Sunday 17th March 2024 ko 12:00

East of Scotland League-Division One

WHITBURN JUNIOR 1 (Liddell 65)

WHITEHILL WELFARE 0

Att 540

Entry £8

Programme £2

I came into this game with a little inside knowledge. I knew just how fortunate we’d been that the Sauchie Juniors but I also knew from Craig Dabbs just how nervous Whitburn were over the state of their pitch. He’d been there on Friday morning to collect their programmes for advance ticket holders, saw how hard they were working in their pitch, and clearly built up an excellent working relationship with Ann Haddow the club secretary. Now no organiser likes to see a postponement, but that relationship meant we all felt that little bit extra pressure.

The club had wondered whether the tie could be switched to another venue, and we’d made provision to include them in next year’s hop, but there was an overarching feeling that this game ought to take place. Fortunately the club played an off-field blinder; they worked on the pitch, and kept a watching brief with the match referee. It worked, and we saw a game on a heavy pitch, but nothing like what we’d witnessed at Sauchie.

The club have played at Central Park since 1934 and more many years were mainstays of the East Region Juniors, winning the Scottish Junior Cup in 2000. Like Armadale Thistle on the Friday the club were one of the last to make the jump to the Senior ranks in 2021 and as a result entered the East of Scotland League’s Conference X (“Extra”) winning the division at their first attempt, and Division 2 a year later. This season they came into this game well placed for a further promotion.

Once we’d established the game was on we all began to relax a little. The club’s hospitality was matched only by the quality of the hosting, yes I did try a Haggis and Peppercorn pie!! We’d arrived early, so had time to explore- on our last visit I could barely move due to an ingrowing toenail! Since then the main stand has seen terracing installed, seats added, and a youthful ultras section added to one end! For the final time we found our friends, and blethered for a couple of hours.

Of course Whitehill Welfare came from the Senior side of things, and have their own place in Scottish Hop history through former programme editor Jamie McQueen. It was Welfare that got us at GroundhopUK in front of the league; I’m grateful and I’m sure anyone who’s enjoyed any the games during this hop’s run will feel the same way.

Here Whitburn won a tight game, on a predictably difficult pitch and I’m sure those there will see their position in the East of Scotland’s second tier as a temporary measure. For me, it was a pleasure to spend time in their company, and the fact that we headed for home having seen all six scheduled games wasn’t lost on me. At the time I took the view that we really didn’t want 3 hops in 3 leagues with at least one postponement. Hindsight of course is a wonderful thing!

But this hop should be considered in terms over and above the weather. Last year’s hop saw people describe it as the best ever, yet for me this event was at worst it’s equal. The credit for that should go to the league and six exceptional hosts clubs. Thanks to them, their volunteers and all that attended.