Background

January has arrived once more. It feels as though the year absolutely flew in, maybe testament to just how busy life has been for most of us. The new year also brings about winter football in Scotland – somewhat of a controversial talking point for some. Some say summer football would be beneficial to our game and from a local point of view I can see it. I know I’d rather be sat in shorts on a warm summer’s evening watching my team in comparison to the harsh and consistent wind and rain. However, I’m not so sure how grand it would be when looking at the bigger picture.

Winter football does cause a bit of bother the lower down the pyramid you go, though. Cold weather can often bring a halt to many fixtures up and down the country, and while I am an advocate for grass pitches, all weather artificial surfaces are more likely to survive the wintery conditions. I was originally supposed to visit Auchinleck Talbot this weekend, but a failed pitch inspection the night before scuppered my plan. Luckily, neighbours and very local rivals Cumnock Juniors have an all-weather surface. Bring it on.

The town of Cumnock lies in East Ayrshire with an estimated population of around 8500. Like many towns in the county, it has a rich mining heritage – shaping its ideology as a result. Despite the coal industry’s decline, the town has managed to see some economic revival, shifting to a more skills and services-based hub. Like most towns in the area, it also has a pretty handy football club.

Formed in 1912, Cumnock Juniors have a long and proud history – being a mainstream name in the Scottish Junior football world. The club have won a mass of Ayrshire Cups, Ayrshire First and Second Divisions, Ayrshire League Cups and Ayrshire District Cups – often battling it out with fierce rivals Auchinleck Talbot. However, their main claim to fame lies in the three outstanding triumphs in the Scottish Junior Cup.

On the 19^{th of} May 1979, Cumnock Juniors lifted the Holy Grail for the very first time. In front of over 13,000 at Hampden Park, a tight 1-0 win over Bo’Ness United engraved the club into the Junior Cup history books. It was a tremendous day for the club, who no doubt celebrated for long to come down in East Ayrshire. Almost 10 years to the day, Cumnock did it again. Another 1-0 victory – this time at Rugby Park, saw the club defeat East Lothian’s Ormiston Primrose to bring the trophy back to the town for the second time. Their third and final triumph to date also sees them exist this season as the tournament’s holders. A nervy encounter against Rutherglen Glencairn needed a 92^nd minute winner to edge the match 1-0 at Broadwood. Three 1-0 victories in three different venues – the club are well travelled in their Junior Cup successes.

However, I’m not here to see any cup action. The club currently compete in the West of Scotland Premier Division – sitting in 6^th place after playing 18 games. Today’s opponents Clydebank lead the way in the division and will prove incredibly tough competition for the hosts. A win here could prove to be the result that pushes The ‘Nockfurther up the table. The visitors will be on a high though and will fancy their chances. I reckon it’ll be a cracker.

Facilities

Located in the heart of Cumnock’s community, Townhead Park has been the home to today’s hosts for quite some time. First off, it looks absolutely class. As you enter the classic old entry gates, you’re greeted with a large open concourse with plenty of amenities within. A club shop is available, the food and drink stand is always busy and there’s plenty of seating all around to enjoy it all on.

All four sides to the ground are accessible to all supporters, with the open concourse and raised embankment giving plenty of room and decent views to watch the game. Two sheltered stands are also available for those wishing to enjoy the spectacle in safety from the elements. I enjoy the variety of views that are available from all four sides.

Townhead Park’s artificial surface also looks very good and is a prime example of how games of football can flourish on all-weather pitches. When both sides decided to play the game on the ground, it played magnificently.

Overall, I really, really like Cumnock’s home. It is a mix of an old-school, tight and compact junior ground while having the necessary improvements to make it a modern, leading arena in the lower leagues. A huge testament must go to the club for taking the time and investing the money in 2016  – turning Townhead Park into the ground it is today. 4/5.

Atmosphere

From the moment I walked into Townhead Park, you could feel it was an important game for both sides. A very large contingent of Bankies supporters joined a sizeable home crowd to create a vibrant atmosphere from the start. Plenty of chants came from the away support from the main stand – and with the game becoming increasing tense and equally feisty, both sets of supporters were in full voice. You could feel the intensity around the ground, which for the sixth tier of Scottish football is highly commendable. 3.5/5.

Quality of the Match

On a somewhat blustery afternoon, the game kicked off to rapturous applause and expectation from both sets of supporters. However, it would be the Cumnock loyal who would be the happier after the first couple minutes. From absolutely nowhere, The Nock’s midfielder Jamie Wilson had a ball drop to him on the edge of the box. With superb technique, he managed to scissor-kick the ball towards the target – looping over Clydebank ‘keeper James Donnelly in the process. A wild goal to start proceedings.

With the ball spending more time in the air than on the ground in the first 15 minutes, both teams found clear-cut opportunities hard to come by in the early stages. Sam Jamieson did have a half-chance for the hosts after a good ball to the back-post by Jamie Wilson found the head of the striker. He could not keep his effort down though, much to the Bankies’ relief.

Clydebank did respond pretty quickly afterwards though. Some good work down the right resulted in a volley from the edge of the box by Joseph Slattery. However, he could not keep his strike on target as the ball skidded wide. In the aftermath of this chance, proceedings began to get a bit tasty. A few meaty challenges flying in from both teams resulted in a good few yellow cards being dished out by today’s referee – something that would boil over as the game went on.

Clydebank perhaps should have equalised towards the end of the half. Some excellent build up play from back to front saw Lee Gallacher through on goal. He decided to take his shot on early, which was blocked by the feet of ‘Nock ‘keeper Jamie Barclay. The rebound was well defended by the chasing Cumnock defenders who managed to scupper the ball off Gallacher and out for a goal kick.

Even with Clydebank taking control of the match, it would be Cumnock to muster the last chance of the half. After his own corner worked his way back to him, left-back Jared Willet cut onto his favoured left-peg and curled the ball just wide of Clydebank’s goal. It would have been the ideal way to head into the break.

Half Time: Cumnock Juniors 1-0 Clydebank

After an exciting and engaging first half, the second period is where things begin to really flare up. Firstly, Clydebank really began to show their ability on the ball. Their passing, movement and pace began to dictate the direction of the match, with veteran midfielder Nicky Lowe driving his team forward. They came very close 5 minutes after the restart. Lee Gallacher’s ball into the box was flicked on well by Nicholas Little, only for Jamie Barclay to match it and tip it over the bar.

Barclay was called into action again shortly after good work by Lee Gallacher. He showed excellent football to dance into the box before laying the ball off for Craig Truesdale. His shot was a good height for Barclay, who managed to parry the ball away.

Then, a strange break in play happened. A Clydebank player was booked and *I think* then shown a red card. The Clydebank bench went ballistic. Listening to the Bankies supporters around me, it seemed the referee had mistaken the booked player, thinking he had already shown him a yellow earlier in the match. In the end, the matter seemed resolved, and the Clydebank player stayed on the pitch. It would continue a series of questionable decisions by the officials team, creating an intense atmosphere on the sidelines.

Halfway through the second period, Clydebank pulled themselves level. A free-kick to the back post found the head of towering centre-back Matt Niven, who nodded the ball across goal. His header was met by Kieran Mulcahy, who nipped in to give the visitors a deserved equaliser.

With Clydebank further in the ascendancy, Cumnock were reduced to ten. A minute after the equaliser, ‘Nock goal scorer Jamie Wilson received a straight red for a perceived studs up challenge in midfield. The referee had no hesitation in his decision, and after a few arguments and disagreements, Wilson took the long walk back to the changing rooms. Having looked back, I’m not sure of the decision myself.

Despite having a player less though, Cumnock would create the next big chance. After winning the ball in the final third, Alan McKenzie drove forward and fired a strike just wide of the post. The contest was beginning to become truly absorbing.

This fact became ever truer when McKenzie once again showcased his footwork. He danced his way into the Clydebank box and was brought down – softly in my opinion. With only a few minutes until the final whistle, captain Findlay Frye stood up with every intention to give Cumnock an unlikely victory. James Donnelly had other ideas though, diving well to his left to save the spot-kick. The drama never seemed to end.

Clydebank almost responded straight away. Breaking down the right-hand side, Mulcahy burst forward and slid the ball across for Callam Graham. The substitute was inches away from giving the visitors all three points.

Then, to make matters even more dramatic, Cumnock found themselves down to nine. A long ball forward was chased by home substitute Andrew McLaughlin, whose high challenge was deemed unacceptable – harsh on second viewing.

They almost lost it very late on. With Clydebank chucking everything forward, Alan Kelly was slid in for a snapshot. His effort was well saved by Barclay, with Callam Graham unable to make the most of the rebound. A hectic end to the game which will leave both sides wondering how they did not leave Townhead Park with all three points.

Full Time: Cumnock Juniors 1-1 Clydebank

This match had everything. The drama, intensity and tribalism I felt during this game is something I haven’t experienced for a while on my travels. Matches this like epitomise the Scottish game for me. Poor decisions, squandered chances and two teams fighting to the end through means of meaty challenges and hot-headed temperament. It was an absorbing encounter, something that can only be found the lower down the pyramid you go. 4.5/5.

Pricing

For this engrossing encounter, I was charged a measly £8 for the privilege. While this is standard across the WoSFL, I still find it incredible value for money. The same goes for the amenities – all very well priced. 5/5. No question about it.

Final Score

Cumnock Juniors end the day with a hard-fought point and a score of 17/20 from me. I absolutely love Townhead Park and the atmosphere it hosted in today’s encounter. The club are one of the big dogs in West of Scotland Junior football, and I’m sure it won’t be long before they start moving their way up the pyramid. While you have the opportunity, get yourself down to Cumnock and experience it for yourself. You won’t regret it.

– Connor