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Press and Journal
5 days ago
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Caley Thistle v Peterhead preview: Manager thoughts, team news, predicted line-ups and key battles
Caley Thistle can move on to positive points if they win Saturday's League One north derby against Peterhead. Saddled with a starting -5 point deduction as a result of going into administration last year, they got off the mark last week with an impressive 3-0 victory at Kelty Hearts, thanks to goals from Billy Mckay, Luis Longstaff and David Wotherspoon. A victory could even take them off bottom spot, but they welcome a team who are top of the table after the first 90 minutes of the campaign. League Two champions Peterhead hit the summit after a resounding 4-1 win against East Fife at Balmoor Stadium in their opening game. The Blue Toon shared the goals in their opening day win with Peterhead captain Jason Brown scoring twice, while David Wilson and Kieran Shanks were also on the scoresheet. 'You look at Stenhousemuir last year – they came up from League Two, and what a season they had (finishing fourth). 'When teams have got that momentum, it's a good thing for them, so we know we're going to be in for a hard game. 'Momentum is a big thing, and it's important that you try to get up to steam as quickly as you can. 'We watched Peterhead's game against East Fife, and they took their chances really well. They've got some good players with Peter Pawlett, Cammy Smith, and Jason Brown. 'We know we're going to be in for a hard game. I don't think there is an easy game in this league, so we'll need to approach Saturday the same way we did last week where our attitudes and work rate was right. 'If we work hard, we've got players that can hurt teams, so that's what we need to try and do this Saturday.' 'It'll be an extremely difficult game. 'I think Caley Thistle will definitely be there or thereabouts come May for the title. 'They are a really good team when we look at their squad – they've a good blend of experience youth, technical attributes and speed. 'They've got players that can chip in with goals and assists, so we have to be on our guard for them on Saturday. 'We know they'll be a threat and a difficult opponent because they're full-time. 'They'll use the pitch well, so it'll be a massive task for us, but it's one that we'll try and set-up to take points away from. 'It's up to use to execute the game plan.' The Caley Jags have a 'few knocks and niggles'. With right-back Ross Millen a doubt with a calf injury, midfielder Callum MacLeod is likely to continue to fill that void. Midfielder Paul Allan has a chance of recovering from a groin injury to feature for the first time since the 6-2 Premier Sports Cup cruise at East Kilbride. Midweek North of Scotland Cup doubles for on-loan Aberdeen striker Alfie Bavidge and ex-Forres Mechanics and Rothes attacker Jordan Alonge in the 6-0 win at Lossiemouth could push them into contention. For Peterhead, defence continues to be their major concern after starting the new campaign with only three fit defenders. Midfielder Dylan Forrest partnered captain Brown in a makeshift central defensive partnership last weekend while full-backs Wilson and Danny Strachan were the only other fit and available defenders. However, the visitors hope to have more options for the trip to the Highlands. Peterhead captain Jason Brown returns to his former club and he could have a tough afternoon against in-form Billy Mckay. Livingston loaneee Liam Sole has provided fresh pace down the left wing for Inverness since his summer arrival. If Danny Strachan can stand up to that challenge, it will boost the Blue Toon's chances. Caley Thistle (4-3-3): Munro, MacIntyre, Devine, Savage, MacLeod, Stewart, Chalmers, Wotherspoon, Sole, Mckay, Longstaff. Peterhead (4-2-3-1): Newman, D. Strachan, Brown, Wilson, Goldie, McGuffie, McCarthy, Barry, Pawlett, Smith, Shanks. McBookie make Caley Thistle the 8/15 favourites for this encounter. Peterhead are 9/2 if you fancy an upset, while the draw is priced at 14/5.
Press and Journal
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
STARTING XI: Dale Gillespie on title joy with Brora Rangers and the daunting task of facing Georginio Wijnaldum
Former Brora Rangers midfielder Dale Gillespie is the subject of this week's Q&A feature as he looks back on his time in the game. From his early days at Caley Thistle and Elgin City to the Highland League and youth football for Scotland, Gillespie picks out the highlights of his career. It was for Elgin City in a 4-2 loss at Stenhousemuir while I was on loan from Caley Thistle. Honestly, I've tried to forget my Elgin years as I was there for 17 games and lost 11 of them with two draws. Ross Jack was the manager when I went there and it was a really tough time for the club. For me, it wasn't a memorable spell. It has to be the undefeated season we had at Brora in 2014-15. When you are on a run like that the pressure builds to keep it going but to be fair, we handled it well. When we won the league two years in a row, we only lost one league game in those two seasons, and we went the whole calendar year in 2014 without losing a league game, so it was special. David Goodwillie was very good. We must have been 17 or 18 but he was well ahead of everyone his own age up in Scotland at the time. He obviously got his move down to England a couple of years later and he was a great player to be fair. Georginio Wijnaldum. We played against him he was in the Netherlands team which beat Scotland under-19s 2-1 at Broadwood in February 2008. He was at a different level. I remember he had the big dreadlocks in those days, and he was pretty special. This is an easy one – Martin McLean. He's from Stornoway, so they've got a different fashion sense over there. Big, thick woollen jumpers, and colour coordination was a big issue for him. Mental probably. On the park I was pretty calm, but off it I was bad, until I stopped drinking anyway. You can pass the ball from A to B faster than you can run from A to B. That was a classic from my old coach John Beaton. Tynecastle. That was the first time I was ever on the bench for the Caley Thistle first team, and I was just 17. I've never had so much abuse since that day, and I didn't even play. I was petrified. I have to pick one of my own. It was a volley in extra-time for Caley Thistle to win the North of Scotland Cup final against Elgin. The game was at Forres and I scored twice in that game. The winner was a 25 yarder and it's the best goal I ever scored. I'll go for Gavin Morrison because he's more sensible than I am and he'd give me a fighting chance of getting off the island. It's definitely golf. I've got the handicap down to scratch now but my wife complains that she sees me less now than she did when I played football.
Press and Journal
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Highland League award winners revealed as Angus Grant is named player of the year
Huntly's Angus Grant was crowned player of the year at the Breedon Highland League awards dinner in Inverness. The striker's 23 league goals also earned him the top scorer trophy, while in all competitions he netted 31 times for the Black and Golds. Grant is the first Huntly player to scoop the Highland League's player of the year award since it was introduced for season 1988-89. The 26-year-old said: 'It's a complete surprise, with the amount of talent in the league I didn't expect to win it. 'It's a great honour and I can only thank my team-mates who have put me in the position to win an individual award like this. 'You look at the list of players that have won this award and it's a list of legendary players. 'It's a hugely prestigious award and I'm chuffed to bits to win it. 'I didn't know I was the first Huntly player to win it so that's a big thing for the club and also me personally.' Brora Rangers boss Steven Mackay was named manager of the year after guiding the Cattachs to the first treble in their history as they claimed the Highland League, R Davidson (Banchory) Highland League Cup and North of Scotland Cup. It was also the first time since 1954 that a club had won every tournament they compete in at Highland League level in the same season. Mackay said: 'It's a nice way to end the season winning this award, but I have to mention the guys that back me up David Hind (assistant manager), Jordan MacDonald (first-team coach) and Michael MacKenzie (first-team coach). 'Without them I can't do my job, it's not about the individual, it's about the collective. 'They deserve this recognition as much as me, my day job is very demanding and my time is at a premium and they give me a huge amount of support. 'I'm delighted to accept the award, but it's a collective effort from the management team, to the players, to the board.' Jack Mitchell was named young player of the year after a stellar season with Deveronvale which saw him contribute 13 goals and 14 assists. The 18-year-old winger said: 'I'm stunned to win this award. It means a lot because it's the players that vote for it and there are so many good young players in the league so I didn't expect to win it.' Meanwhile, Fraserburgh collected the fair play award and three club stalwarts were recognised with unsung hero awards. Inverurie Locos' historian David Fasken, Brechin City kitman Alan Grieve and Huntly's Jim McGregor, who has served as player, manager, committee member and ambassador, were all honoured for their dedication to their respective clubs. There was also a celebration of Graham Wilson's service to the Highland League as he steps down following 25 years as assistant secretary and youth secretary.
Press and Journal
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Revealed: The Press and Journal's Breedon Highland League team of the season
Now another memorable Breedon Highland League campaign is over, it is time to pick a team of the season. Given the quality right across the division, it feels like an impossible undertaking, with a multitude of players being considered for each position. In my role with the Press and Journal, I've covered 66 games involving Highland League clubs during the 2024-25 season. After many hours agonising over selecting a squad, I've whittled it down to 18 – with a starting XI set-up in a 4-4-2 formation and seven substitutes on the bench. Selecting just one goalkeeper is never easy given the quality of custodians in north football, but the-now retired Joe Malin gets the nod. Malin has shown himself to be an outstanding goalkeeper at this level for more than a decade and that was again the case in his final season in the Highland League. Having joined Clachnacuddin last summer, Malin's impact when he played was clear to see as the Lilywhites recorded their best goals against figure in the league since season 2004-05. On some occasions – such as the North of Scotland Cup final – Malin even produced virtuoso displays when on the losing side, which further underlined his quality. Brora Rangers' treble-winner Cammy Mackay is named on the bench after enjoying a dream season with the Cattachs. Brechin's Lenny Wilson, Daniel Hoban at Banks o' Dee and Inverurie Locos' Zack Ellis also enjoyed good campaigns. Unsurprisingly after such a tremendous season, Brora players feature heavily in this side, and they occupy both full-back positions. On the right, Tom Kelly had a terrific season with his rampaging runs forward a key attacking outlet for the Cattachs, and beyond that Kelly showed on numerous occasions he's a diligent defender when up against good wingers. Colin Williamson is chosen on the other flank, and although he was deployed at centre-back in the closing weeks of the campaign, for most of the season the Brora stalwart did an excellent job at left-back with his consistently solid and reliable displays securing his spot. Paul Coutts of Inverurie Locos and Brechin City's Brad McKay line up at centre-back. The former's reading of the game and confidence in possession proved to be extremely valuable for the Railwaymen as they finished fourth, while McKay was a rock at the heart of the Hedgemen's miserly defence – and also popped up with nine goals. Banks o' Dee's Mark Reynolds and Fraserburgh's dependable duo Bryan Hay and Kieran Simpson were also considered – and Hay is named on the bench, while Wallace Duffy excelled after arriving at Brora at Christmas. The other defender on the bench is Formartine United full-back Stuart Smith. He's been a model of consistency over many years and his swansong season was no different. Beyond that, Deveronvale's Jayden Goldie, Mark McLauchan of Forres Mechanics and Turriff United's Kieran Yeats also impressed in the full-back positions. In central midfield, I've opted for a blend of grit and guile. Craig MacKenzie has been instrumental to everything good about Brora this season, bagging 11 goals and providing countless assists. Partnering him is Jamie Beagrie. A master at breaking up play and getting his team on the front foot, there's always an added steel to Fraserburgh when he's in their team. Two of the best technical players in the Highland League are chosen on the flanks in Dee's Michael Philipson and Tony Dingwall of Brora. Both players have been talismen for their respective clubs and possess the ability to unlock a defence with a mazy dribble or pinpoint pass. Philipson contributed 18 goals this season, while Dingwall weighed in with 12 and both always seem to deliver in big games. There are a plethora of excellent midfielders in the Highland League and Forres' Jordan Alonge can consider himself unlucky not to make the XI, but is named on the bench after a brilliant first season in the division. Meanwhile, after almost two years out injured, Buckie's Kevin Fraser showed he's back to his best, Brechin's Fraser MacLeod, Clach's Jack MacKay, Marc Lawrence of Formartine and Fraserburgh's Greg Buchan also performed with credit. In the wide areas, Brora duo Max Ewan and Connor Bunce, Clach's Troy Cooper, exciting youngsters Jack Mitchell (Deveronvale) and Calum Frame (Forres), and Buckie's Lyall Keir were all considered following stellar seasons. But it's Brechin's Ewan Loudon who gets a spot on the bench. He was a constant threat from a wide area and netted 18 goals. Selected up front are north football's top scorer, Angus Grant, and Shane Sutherland. Grant was deadly in front of goal for Huntly, scoring 31 times in all competitions – and he went through spells where it seemed like every chance he got ended up in the net. Returning to action after more than two years out injured, Sutherland contributed 24 goals, but apart from finding the net, his hold-up and link-up play was also a key part of Brora's success this season. There were plenty of other good options to choose from. James Anderson demonstrated his quality with 23 goals for Clach and is on the bench alongside Fraserburgh's Scott Barbour, who netted 24 times and again proved to be a nuisance for defences across the north. Elsewhere, Nairn County's Ben Barron, Kyle Henderson of Wick Academy, Brechin's Dayle Robertson and Liam Duell of Banks o' Dee enjoyed good seasons. Steven Mackay is the selection as manager. He returned for a second stint in charge of Brora last summer and rebuilt their squad before masterminding the first Highland League clean sweep since 1954. Elsewhere, Banks o' Dee duo Josh Winton and Paul Lawson, and Fraserburgh's Mark Cowie, delivered silverware for their clubs again this term, while Dean Donaldson at Inverurie, Clach's Conor Gethins, Steven MacDonald of Forres and Deveronvale's Garry Wood all deserve credit for the progress their clubs made. Starting XI (4-4-2) – Joe Malin (Clachnacuddin); Tom Kelly (Brora Rangers), Paul Coutts (Inverurie Locos), Brad McKay (Brechin City), Colin Williamson (Brora Rangers); Michael Philipson (Banks o' Dee), Jamie Beagrie (Fraserburgh), Craig MacKenzie (Brora Rangers), Tony Dingwall (Brora Rangers); Angus Grant (Huntly), Shane Sutherland (Brora Rangers). Subs – Cammy Mackay (Brora Rangers), Bryan Hay (Fraserburgh), Stuart Smith (Formartine United), Jordan Alonge (Forres Mechanics), Ewan Loudon (Brechin City), James Anderson (Clachnacuddin), Scott Barbour (Fraserburgh). Manager – Steven Mackay (Brora Rangers).
Press and Journal
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Tony Dingwall reflects on Brora Rangers' 'brilliant' season after coming up short in pyramid play-offs
Tony Dingwall says defeat in the pyramid play-offs doesn't detract from Brora Rangers' stellar season. The Cattachs' hopes of promotion to the SPFL were extinguished on Saturday as they drew 3-3 with East Kilbride at Dudgeon Park, meaning the Lowland League champions progress 7-4 on aggregate to the play-off final against Bonnyrigg Rose. However, it's been an incredible season for Brora as they won a treble for first time in their history by lifting the Breedon Highland League, the R Davidson (Banchory) Highland League Cup and the North of Scotland Cup. It was also the first time since 1954 that a club has won every competition they play in at Highland League level in the same campaign. Midfielder Dingwall said: 'In pre-season and at the start of the season the management team rebuilt the squad and at the start of the season I don't think anyone fancied us to win the league. 'But here we are at the end of the season having won a treble. Looking back on it, it's been a brilliant season. 'We've fallen a wee bit short in the play-offs, but the experience of being involved in the play-offs will do us good going forward. 'When we come back next season we'll be ready to go again and hopefully we can get ourselves back in this position competing in the play-offs again.' At one stage on Saturday it looked like Brora could overturn their 4-1 first leg deficit as goals from Dingwall, Alex Cooper and Shane Sutherland had them 3-1 up. However, Joao Balde's strike and Scott Ferguson's penalty earned East Kilbride a draw. Dingwall added: 'We had nothing to lose so we went out to have a go and see what happened. 'For a while things looked quite promising. We had them rattled for a spell, but it didn't quite work out for us. 'We restored some pride and although it's a sore one to take just now it doesn't spoil a great season. 'We knew it was a mammoth task coming into the second leg, we let ourselves down last week. 'To a man we weren't good enough and we let ourselves down. 'We had a mountain to climb, but we gave it a good go and at 3-1 up you're not sure what might happen. 'Then we got hit with a sucker-punch with their second goal which kind of killed the tie. 'But credit to East Kilbride they're a good side and we've got nothing to be ashamed of.'
