The First Round of the Scottish Cup often throws up some interesting encounters between teams from opposite ends of the country, todays encounter in the border town of Galashiels a good example, with Gala Fairydean, boasting a 100% start to the campaign in Division One of the East of Scotland League, hosting Aberdeen based Sunnybank who are reigning Scottish Junior FA North Region champions.
Rugby Union competes with football as the main spectator sport in this part of the world, with the two grounds standing side by side, and both known as Netherdale.
There is no doubt that the main feature of the football ground is its unusual and quite spectacular grandstand.
The stand also provides excellent views of the game and the surrounding countryside.
Meetings between teams from the respective leagues are so rare that this is a very difficult game to call, but Sunnybank make a flying start, Steven Bartlett giving them a 9th minute lead, before David Greig drills home this free-kick to make it 2-0 on 15 minutes.
A potential turning point arrives just three minutes before the interval, with Alan Smith missing a great chance for the hosts, and Sunnybank breaking straight to the other end, where Nicky Gordon headed home Willie Steel's cross.
Any lingering hopes for Gala are killed off after 61 minutes, with Nicky Gordon laying the ball back for Steven Bartlett to make it 4-0, but the hosts are denied when Paul Young's overhead kick hits the bar, and the same player does score a 78th minute consolation after a penalty award for a foul on Aaron Brunton, following up to score after his spot kick is saved by Lee Sweeney.
The final ten minutes see Gala collect two straight red cards, Ross Glass for raising his hands to an opponent and Greg Hay for a two footed tackle, and not surprisingly Sunnybank take full advantage, adding further goals from Nicky Gordon and Chris Steel to wrap up a very impressive 6-1 victory.
