With the awkward Match international break and the top flight rest, many fans look down the divisions for their local football fix. What better time to host ‘Non League Day’ then? Back home in Highland Perthshire for the weekend, I decided to get along to Brownlands Park, for Luncarty F.C. crunch tie against local rivals Kinnoull F.C.

A newly constructed fence around the pitch (a EOSPL standard) prevents a first glance into the ground, but I am welcomed by a sign.

The Bleachers? An unusual nickname I thought as I headed in. Entry is through a classic social club, with a causal atmosphere. I was delighted to see a programme, which answered my questions on the first page. Formed in 1886 by workers of a local bleachworks, Luncarty was a founding member of the Perthshire Senior League in 1898. Some of Luncarty’s best success has come in recent years, moving to the senior ranks in 2020 to join the then newly reformed Scottish pyramid. the 2023/24 season has been tough for Luncarty, sitting 15th and firmly in a relegation battle. Below them in bottom spot, Kinnoull look resigned to relegation with just 5 points after 22 games.

Around 100 fans had taken position by kick off, and Luncarty (in black and yellow) kicked off against Kinnoull (in red). The match started with energy, neither team scared of a challenge. It would take just 5 minutes for a forced substitute, as Ross MacLachlan limped off after a clash of knees. Despite temporarily being down to 10 men, Luncarty striker Rhys Davies slotted home at close range to give the home side an early lead. Kinnoull grew into the game well, limiting Luncarty attacks and looking dangerous on the right hand side. Their persistence would pay off in the 40th minute, with the Kinnoull captain levelling things up. Rhys Davies, almost directly from kickoff made his way up the pitch and restored Luncarty’s lead, and the home side held on till half time.

Luncarty started the second half brightly, and kept Kinnoull largely in their own half, as they looked to kill the game off. Ben Scarborough forced a good save from the Kinnoull keeper in the 51st minute, and buried his next effort on goal to make the score 3-1 to Luncarty. Legs were tiring in the last 20 minutes, with both teams making changes to keep the intensity up. The Kinnoull 11 gave his team hope in the 73rd minute, when his shot went through the legs of Michael Patton and into the net. Rhys Davies may of thought he had completed his hattrick in the 76th minute, but saw his shot roll just wide of the post after being one-on-one with the keeper. Luncarty held firm in the last 15, often holding the ball by the corner flag much to the frustration of the away side. As the seconds trickled by, I got the sense that Kinnoull were completely spent, and Luncarty had done enough. My suspicions were proven with the sound of the referee’s whistle, as he called time giving Luncarty a vital 3-2 win. The result lifted them above Crossgates and into 14th. 10 games leaves relegation matters firmly in Luncarty’s hands, and they will look to build on the match when they host Musselburgh Athletic in two weeks time. Although escape from relegation is mathematically possible, Kinnoull look resigned to life in the East of Scotland First Division.

On my way out of the ground after full time, the social club was already bustling, full of chat and pints. I will certainly be back to Brownlands Park to further learn the history of Luncarty, and I hope they can steer clear of the drop come the end of the season.

Match Facts

Goals:

Luncarty		Kinnoull
6′ Davies		40′ #6
41′ Davies		73′ #11
65′ Scarborough

Bookings:

Luncarty	Kinnoull
55′ Woolley	43′ #6
63′ Hutchison	80′ #11

Substitutions:

Luncarty	Kinnoull
5′ MacLachlan ↓ Dobie↑	71′ 4 & 19 ↓ 7 & 21 ↑
64′ Green ↓ Fergus ↑
78′ Hutchison ↓ Smart ↑