Bios

Season 2002/2003 - Letham Amateurs

05 July 2002
All players are asked to report back for pre-season training on Tuesday, 16th,July at 6.45 p.m.

12 July 2002
All players are reminded that pre-season training recommences on Tuesday, 16th,July at 6.45 p.m.

19 July 2002
Training recommenced last Tuesday with very nearly a full squad of players under the watchful eye of Alan Ferguson. The pre-season training schedule continues this Saturday at 1.30p.m. Will all players also note that further sessions are planned for Tuesday, 23rd,July and Thursday, 25th,July at 6.45p.m. also at Seven Acres, Letham.

26 July 2002
Pre-season training is now in full swing and players are reminded of the following programme. Tomorrow, Saturday there is a friendly fixture away to Vale of Earn of Crieff. Transport leaving Seven Acres at 1.00p.m.A normal training session is planned for next Tuesday with a 6.45p.m. start. Another friendly fixture takes place on Thursday 1st August with a game against Bankfoot Juniors. Final arrangements for this match will be announced on Tuesday evening. Players and officials are also reminded that monies for the Sportsman Dinner have to be with secretary Bob Deuchar no later than Monday evening. Any problems phone Bob on 01738 638961.

02 August 2002
In an uninspiring friendly match away to Vale of Earn, the team returned home with a 2-1 win. The notable exception was two fine goals scored by Shaun Carson. Tomorrow, Saturday the team have arranged another friendly game against Breadalbane at Aberfeldy. Players assemble at Seven Acres at 12.30.Will all players note that there are training sessions arranged for Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the usual time.

09 August 2002
The pre-season programme continued last Saturday with a visit to Breadalbane at Aberfeldy. Leading 3-1 at the interval The Tangerines looked on course to record another victory. The home side had other ideas and fought back to square the game. In the end a draw was a fair result. Scorers for Letham were Paul Bullions, Shaun Carson and David Lyall. Tomorrow the side are away to Scone Amateurs in yet another friendly game. Players to meet at Seven Acres at 1.15 p.m. Next week there will training as usual on Tuesday evening and on Thursday the team take on Bridgeton United at home in the first competitive match of the season.

16 August 2002
Have now completed their pre season friendly fixtures with wins over Fairfield 2-0 goals by Paul Simpson and Garry McCabe and Scone Amateurs by the same score line. Shaun Carson and Andy Rigby finding the net. Last night was their first competitive fixture of the new season in the League Cup competition with a home match against Bridgeton United. Tomorrow, Saturday the team are away to Murray Royal. Will all players report to Bell Sports Centre at 2.00 p.m. Tuesday night requires a visit to Dunkeld to play old rivals Stanley. Players meet at Seven Acres at 5.45 p.m. On Thursday evening, the 22nd is the first league game of the new season when the team travels to Alyth.

23 August 2002
Started the league cup campaign last Thursday with a comfortable win 2-0 over Bridgeton United with goals by Andy Rigby and Garry McCabe. On Saturday the team travelled to Murray Royal and were leading by two goals just before the final whistle. The defence then gave away two daft goals and were struggling at the end to secure just the one point. Last Tuesday by virtue of a 3-2 defeat at Dunkeld by old rivals Stanley resulted in the team having no more interest in the competition. The cause was not made any easier due to the indiscipline of a central defender who was dismissed from the field of play during the second half. Last night the league championship campaign commenced with a very difficult away match at Alyth. Tomorrow, Saturday, the club welcomes Balmoral from Blairgowrie to Seven Acres. Players are requested to report to clubrooms at 2.00 p.m. Arrangements for next week will be intimated on Saturday.

30 August 2002
The previous week turned out to be one the club would rather forget. Pride was severely dented at Alyth with an 8-3 thumping. On Saturday only a last minute goal by Ross McDougall against Balmoral saved a point for the Tangerines. Tomorrow there is a home game against old adversaries St Johns and it is hoped that the team can get back on the winning trail. Players please meet at Seven Acres at 1.30 p.m.

06 September 2002
The meeting of Letham and St Johns has traditionally been close encounters. Last Saturdays thriller was no exception with the Tangerines getting the winner in the very last minute. Goals by Garry McCabe (3), Paul Simpson and Craig Currie secured a 5-4 success. Tomorrow the team have an away fixture with Bridgeton United. Players meet at Seven Acres at 1.45 p.m. Training next week will be on Wednesday at 6.45 p.m.

11 October 2002
The inconsistent season continues with a last minute goal by Roselea downed the Tangerines by the odd goal in three. Mark Donaldson scoring for Letham. Bob and Fergie are tearing their hair out considering the previous week the team accounted for Tay Thistle by 5-0 in the Scottish Cup. Shaun Carson netting a hat trick with further goals by Colin Young and Ross McDougall. This week the team travel to Blairgowrie to play Balmoral and all players are requested to report to Seven Acres at 1.45 p.m.

18 October 2002
Due to the inclement weather the fixture last Saturday at Blairgowrie was postponed. This week the club faces Bridgeton United in the first round match of the North of Tay Cup. Whilst the team is drawn at home it was agreed that they would play the fixture at Almondbank. Players meet Seven Acres on Saturday at 12.30p.m. in preparation for a 1.30p.m. kick off.

25 October 2002
The Tangerines advanced into the 2nd.Rd.of the North of Tay Cup following a vintage second half display with goals by Mark Donaldson, Garry McCabe, Peter Simpson and Shaun Carson against Bridgeton United at Almondbank. This week the team is scheduled to face old adversary Stanley in the Perthshire Cup. However due to a prior agreement this match will now be a league fixture at Stanley’s home ground and the cup match will be re-arranged. Players report to Seven Acres at 1.30p.m.

01 November 2002
Due to a water logged pitch the game against Stanley last Saturday was postponed. This week it is the third round of the Scottish Cup and the team has been drawn away to Kilbirnie Jets. It is known that this team are third top of their respective league. Having played Ayrshire teams in the past this undoubtedly will be an extremely difficult task for the Tangerines to advance in to the next round. A bus has been arranged for players and supporters, which will leave our sponsors in Leonard Street on Saturday at 10.00 a.m. prompt

08 November 2002
Last week’s fixture was cancelled due to heavy rain in the west. As this is the third round of the Scottish Cup the fixture goes ahead this week against Kilbirnie Jets. Will all supporters and players note the bus leaves on Saturday at 10.00a.m. Prompt from the team’s sponsors in Leonard Street. Ayrshire has not been a happy hunting ground for the Tangerines and previous experience indicates that this will be an extremely difficult task to secure a win. No doubt the opportunity to bring the opposition back to Perth for a replay would be a good result

15 November 2002
A late phone call last Friday evening meant that the Scottish Cup tie was again postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. The Tangerines are hoping it will be third time lucky as they again prepare for their away game with Kilbirnie Jets. Not a lot is known of the opposition but previous experience indicates that this will be an extremely hard match and the Perth boys would do well to force a replay. Will all players and supporters note that the travel arrangements are the same and the bus will depart from the team sponsors in Leonard Street at 10.00a.m. prompt.

22 November 2002
The team were delighted to achieve a draw away to Kilbirnie Jets in the Scottish Cup. It was cut and thrust all game with the Tangerines securing a replay with only ten minutes left on the clock. Paul Simpson with a brace was the Letham goal scorer. The replay goes ahead at Seven Acres on Saturday with a 1.30 kick off. Players are requested to report at the clubhouse by 12.30p.m

29 November 2002
The Tangerines involvement in the Scottish Cup ended with a feckless display against Kilbirnie Jets at Seven Acres in the replayed tie on Saturday. Having lost an early goal they chased the game thereafter and paid the penalty of too many missed chances and being caught on the counter attack. This week the team are again on their travels this time in the North of Tay Cup when they meet Whitfield in Dundee. Alan & Bob hope the team can get back to their winning ways and ask all players to report to Newhouse Road at 12 noon.

06 December 2002
The away tie against Whitfield (Dundee) in the fourth round of the North of Tay Cup was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. The team will be hoping to get back on their winning ways after the disappointed of losing their home match in the Scottish Cup. Same travel arrangements as last week i.e. meet at Seven Acres at noon.

13 December 2002
The Tangerines progressed into the next round of the North of Tay Cup competition last Saturday in Dundee against Whitfield by six goals to three. At the interval they were ahead by 3-1 but the home team struck back to equalise after only 5 minutes of the restart. Letham upped a gear and ran out comfortable winners. Goals by Peter Simpson (2), Paul Bullions (2), Shaun Carson and Gavin Smith were all the result of good lead up play. This week brings Stanley to Seven Acres in the second round of the Perthshire Cup. The teams have met twice this season all ready and each club has been rewarded with a win. The matches between these old rivals are always exciting and keen but Letham are hoping they can maintain the standard of play of last week. Will all players meet at Newhouse Road at 12.15p.m. prompt.

20 December 2002
In the final fixture of the year, the team progressed in to the next round of the Perthshire Cup following a hard fought 3-2 win over rivals Stanley. After scoring in the first minute through Peter Simpson, Letham thought they were on easy street. Stanley, however had other ideas and fought back to hold a one-goal advantage until the eightieth minute. The Tangerines equalised with a good goal by Colin Young and in the final minutes Shaun Carson stroked home a glorious winner. There is no official fixture this week so will all players contact Bob Deuchar or Alan Ferguson re timings for the special event this Saturday. The next official fixture is a league match against Tay Thistle on the 11th,January.

27 December 2002
The team is now enjoying the short winter break. In preparation for their next game on the 11th,January against Tay Thistle, will all players note that training will recommence on Wednesday 8th,January at 6.45 pm.

03 January 2003
In preparation for their next official fixture against Tay Thistle on Saturday, 11th,January will all players note that training recommences at Seven Acres on Wednesday, 8th,January at 6.45p.m.

10 January 2003
On Saturday the team entertain Tay Thistle at Seven Acres in a league match. The Tangerines will be hoping to continue in the same vein of form they enjoyed before the festive break Players to meet at Newhouse Road at 12.45p.m.Due to the frost conditions however it is unlikely the home pitch will be playable. Alan & Bob will contact all players in this event and advise of the alternative arrangements. The club is seeking temporary indoor accommodation for training whilst this cold weather prevails.

17 January 2003
On Saturday the team entertain Tay Thistle in a league fixture. The Tangerines will be hoping to continue in the same vein of form they enjoyed before the winter break. In preparation for this game the team enjoyed a special training session in Dundee on Tuesday evening. Will all players report to the clubrooms 12.45p.m.

24 January 2003
Last Saturday the team continued their good run with a comprehensive victory over Tay Thistle by 7 goals to 2. The first half was fairly even but the home side were thwarted on a few occasions due to being over eager and unable to cope with Thistle’s offside tactics and turned round leading with the odd goal in three. The second half was a different story and only fine saves by the Thistle goalkeeper kept the score down. Scorers for Letham were S Carson with a brace and singles from Paul Simpson, Peter Simpson, S MacDuff, R McDougall and G McCabe. The club during the match brought on “Pele” for his first game since October due to injury and he capped the event with a well taken goal. This week the team are away to Gateway in the second round of the Ashleigh Cup and players are requested to report to Seven Acres at 12.45p.m.

31 January 2003
Last Saturday in the Ashleigh Cup tie played at Seven Acres, Gateway played the Tangerines for the very first time in their short existence. Alas it was not a game they will wish to remember as they were on the receiving end of a 14-0 defeat. To their credit they never gave up but were completely overwhelmed by a Letham side playing to their potential. Goals were scored by S Carson (4), R MacDougall (3), C Young (1), P Bullions (3), G McCabe (1) and D Forret (2). This week the team have an away league fixture with Murray Royal and players are asked to meet at the Bell’s Sport Centre at 1.00p.m.

07 February 2003
Last week’s fixture was postponed due to frost. The game goes ahead again this week when the team travel on league business to play Murray Royal. The club hope their recent form continues as their opponents are currently sitting near the top of the league. Players are reminded to meet at Bells Sport Centre at 1.00p.m.

14 February 2003
Last week the winning streak came to an end when the team went down 2-0 to Murray Royal. Having lost an early goal the Tangerines fought hard for an equaliser but poor finishing plus the loss of a second goal in the final minute meant the points were lost. This week the club entertain Rattray from the second division in the 3rd round of the Perthshire Cup. Players are requested to report to Seven acres at 1.00p.m.

21 February 2003
Due to the extreme frosty conditions last week’s cup-tie was postponed to a later date. This week the Tangerines travel to play old adversary Stanley in a league fixture. Will players meet Seven Acres at 1.15p.m.

28 February 2003
The Tangerines were pleased to return home with 3 points following their narrow win over old time rivals Stanley by 2 goals to 1.Usually these encounters are ding dong affairs but alas this game did not live up to expectations. Letham’s goal scorers were Ross McDougall and Paul Simpson. This week Murray Royal come to Seven Acres to play a third round tie in the North of Tay Cup. If the team is to progress further then it will be necessary for them to improve their game, especially as their rivals had a recent league victory. Will players report to Newhouse Road pavilion at 12.45p.m.

03 March 2003
In preparation for their next official fixture against Tay Thistle on Saturday, 11th,January will all players note that training recommences at Seven Acres on Wednesday, 8th,January at 6.45p.m.

10 March 2003
On Saturday the team entertain Tay Thistle at Seven Acres in a league match. The Tangerines will be hoping to continue in the same vein of form they enjoyed before the festive break Players to meet at Newhouse Road at 12.45p.m.Due to the frost conditions however it is unlikely the home pitch will be playable. Alan & Bob will contact all players in this event and advise of the alternative arrangements. The club is seeking temporary indoor accommodation for training whilst this cold weather prevails.

17 March 2003
On Saturday the team entertain Tay Thistle in a league fixture. The Tangerines will be hoping to continue in the same vein of form they enjoyed before the winter break. In preparation for this game the team enjoyed a special training session in Dundee on Tuesday evening. Will all players report to the clubrooms 12.45p.m.

24 Marc h 2003
Last Saturday the team continued their good run with a comprehensive victory over Tay Thistle by 7 goals to 2. The first half was fairly even but the home side were thwarted on a few occasions due to being over eager and unable to cope with Thistle’s offside tactics and turned round leading with the odd goal in three. The second half was a different story and only fine saves by the Thistle goalkeeper kept the score down. Scorers for Letham were S Carson with a brace and singles from Paul Simpson, Peter Simpson, S MacDuff, R McDougall and G McCabe.The club during the match brought on “Pele” for his first game since October due to injury and he capped the event with a well taken goal. This week the team are away to Gateway in the second round of the Ashleigh Cup and players are requested to report to Seven Acres at 12.45p.m.

31 March 2003
Last Saturday in the Ashleigh Cup tie played at Seven Acres, Gateway played the Tangerines for the very first time in their short existence. Alas it was not a game they will wish to remember as they were on the receiving end of a 14-0 defeat. To their credit they never gave up but were completely overwhelmed by a Letham side playing to their potential. Goals were scored by S Carson (4), R MacDougall (3), C Young (1), P Bullions (3), G McCabe (1) and D Forret (2). This week the team have an away league fixture with Murray Royal and players are asked to meet at the Bell’s Sport Centre at 1.00p.m.

14 March 2003
Following their free day last week, the team will be striving to get back to their winning ways when they entertain Kittens at home this Saturday in the 3rd Rd. of the Ashleigh Cup. Players to meet at clubhouse at 12.45p.m.

21 March 2003
Visitors Kettins last Saturday stunned Letham by scoring an early goal, which resulted from a bad defensive error. Try as they might The Tangerines were held at bay and a shock result was on the cards. In injury time Peter Simpson following a rare flowing move slammed the ball high into the net past the visiting keeper to save the homesters blushes. In the ensuing periods of extra time Gary McCabe slipped the ball home after a mazy run. Moments later Kettins were severely punished when their goalkeeper handled a defensive pass back. Whilst the visitors protested Letham quickly took the indirect free kick and McCabe notched his second goal. Letham then proceeded to miss chance after chance before Peter Simpson scored their fourth just before the final whistle. In the end Letham ran out deserved winners but Kettins went very close indeed to advancing into the next round. This week the club have another home tie in the 3rd. rd. of the Perthshire Cup against Rattray. Players please report to clubhouse at 12.45p.m.

28 March 2003
Letham returned to form last Saturday with a comprehensive victory over Rattray in the 3rd.Rd of the Perthshire Cup. In the first half Craig Currie opened the scoring from a corner kick from the right. Later in the half he doubled his tally with an exquisite lob over the goalkeeper from 20 yards. The second period was a repeat of the first with The Tangerines passing the ball well despite a fiery surface. Shaun Cassidy bursting through from mid-field scored a further two fine goals and substitute Gavin Smith rounded off the scoring when he showed the visiting defence a clean pair of heels. This week it is back to league business with the visit of Alyth to Seven Acres. The team will be trying very hard to avenge their biggest defeat for many a long year when the played Alyth on the first day of the season. Players report to Newhouse Road on Saturday at 1.15p.m.

04 April 2003
Letham partly avenged their big defeat at the start of the season by beating Alyth by 4 goals to 3.Goals by Shaun Carson with a well-taken brace and singles by Paul Simpson and Gavin Smith ensured the points stayed in Perth. Cruising at 4-1 they made the mistake of taking the foot off the pedal, which could have been costly. This win however looks to have put paid to the title aspirations of the visitors. This week Breadalbane visit Seven Acres and again the Tangerines will be wishing to avenge their last losing encounter. Players to report to clubhouse at 1.15 p.m. This is followed by a mid week game next Thursday evening when Murray Royal visit for a league match. Again Letham will be hoping to dent their title ambitions.

11 April 2003
Breadalbane shook Letham when they went in to a two goal first half lead. The Tangerines stormed back after the break and were rewarded when Gavin Smith beat the offside trap to slip the ball home. Then followed a blockbuster volley from Andy Rigby for the equaliser. Letham proceeded to miss numerous chances and with the Aberfeldy ‘keeper in fine form had in the end settle for a share of the points. Tomorrow the team welcome opponents Roselea to Seven Acres for a league fixture. Over the years these old rivals have produced some great entertaining matches and it is hoped tomorrow will be no exception. Players meet clubhouse at 1.15p.m. On Tuesday evening it will be back to cup business when the team travel to Auchterarder in the quarterfinal of the Ashleigh Cup.

18 April 2003
Last Thursday evening Letham fought their way to the Semi-Final of the Perthshire Cup with an extra time winner by Craig Currie which saw them through 3-2 against the strong going Murray Royal. The other scorers were Gavin Smith and Peter Simpson. Last Tuesday evening an injury hit team travelled to Auchterarder to face the locals in the quarterfinal tie of the Ashleigh Cup. In a ding-dong tie the Tangerines scraped home on penalties 7-6 after the game ended all square at two goals apiece. Andy Rigby and Davie Alexander were the scorers for Letham. Tomorrow it is back to league business when the team travel to the other end of Letham to play Tay Thistle at Jeanfield Park. Players please report to the Bowl at 1.30p.m.

25 April 2003
Last week in the semi final of the Ashleigh Cup, the weakened team won through to the final thanks to a 3-1 win after extra-time over Auchterarder. This was followed on the Saturday with a comfortable 4-1 league win over Tay Thistle with goals by Mark Donaldson, Colin Young, Andy Rigby and Dave Alexander. Tuesday evening saw the team travel to Alyth in a quarterfinal tie for the Perthshire Cup. Goals by Mark Donaldson, Paul Simpson and “Pele” was enough to see the Tangerines safely through to the next round by the odd goal in five. Tomorrow the team are in action for the seventh time in fifteen days when they welcome St Johns to Seven Acres for a semi-final clash in the Perthshire Cup which is a repeat of last night’s game in the Perth & District Cup. Players are requested to meet clubrooms at 1.00p.m.

02 May 2003
Mixed fortunes for the Tangerines last week in their two semis. On the Thursday evening they lost tamely on the North Inch to St John’s in the Perth & District Cup. Two days later however they reversed the result with a 3-2 success over the same opponents at Seven Acres. Goals by Craig Currie, Steve McDuff (pen) and Colin Young were sufficient for the team to reach the final of the Perthshire Cup. Tomorrow it is back to league business when Bridgeton United are entertained. Players are asked to meet clubhouse at 12.15p.m. due to an early kick off at 1.30p.m. Next Tuesday the team hope all supporters and friends will come along to cheer on the lads in the final of the Ashleigh Cup being played at Luncarty with a 7.00p.m. start against either Stanley or Rattray.

09 May 2003
Last Saturday the team comfortably defeated Bridgeton United 6-2 in a home league fixture. This was followed on Tuesday evening with a hard fought 2-1 win over Stanley in the final of the Ashleigh Cup, played at Luncarty. Whilst not a classic due to the strong wind, Letham took advantage of the elements in the first half and scored the opener through captain Steve Roy. Colin Young added a second before the interval. The Tangerines missed numerous opportunities to add to their score. On the resumption it was Stanley’s turn to apply the pressure but the Letham defence held out to near the end when an own goal by a defender meant that the last five minutes were hectic. Letham had to use all their substitutes including their goalkeeper. Last night meant the return to league business with an away visit to Balmoral. Tomorrow is a league encounter with St Johns. Players to meet North Inch at 1.15p.m.

16 May 2003
With the league season coming to a close, the outstanding fixtures have been getting played. Last Thursday the team were at Blairgowrie against Balmoral. Inside injury time Letham scored their fourth and it looked as if they would bring the points back to Perth. However, in a late rally the home team equalised with virtually the last kick of the game. Next came a game against St Johns on the North Inch. Both sides were under strength due to injuries but Letham made sure there would be no last minute equalisers on this occasion and ran out winners by 3-2 with goals by Matt Donaldson, David Alexander and Shaun Carson. The team’s final league game was against the league leaders -Murray Royal played on the South Inch. On Tuesday night. regardless of the fact that the team was again under strength they found themselves 3-1 ahead with the final minutes looming. It was hard to believe that due to severe defensive bloomers they managed to turn a winning position into a defeat by allowing the visitors to score three soft goals. The team complete their season again against Murray Royal on Tuesday evening in the final of the Perthshire Cup being played at Foxhall Park, Coupar Angus with a 7.00p.m. kick off. The club would welcome vocal backing from all their supporters and friends when the hope to add another piece of silverware to the all ready won Ashleigh Cup.

23 May 2003
The team completed the season when they played Murray Royal in the final of the Perthshire Cup, which was played at Tulloch Park on Tuesday evening. In the first half apart from hitting the underside of the bar early on played second fiddle to their opponents and at the interval were three goals down. A spirited reply after the break resulted in Shaun Carson scoring with a terrific turn and volley strike. It was hoped this would spark the Tangerines in to a recovery but this fizzled out and Murray Royal were deserved winners by five goals to one.

30 May 2003
The team will celebrate the season at the teams sponsors tonight, meeting at 8.00p.m.Having finished fourth in the league championship, beaten finalists in the Perthshire Cup and winners of the Ashleigh Cup the team can look back with pride on their achievements for this season. The official club presentation and disco night will take place at the 208 on Friday, 20th,June. Tickets from players or phone Bob on 01738 638964. Reminder that all outstanding lotto monies are now due and should be paid without further delay

06 June 2003
The club greatly appreciated the input from the sponsor not only last Friday, when the team celebrated a successful season but for their support throughout the season The official club presentation and disco night will take place at the 208 on Friday, June 20. Tickets available from players or phone Bob Deuchar on 01738 638961

13 June 2003
Reminder that monies for lotto tickets are overdue. The official club presentation and disco evening takes place next Friday in the 208. Tickets are still available from players or phone Bob Deuchar on 01738 638961

20 June 2003
A very successful season closes with a presentation evening tonight at 7.30 in the 208. A buffet and a disco are also provided. The club is all ready preparing for the new season and plans are in hand to re-commence training early July.

27 June 2003
A well supported evening brought the curtain down on a very successful season. John Bain, mine host of the team sponsors presented the awards at the 208 last Friday evening. The recipients were Player of the Year-Peter Simpson, Clubman of the year-John Innes, Top goals scorer Shaun Carson, Manager’s player of the year Shaun Carson, Goal of the season-Steve McDuff, Thanks also to Ian Doris of the 208 for ensuring that everything went to plan.

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