Photo Essay: A season in the Midlands League 2023/24

Posted on by Matt

A photo essay depicting a year spent photographing the twenty clubs that make up the Midlands League for the 2023/24 season.

I’ve tried to include a collection of photographs that show how each Midlands League club is unique in their own special way, documenting a journey around the many great grounds that make up one of Scotland’s most underrated leagues.

A big thank you to everyone who has said hello along the way and made me feel welcome when I’ve visited your club. It’s been very much appreciated and I hope you enjoy the photos.

By Matt
Photos July 2023 to June 2024

[For permission to use any of the photographs included please contact me using the contact page or message me directly on Twitter/X or Instagram – screenshotting or saving photos will not provide full image quality]

22nd July – It’s just under an hour until kick-off and the gates at Thomson Park have just been opened for the new season.

22nd July – The players emerge ahead of the season opener between Lochee United and Dundee Violet.

22nd July – Supporters look on from atop the steep grass banking that runs down one side of the pitch, a perfect vantage point to watch the game.

22nd July – Lochee United’s Scott Webster takes on the Dundee Violet defence.

22nd July – New faces for the new season, Arbroath legend and fan favourite Bobby Linn makes his debut for Lochee United.

26th July – The Broughty Athletic bench take on instruction vs Carnoustie Panmure.

26th July – The best seats in the house at the Quest Arena, Broughty Athletic.

29th July – Dundee North End goalkeeper Gary Thain throws the ball out in a game against Broughty Athletic at North End Park.

2nd August – New Beechwood Park in black and white. Lochee Harp protest the referee’s decision to award Montrose Roselea a free kick.

9th August – Craigie Park, home of East Craigie, stands in the shadow of the famous DC Thomson building in Dundee.

9th August – Craigie Park is a ground packed with plenty of character, with one goal backed by a series of allotments and a cemetery running down two sides.

12th August – Carnoustie Panmure fans gather to watch a Scottish Cup Preliminary Round tie against Beith Juniors.

12th August – Carnoustie goalkeeper Darren Clarkson makes a big stop to keep out a chance for Beith.

12th August – REFRESHMENTS, Laing Park, Carnoustie Panmure.

12th August – The board goes round with the winning half time raffle numbers, Laing Park.

12th August – Loyal fans brave the weather to see the second half action between Carnoustie and Beith.

16th August – Please pay admission at main gate, Farquharson Park, Scone Thistle.

16th August – Scone Thistle battle for possession with Lochee United in a league game at Farquharson Park.

16th August – Teas, Pies, Coffee and Bridies, Scone Thistle.

16th August – Behind the goals at the Scone Thistle, Farquharson Park.

16th August – The Scone pitch sits as part of a wider field, with metal barriers up and down the side touchlines for spectators.

23rd August – The ticket booth at Seven Acres, Perth, home of Letham F.C.

23rd August – Downfield winger Connor Coupe flicks the ball on in a game against Letham.

23rd August – Only one side of the ground is open to spectators at Seven Acres.

23rd August – Letham joined the Midlands League in 2021 after many years of success at amateur level and an impressively stacked trophy cabinet can be viewed inside the club’s Tuck Shop.

26th August – The entrance to The Canniepairt, Tayport Football Club.

26th August – Tayport players defend a cross in a match against Lochee United.

26th August – A hedge that more than rivals its famous counterpart at Brechin City looms above the far goal at The Canniepairt.

26th August – A huge standing enclosure provides an elevated view of the pitch and runs down roughly two thirds of the near touchline, with ramps also allowing for disabled access.

2nd September – Arbroath Victoria take on Dundee St James in an all Midlands League tie in the first round of the Junior Cup.

2nd September – A fan watches from the smart perimeter fence that surrounds three sides of the pitch at Ogilvy Park.

2nd September – A view from the pie stall, Ogilvy Park, Arbroath Vics.

2nd September – The east touchline provides a raised view of the pitch, where you can watch the action from a fold up chair or even the comfort of your own car.

2nd September – Arbroath Vics striker Connor MacFarlane (number 9) watches on as his free kick soars past the Dundee St James goalkeeper and into the goal.

9th September – A flare is set off behind the far goal as the players walk out before a local derby match between Downfield and Dundee North End.

9th September – The huge Eric Clark Stand at Downfield Park, named after a late club committee member.

9th September – A mixture of standing terrace at the back and a few rows of seating in the middle make up the viewing options in the Eric Clark Stand.

9th September – The view from the steep grass embankment that overlooks the far end goal, as North End get set to defend a Downfield free kick.

14th October – The main standing cover at Glenesk Park, home of Dundee Violet.

14th October – The lum from the long gone Camperdown Jute mill towers over the ground in the distance, as seen from the elevated grass hill that runs down one side of Glenesk Park.

14th October – The winning ticket, Glenesk Park, Dundee Violet.

14th October – A battle for possession in the Junior Cup tie between Dundee Violet and Deveronside.

4th November – A Midlands League away day, a trip north to Crombie Park, the home of Culter F.C, for a Scottish Junior Cup third round tie against Lochee United.

4th November – The Lochee United players and management team emerge for the second half at Crombie Park, Peterculter.

11th November – The impressive main stand at Davie Park, Blairgowrie. The massive shed like structure runs about three quarters of the way down the far touchline.

11th November – Davie Park is a modernised version of classic Junior football ground, keeping all that made it unique with the addition of floodlights, perimeter and side fencing, and a new artificial pitch.

11th November – Blairgowrie fans gather to watch their team play Dundee St James.

11th November – Blairgowrie’s Robbie Watson celebrates scoring an equalising goal against Dundee St James.

11th November – Dundee St James manager Bobby McKenzie (far left) and his management team celebrate going back in front against Blairgowrie.

25th November – The view from the standing covered terrace behind the near goal at Broomfield Park. Montrose Roselea still play a handful of games at their original home ground each season.

25th November – Away. Broomfield Park, Montrose Roselea.

25th November – Half a dozen Tayport supporters watching the action from the away stand.

2nd December – Much loved former Largs Thistle player Tommy Scouller, 88, seated front left, looks on from the main stand at Barrfields Park, as Largs Thistle play Lochee United in the Junior Cup.

2nd December – Members of the Chee Boogie Bus who made the long journey down to Largs for the game.

2nd Decemeber – Goalkeeper Dean Easton is mobbed by his Lochee United teammates after his penalty shoot-out heroics helped book his side a place in the Junior Cup quarter final.

9th December – Forking the pitch to try and get the surface ready at Keanie Park, Johnstone Burgh. A Junior Cup tie against Downfield was eventually called off 20 minutes before kick off despite the best efforts of the grounds staff.

9th December – Fans shelter from the rain under their umbrellas at Seven Acres during a league match between Letham and Dundee North End.

16th December – The home dressing room, Fairfield Park, Dundee St James.

16th December – The tactics board laid out in preparation for Dundee St James’ game against Forfar United.

16th December – The social club bar is docked in club colours and a Dundee St James scarf.

16th December – The Dundee St James management team study the game from breeze block dugouts painted in the home team’s colours at Fairfield Park.

6th January – Broughty Athletic in action against Dundee North End at the Quest Arena.

6th January – Supporters watch the game from under the large standing cover that sits to the middle of one touchline at Broughty.

6th Janaury – Two large wind turbines dominate the backdrop behind the far end goal at the Quest Arena.

6th January – Broughty Athletic goalkeeper Sean Diamond does well to punch the ball away under pressure from several North End players.

13th January – Blairgowrie defend a corner from Coupar Angus as the away side look to start strongly on derby day at Davie Park.

13th January – Referee Willie Ferguson searches for the lucky ticket in the half-time raffle, Davie Park, Blairgowrie.

13th January – Celebrations as player/coach Phil Hagen scores a fourth Coupar Angus goal against Blairgowrie.

13th January – The Coupar Angus players celebrate with the management team following their incredible 6-1 victory at Davie Park, Coupar’s first league win of the season.

27th January – The main stand at Links Park sits mostly empty before the rest of the crowd arrives for an Angus derby between Montrose Roselea and Arbroath Victoria.

27th January – Reserved seating with the tannoy system. Links Park, Montrose Roselea

29th January – Arbroath Vics goalkeeper Ross Scott sets up his wall as the away side prepare to defend a Montrose Roselea free kick.

27th January – Concrete step terracing and sheltered standing behind the near goal at Links Park.

27th Janaury – Two fans watching the game at Links Park from the West Terrace.

3rd February – The quirky and wonderful Foxhall Park, Coupar Angus, a hidden gem of the Midlands League.

3rd February – A much needed hot drink from the Tea Hut for these two fans at Coupar Angus vs East Craigie.

3rd February – Supporters (don’t) watch the football from the Kevin Maloney Stand at Foxhall Park.

10th February – Pre-match handshakes before the Junior Cup quarter final tie between Darvel and Lochee United.

14th February – Light slips away in the dying minutes at Thomson Park as Lochee United play out a 1-1 draw with Carnoustie Panmure.

17th February – Under new management, Forfar United appointed 26 year old Connor Yeats as their new first team manager in 2024, pictured front, far right pitch side.

17th February – Forfar United do battle against Angus rivals Brechin Victoria on derby day at Guthrie Park.

17th February – Forfar United striker Jay Yule puts his side in front from the penalty spot.

17th February – One man and his dog wait for the players to pass as they leave the pitch for half time, Guthrie Park.

17th February – The Forfar United coaching staff watch on closely as their side defend a Brechin Vics throw in.

17th February – The Forfar United defence attempt to block a Brechin Vics cross.

24th February – Improvised cover can be found at Foxhall Park in the form of a single bus shelter.

24th February – Prices at the Tea Hut. Foxhall Park, Coupar Angus.

2nd March – Street entrance to Victoria Park, Brechin Victoria. The local area is still recovering from the severe flooding it suffered back in October.

2nd March – The hospitality room is neatly set up at Victoria Park before Brechin Victoria take on Forfar West End.

2nd March – A group of Brechin Vics fan watch on from the sixty seater main stand that sits on the half-way line.

2nd March – Three fans discuss the first half action with a hot drink in front of the pie stall window.

2nd March – Four fans watching the action from behind the goal.

9th March – The clubhouse bar at Guthrie Park, Forfar United.

9th March – Forfar United striker Gordon Norrie strikes a free kick towards goal against Coupar Angus.

9th March – Forfar United’s tricky winger Bruno Debembe has his shot saved by the Coupar Angus goalkeeper.

9th March – All smiles in the queue for a pie at half time.

9th March – A pitchside view of the scenic Guthrie Park.

9th March – The Forfar United defence head clear a Coupar Angus attack.

9th March – Coupar Angus’ Finlay Turner (red top, far left) celebrates scoring his side’s fourth goal against Forfar United.

9th March – A huge save by Coupar Angus goalkeeper E.Smith keeps out a Forfar United penalty kick.

16th March – The main stand at Thomson Park, home of Lochee United.

16th March – Dundee North End’s Thomas Lowndes plays the ball out from the back against Lochee United.

16th March – Supporters gather on top of the hill to watch the game at Thomson Park.

16th March – Dundee North End’s Luc Bollan rises highest to win a header against Lochee United.

16th March – Paul Lunan heads a chance over the bar for Lochee United.

16th March – Dundee North End goalkeeper Grant Adam celebrates his team’s late comeback at Thomson Park.
23 March – Cammy Dow’s early second half strike was the only goal of the game as Dundee North End defeated rivals Downfield at North End Park.

23rd March – Construction work and improvements being made behind the entrance near goal, including the addition of a new fully licensed bar.

23rd March – One of the last games with the old gravel surface at North End Park, it was replaced with a new tarmac surface for easier accessibility shortly after.

23rd March – A rainbow sets over North End Park as the game between Dundee North End and Downfield enters it’s final moments.

27th March – Fans are packed together all around ground for a then top of the table clash between Broughty Athletic and Lochee United.

27th March – The night’s attendance at the Quest Arena would be the biggest in the Midlands League this season.

30th March – The Raymond Dyce Stand, Westview Park, Kirriemuir Thistle.

30th March – Kirriemuir Thistle in action against local Angus rivals Forfar West End.

30th March – Spectators emerge from a sold out hospitality to line the touchline on derby day.

30th March – Kirriemuir players clash with their Forfar West End counterparts after a heavy tackle in the middle of the park.

30th March – The Raymond Dyce Stand sits surrounded by the picturesque views of the Angus Glens.

30th March – The rolling fields of the Angus countryside provide a scenic backdrop to Westview Park.

30th March – Liam Duell of Kirrie Thistle celebrates after scoring his side’s third goal in a 3-0 win.

6th April – Ogilvy Park, home of Arbroath Victoria, as seen from the entry road into the ground.

6th April – A small area of mixed standing and seated shelter at Ogilvy Park.

6th April – Arbroath Vics fans watch from the west touchline, in front of the committee room, pie stall and changing room facilities.

6th April – Arbroath Victoria defend a corner from Forfar United.

6th April – The common sight in Forfar United matches of Bruno Debembe driving at the opposition defence.

6th April – Anguish for Arbroath as they miss a great chance to win the game late on.

13th April – Lochee Harp club volunteers: left to right, Barry Summers (kitman), John Gallagher (committee member) and Graham McNicoll (club secretary).

13th April – The changing room tunnel at New Beechwood Park as the Lochee Harp players emerge before playing Broughty Athletic.

13th April – Stood atop the highest mound at New Beechwood Park provides a great view of both the action and the Dundee countryside.

13th April – New Beechwood Park has a lot more to it than your typical new astroturf builds, with a metal covered terrace and mound’s around the ground that provide an elevated view of the pitch.

13th April – Rain soaked Harp supporters watch the game as a rainbow forms over New Beechwood Park in the distance.

13th April – Lochee Harp’s Matthew Reilly finds the back of the net with a free kick against Broughty Athletic.

17th April – The main stand at North End Park previously found home down the road at Tannadice and was part of Dundee United’s old Fair Play Stand.

17th April – Dundee North End jubilation as Paul Sludden puts the home side 1-0 up against Lochee United.

17th April – Playmaker Ryan McCord (ex Alloa Athletic and Arbroath midfielder) pulling the strings from deep for Dundee North End.

17th April – Frankie Devine (middle) celebrates scoring North End’s second goal with Liam Gibb (left) and Cammy Dow (right). The Dokens 5-0 win over Lochee United was one of the results of the season.

24th April – View from the grass embankment behind the far end goal at North End Park, as Tayport take kick off for a game against Dundee North End.

27th April – In the home dressing room at Forfar West End’s Strathmore Park the kits are all carefully laid out ready for the day’s match.
27th April – A quick turn and hit from Forfar West End striker Brett Hampton flies past the helpless Arbroath Vics goalkeeper.

27th April – The Forfar West End manager passes on his instructions to two substitutes who wait to come on.

29th April – Light fades around the main stand at Glenesk Park during the final moments of a Monday night game between Dundee Violet and Dundee St James.

1st May – The view from the grass embankment behind the far goal at Ogilvy Park, Arbroath, looking down the east touchline.

1st May – Cammy Dow scores a diving header in Dundee North End’s win against Arbroath Victoria.

8th May – A crowd of spectators gather in front of the pavilion end at Fairfield Park as Dundee St James launch a high ball into the box against Dundee North End.

8th May – The Dundee North End players and bench celebrate victory at Dundee St James.

11th May – The Kevin Maloney Stand at Foxhall Park, Coupar Angus.

11th May – A two level viewing platform at Foxhall Park, with spectators able to watch the game seated in the stand below or standing on the raised level above.

11th May – Six interested humans watch the game, one distracted dog doesn’t.

11th May – Three Coupar Angus substitutes warm up on a small patch of grass behind the goal.

11th May – Coupar Angus’s manager Barry Britton remonstrates with the referee during their game against Kirriemuir Thistle.

11th May – A spectacular save from the Coupar Angus goalkeeper E.Smith denies Kirrie Thistle from taking the lead.

11th May – Jordan Harris’ stoppage time volley is enough to steal the points for Kirrie Thistle.

13th May – A new entrance at Downfield Park, one of several teams to make new ground improvements over the course of the season.

13th May – Downfield ultras let off a smoke bomb before a league match against Brechin Victoria.

13th May – Downfield striker Liam Mcartney completes a second half hat trick on his way to finishing the league’s top goalscorer with an incredible 53 goals.

18th May – The Guthrie Park pitch is in top condition ahead of the final league game of the season. A great job done all season by Alec the groundsman.

18th May – The vast surrounding viewing areas all look in great shape too.

18th May – A big crowd is in at Guthrie Park, enjoying the sunshine in front of the clubhouse, including a large contingent of Dundee North End fans.

18th May – A celebratory huddle between the Dundee North End players and coaching staff after winning the league.

18th May – Dundee North End, Midlands League Champions 2023/24.

18th May – Dundee North End co-managers Kevin McNaughton (middle) and Lewis Toshney (third right) celebrate with the trophy and the rest of their management team.

3rd June – Farquharson Park, Scone Thistle vs Dundee Violet – the last game of the Midlands League season finally takes place at the third attempt after twice being called off with a waterlogged pitch.

3rd June – Scone Thistle substitute Fraser halts the progression of a Dundee Violet attack, despite the long season both teams still put in a competitive performance.

3rd June – Players, coaching staff and fans applaud the retiring Scone Thistle goalkeeper Gav Sorley as he makes his way off the pitch.

2 thoughts on “Photo Essay: A season in the Midlands League 2023/24”

  2. This is a fascinating series of photos that really give an insight into football grounds at the lower end of the leagues. You’ve captured the atmosphere wonderfully with some quite poignant moments too.

    Reply

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