Background

When I started this daft wee hobby, I had only been to a handful of Scottish football grounds. Growing up, my experience of senior football venues had been limited to Easter Road and the occasional (unsuccessful) venture to Hampden. It was only when Hibs were in the Championship a few years back that my dad and I started to explore further out. I loved going to unfamiliar settings to take in a match. That enjoyment has now expanded to all reaches of the Scottish football pyramid, and after today’s visit, I’ll stand at 90 grounds in 4 countries. I’ve a long way to go but it’s a decent start.

My 90^th ground takes me back into South Lanarkshire, a large county comprising of several historic football clubs within its towns and villages. Lesmahagow is one of these towns, steeped in mystery and intrigue. Until a few weeks ago, I had even been pronouncing it wrong. Regardless, I’m here to see the town football team, who happen to have been the visiting side for my first ever blog way back in 2021. 

Lesmahagow Juniors Football Club are close to the milestone of representing the town for 100 years. Founded in 1930, they are the fourth club to play in Lesmahagow, with Nethanvale Swifts, Nethenvale Thistle and Lesmahagow United coming and going before them. It is fair to say that it is definitely fourth time lucky, with The Gow flaunting some success both locally and further afield. In their silverware cabinet lies a mountain of achievements, including a number of Lanarkshire Leagues, Lanarkshire Cups, Central Region League Titles and West Region Leagues to name a few.

They almost added the Junior ‘Holy Grail’ to that collection. In 1990, Lesmahagow reached the final of the Scottish Junior Cup for the first time in their history. At Kilmarnock’s Rugby Park, they walked out with the chance to take the cup back to their humble town. However, opponents Hill of Beath Hawthorn had similar ideas, and ran out 1-0 winners to take the cup to Fife. Despite the loss, the run to the final will still have positive memories to look back on.

In more modern times, Lesmahagow joined the exodus from the junior leagues to the newly expanded senior pyramid. Currently, they ply their trade in the West of Scotland Third Division, comfortably sitting mid-table, but with plenty of games in hand to climb their way up the league. Today’s opponents, Girvan lie towards the lower reaches of the table. On paper, it would appear a home victory would be more likely, but you never know…

Facilities

Craighead Park is somewhere I have been looking forward to visiting for a while. I’d seen people I follow on Twitter head down there on a sunny day and take in the football while perched on the banks beside the pitch. It looked absolutely class.

The ground’s location is tucked away between a housing estate and a wooded area on the banks of the River Nethan. Upon entry, it is as spectacular as I’d seen in pictures. From the steep embankments to the lined concrete slabs, Craighead Park is unbelievably unique. The weather certainly helped, allowing spectators to sit themselves down on the grass or benches and watch the action, uplifting the experience further. Since I was dogsitting this weekend, the huge space available was ideal for my wee pal. The rustic terrace was barely used by spectators, most of which choosing to be on the grass or by the railings in the sunshine.

In terms of amenities, Craighead Park has everything you need. The friendly volunteers behind the food kiosk are more than happy to serve reasonably priced refreshments, as well as easily accessible toilets within the pavilion.

Overall, I feel Craighead Park is one of the best venues I’ve visited since I started this adventure. Had it been poor weather I may be saying differently, but at this time on this date, it was perfect. If you haven’t already, get yourself along. You won’t regret it.

Atmosphere

Given the good weather, I feel there was a decent crowd out today. There were plenty of supporters older and younger coming out to support their local football club, something I am always in support of. It was a very chilled afternoon within the grass bowl – giving me the impression of a family friendly environment. I rate it.

Quality of the Match

*Team lines/Player names were hard to find for this fixture.

It did not take long for this game to come alive. Some excellent work down The Gow’s right hand side allowed their No.10 to play an excellent ball across the face of goal. However, Lesmahagow’s No.9 fluffed his chance, with the ‘keeper making a comfortable save. If the shot hit either corner, it’s a guaranteed early opener for the hosts.

The two forward men linked up again around 10 minutes later. Some good play from No.10 sent No.9 on his way. From an acute angle, the striker tried to come more central but ran out of space, allowing the Girvan goalkeeper to narrow the angle and make an important block.

After a pretty uneventful next half hour, the game became incredibly end-to-end. Girvan had their first real opportunity with 5 minutes to go. A close-range free-kick into the box was met very well by Girvan’s No.9, only for Lesmahagow’s goalkeeper to produce a high-quality point blank save.

Another chance came begging a minute later. Girvan’s No.10 did incredibly well to reach the by-line and cut the ball back. His pass found the feet of No.11 whose shot from 8 yards out could only go by the far post. He really should have put his side ahead.

He’d get another chance very soon, though. Another Girvan free-kick was cleared poorly, falling to No.10 inside the penalty area. After cutting onto his left-foot, he was quite blatantly tripped. The referee had no hesitation and pointed to the spot. No.11 stepped up and slotted the ball into the corner despite the home goalkeeper’s best efforts. 0-1.

However, that only woke Lesmahagow up. 2 minutes after conceding, they rushed up the park. A through ball sent No.8 chasing, and he managed to get a slight touch on the ball inside the penalty box. Despite a decent block by the Girvan goalkeeper, the ball luckily rebounded off the midfielder and rolled into the net. All square.

Half-Time: Lesmahagow Juniors 1-1 Girvan

Lesmahagow started the second period brightly. A good touch and turn by No.9 allowed the striker a shot at goal. However, the Girvan ‘keeper matched it once more with another good block.

The home side definitely looked the better side in the second half and perhaps should have gone ahead midway through it. After some excellent play in the corner, a ball was swung into the box. However, No.9’s free header could only be nodded over the bar.

Then, it was the post’s turn to deny the hosts. Some good build-up play allowed No.6 to take a good touch and swivel inside the penalty area. His low, driven strike looked good, only for the base of the woodwork to deny him. Desperately unlucky.

Girvan’s only real chance of the game came close to the end. A ball to the back post found the feet of No.14, whose deflected close range effort went wide of the post.

With the seconds counting down, Lesmahagow had one final chance. Some good work down the left saw an attempted cross head out for a corner. It was swung into the back post, where No.6 rose highest to head the ball into the back of the net, much to the delight of the home players, bench and supporters. A well-deserved winner at the death.

Full Time: Lesmahagow Juniors 2-1 Girvan

The hosts will be absolutely delighted to have come away with a late winner. Apart from a small spell in the first half, I felt they had the better of the match and deserved the three points. They have a number of very good technical players, as well as some battling midfielders to set their pacey forwards up. With their games in hand, who knows where they might end up.

Girvan will feel sick to have conceded in the last minute, losing their opportunity to take a hard-earned point down the road. I thought there were okay in spells and certainly showed some promise going forward. However, if you don’t take your chances, it is often difficult to win games. I am sure they will be fine though, and will look to build for next season.

Overall, I was treated to three goals, some good individual performances and a dramatic last second winner. You cannot beat the lower leagues!

Pricing

Like most venues at this level, pricing is incredibly good. £6 entry got me into this spectacular arena and an extra £3.50 got me a pie and a coffee. I got to watch 90 minutes of entertaining football in an unbelievable arena and had some decent scran for under a tenner. What a buzz.

Final Score

If you have not already ventured into the depths of South Lanarkshire to find some footballing gems, maybe you should. Lesmahagow is a wonderful footballing place to visit, steeped in history and a superb community vibe. With several viewpoints to take in the game from, there is certainly something for everyone. Get exploring the Scottish lower leagues. You won’t regret it.

• – Connor