Benbecula v Southend

6.30pm 16 June 2023

Uist and Barra League
Benbecula 5 Southend 2 (att 80)

I rarely blog about revisits to grounds, but trying to complete the leagues in the Western Isles is often a case of two steps forward, one step back.

The Friday night game of this long weekend was to have been North Uist United v Iochdar Saints, but during the week it was announced that fixture had been reversed and brought forward a day.

That left Benbecula versus Southend, from South Uist, as the evening's only fixture. As it was being played on the Dark Island pitch, just behind the Dark Island Hotel where we were staying, it was an easy decision to watch it, despite having seen a game there in pre-blog 2009.

Benbecula, along with Iochdar Saints, play home games in the village of Liniclate, either on this pitch or a few yards away at the local school. It's a scenic spot, between the hotel and the beach, and a wind turbine provides a photogenic backdrop.

That the Uist and Barra League continues, albeit with just half a dozen clubs currently, is testament to the dedication of those involved. Getting teams together can't be easy, and both these sides had a youthful look.

Benbecula scored first but Southend levelled before half time. The home side regained the lead after the break but were pegged back by a bizarre equaliser. A Southend forward blocked the goalkeeper's attempted clearance and the ball rebounded into the net.

Benbecula looked the better side, and when they went in front for a third time, about 10 minutes from the end, it was decisive. Remarkably they then scored twice more in the closing minutes, for a final score that was harsh on Southend.