7.45pm 1 October 2019
Scottish Lowland League
Caledonian Braves 5 Dalbeattie Star 5 (att 52)
Caledonian Braves are a curious club. They were formerly Edusport Academy, a residential academy for young French footballers, and four years ago I was part of a single-figure crowd that watched them win a cup semi-final.
They've now rebranded, moved ground, have a first team packed with decent Scottish players (I believe the French youngsters turn out for the reserves in the South of Scotland League), and are now just one division below the Scottish League.
Support is growing, but as Caledonian Braves the club is as much about virtual supporters as actual ones. Apparently you can download an app and become not just a fan but also a part-owner with a say in key decisions (my attempt was met with an 'app not available' message, but I’m told it’s in development).
I don't know whether any of Caledonian Braves' virtual fans were able to watch this game, but if they did then were treated to a hugely entertaining game. Not surprisingly given the score, it's fair to say that neither side were great at the back but up front they impressed.
Braves took an early lead, and from that point I expect them to canter to a win, but Dalbeattie made the most of defensive frailties to equalise and then go in front. The home side levelled, but not long later it was 3-2 to Dalbeattie ... all before half time.
The fun continued after the break. Dalbeattie withstood pressure from the hosts and hit them very effectively on the break, getting a 5-2 lead. But the home side weren't finished, a third goal gave them the momentum and further scoring was inevitable. They made it 5-5 in stoppage time.
After leaving Hamilton Palace, where I saw them in 2015, Edusport Academy moved in to groundshare at Annan Athletic. This season they've returned to the central belt, taking up residence at Bothwellhaugh in Bellshill.
The 3G pitch has been renamed Alliance Park, and features a neat pair of seated stands. For some reason the side opposite the stands was closed off, making it in effect a two-side venue. It meant that for those, like me, who prefer to stand when watching football the best view was behind the goal. Not ideal but I can't fault the entertainment.
Scottish Lowland League
Caledonian Braves 5 Dalbeattie Star 5 (att 52)
Caledonian Braves are a curious club. They were formerly Edusport Academy, a residential academy for young French footballers, and four years ago I was part of a single-figure crowd that watched them win a cup semi-final.
They've now rebranded, moved ground, have a first team packed with decent Scottish players (I believe the French youngsters turn out for the reserves in the South of Scotland League), and are now just one division below the Scottish League.
Support is growing, but as Caledonian Braves the club is as much about virtual supporters as actual ones. Apparently you can download an app and become not just a fan but also a part-owner with a say in key decisions (my attempt was met with an 'app not available' message, but I’m told it’s in development).
I don't know whether any of Caledonian Braves' virtual fans were able to watch this game, but if they did then were treated to a hugely entertaining game. Not surprisingly given the score, it's fair to say that neither side were great at the back but up front they impressed.
Braves took an early lead, and from that point I expect them to canter to a win, but Dalbeattie made the most of defensive frailties to equalise and then go in front. The home side levelled, but not long later it was 3-2 to Dalbeattie ... all before half time.
The fun continued after the break. Dalbeattie withstood pressure from the hosts and hit them very effectively on the break, getting a 5-2 lead. But the home side weren't finished, a third goal gave them the momentum and further scoring was inevitable. They made it 5-5 in stoppage time.
After leaving Hamilton Palace, where I saw them in 2015, Edusport Academy moved in to groundshare at Annan Athletic. This season they've returned to the central belt, taking up residence at Bothwellhaugh in Bellshill.
The 3G pitch has been renamed Alliance Park, and features a neat pair of seated stands. For some reason the side opposite the stands was closed off, making it in effect a two-side venue. It meant that for those, like me, who prefer to stand when watching football the best view was behind the goal. Not ideal but I can't fault the entertainment.
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