CULTER FC

April Achievement: Culter followed the March success by again being awarded the NRJFA Printagraph Premier Division Team of the Month' title. Culter played six games in April 2002, winning five and drawing the other one.

Premier Position: Culter ended the 2001/2002 Season as Runners-up to Formartine United for ourbest Premier Division performance since joining the Junior FA in 1987. Culter kept the Championship race keenly contested up to 21 May when Formartine clinched the title. Culter ended comfortably in second spot being 12 points ahead of third placed FC Stoneywood.

Poor Pittodrie Performance: Culter reached the Hnal of the area's Regional Cup and were delighted that the venue was Pittodrie Stadium. Sunnybank hit a glorious opening goal in 10 minutes and added two more in the space of 8 minutes from which Culter never recovered. Theglamourfinalon2May ended in a 3-0 disappointing defeat. Ironically, in a Premier Division match less than a fortnight later, Culter beat Sunnybank 2-0 at their Heathryfold home ground.

Final Formartine Failure: In the last game of the season, on Friday 31 May, Culter went down 1-0 to Formartine United at the Heathryfold Park venue with the decisive goal being scored only two minutes after the kick-off. For this Acorn Heating Cup Final, Culter was wi thout star striker Neil McRitchie, due to suspension, and other striker Roddy Cameron was sidelined due to injury. Formartine obviously were so confident of winning the Acorn Heating Cup that they already had on their printed T-shirts immediately after the game with wording 'League & Cup Double 2002'!

Annual Awards: Winners of our Annual Awards were announced at the Club's Season-end Social evening onFriday 21 June 2002 at Lauries Hotel, owned by Club Honorary President Eric Duncan.

Groundsman Ron Mackay won the Dick Brown Memorial Trophy for the third time. It is presented annually to the member who has done most for the club in the past season. He previously won it in 1988/89 and again ten years later in 1998/99. Ron keeps Crombie Park's pitch, training area and surrounds in immaculate condition.

Neil McRitchie won the Larry Barclay trophy for the second season in succession. His amazing goal tally of 63 surpassed his 52 goals last season. Top praise came from Dave Cormie, Manager of Formartine United, when he stated in the Press: 'Striker Neil McRitchie has got to be player of the season in junior football.

Review Release: My Annual Review No 32 of Season 2001/2002 was released in June. Copies are available from me on request.

Season Start:

The new 2002/2003 Season starts with the Grill League Cup on Saturday 10 August but unfortunately Culter does not have a fixture that day There is an odd number of teams in Section 1 and Culter happens to be the team left out for the opening day. The slightly deferred opening game is against Stonehaven at Crombie Park on Monday 12 August. Then other teams in Section 1 are Cruden Bay, FC Stoneywood and Maud.