Clydebank

Andrew's footy takes us to all sorts of places. Last Sunday we had an early start at 7am and headed West to the banks of the river Clyde. Sadly it was all too foggy to actually see it...or much of the pitch when we first arrived. I could smell the Clyde but I could hear planes taking off very near by, so to this day I have no idea where i was. The game was pretty well fought and as predicted the Clydebank boys (Goldenhill Boys Club to be precise) were slightly more physical than most of the East teams. But the ref swiftly stopped that with a yellow card being shown early on. 2 goals just before half time gave Dunbar the lead they needed, but it was a final result of 4-2 that got them through.

The hosts have to be commended. They turned up in smart collared shirts, and the coaches in ties. Because of the fog I couldn't really see where we were but there were many tell tale signs that poverty lurked behind many of the doors in the high rises and council houses. My guess is that this club brings a sense of pride where it is needed. Afterwards we were invited to the pub for hot dogs and chips. I got chatting to the locals and discovered the pub sponsored the team, so the boys were always made welcome. It was one of those pubs a bit like that one on Shameless. Just a huge room, a bar and some framed photos of local landmarks and sporting achievements. Sky Sports was being projected on to the wall with one of those huge 1980's projectors where you have 3 different coloured lenses to tune in. I have not seen one of those for years. Although a bit run down you got the impression this was a place central to the community....along with Gregs the bakers! The bar itself was closed and just as well as I didn't fancy holding on for a pee 2 hours on bumpy M8 after swilling a couple of pints.

So that's them through to round something or other in the Scottish Cup. A home fixture next time where we shall welcome with equal hospitality another team of hopefuls.