‘Upp’ers for the cup
The Moffat football club, which joined the Dumfries Sunday League at the start of the season, after resigning from the South of Scotland, travel to play Fauldhouse United Sundays in West Lothian at the Fauldhouse Partnership Centre.
Manager Mark Turner says the team will be ready to give it their all in the national competition.
He said: “We’ve probably overachieved by reaching the quarter final, out of more than 200 teams.
“We’re taking a bus up, it’s sold out. I dare say there will be a few going up in cars as well.
“Looking at the social media posts by Fauldhouse, it looks like their community is coming out for the game.
“The boys are looking forward to it. We will be prepared and organised, like we always are.”
Turner added: “We believe that the final is played at an SPFL club. I think last year’s was at the Falkirk Community Stadium.
“But we’re not thinking any further ahead than the quarter final.”
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Until the start of this season, Uppers had always played on a Saturday, with Moffat Thistle and The Famous Star previously representing the town on the Sunday stage.
At the end of the last campaign, however, a decision was made to leave the sixth tier SOSFL.
Turner, who has been involved with the club for 25 years, said: “Due to difficulties in running within the South of Scotland League, the decision was taken to step back and compete within the Sunday Amateur League.
“It was to give the club an opportunity to have a look at things – restructure and look at their infrastructure.
“The team now is made up mostly of local players.
“Our age range varies from 16 to 35. There’s plenty of experience and we’ve got plenty of youth.
“It’s a well run league, and they’ve accommodated us, which we are really appreciative of.”
The club has been playing its home games at Hope Johnstone Park, where they have recently built a tea hut.
Turner said: “Due to not being able to meet the Scottish FA criteria for facilities, we were having to play our football in Lockerbie last season. That was a huge factor in us coming home as well.”
The club will celebrate its 60th birthday in May, and a number of events are planned to celebrate the milestone, including a dinner dance, children’s five-a-side competition, presentation evening and a community fun day.
Turner said: “We went into this season solely to enjoy it. We had no expectations whatsoever, it was solely to get local boys playing and bring football back to Moffat. “We will never say never to taking the step up again. But we need the support of the local community and local authority to give Moffat the facilities to progress all sports within the town.
“Whatever happens on Sunday, we have enjoyed the run and success. We have put football back in the town again.”
Thanks are expressed to all supporters and sponsors, with a special shout out to The Famous Star Hotel and Restaurant.
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