Doune’s Euro challenge ends

Nov 7 2008 by Our Correspondent, Stirling Observer Friday

DOUNE Castle’s amateur players have returned from a footballing journey of a lifetime.

The Caledonian League side were in Alessandria, Piedmont in Italy to take part in the Section Nine Qualifying Tournament of the UEFA Regions Cup.

Doune were drawn against host nation Italy (Piemonte Valle D’Aosta), England (Southern Amateur League) and the national side of the Republic of Ireland (Region One).

Unfortunately they lost all three matches, but the Doune Castle squad left Italy knowing they had played some outstanding football, had matched some of the tournament’s strongest sides and had been superb ambassadors for Scotland.

Their first game against the Italians was played at the Stadio Moccagatta in Alessandria. The Italian champions were a quality side and won 3-1.

Doune returned to the Stadio Moccagatta two days later to face England.

John Hamilton almost gave Doune the perfect start. A stunning second minute volley looked net bound till the English keeper pulled off a great save. And, the Scots paid dearly for failing to make that early breakthrough. The Southern Amateur Select side hit them with sucker punch goal a minute later.

Doune then dominated with some lovely football. George Haney almost snatched a deserved equaliser after John Hamilton had set up the chance with a lovely head flick.

England hit Doune with a second breakaway goal after 20 minutes.

David Henderson controlled the centre of the midfield and set up a good chance for Alan More. The overlapping full back powered a 25-yard drive just over the crossbar.

Early in the second half David Henderson’s fierce first-time volley was cleared off the line as the English goal had another narrow escape.

But the razor sharp England attack took full advantage. They hit the Castle with another goal after 75 minutes and finished 3-0 winners.

Doune travelled to nearby Tortona for the final game against the Republic of Ireland’s national side.

The Scots started well and matched the Irish in the early stages.

The Republic made the breakthrough after 22 minutes. Two further goals in the dying seconds of the half sealed the Scots’ fate.

Ireland extended their lead after 55 minutes.

But the Castle refused to lie down. They won a penalty kick after 62 minutes. David Henderson coolly slotted the ball home sending the keeper the wrong way to make it 4-1.

But a late strike sealed a 5-1 win. The Irish not only won this match but also topped the qualifying section.

For Doune Castle, any disappointment they felt was only fleeting as they realised the enormity of their achievement in qualifying for this group stage of the UEFA Region’s Cup, the only Scottish club side to have done so.

Representing Doune Castle were Alan McGirr, Stuart Foster, Alan More, Bryan Gallagher (captain), Euan Cameron, Grant Sangster, Steven Knox, Martyn Kilgannon, Fraser McLachlan, George Haney, John Hamilton, David Henderson, Fabian Schuelke, Gerard McCafferty, Duncan Morrison, Malcolm Scott, Cameron Robb and Davi Anderson, Sean Campbell (mascot).

Also in Italy were Alan Campbell (Manager), Craig Lauder (Assistant Manager), Willie Docherty (Secretary) and Ian Sommerville (Assistant Secretary).

Andy Gould, Regional Director of the Scottish Amateur Football Association, was the head coach throughout the tournament and was ultimately responsible for all team affairs.

The Castle were followed by a small but vocal band of supporters who had made the journey to Italy to make their own contribution to Doune’s European campaign.