Team back home

AWishaw football team have returnedhometo their own park following years of hard work.

Craigneuk Amateurs played their first game back on home turf at the park, knownasTheHumph,after securing a long-term lease from the council.

The club, which celebrated the 25th anniversary of its formation last year, is aiming to turn the park into a community hub to be used for other sides and youth teams.

Players and managementhavebeen fundraising throughout the pandemicandtheteam recently gained charitable status, allowing them to apply for grants to improve the park.

The side played in the West of Scotland Cup against Shortlees on Saturday, although the result did not go their way as Shortlees Amateurs ran out 6-1 winners to progress.

Writing on theirTwitter page Craigneuk Amateurs said:“What a day for our club. Loads of hard work over recent months and years from our committee and players to get us to this point.

“We had great support. The result didn’t go our way but there were a few positives to take from the performance.

“The big positive today was being back atThe Humph.Theparkwas looking great, even though it was a bit hard in areas and hadagoodcrowd supporting the team which was great to see.”

Back in June, Craigneuk councillor Kenneth Duffy workedwiththeteamto agree a lease for the use of the park.

And Councillor Duffy was in the crowd on Saturday to see the team play their first game back at their redeveloped home.

He said:“I’m thrilled that Craigneuk Amateurs have finally had their first game backatTheHumph.

“This has been a long time in the making and I’d like to thank both the council officers involved and the team for their patience and understanding during what has been a challenging time for all of us.

“It’s vital that we do all we can as a council to encourage exercise as a way to tackle the mental health and wellbeing problems the last 18 months has thrown at us and Craigneuk Amateurs have exciting plans for this hub.”