First Ever Gretna Goalkeeper

Eric Mitchell

We are sorry to say that we have learnt of the death of Eric Mitchell.

For almost 70 years Eric was a player, supporter and friend of football in Gretna and he will be sorely missed.

Just after the war, land was donated to the township to remember those lads who never returned and a football team was formed. When the first home game was played in 1946, Eric Mitchell was the goalkeeper.

Ever since he has maintained his interest in Gretna football although he relocated to Cambuslang.

Well into his 90s Eric would continue to visit us here at Raydale and was a regular attender on our forays north.

He was a sponsor of the club and always the first name down when player sponsorship came up for renewal each year. “Eric Mitchell sponsors the goalie!” His internet account was mrgretna.

Eric died peacefully on Monday 3^rd August wearing his Gretna scarf which will be with him when he is cremated at Daldowie Crematorium, near Glasgow on Wednesday 12^th August at 3 pm to which friends are invited. The club is planning to be represented and there will be a minutes celebration of Eric’s life and his contribution to our club before the match with Stirling University on Saturday.

Ian Richmond

Gretna FC 2008 4 – 5 East Kilbride

Gretna FC 2008 4 – 5 East Kilbride

Scottish Lowland League

Wednesday 5th August 2008

The official presentation of the team travel kit was made last night by joint sponsors CSW Insurance & Halo Assist. Craig Williamson (CSW) & Tony Parris (Halo Assist) took to the pitch before kick off and presented Gretna Captain Alan Inglis with the new track suits which the team wear for all home & away games.

Craig Williamson (CSW) Captain Alan Inglis & Tony Parris (Halo Assist)

Gretna narrowly missed out in an exciting match where both sides committed to attacking, entertaining football that thrilled the fans at Raydale on Wednesday night.

2008 opened the scoring with a cheeky Brandon Longcake flick past McGinley in the Kilby goal. But East Kilbride quickly struck back and a hat trick from Jack Smith pushed them ahead. They went further ahead when Mark Blakey made it 4-1 before Dean Smith eased the Raydale side’s blushes with a goal just before half time.

Sean Winter extended the visitors lead in the 55^th minute before the hoops launched a thrilling fight back with goals from Longcake and Anderson.

The match could have been squared if McGinley had not made a superb penalty save low down on his left.

Disappointment for Gretna but certainly one which had the fans buzzing. Luckily the Raydale side have a quick chance to bounce back with a visit from Stirling University to Raydale on Saturday.

Gretna FC 2008: Parker, Atkinson, Inglis, Rea, Douglas, Smith, Longcake, Addison, Crozier, Milligan, Anderson

East Kilbride: McGinley, Gebbie, Russell, Howie, Blakey, Winter, Winters, Lachlan, Smith, Brady, Kinnaird

To see highlights of the game click here

CSW & Halo Assist Sponsors of tomorrow night's game

Gretna FC (2008) will officially receive their travel kit for the coming season tomorrow night from Joint sponsors CSW Insurance & Halo Assist. CSW who are long time sponsors of the Black & Whites have combined with Halo Assist to provide & sponsor the team with this seasons travel kit.  Craig Williamson of CSW & Tony Parris of Halo Assist who are also the match sponsors will make the presentation at half time. The Board at Gretna FC (2008) would like to thank both companies for their valued sponsorship and support.

Next Home Game

Gretna FC (2008) will look to bounce back from their 3 - 0 defeat at Edinburgh City when they entertain last years League Cup champions East Kilbride.The South Lanarkshire side will be on a high after they defeated BSC Glasgow 2 - 1 in their opening game on Saturday at the K Park and Stuart Rome's men will have be at their very best on Wednesday night.

Kick Off is at 7.45pm and entrance fee is £5.00 for non season ticket holders.

Edinburgh City 3 - 0 Gretna FC (2008)

Edinburgh City 3 – 0 Gretna FC (2008)

Saturday 1^st August 2015

Meadowbank, Edinburgh

It was a game of two halves. The first was played in driving rain, the second in sunshine. Gretna were ineffectual in both.

Stuart Rome persevered with the 3-5-2 formation he had tried at Kendal the previous week. Rather than turn numerical superiority in midfield to their advantage Gretna’s play was cluttered..

Sean Muhsin opened the scoring on 23 minutes with a 35yard shot that Parker never saw. Shortly afterwards Anderson shot well wide when presented with a clear shot on goal. Gretna continued to press. Anderson set up Dean Douglas who shot well wide. ON 36 minutes Douglas crossed for Smith to set up Anderson who brought a good save out of Amos. Amos starred again to push aside a Longcake header from a Rea free kick.

Hopes of second half revival were quickly dashed when City won a corner from an offside position. Harrison headed home to make it 2-0.

Gretna struggled to make their efforts pay off. Smith flighted a free kick to Anderson who headed just wide. Addison struck the junction of the post and bar. Douglas hit the underside of the bar.

The replacement of Anderson by Milligan failed to change matters. City got a soft penalty which Gair converted to wrap matters up.

Gretna FC 2008: Parker, Atkinson, Douglas, Casey, Rea, Crozier, Longcake, Addison, Anderson, McMath, Smith subs Milligan, Graham C, Thorburn, Goodwin, Halliday, Graham D, Murray

Today's Bus Times

Edinburgh City FC v Gretna FC 2008, Saturday 1st August 2015

Reays Depot, Wigton - 11am
Kingstown, Asda -  11.15am
Raydale, Gretna - 11.30am
Lockerbie - 11.45am