DUNBAR UNITED 2 CAMELON JUNIORS 1
DIE-HARD Hoppers, who know there’s no sane alternative to football on a Saturday, look to Wales and Scotland at this time of year. I plump for Scotland.
With a bit of research, I find that Dunbar United’s game against Camelon Juniors would decide the title in Division One of the East of Scotland League, so there’s really only one destination for me.
I type in the postcode of New Countess Park from the website into Jane SatNav. I arrive in the coastal town of Dunbar in plenty of time on this sunny but breezy day. It’s a good job I am early; either Jane SatNav is having one of her rare off days or there have been an awful lot of recent road alterations.
After walking under the railway bridge, I pass through a busy Sports Centre. I espy a main gate to the ground so I sneak in to take some photos while it is quiet. I receive a very friendly welcome from club officials getting the stadium ready for the big day.
I must say, New Countess Park is resplendent in the sun. Black and white flags are billowing in the breeze and the stand looks shiny and new. Apparently, it’s only been open a year and was funded by donations from fans (with a covered stand to follow during the close season). The stand straddles the half way line down one side of the pitch. The rest of the ground is open to the elements. Train fans will love the busy main line running behind one goal.
I head for the large clubhouse back at the sports centre. It is very busy being as the Celtic match is being shown on the telly. There’s a large choice of meals in the club and also some tasty looking baguettes.
I pay £7 to get back into the stadium but there is no programme today (very disappointing for a title decider!). Everyone is really friendly. Hot pies and sausage rolls are available from the refreshments hut in addition to the full menu in the clubhouse.
Home players pass through a flag-waving guard of honour when they emerge from the dressing room, each carrying their children onto the pitch. It’s a real family atmosphere.
The game is a nervy encounter. Juniors are leading at the break and it appears not to be Dunbar’s day having missed two penalties either side of the break.
But just as the guy with the League trophy disappears to another game: Kinnoull could just sneak the title by winning at Preston Athletic) a late equaliser sees the fans go wild. Heart attacks then seem inevitable when Dunbar are awarded a THIRD penalty kick, in injury time. This time it is converted, causing Trophy Guy to make a screeching hand brake turn for a hasty return to Dunbar! What a finish!!