Background

The 2023/24 season is arriving to its conclusion. It feels as though it has been a long year, filled with drama, controverses and a whirlwind of exciting action. Pending my move to the UAE in August, I’m trying my best reach 100 grounds before I leave. There are still plenty of unique wonderful venues to visit across the country and I am looking forward to exploring as many as I can.

Today’s adventure takes me back to Fife – a real hotbed of historic football clubs. The town of Cardenden is the destination, Dundonald Bluebell the hosts. Cardenden is a small town four miles from Kirkcaldy, home to around 5,000 people. A humble mining town, it serves as a commuter town to the larger economic areas around it. Interestingly though, Cardenden is the home to Scotland’s last ever duel. The ancient ‘my dick is bigger than your dick’ tradition saw arguments resolved with pistols instead of words. David Landale managed to win the contest, killing George Morgan. He was cleared of murder under the rules of duelling. The original pistols are now displayed in the Kirkcaldy Museum and Art Gallery.

With Cardenden being a mining town, workers needed an outlet from the tough conditions of their employment. Thus, Dundonald Bluebell were formed in 1938. The beginning of their existence began successfully in the Juvenile leagues – winning the Scottish Juvenile Cup in 1945 and 1946. Bluebell turned to the Juniors after their second cup win and were instantly well accustomed to their new surroundings, winning the Fife Junior League three times and coming runners-up twice in the 1950s.

The club would go through a bit of a dry spell, not winning the league again until 1983. However, success would return in the league in 2007 with the lifting of the East Region Central Division. The club then yo-yoed about the first two divisions in the East, reaching the East of Scotland League Cup final in the process. Then, Bluebell joined the mass exodus from the Juniors to the newly expanded East of Scotland leagues in the senior pyramid, gaining their SFA license in the process. This allowed them to enter the Scottish Cup, further showcasing the club on a national level. At the back end of 2020, Dundonald took on ten-time cup winners Queens Park at Kelty’s New Central Park. The club put up a great fight, equalising in the last minute to take the match to extra-time. They ended up losing 1-3, but demonstrated their abilities for all to see.

Currently, the club ply their trade in the East of Scotland Premier Division, sitting safe in mid-table. Today, they play the last game of the 2023/24 season against fourth placed Dunbar United. It could prove to be a tough test, but last games of the season with nothing to play for do usually bring about exciting contests.

Facilities

Moorside Park lies just as you enter the town of Cardenden, visible on the drive in. On entrance, Moorside Park is a classic old junior ground, with plenty of Bluebell artwork and badges on the gates. The social club is next on the tour. The place is absolutely class. It is spacious, welcoming and serves cheap pints. With picnic tables outside to enjoy your Tennents with in the gorgeous sunshine, I couldn’t help but indulge. There’s no better place than a beer garden on a summer’s day.

As a ground, Moorside Park looks good. The main stand is a weird, low roofed structure but suits the arena well. Plenty were packed under with the sunshine glaring down and it looked impressive with the amount of people leaning over the barriers in front. The Kop lies just the side, giving an alternate viewpoint for those who wish to take it. It has safe standing barriers and plenty of steps to take the game in. Opposite the structures is a small shed – open to the Dundonald young team. It is a good base right behind the dugouts and the youngsters seemed to enjoy commandeering it.

Overall, I really like Moorside Park. It is a traditional and classic junior ground with plenty going for it. The social club is outstanding, and I enjoyed the feel of standing in amongst supporters who had seen it all within the stadium. Give it a visit.

Atmosphere

A good crowd were in attendance for today’s match with a healthy mix of older and younger supporters. The warm sunshine and end-of-season feeling helped, putting the crowd in a positive vibe. The whole place had a nice feeling around it, something I always appreciate in the warmer months.

Speaking of younger supporters, the Dundonald young team put in a superb performance with their beats and chants. I’ve always banged the proverbial drum for younger fans to come and support their local team. On a day where Celtic lifted the title and Rangers had an exciting game at Tynecastle, its good to see this group of youngsters turn out to support the town’s team.

Quality of the Match

Before the beginning of the match, Dundonald supporters and players alike performed a guard of honour for goalkeeper James Lennox. The Bluebell stopper was playing his final game for the club after the announcement of his retirement. It is always great to see this sort of recognition for club icons, and I’m sure he deserved every bit it.

The actual game began slowly, with the first 15 minutes passing without much action. That was until Dunbar went on the attack down their left-hand side. Their winger made their way down before cutting the ball back into the box. However, from the penalty spot Darren Handling’s shot crashed off the bar. A big chance.

Dundonald responded quickly. After a half-volley was half-saved, half-spilled by the Dunbar ‘keeper, the resulting corner found the head of Barry Sibanda. However, the big-man could only nod his effort onto the bar.

On his big day, James Lennox almost made a meal of it. A pass-back bounced unexpectantly on the hard surface, making Lennox swipe at the ball. It was collected by Dunbar’s Ben Bathgate, but the forward could only hit the side netting from a tight corner.

Dundonald did have the better of the half though, and it showed 10 minutes before half-time. A corner was flicked on well at the front post, leaving Barry Sibanda the easy job of bundling the ball home. 1-0 and deservedly so.

Dunbar almost went into the break level, but after a good turn and shot by Darren Handling was well held by Lennox, the away side headed into the break a goal down.

Half Time: Dundonald Bluebell 1-0 Dunbar United

The second half started very quickly, with Lennox showing there was still life in the old goalkeeper. Ben Bathgate was sent through on goal and did well to get past a couple of defenders. However, the attacker was well closed down by the home ‘keeper to deny him the equaliser.

Dundonald began to create their own attacks. An excellent run down the right wing saw a ball cut to the back post. However, the close-range effort was very well saved by Jake Henderson in the Dunbar goal.

Around the 70^th minute, Dundonald gained a free kick just outside the box. As the Dunbar wall was setting up, the ball was played to the left-hand side. Ross Drummond slotted the ball past the ‘keeper, much to the annoyance of the Dunbar defence. The Bluebells didn’t care though, they had just doubled their lead.

Two became three shortly after. Some more Dundonald pressure resulted in another corner on the right-hand side. The swung in delivery missed everybody and hit the midriff of Ross Drummond at the back post. The ball bounced in to put the game out of reach of the visitors.

The fourth and final goal of the game was by far the best. Finn Graham picked the ball up in midfield and skipped past 2 Dunbar defenders before slipping the ball through to Josh Barbour. The striker did very well to slide the ball home to put the hosts four goals to the good.

Full Time: Dundonald Bluebell 4-0 Dunbar United

Dundonald will be delighted with their performance. On a typically run-of-the mill end of the season match, it could have been easy for the home side to take their foot off the gas and let the day pass them by. However, they performed vey well and took their chances incredibly well. I was pleased for James Lennox, who was able to make some decent saved to keep a clean sheet on his final game in football. He’ll be delighted.

Pricing

Pricing at this level is always unbelievable. £8 for entry into a fabulous ground, a good atmosphere and some exciting action on the park. Despite the snack hut not being open this afternoon, pints were very reasonably priced. You can’t beat it.

Final Score

Dundonald Bluebell is a very worthwhile visit. I loved the traditional old feel of Moorside Park and the grand team playing on its hallowed turf. I’m glad to have taken a visit to this small but worthwhile town in Fife to see a team hidden within its countryside. If you’re ever in those neck of the woods, give it a visit. You won’t regret it.

– Connor