Highland Double-Header

 

I was lucky enough to get to two Highland League matches last week, starting with the 3-3 draw between Turriff United and Strathspey Thistle, the home side coming back from a three-goal deficit to earn a share of the spoils.

While not having the glorious backdrop of some of the grounds in the league, The Haughs was very well-appointed, easily accessible from the town and part of a wider complex that seemed very well-used by local children.

With a warm welcome on the gate, and change from a tenner for adults, Turriff's next home game is this coming Saturday versus Lossiemouth.

On Saturday afternoon it was to Seafield Park, home of Strathspey Thistle, and the visit of Keith in lovely late summer sunshine.

Situated just off the very attractive main road in Grantown-On-Spey, the home of The Jags has a mountain view at one end and friendly officials on hand for spectators.

Keith were good value for the three points and Strathspey will hope for better in their next home league fixture against Rothes on Saturday 11 September.

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Handsworth FC v AFC Mansfield

 

An overdue first visit to Olivers Mount, home of Handsworth FC and an easy journey on the 52 bus across Sheffield for the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round tie against AFC Mansfield.

A friendly welcome on the gate, £5 admission (free for my son), £1.50 for a programme but with free teamsheets also being handed out and a pound for a cup of tea meant a good afternoon even before the match started.

As befits two teams from the same league, there was little between the sides until the turning point of the game around the hour mark as a penalty was awarded against the AFC Mansfield keeper following an off-the-ball incident. Coolly despatched, it was followed up with a second just a few minutes later for the home side.

And that was that, save for a late red card to cap the visitors' woes. A local derby against Stocksbridge Park Steels awaits at this very smart ground, in the next round of the cup on Saturday 21st.