There May Be Trouble Ahead

Watching a game in the Highland League, especially at this time of year, offers an escape from the thought of harder times ahead.

So it was as Strathspey Thistle entertained Deveronvale on Saturday, those who had made their way to the end of Grantown-on-Spey's handsome main street and turned right towards Seafield Park perhaps looking for something to focus their minds on for 90 minutes, away from headlines which promised little in the way of good news.

The club's hard-working volunteers, my dad counting among their number, were there early, their efforts in spreading the word about the game and getting the ground match-ready rewarded somewhat with a first point of the season for the home side although they were twice pegged-back by their visitors.

A tenner on the gate is pretty much the norm across a league with some of the most stunning scenery as a backdrop to many grounds (click here for a view from the sky) and if you can make it to a game then you're guaranteed a warm welcome and competitive action.

A full fixture card takes place this coming Saturday.