Background

When I started this daft wee hobby of mine, I had visited around 30 or so grounds just by following Hibs and venturing on Easter trips when playing boys club football. Now, I stand at 99, with a century of arenas on the horizon. The timing is fitting. I move to the UAE next week to further my teaching career, making 100 a perfect number to end on – for now. To mark the 100, I’m staying relatively local. Having been brought up in Dalkeith, Gorebridge-based Arniston Rangers seem an excellent club to breach the milestone.

Formed way back in 1878, Arni have been a mainstay in the Gorebridge community for a huge number of years – and are one of the oldest junior clubs in the country. Success was hard to come by for a long while though, their first documented silverware coming in 1910 with the lifting of the East of Scotland Junior Cup. Arni seem to like this competition, winning 7 times in total between the 1910 success and 1981. League success wouldn’t come until 1954 though, when the club won the Edinburgh & District League. Other league triumphs and promotions have been achieved since, with the East Region Division One and Division Two trophies resting in the Arniston trophy cabinet. These are all to be celebrated immensely, but the club came very close to nationwide recognition way back in 1923…

On the 26^th May 1923, Arniston Rangers travelled to Tynecastle to face off against Lothian rivals Musselburgh Bruntonians in the Scottish Junior Cup Final. However, in front of around 20,000 eager spectators, Arni fell short at the final hurdle. Three unanswered goals gave Musselburgh the cup – sending the Gorebridge outfit home empty handed. 101 years on from that day, the club will be hoping that their next shot at glory won’t be too much further away.

Currently, Arniston compete in the East of Scotland First Division after comfortably securing their place with a 12^th place finish last season. However, they finished 4 points away from 7^th place – meaning there is plenty of room to grow in a tough and competitive division. To do that, they’ll need to kick-start their season. After a 1-1 draw with Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts and a 0-6 drubbing by Bo’ness Athletic, Arniston are looking for their first win of the season. Tonight, they come up against Midlothian rivals Whitehill Welfare, who have started their season with a draw and a win. Hopefully, we’re looking at a competitive and entertaining fixture.

Facilities

Newbyres Park seems as though it has been the home to Arniston for some time. It is an aesthetically run down and aged arena, but that doesn’t mean it is not superb. There were talks that Arniston were to move from their hallowed ground back in 2018 but that has not seemed to materialise as of yet. Selfishly, I for one am glad. I love old worn-out places like this – it oozes the history and values of the starting elevens gone by.

The first and most obvious landmark comes in the form of the old grandstand on the opposite side of the entry. Built on rusted steel and decorated with concrete slabs for standing on, it may not look the prettiest on the eye but it certainly does the job regardless. Cosmetically, it is coloured with the Arniston maroon, adding to the personable nature of the structure.

Surrounding the other three sides are reasonably kept raised grass embankments. They give a decent elevated view of proceedings, and were perfect for parking your back side on this mild summer’s evening. Most spectators took their spot on the concrete terracing behind the two dugouts, which again did their job well.

Overall, Newbyres Park is a wonderful venue for football. It’s old, rustic exterior almost matches the team’s mentality on the park. It represents a physical, hard-working squad who are desperate to do well for their community. In times gone by, I’m sure the aesthetic of Newbyres has played its part well in representing the people of the town in the same fashion.

Atmosphere

A healthy crowd was in attendance for this evening’s fixture. The summer evening brought out a good number of supporters from both sides – Whitehill bringing a sizable chunk, showcased by club merchandise. With most supporters lined up on the terracing, it provided a good advert for football at this level – two supporter groups merging together to bring support for their local teams. It was also excellent to see plenty of younger supporters at the fixture. Even if they are there just kicking a ball about with their pals, they are in the environment of their local team. That’s what it is all about.

Quality of the Match

A quick start to the match saw Whitehill carve out the first chance. A ball over the top found the feet of the pacey Lewis Walker. While he managed to lift the ball over the onrushing Aaron Hamilton, the Arni defence recovered well to ensure Walker’s shot was deflected wide.

Walker had another chance to open the scoring soon after. A good cross from the left met the winger at the back post, but his cushioned volley was saved well by the Arniston goalkeeper at close range.

Despite Welfare having the better of the chances, Arniston were doing well in possession, creating their first clear-cut opportunity 15 minutes from the half-time whistle. Some excellent play from Ryan Turner on the left saw the winger create some space before crossing to striker Jack Burrows. The tall forward was free as a bird when he headered the ball but could only watch on as it went wide of the far post. A big chance.

Half Time: Arniston Rangers 0-0 Whitehill Welfare

The fast-paced, basketball nature of the game continued after the break. Whitehill’s Lewis Walker once again found space for a chance after a confusing stramash in the Arniston box. The ball fell to Welfare’s number 7, whose strike was well blocked 3 yards off the line.

However, Whitehill’s patience would be rewarded on the 55^th minute. A throw in was flicked on well, meeting the head of Jonny Grotlin who managed to successfully divert the ball into the bottom corner. Finally, a breakthrough.

But Arniston responded very quickly. Just 5 minutes later, the speed-merchant Ben McManus advanced down the right, cut in on his left foot before curling a superb effort into Ross Jardine’s top right-hand corner. An unbelievable way to equalise.

Chances would begin to flow at a faster pace. Whitehill were beginning to have the better of possession and almost regained their lead after a fizzing strike from Ryan Hutchison flew just wide of Arniston’s goal.

With the game coming to a close, the home side had two chances to take the three points. Mikey Hamilton’s header from a corner went just wide before Ross Jardine made a brave close range stop to prevent an Arniston substitute taking the glory. Both teams would have to settle for a draw.

Full Time: Arniston Rangers 1-1 Whitehill Welfare

I thoroughly enjoyed this contest. Both teams went at it, going blow for blow with chances and playing the game on the front foot. Both sides had excellent creative players, pacey wingers, physical midfielders and sturdy defenders. I felt it was almost a game of two halves – Arniston having the better of possession in the first half, with Whitehill pushing back in the second.

I was particularly impressed with Arniston’s Ben McManus. The younger winger stretched the game at every opportunity, causing major problems for Welfare’s left-back at times. He rounded off a good performance with an excellent goal. Much deserved.

I also enjoyed watching Whitehill’s Lewis Walker. Although the winger had chances to get himself on the scoresheet, I felt he worked incredibly hard for his team. As long as he continues to get into the positions he was in, I’m sure the goals will flow for him this season.

Overall, I was treated to some excellent individual performances, a physical battle and two teams playing some wonderful attacking football. A very enjoyable watch.

Pricing

I paid £7 for entry and a measly quid for a tea at Newbyres Park. Excellent value for this level of football. After seeing some of the ridiculous prices clubs are paying at the top end of the pyramid this week, I can see more and more people turning to clubs like Arniston to get their fill on a Saturday.

Final Score

Overall, I had an excellent experience at Newbyres Park. Arniston showcase the hardened exterior of Gorebridge, but I can assure you there are great people running a community-focussed club. Newbyres is a blast from the past and the football you watch is going to be entertaining. If that’s not enough to get you to visit, I’m not sure what would be.

– Connor