S.J.F.A. East Region
Midlands League
Saturday 19th March 2022
Kick Off 14.30 Actual 14.31
Arbroath Victoria 9 Scone Thistle 2, attendance 40
8’ 1-0
16’ 2-0 (pen)
26’ 3-0
29’ 4-0
34’ 4-1
35’ 5-1
39’ 6-1
61’ 7-1
69’ 8-1
79’ 8-2 (pen)
87’ 9-2
@ Ogilvy Park
Kirkton Road
Arbroath
DD11 4DS
£6 Admission
No Programme.
Having already visited all four grounds on the Scottish ’Hop today, it meant I would be doing a game on public transport, whilst the others headed off on the organised schedule. I had been kindly offered a lift, but the most convenient pick up point for the driver was Perth. Not a problem, as it was only 29 miles north (30 minutes by car) of my overnight accommodation in Dunfermline. However, this was 1 hour 19 minutes by train, which included a change in Inverkeithing. It also meant having to wear a face covering for the entirety, as Mrs Krankie hasn’t lowered the Covid-19 restrictions up in Scotland yet. It cost a whopping £14.50 (about £4 by car) and was a reminder why I only use public transport as a last resort.
Pick up was dead on time and we arrived at Ogilvy Park around 25 minutes before kick off. It has been home to Arbroath Victoria since 1951 and takes it’s name from Lord Ogilvy, who owned land in the area. It is a somewhat typical ’Junior’ ground and has far more character than the dreadful caged pitches that are sadly becoming all too common these days.
I had been expecting a home win, as it was 8th versus 19th in the league table, but didn’t think it would be by such a margin, although Scone Thistle were propping up the table, with a goal difference of -129 coming into this, so perhaps it wasn’t a surprise. It was 6-1 by halftime, where every chance Vics created seemed to end with a goal. Scone competed well, but the game was out of sight, having found themselves four down within half an hour. The goals tailed off in the second half, perhaps due to Vics having already made sure of the points. It was a very enjoyable game, even if it was a bit one sided, and 9-2 is not a score you see too often.
The return journey to Dunfermline involved less faffing about, as the driver was also staying there tonight.