The Stadium.
Balmoor Stadium becomes the 25th of 42 stadiums I have visited in the Scottish Professional Leagues, and the first of 2024. Situated in the fishing town of Peterhead, the stadium has the greatest distance to a railway station in the UK. 32 miles separate Balmoor from Aberdeen Railway station, making away days particularly tough for visiting supporters. With a capacity of 3,500, there was ample space for the 727 fans- around 30 travelling from Edinburgh. Balmoor stadium offers free parking for fans early enough to grab a space, and a club bar for those that avoided the drive. Once through the turnstiles, the low winter sun illuminated a small but well formed ground, with opposing seated stands and standing space all around the pitch. Murals of local fishing boats wishing the team to success are a nice touch, and pictured below, the star of the show.
Unfortunately the sign pointed towards the bathrooms, but I was still able to grab the matchday essentials around the corner. After a lackluster mince pie and adequate Bovril, I was ready for kickoff.
The Match.
The encounter began with The Spartans just 3 points behind Peterhead, who occupied 4th and 2nd in the Cinch League 2 table respectively. I was particularly interested in watching The Spartans latest loanee, Callum Booth, who has been at Premiership club St Johnstone for the past three and a half seasons. Other notable personnel involved in the game was Linesman and Scottish Conservative party leader Douglas Ross, who was greeted with a sarcastic cheer. Unfortunately, that was almost the last cheer to be heard across the stadium, as a pretty poor game unfolded. Peterhead probably just about had the better first half, defined by a good passage in play which resulted in an outrageous overhead kick attempt, which was nowhere near the goal. The second half continued in similar fashion, with the exception of a moment of brilliance by The Spartans number 9, Blair Henderson, which resulted in the game’s only goal. The Spartans leapfrog Peterhead into 2nd place, with the Blue Toon resigned to their 3rd consecutive loss.
Post-Match Thoughts.
I was pleased to see a strong local crowd on a cold Saturday in the North-East, and a sense of community spirit lost elsewhere. Although on a poor run of form, I would expect Peterhead to finish the season in the promotion play-off places, and look for a swift return to League one. The Spartans have plenty to be excited about, welcoming Hearts in January for a televised Scottish Cup tie. Like many recently promoted teams from the 5th tier, they will be looking to progress up the ladder as quickly as possible, establishing themselves on the SPFL map. I look forward to visiting them at Ainslie Park. Whilst I won’t remember my visit to Balmoor for the match itself, I will recall the positive experience I had.
Northern Terraces 
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