GroundhopScot

Have never asked for any special treatment. Of the 39 games I've 'blogged' Four clubs have offered to show me about beforehand - two of the people that reached out were regular readers and I've always paid into games. A lot of the time I haven't spoken to a soul. I've no doubt some of the clubs go an extra length for a bit of good PR, but it is what it is. After travelling around Scotland solo, getting a wee 5 minute craic with a club official or supporter helps learn more about the clubs (which is a big part of why I do this) is a big bonus - meeting people is part of the experience. The blogs a diary I keep so I can look back on it all, doubt there's many that've done every club in Scotland. If people want to get involved then they can. Hope that clears it up.

https://groundhopscot.wordpress.com/2022/02/20/club-39-279-east-craigie/ East Craigie 8-0 Downfield Probably the best I've ever been treated by a club. Even sat in the manager's office after the game just talking football. Give it a read if you can, and get down there for a warm welcome!

https://groundhopscot.wordpress.com/2022/02/12/club-38-279-bathgate-thistle/ Bathgate Thistle 1-2 Edinburgh College A battle and a fair result I'd say. 3 well taken goals in an excellent ground, but a disappointing day for Bathgate Usual write up attached

Armadale it is! Cheers

Hi guys, Conference X & the South of Scotland are the only leagues I haven't ventured into yet so with that in mind... Which of the 5 Saturday 12th fixtures would you attend? I'm struggling to decide.

https://groundhopscot.wordpress.com/2022/02/06/club-37-279-lochee-united/ Lochee United 0-2 Tayport A disappointing day for the Bluebells but a wonderful away performance and a fair result. A great ground if you've never been. Give the write up a wee read if you can for a fuller perspective.

This was my first Edinburgh derby. Really enjoyed the atmosphere (from both sets of fans) and thought the game was decent for a 0-0. Hearts should've had a penalty in the first half, although I wasn't convinced until I had seen a replay later on so I don't blame the ref too much for not giving it. Easter Road is my favourite of the 36 I've visited so far this season, a great place to take in a game. Incredibly, I've seen Hearts play 18 times spanning 21 years and I've yet to see them win a game. I write about all my groundhopping adventures, feel free to give it a wee read if you can https://groundhopscot.wordpress.com/2022/02/02/club-36-279-hibernian/

I was lucky enough to take in my first Edinburgh derby last night. Despite not seeing any goals I was in awe of the atmosphere and occasion. The link to the write up is below, give it a read if you can... there's an incredible personal claim at the bottom too (it's true, I promise). https://groundhopscot.wordpress.com/2022/02/02/club-36-279-hibernian/

That’s exactly the one! thanks very much

Hi guys. Random one here and brownie points for whoever gets it I’m trying to remember which games I’ve been to at starks and I remember Juan Guerrero coming on in the first half and getting hooked at half time. it sticks out as one of the worst individual performances I’ve witnessed live can anyone remember the date and/or opposition?

Going by his Tweet I'd say he was 'sacked'. Really strange as thought they were doing well

I'm delighted Campbeltown have joined the pyramid and it's one of the trips I'm relishing most when the time comes. Can't see past Pollok at all. but I hope the guys enjoy the experience.

I'm travelling up from Glasgow for it, let's hope there's no call off on the way up!

Yeah that's not a bad deal at all. Enjoy it!

Can't help you I'm afraid, but what deal do you get with hospitality there?

Talbot, Banks or Cove Rangers if that'd count as an upset? Do Queen's Park have a chance v Killie?

Definitely not guaranteed but that's where I'd be placing my bets. Any idea what happens with play-offs if Golspie Sutherland don't win the North Caley?

I reckon they'll be playing Highland League football next season. Long way to go of course, but this season have already beaten Nairn 5-0, Keith 6-0 & 6-1, Fraserburgh 2-1, Inverurie Loco's 2-0 and Formartine United 4-1.

Friday 26th Partick Thistle v Dunfermline Athletic Saturday 27th Alloa Athletic v Bonnyrigg Rose Arbroath v Forfar Athletic Auchinleck Talbot v Hamilton Ayr United v Albion Rovers Banks O'Dee v East Fife Civil Service Strollers v Peterhead Clydebank v Clyde Cove Rangers v Queen of the South Dalbeattie Star v East Kilbride Dumbarton v Sauchie Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale v Edinburgh City Falkirk v Raith Rovers Gala Fairydean Rovers v Annan Athletic Inverness Caley v Morton Kelty Hearts v Montrose Queen's Park v Kilmarnock Stenhousemuir v Airdrieonians Stirling Albion v Tranent Monday 29th Brechin City v Darvel Have put my neck on the line with the team I think will progress in bold but there's some very tasty ties. What's everyone's thoughts? Where are you going? It'll be Banks O'Dee v East Fife for me as that could really go either way.

Have yet to see either play. I really do fancy it, but a trip to Wick requires a lot more planning!

I've had a look at what's on this weekend and picked out some interesting ties. Staying away from the SPFL and doing my best to promote non league football, if you're looking for somewhere to go but don't want to break the bank then these might be for you. Game 1 - Darvel v Gretna 2008 (South Challenge Cup 2nd Round) Darvel have a strong squad and will fancy their chances against a struggling Gretna side. Having already knocked Stranraer out of the Scottish they're no strangers to winning against higher ranked teams and will no doubt be favourites. If Gretna can get the win it'll be the boost that they need, and in a way both sides would see this as a bit of a scalp. 13.30 Recreation Park, Darvel Game 2 - Haddington Athletic v Spartans (South Challenge Cup 3rd Round) Don't let it fool you that Spartans are two levels above in the pyramid - this could really go either way. Haddington are currently unbeaten in their league, knocked Deveronvale out of the Scottish and ran Brechin close. They can compete and Spartans (whilst having a good season themselves) are in for a tough test. 13.30 Millfield Park, Haddington Game 3 - St Peter's v Glenvale (West of Scotland Divison 4) This fixture is the only Paisley derby in senior Scottish football since Abercorn-St Mirren in 1899! St Peter's won the first two meetings but Glenvale have picked up some impressive results lately and will want to put that right. St Peter's are currently ground sharing with Renfrew but that counts, right? 13.30 New Western Park, Renfrew Game 4 - Halkirk United v Thurso (Football Times Cup Final) Silverware up for grabs in the north as the Anglers take on the Vikings. Halkirk defeated Thurso 3-0 on the opening day of the season and will likely be favourites for this but it's a cup final and anything can happen. Good luck to both. 14.00 Harmsworth Park, Wick I hope you enjoyed the wee previews, any other spicy fixtures in Scotland this weekend?

Been a wee while since I posted but it was Meggetland for me too yesterday. Unbelievable entertainment for £7. Tynecastle terrible in the first half with a man sent off and 3-0 down but they battled back and a last minute equaliser sent the place wild. usual write up is here, give it a read if you can! https://groundhopscot.wordpress.com/2021/11/10/club-27-279-tynecastle-fc/

Tynecastle Dundonald was the best game I've been to this season. 3 down at half time and down to 10 men they've got themselves back into it and scored a 94th minute equaliser. They had me celebrating and I was only there as a neutral just wanting to see a good game of football. Games at this level are by far the best value for money in Scotland

Can anyone recommend somewhere in Cowdenbeath for decent scran before the game? thanks in advance!

Are you ok with a little walk? If so I'd say get a train into Central/Queen Street station then a subway into St George's Cross. The ground is about a mile from there. The subway is only a couple of pound return. You might be able to get a bus but the city centre has been chaos with road closures.