It’s Cup weekend number two for September, and it’s a return to the big one! The Scottish Junior Cup, the Holy Grail of this level of football, is back and we make the mammoth trip north to Dufftown this weekend for our 2nd Round match at Westburn Park.
β½οΈ Dufftown versus Troon F.C. β½οΈ
Saturday 21st September 2024
Back Onside Scottish Junior Cup Round 2
Westburn Park, Dufftown
Kick-off 2.30pm
Weβre seven league matches into the new season already, and itβs a respectable four wins and three defeats to our record so far. Given our slow start to the campaigns in the last two seasons, it represents an improvement with us sitting in 6th position in the league. Encouraging, yes, but still plenty more to do.
Last weekend’s win against Dunbar United was the second win in succession against an EOSFL Premier Division side in the South Challenge Cup, which was a very encouraging sign for us as well as the WOSFL in general. An excellent club & an entertaining encounter, and discussions already underway for a pre-season friendly at New Countess Park next summer.
Dufftown are witnessing a new dawn at their club, with the return of former player Michael Dunn as Manager in the summer, ably assisted by James “Chef” Reid & Ross Elder. A raft of new signings have followed & that will take time to bed in, and Dufftown’s supporters can look forward to the rest of the season.
Hereβs everything you need to know ahead of Saturdayβs matchβ¦
The only major injury problem currently is Jack Sherrie, who is missing with an ankle injury sustained in our friendly match with Lugar Boswell Thistle in late August. Thankfully, it’s not as bad as the issue which kept him out of action last season, but he’ll still be missing for a few weeks. Dale Moore misses out after being placed up for transfer last week at his own request.
Ben Black & Scott McLean both featured for the Development Team in a friendly on Wednesday night to get game time in their recovery from injuries, and that puts them right into contention for the squad on Saturday.
Scottish Junior Cup weekends just feel different, it’s everybody’s favourite weekend of the year & something we all look forward to.
It’s a long trip for us this weekend, don’t think there are many teams much further north than Dufftown are in the competition, but that’s part of the charm of the Cup in facing teams we don’t always play & heading to new grounds. Away days in the Cup are to be enjoyed, most of our favourite memories involve a bus away day. Lewis United or Seaham, anyone? π
One facet which is a new adventure for us is making it an overnight stay, and all credit goes to the Chairman for supporting that suggestion to give the players the very best opportunity to prepare for the match. This gives the players the opportunity to avoid an early start & hours on a bus before the match, we can get a proper breakfast & a walk afterwards to get ready for a difficult away match & that really needs to be applauded. Fair play to the supporters who have booked up to come with us, great to see the buzz about the club just now.
Last weekend was not to the high standards we have set ourselves, but with a little bit of hindsight we were maybe focussing too much on ourselves & should acknowledge what a good side Dunbar United were. Taking two scalps from the East of Scotland Premier League is noteworthy, especially two good clubs like Dunbar & Dundonald Bluebell, so maybe it’s an indication of how well our season has begun that our standards are raised accordingly. The boys have set the bar themselves, it’s up to them to keep it that way for the rest of the season.
Jimmy Kirkwood (Manager)
| Full Name | Dufftown Football Club |
| Nickname(s) | The Toonsers |
| Founded | 1890 |
| Ground | Westburn Park, Dufftown |
| Capacity | 1,000 |
| President | Harry Officer |
| Manager | Michael Dunn |
| Captain | Karl Harris |
| 2023-24 | SJFA North Championship, 10th from 14 |
β½οΈοΈ KARL HARRIS β½οΈ
A player in his 8th season at Westburn Park, “Haggis” is a dependable player for Dufftown & wears the armband with pride & distinction.
A no-nonsense defender, who can be a threat in both boxes, the Bolton native will marshall the defence against us this weekend.
β½οΈοΈ KRIS DUNCAN β½οΈ
“Baker” has a tremendous goal record with the Toonsers, boasting 33 goals in 45 starts with the club & he will be the sides goal threat this weekend as well.
The 34 year old signed up at Westburn Park in the summer of 2022 from Strathspey, previously enjoying spells with Lossiemouth & Deveronvale.
Β© Thanks to Dufftown F.C. for their photos
Dufftown