Bonny Day and/or Bonne Idée
Despite planning to attend East Fife v BSC Glasgow in the Scottish Cup on Saturday, I decided to stay local due to an ongoing battle with an overdraft. I decided in my usual arbitrary manner, examining the nearby fixtures on Groundhopper and essentially selecting one at random. This week it would be a trip to Kilmarnock to watch Bonnyton Thistle host Newton Stewart.
The day would start off well, with me having slipped at Glasgow Central on the way to get some lunch. Thankfully a grazed knee wouldn't stop me. Then as I headed back to the station, a climate march on the other side of the street made their presence known. Hecklers on my side were intent on shouting and swearing at those who dare stand up for something.
I wanted to express solidarity with the marchers, but shyness stopped me from doing so. I walked past one of the chip shops en route to the station and the words 'Pick A Side' were screaming at me from the menu. It obviously meant something simple, but it seemed odd that those particular words should stand out at such a time. It was like something from a book.
I took the 13:45 to Kilmarnock, accompanied by several optimistic Hearts fans on their way to Rugby Park. Overhearing them, many were delighted with the team that they had put out. They lost 3-0 in the end. As they left to their impending doom, I headed toward another club in Kilmarnock (well, eventually, but more on that later). The child in me couldn't help but be amused at some of the names surrounding me; the Fanny by Gaslight pub and Dick Institute in particular...
I was hopeful, although I'd been to Kilmarnock before to watch Kilmarnock and Motherwell draw 0-0, thus ending my streak of a goal in every game last season back in March.
On the face of it, Bonnyton Thistle sounded like perhaps the most Scottish sounding club of all time. Bonny, Ton, and Thistle all amalgamated into one South of Scotland League side. And to clarify Newton Stewart is a team rather than a man called Stewart from Newton. They play in the Newton in Dumfries and Galloway as opposed to the Newton just south of Glasgow.
Poor jokes aside, The 1,000 capacity Synergy Arena (or Harriett Road) in Townholm is where Bonnyton play their home fixtures, having done so since 2017. It's a short walk from Kilmarnock station past the enticingly named Kilmarnock Water. Anybody looking to attend a game at some point should avoid making the mistake I did and heading to where the club is marked on Google Maps, as this is their old ground. I arrived to an empty ground confused, but with thankfully enough time to make KO at the right place.
It was a basic ground with houses and flats on the hillside overshadowing the caged 3G pitch. Bonnyton were slight favourites, having made a positive start to the season in 5th, with Newton sitting 8th in the South of Scotland League standings. It was a tight affair, with Thistle opening the scoring through Gilroy just before the half hour mark.
Newton equalised just after half-time on the counter before McLelland fired an absolute stunner into the top corner to restore the lead for the hosts. The game finished 2-1 in front of a crowd of around two dozen (mainly Newton Stewart fans). An enjoyable day and a worthwhile tick if you ever get the opportunity, especially at only £3 entry. Just make sure you type Townholm into Google Maps before confidently heading in the wrong direction...
Currently reading: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
A book that I should have read a long time ago, especially with all the hype surrounding it. At the halfway stage, I have nothing but praise for it. I look forward to reading The Testaments next!
Currently listening to: Danny Brown - uknowwhatimsayin?
I got into Danny with Atrocity Exhibition a few years ago. His latest album continues to innovate in a different sense, with more streamlined beats than its chaotic predecessor. With a distinct flow, it's clear than Danny Brown is at the forefront of hip-hop right now.
Next up: Troon v Pollok
With Pollok being my local side, I plan to watch the Barcelona of the Juniors leagues hit the road again, having watched them at Largs, Kilbirnie and Rossvale already this season.
The day would start off well, with me having slipped at Glasgow Central on the way to get some lunch. Thankfully a grazed knee wouldn't stop me. Then as I headed back to the station, a climate march on the other side of the street made their presence known. Hecklers on my side were intent on shouting and swearing at those who dare stand up for something.
I wanted to express solidarity with the marchers, but shyness stopped me from doing so. I walked past one of the chip shops en route to the station and the words 'Pick A Side' were screaming at me from the menu. It obviously meant something simple, but it seemed odd that those particular words should stand out at such a time. It was like something from a book.
I took the 13:45 to Kilmarnock, accompanied by several optimistic Hearts fans on their way to Rugby Park. Overhearing them, many were delighted with the team that they had put out. They lost 3-0 in the end. As they left to their impending doom, I headed toward another club in Kilmarnock (well, eventually, but more on that later). The child in me couldn't help but be amused at some of the names surrounding me; the Fanny by Gaslight pub and Dick Institute in particular...
I was hopeful, although I'd been to Kilmarnock before to watch Kilmarnock and Motherwell draw 0-0, thus ending my streak of a goal in every game last season back in March.
On the face of it, Bonnyton Thistle sounded like perhaps the most Scottish sounding club of all time. Bonny, Ton, and Thistle all amalgamated into one South of Scotland League side. And to clarify Newton Stewart is a team rather than a man called Stewart from Newton. They play in the Newton in Dumfries and Galloway as opposed to the Newton just south of Glasgow.
Poor jokes aside, The 1,000 capacity Synergy Arena (or Harriett Road) in Townholm is where Bonnyton play their home fixtures, having done so since 2017. It's a short walk from Kilmarnock station past the enticingly named Kilmarnock Water. Anybody looking to attend a game at some point should avoid making the mistake I did and heading to where the club is marked on Google Maps, as this is their old ground. I arrived to an empty ground confused, but with thankfully enough time to make KO at the right place.
It was a basic ground with houses and flats on the hillside overshadowing the caged 3G pitch. Bonnyton were slight favourites, having made a positive start to the season in 5th, with Newton sitting 8th in the South of Scotland League standings. It was a tight affair, with Thistle opening the scoring through Gilroy just before the half hour mark.
Newton equalised just after half-time on the counter before McLelland fired an absolute stunner into the top corner to restore the lead for the hosts. The game finished 2-1 in front of a crowd of around two dozen (mainly Newton Stewart fans). An enjoyable day and a worthwhile tick if you ever get the opportunity, especially at only £3 entry. Just make sure you type Townholm into Google Maps before confidently heading in the wrong direction...
Currently reading: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
A book that I should have read a long time ago, especially with all the hype surrounding it. At the halfway stage, I have nothing but praise for it. I look forward to reading The Testaments next!
Currently listening to: Danny Brown - uknowwhatimsayin?
I got into Danny with Atrocity Exhibition a few years ago. His latest album continues to innovate in a different sense, with more streamlined beats than its chaotic predecessor. With a distinct flow, it's clear than Danny Brown is at the forefront of hip-hop right now.
Next up: Troon v Pollok
With Pollok being my local side, I plan to watch the Barcelona of the Juniors leagues hit the road again, having watched them at Largs, Kilbirnie and Rossvale already this season.
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