How time flies! Today’s match against Cowdenbeath heralds the last home game of the first round of fixtures, with only next week’s away game against Elgin City remaining to complete the first quarter. As ever, I welcome everyone representing today’s visitors but most especially the Blue Brazil’s ever faithful travelling support. It’s been a tough start to the campaign for Cowdenbeath, but one result can turn things around, however hopefully not today!
Last week’s Friday evening floodlit encounter with Edinburgh City was as entertaining a game as we’ve played this season with the creation of goal-scoring opportunities in plentiful supply. Unfortunately we could only convert two and on the balance of play, the resultant draw has to be seen as two points dropped.
A special mention for young Will Greenhorn, who moved on loan to Sauchie Juniors at the end of last week and 24 hours later played the full ninety minutes against top of the Highland League Fraserburgh, in the Scottish Cup First Round, which resulted in a truly remarkable 2-1 win for Sauchie! Will has initially moved until mid-January when a decision will be made as to whether to extend for the remainder of the season.
As touched on in the last couple of programmes, the Club is creating a new full-time post to encompass the overall management of our Community Engagement, Youth Development and elements of our day-to-day operations. Earlier this week, it was made public that Niall Marshall, currently Head of Youth Development, had been appointed to this role. Full details are available on the Club’s Official Website, so I’ll limit myself to commenting that his appointment was as classic example of a “no brainer” as you will ever see! Niall’s commitment, energy and enthusiasm to his role as Head of Youth has transformed every aspect of our Youth Development, including a major strengthening of the YD relationships with both the Junior Academy and the First Team. Niall’s official start date is the beginning of October and on behalf of the Club Board, I wish him every success and an assurance of our full support moving forward.
Returning to football, there was a strong sense of déjà vu when our second round Scottish Cup opponent was confirmed, live on TV, with Berwick Rangers narrowly overcoming a spirted performance by Gretna 2008. A similar outcome to last year’s encounter would do very nicely!
Finally a big thank you to our fans – as Kevin Rutkiewicz has commented, your vocal support, both home and away has been a real boost. It’s also great to see a marked increase in younger fans attending matches… the more the merrier!
C’mon The Binos!
Stuart
