First Highland League test arrives after summer of seismic change at Seafield Park
A huge weekend is looming for the new look Strathspey Thistle after a summer of wholesale changes at Seafield Park.
The Jags kick off their 2024/25 Highland League campaign tomorrow away to Huntly.
There is optimism around Seafield Park for the new season after seismic changes at the club.
The experienced duo of Bobby Beckwith and his assistant Ronnie Sharp have come in and transfer business has been brisk.
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It needed to be with the Grantown club having just two registered players on the books two months’ ago.
Under the new ownership of majority shareholder and chief executive Grant McKellar, a host of new players have arrived at Seafield Park.
And in pre-season at least, Beckwith and Sharp seem to be getting a team that is starting to gel.
The latest encouraging result was a 2-2 midweek against a Ross County XI at Seafield Park.
The new manager praised the character of his side against the well-drilled SPL side.
Beckwith said afterwards: “It was good to get another tough pre-season game under our belt.
“We got off once again to a slow start and lost an early goal in the first three minutes - it was one we should have dealt with a lot better.
“However, the lads showed great character.
“They kept playing their football and stuck to the game plan.”
The hosts did not take long to get back on level terms.
Jamie Calder met a great cross from Gordie MacNab to head home at the back post and restore parity just three minutes later.
Beckwith said: “Ross County are of course a well drilled outfit and they kept us under a lot of pressure but I was delighted with the way in which we defended.”
The Jags took the lead before the break and it was a great move.
The home side countered from a County corner and eight passes later the ball was delivered to Caelan Mutch to drive home low and hard across the keeper for a 2-1 lead in the 42nd minute.
Beckwith was forced into making a couple of changes at half-time with players receiving knocks.
Lewis Mackie and Kieran Duffy came on as replacements and both did well.
Ross County also made some substitutions and fresh legs caused the Highland League side some problems.
It was not a great surprise when they pulled level in the 65 minute which went in off the inside of the post.
Beckwith has been pleased with what his side has shown in pre-season - and the fans have been impressed too.
But he is also realistic about how tough the Highland League is.
Publicly the club - which finished bottom again last season - is targeting a finish outside of the bottom three.
He said: “Overall we have had a good pre-season winning three of the five games, drawing one and losing the other.”
Beckwith joked: “If we start the season like that then I will retire!”
He continued: “But seriously, the real work starts this Saturday away to Huntly and we all know they will be be a strong side.
“It is always a difficult place to go to.
“We won’t have any easy games this season and the points we get will be hard-earned.
“What I do know for sure is that the lads will give their very best.
“I’d also like to thank the support we have received at all the games so far from our fans - it really is much appreciated.”
The Jags first home game of the season is a tough looking game when they host Brora Rangers on Saturday August 3 with a 3pm kick-off.
