Keep Believing

The beautiful backdrop to football at Seafield Park, Grantown-on-Spey, home of Highland League club Strathspey Thistle last Saturday afternoon as they hosted Formartine United. 

A glance at the league table following this 4-0 defeat for the home side suggests another season of struggle after ending bottom last season and avoiding a relegation play-off only by virtue of no suitable club in the various feeder leagues finishing as champions. 

But new ownership has brought about improvements to the ground and, hopefully, fortunes on the pitch will follow suit. 

One thing remains constant and that is the warmth of the welcome on offer from the club's brilliant volunteers.

If you're reading this on Friday 30th then there is a home match tomorrow against Lossiemouth, after that it is a League Cup tie against Clachnacuddin on Saturday 14th September.

England Take Stock

I caught a glimpse of Edgeley Park on Wednesday evening, from a train that had just pulled out of Stockport station on its way to Sheffield.

When I was home, I was pleased to read that the ground would be hosting England's Men's Elite League Squad (formerly the Under-20's) in a game against Romania on Tuesday 10th September.

Having battled back from the brink in recent years, Stockport County are currently testing themselves in League One following promotion last season.

More than that, however, they have become a focal point in the local community and, from a distance, look like they will be able to survive, and thrive, on their own terms in the years to come, enjoying success when it comes but not needing to chase the dream to the point of financial meltdown.

Tickets for the England game, which kicks off at 7pm, are priced at just £5 for adults, £3 for concessions and £1 for those who are 13 and under.

Premier League 2

The new season fixtures have been announced for the Premier League 2 competition, involving the Under-21 sides of those clubs with Category One Academy status.

It's worth keeping an eye on, purely for the chance to watch a match at one of the big stadiums', usually for just a few pounds and occasionally for nothing, Derby County are one of the clubs who usually offer free entry when they play at Pride Park.

Professional Development League fixtures can also be found using the above link. 

Update Monday 12th: Crystal Palace's Under-21 opener on Friday 16th is at Selhurst Park, 7pm kick-off, with Fulham the visitors. Tickets are priced at £5 for adults and just £1 for juniors (under-18) and seniors.