TT 105: Dean McClean -Saturday 3rd November 2007. East of Scotland League Div 1: Hawick Royal Albert v Gala Fairydean. Res: 1-1; att: c100; Admn: £3; no programme; FGIF Rating: 2*
The Scottish Border town of Hawick in the county of Teviotdale, is far more famous for its Rugby Union team. Having won numerous titles and produced fifty seven Scottish International players, its safe to say they cast a shadow over their footballing neighbours, in strong hold. However, two intrepid travellers set off early from Lancashire, on a beautiful early winters day, to visit Albert Park, home of Hawick Royal Albert for their derby match against Gala Fairydean.
Today's visitors are fallen giants in this part of the world; hugely successful, they applied for the Scottish Football League on four occasions (1966, 1994, 2000 and 2002) but were unsuccessful in all their attempts. This must have been thoroughly frustrating for the club and its supporters, having shown ambition for it to be thrown in their face every time and this is probably why they have fallen on harder times, as they struggle in Division One of the EoSL.
Albert Park has clearly seen better days and is in need of far more than a lick of paint here and there. However, it still retains a rustic theme and the grandstand with its stunning backdrop, fully appreciated on a glorious sunny day as today, makes for an atmospheric nature and is very easy on they eye from the opposite side of the ground. The grandstand really is the hub of the whole venue, as it houses not only the changing rooms but the social club too which is incorporated at the back. Very peculiar! The social club is also home to the excellent tea bar, where traditional scotch pies and other beverages are sold at reasonable prices. There is no turnstile as such and a sharp eyed lady searches out all those who haven't paid, and believe me she has eyes in the back of her head. I'm sure! The rest of the ground is open and there is absolutely no cover or even hard standing; indeed, I would wager that some spectators haven't ventured too far away from the grandstand for 20 years or more! Such was the poor state of the ground there.
Unfortunately, the game was a dire affair, where flowing football and skill levels were at a premium, as both goals were scored in the opening five minutes. The visitors took the lead in the first minute, as the home keeper dropped an almighty clanger, allowing Gala an easy tap in. It took the home side only 4 minutes to restore parity, as a thunderbolt from 25 yards was the highlight of a dour game. The visitors dominated the remainder of a game littered by free-kicks and nasty challenges and only their appalling finishing saved Hawick from a severe thrashing.
Overall a satisfying day out and another tick.
contributed on 04/11/07