On Overtown Road – 17/04/24

Background

Lighter nights are here, and I for one could not be more delighted with it. It just feels better knowing that I’m leaving work when the sun is still in the sky. It feels as though there are more hours in the day. It also brings a huge number of midweek football fixtures, particularly in the lower reaches of the Scottish pyramid. Postponements have naturally caused a huge backlog of games, with some teams having to play every couple days. It’s not ideal for players, but for spectators it gives us plenty of options to take in a game, whether local or further afield.

Tonight, Newmains United play host for some midweek action. Formed in 2006, it may appear that they have a short and relatively unsuccessful history, but their ventures go further back than the name on their badge. Newmains are the successors to Coltness United, a club birthed way back in 1934. On their books, they had some big names in the Scottish football sphere. The most famous of which would be Tommy Gemmell – a local hero turned Lisbon Lion who went on to lift Europe’s most prestigious cup competition with Celtic in 1967. Other notable names include the late Scotland manager Craig Brown, who funnily enough is said to have little impact at Coltness before moving to Dundee, and former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner. It’s fair to say there have been plenty of prestige walking through the gates of Victoria Park.

In the modern era, Newmains ply their trade in the West of Scotland Fourth Division, the basement tier of the Scottish senior pyramid. Before play tonight, the club sit in 13^th position, 6 points ahead of bottom side Saltcoats Victoria, albeit having plenty of games in hand. Tonight’s game against Royal Albert is important for a few reasons. Firstly, the away side sit a place behind Newmains and can leapfrog them in the table with a win tonight. Secondly, with the two teams sitting so close geographically, this is somewhat of a humble local derby. Plenty opportunities for bragging rights.

Facilities

It would be easy to miss the entrance to Victoria Park if you weren’t paying attention. On Overtown Road, is it an opening on the narrow country road just outside the town itself. Because of this, the only real parking available is within the ground itself. Thankfully, after driving up to a few volunteers and paying my entry fee from within my car (a first for me), there were plenty of spaces at the back end of the ground. It was my first and probably my last time parking on astroturf.

The footballing facilities themselves are fairly humble and basic. Viewpoints are limited to two parallel embankments on either side of the pitch, or by the clubhouse in the corner. The playing area in general is fenced off by ancient barriers. The rust and imperfection on them are a huge throwback to the Coltness days. Furthermore, considering this evening was only the second time in 2024 a game has been on at Victoria Park, the pitch looked pretty good for this level. Here’s hoping it stays that way.

Overall, I do like Victoria Park. While very basic, it ultimately does the job. If you’re able to, get yourself along. 2/5.

Atmosphere

From what I witnessed, it looked a relatively small number turning up for this one tonight. However, I did overhear a Newmains supporter saying to his son that he thought it was a good attendance. If true, then fair play.

Because of the small number, there were plenty of opportunities for back and forths between spectators and players. I particularly enjoyed the Royal Albert goalkeeper’s patter with the Newmains loyals. Just pure laughs, and the way it should be at this level. 1.5/5.

Quality of the Match

*It was difficult to find line-ups and squad names for Royal Albert. Therefore, squad numbers will be used instead.

Tonight’s match started very quickly, with the home side starting much the brighter. A ball launched into the box was taken down well by striker Kris Jarvie. He turned his defender but his powerful strike could only crash off the bar. I’d seen Jarvie play well and score for Carluke Rovers earlier on in the season, and had a feeling it wouldn’t be the last time they’d be dealing with him.

Royal Albert responded in the best way possible. A long ball towards the No.9 found the striker well. An excellent touch onto his right foot allowed him to fire a powerful strike into the far corner of the net from the edge of the box. A really good opening goal.

Straight from kick-off, it looked as though their lead could have been doubled. Royal Albert won the ball straight away and sent their No.11 on this bike. One-on-one with McDougall, he went down in the box, only for the referee to book him for simulation.

They would double their advantage soon after, though. More positive play sent No.7 down the right. He managed to get to the by-line before cutting the ball back. McDougall probably should have gathered comfortably, but instead the ball was spilled to No.9, who made no mistake in smashing the ball into the roof of the net. 0-2. Newmains hadn’t gotten started and were being punished for it.

However, a lifeline was awarded ten minutes before the half. After Morrow was taken down in the box, Kris Jarvie stepped up and dispatched the spot-kick with ease. 1-2.

Royal Albert’s No.9 then went very close to his hat-trick. After being sent through, his strike was well blocked by the Newmains ‘keeper.

It was away stopper who was called into action just before the half time whistle. A long range bobbling strike wasn’t held by the No.1, but he did incredibly well to block then hold onto the close range rebound. It should have been the equaliser but take nothing away from the reactions.

Half Time: Newmains United 1-2 Royal Albert

Newmains had to come out the traps early doors for the second half. A few minutes in, a volley from the outside of the box was smartly diverted home by Schoneville, only for the referee to correctly call the goal offside. So close.

The home side continued the pressure and probably should have been level halfway through the half. A corner into the centre of the box found Gilmour unmarked with not a soul around him. However, with plenty of time, he could only blaze his volley over the bar.

Royal Albert then went close to extending their lead. A superb ball to No.9 brought an equally great layoff to No.11. However, McDougall pulled off a good save to deny the visitors extended their lead once more.

However, the game was finished 10 minutes from time. After a goal kick, No.15 was sent through one-on-one with the home goalkeeper. From a tight angle, he finished superbly to put the game out of reach.

Full Time: Newmains United 1-3 Royal Albert

With this game being a battle at the bottom, both teams would have come into this one with an element of confidence. Newmains will be disappointed not to have taken the points at home, and despite the second half surge, I feel they are capable of much better. With some good technical players though, I am sure they can and will kick on for the remainder of the season.

Royal Albert will be delighted with this result, and they arguably deserved it. I was impressed with their battling midfielders and their technical forward line. I thought their No. 9 was a stand out. The finish for his first goal was superb, and his overall ability looked above and beyond. Royal Albert will be absolutely fine this year, and if they can keep a lot of their players I am sure they will be contenders for promotion next season.

Overall, I was impressed with the quality this game produced. Some of the finishes were excellent, and the level of effort produced by both sides made it an exciting contest. This may be the bottom division of the West pyramid, but there is certainly a high-level to be witnessed. 3/5.

Pricing

Like everywhere at this level, it is always unbelievable value. £6 entry for a game that produced plenty of talking points including 4 goals, a penalty and bookings galore. If you havn’t already given a game at this level a chance, you would be silly not to. 5/5.

Final Score

Newmains United end the evening with a score of 11.5/20. I enjoyed my time at Victoria Park and feel it is worth a visit if you fancy a rustic, humble arena with plenty of history surrounding the place. Clubs such as Newmains are mainstays in the community and have plenty to offer in a multitude of ways. The least we can do is take a visit once in a while. The football is good and the experience is worth it.

• – Connor