24 September 06

Culter stayed clear at the top of the Super and look to be 3 points ahead of the chasing pack with 6 games played. Closest rivals Stonehaven and Sunnybank drew with Turriff and Ellon respectively.

The Keith team started well with Mair forcing a save from Pirie before Culter picked up the pace and Shand had a decent attempt from a McRitchie knock on saved by Nicol in the `Vale goal. Davie Calder then produced a lung bursting run which was eventually forced out for a corner for the Deesiders. The visitors went ahead quarter of an hour into the first half when Stewart combined with Neil McRitchie and Shand finished the move off by scoring the opener. Culter were dominant at this stage but could not find a way past a resolute Vale defence but the home side did have an opportunity from a free kick but Duncan shot well over from the edge of the area. With half time approaching Stewart produced a slack pass allowing Cowie to pounce and bring the game level. Stewart almost made amends for his error a minute later when he swung in a cross to Shand but his header flashed impotently wide.

Stung by the reversal at the end of the first period Culter came out like a scalded cat and went in front again with the first attack of the half when Stewart this time did make amends and sent in an inch perfect cross for Calder who knocked the ball home with aplomb. Barely a minute later Stewart again provided the ammunition for Calder who knocked the ball home gleefully as the bottom markers shoogled under the pressure: Stunned by the double dunt `Vale tried to compose themselves but they continued to be inundated. McRitchie could have added a further counter when he was clean through but h!ico! produced the save of the rnatch to deny burly striker. Off the resultant corner Club Skipper Rattray added to their woes when he was on hand to knock home number four in the 65`h minute. Moments later Stewart almost got his own name on the score sheet but his delicate chip floated just over. Culter then sent on a boorachie of subs with the game won and one of them, Farmer, provided an inviting cross which Craib bundled into the net. Culter got their sixth late on and once again it was Rattray who did the damage when he was fed by Calder following a Farmer corner. A very impressive victory for the Champions who are in pole position this early in the season although it might be a different story on Saturday with the long journey to Ayrshire.

Culter: Pirie, Cowell, Thain, Calder, Rattray, Presslie, Stewart, Shand, McRitchie, Christie, Craik. Subs: Craib, Mountford, Farmer, Ord, Knox.

Note: Vale named father and son Alan (41-year-old) and Aaron (16-year)-old McPherson in their team lines

Islavale Match Raffle Winner:- Bottle Vodka - Culter FC Supporter Dave Thomson, Milltimber.

Programme Praise. At yesterday's game Islavale's splendid programme "The Vale View" was on issue.There was an excellent two page compilation of Culter FC's present story and history plus a page on past programmes featuring Culter and even reproducing the front covers of these programmes. Well done Editor Easton Thain. Islavale's Main Sponsor is The Royal Oak Inn, Keith, courtesy of mine host Henry Kelman - a Culter man. Henry was at the game and was pleased to meet old acquaintances from Culter. The back page of the programme was devoted to The Royal Oak Inn and expressed: "`H' wishes the Vale boys all the very best for the rest of their Super League Campaign - Come on the Vale!"

Fine Facilities. We were also impressed with Islavale's accommodation and ground at Simpson Park. They have a splendid set-up. The lslavale hospitality was first class to reflect on their palatial facilities.

Weekly Lottery - Numbers Reduction. Since there were no winners again the numbers available for selection will be reduced by one for the next draw, i.e. 1 to 18 for Lottery dated Saturday 30 September 2006.

Next Week's Fixture - SaturdaV 30 September 2006 - 1st Round Scottish Junior Cup Saltcoats v Culter (at Campbell Park, Blakeley Road, Saltcoats) - Kick Off 3.00 pm. Referee: G Aitken.

Our special bus will depart from Crombie Park Pavilion, Culter at 8.00 am and collect the Aberdeen contingent at The 4 Palm Court Hotel, Seafield Road, Aberdeen at 8.15 am. The bus will depart from Saltcoats at approximately 6.30 pm. Fares to be £5 for Adults and £3 for Senior Citizens/Children. Names of supporters wishing to travel on the bus to be arranged and confirmed with Albert (Tel: 732006). Kip has booked lunch at The Fenwick Hotel, Fenwick, By Kilmarnock. Saltcoats Story. The Saltcoats entry in "The Juniors 100 Years" published in 1987 is reproduced as follows:- "Saltcoats Victoria JFC."

Region: Ayrshire. Address of ground: Campbell Park. Formed originally 1889, present team 1911. Nickname: Seasiders. Capacity 7,000. Club colours: Chocolate and Gold. Record attendance: 10,000 versus Greenock Juniors, 1959-60 Scottish Junior Cup 1st Round. Previously played in Ayrshire League 1889 -1895, Senior team 1896 to early 1900s, Ayrshire League 1911-27, Scottish Intermediate 1927-30. Players stepped-up: John Leitch (Celtic), Rolando Ugolini (Celtic), Charles Pilu (Sheffield Wednesday), Ian Hawkshaw (St. Johstone), Jack Kennedy (Charlton), Robert Paton (Ayr Utd.), Tommy Cairns (Third Lanark), Frank Quinn (Celtic), Jim Frew (Hamilton Accs.), George Gillan (Celtic), Raymond Montgomerie (Newcastle Utd.), William Forsyth (Hamilton Accs.), John Reid (Ayr Utd.), Roberton (Ayr Utd.). Junior International Caps: William McLellan (1926-30), John McLellan (1926), John Blair (1928), Frank Clarke (1973), McLellan (1927). Most capped players: W McLellan (5), J Blair (4). Major Honours: Scottish Junior Cup, West Scotland (2), League Champions (5), Ayrshire Cup (4), League Cup (5). Player with most appearances: Anthony Murney 1956-70 over 500). Player scoring most goals: William Forsyth 1960-61 (95). Best season in Junior Cup: Winners 1924-25.

Callum's Culter Coverage. Members and supporters are reminded of the wonderful service provided by Callum Stuart I on his excellent Culter website, www.culter.net. Callum includes a comprehensive Culter Football Club section with our ; History, Weekly Bulletins, Results over the Seasons, League Table and Lottery Winning Numbers/Winners.

Supporter Sadness. Eric Duncan broke the sad news yesterday that his lifelong friend Jim Thow (their birth dates wereonly days apart) had died after a spell in Hospital. Jim was a regular Culter FC supporter and his son Gary is ourPlayer/Coach. Our condolences go to Jim's wife and family at their saddest of times.

Six Appeal For Culter