at Stepps to Yoker just to see us shaking hands at the final whistle.
Team: Stuart, Calum (from Kinlochshiel), Raghnall, Sean, Oatsy, David, Iain, Andrew, Martin, Gavin, Cailean and Peter.
Subs: Ally “Coppers”, Liam, Angus and Calum Martin.
Personal highlights of the day.
- Joe’s pink gloves.
- Raghnall introducing himself to his marker, Gilleasbuig, as his second cousin.
- Joe’s pink gloves.
- Raghnall leaving the union at 9.10 pm because he “had a test on Monday”.
- Have I mentioned Joe’s pink gloves? (I’m sure there is a picture elsewhere on this site).
- And finally Gavin trying to claim that Runrig sang “Fog on the Tyne” with Gazza when everyone knows it was…. Well it wasn’t Runrig anyway!
Stu
- And Raghnall once spent and entire 50 buck on a haircut!
Alan
Strathclyde University vs Dundee University
5-1
With the Camanachd Association adopting a trial summer season for shinty leagues, university shinty has been given an unprecedented chance to expand. This season sees the start of comprehensive university leagues, with Strathclyde’s mens team competing in Division 1. Having lost a tight encounter 2-1 away to Dundee University the previous week, Strathclyde had a chance to inflict immediate revenge as Dundee were the visitors at Strathclyde’s Peterson Park ground in Yoker.
Strathclyde featured a changed squad from the previous game, most notably goalkeeper (and club convenor) Alan Fettes and forward (and club secretary) Stuart Murray unable to play, the latter on National League duty for Glasgow Mid Argyll. Into their place came another GMA player, Martin Bell and captain Ali Cameron.
Straight from the throw-up it was apparent that Strathclyde were up for this one, as the centre line of Bell, Sean Deakin and Ian Macculloch were winning more than their fair share of challenges and providing the forwards with plenty of chances to test the Dundee goalkeeper. The breakthrough came early on, with good work from half forward Gavin Park releasing Peter Stenson down the wing to fire a low shot into the Dundee goal.
Strathclyde were working hard to maintain the momentum, and doubled their lead when Bell and Park combined to give wing forward Calum Martin a clear chance at goal – which he didn’t pass up.
Dundee were not giving up, but Strathclyde’s defence of Niall Macphee, Ali Macneil, Jonathan Oates and Joe Maclean were up to the task, and matched the Dundonians virtually tackle for tackle. On the odd occasion when they were beaten, stand-in goalkeeper Cailean Macdonald was up to the task with some fine saves that will see him pushing the absent Fettes for the goalkeeper’s jersey on a regular basis.
Just as half time was approaching, Stenson added his second and Strathclyde’s third with a powerful shot that was destined for the back of the net the moment it left his stick.
An injury to Park forced a reshuffle at half time, with Park taking over in goal from Macdonald, who joined the forward line. With Strathclyde 3-0 up, the game inevitably had a quiet spell as both teams battled hard to gain control of the midfield. It was brought back to life by a mistake by the Dundee goalkeeper as he reverted to his hurling instincts and caught the ball in his hand. Stenson stepped up to take the resulting penalty and attempt to complete his hat trick, but his strike went woefully high and wide.
A facial injury to Deakin resulted in Strathclyde’s only substitution of the game, with Angus Murray coming on at wing forward and Martin dropping back to wing centre. Strathclyde also switched full centre Bell with full back Macphee to put the Fort William man in a role he is more accustomed to in the centre line.
Just as the game was heading for a 3-0 victory, a flurry of goals came before the final whistle. Good pressing by Strathclyde’s forwards in the box saw the ball break to Cameron, who slotted it home. Dundee’s hard work was rewarded almost straight from the restart, as a battle this time in the Strathclyde box saw the ball forced over the line by John Mackenzie of Dundee. However, the 4-goal margin was soon restored as a mistake by the Dundee full back allowed Cameron to score his second goal of the game shortly before the end.
AC
Dundee University vs Strathclyde University
2-1
For the first time in the history of the University, the great game of Camanachd, and indeed the world, Strathclyde participated in a league fixture. The rebirth of Scottish shinty, changing the season from taking place over the winter to over the summer, left a gap in the calendar ideal for establishing a dedicated University league. After much anticipation, the exciting dawn of the new season was finally upon us.
Due to fortunate postponements and arrangements, a reasonably strong squad assembled in front of the union on Saturday morning, although I was just chuffed to get somewhere near 12 players, let alone 2 substitutes as well! Unfortunately, too much studying, prior commitments and a sister whittled the total car count down to 1, leaving the bulk of the squad to travel to the city of tangerine and blue on public transport.
All was going successfully on the crisp October morning, until I uttered the words “man I’m chuffed it’s all going so smoothly” for the 7th time, when a warning beeper on the bus started to sound, forcing the driver to park in the layby until we could be collected by other passing buses. Some minor thing about the “brakes not having any pressure” or something. Upon our eventual arrival in the centre of the city, I unfortunately mentioned the phrase of doom again, leading our taxi drive to screech on his brakes 10 minutes into the journey. “Did you say the Dick McTaggart centre? S**t, that’s on the other side of the city.”
We made it there. Discovering a distinct lack of changing rooms, an impromptu near-naturist event was called for, and we were ready to go.
The pitch was enough on the hilly side to make it an advantage to the higher team, creating a difficult second half for the ‘Clyde. Unfortunately the colossal amount of possession that Strathclyde fought for in the first period didn’t amount to more than a single strike, which any team will tell you is always a precarious lead. The goal came somewhere between 0 and 45 mins (I’ve got a great memory!), Stuart bundling the ball into the net in some manner (I wasn’t in the best position to see anything!). The skill of the Dundee hurlers in the air couldn’t make up for their weaknesses on the ground, and although Strathclyde kept the play largely in the opposition half, vital chances were missed.
A rallying of the troops at half time from Neil and Stuart unfortunately seemed to have little, if not the opposite effect (nothing personal munters!); and although we still had a large amount of possession, the opposition were slowly moving the ball to within shooting distance. In fact, I wouldn’t have said their equaliser was anywhere near shooting distance, only a speck on the horizon when it was struck, ballooning up to full size in several nanoseconds as it whizzed past me into the top corner: 1-1.
Despite everyone’s best intentions, the slight slope seemed to turn in to Mt. Kilimanjaro, and tired legs got the better of us somewhere on the way to the opposition box. A spell of pressure from Dundee lead to their second (and the eventual winner). Near the edge of the (square!) ‘D’, the hurlers let fly and the poor ball was skelped in my general direction. Bad positioning gave the helpless keeper no chance, and the net rippled once again to the sound of the Dundee cheers.
Some final chances were created from Clyde after the restart, but none were capitalised upon, leaving the final score as 2-1. Put down to the fact we’d barely met before, there was still hope of payback the following week in the return leg….
Team: Alan Fettes, Gavin Park, Joseph Maclean, Jonathan Oates, Iain McCulloch, Neil MacPhee, Raghnall Robertson, Andrew McKellar, Peter Stenson, Liam Jackson, Caliean MacDonald, Stuart Murray
Subs: Angus Murray, Sam MacDonald
Special thanks: Goal judges: Angus, MC, Sam, someone else.
AF