In an age where winning is the only thing, it is refreshing to hear of a sporting encounter at the weekend that, in many ways, turned back the clock 100 years or more to the days where it was that taking part that was all-important – the “Corinthian Spirit”, based on the ethos of the Corinthians Football Club in London.

The encounter last weekend was the very first football match in Scotland to be played by a “gay” football club, HotScots.  History will record that final score line will suggest a somewhat one-sided game, with Haddington Select winning 9-0.

An embarrassment for HotScots?  No way!  A return match-up is already planned.

And the HotScots could easily have kept quiet about their first outing.  But they didn’t, releasing a match report.

The Corinthian Spirit is still alive – and perhaps the HotScots might like to know that Manchester United’s heaviest defeat on record was in 1904 when they went down 11-3 to … Corinthians FC.

The report from HotScots …

Haddington Select 9,  HotScots FC 0

Arriving on a dull but dry day, the HotScots arrived at Aubigny Sports Centre with optimism for their inaugural 11-a-side game.

With 20 players having turned out, the first 11 took to the field to face a team of Haddington Boys coaches, Haddington Select.

The game started quickly on a fast and very wide pitch with Haddington putting together some nice passes and making the ball do the work.  With some valiant defending with Michel sweeping at the back and JP making some good stops between the posts, the HotScots held back the tide for the best part of 20 minutes or so, and even managed a couple of attempts of their own.

Eventually though, Haddington’s relentless attack bore fruit, and they scored with a well-timed header.  This was followed by a penalty soon after, and then a flurry of goals leading to a half-time score of 5 – 0, despite holding out well to begin with.

Nearly an entirely new team started the second half, such were the numbers boasted by the HotScots, and they started to chase the game.

Several players started to find their feet and play with a little more confidence, and the HotScots began to string together a few nice moves of their own.  Particular mention must go to Nick at left back, arguably the HotScots’ Man of the Match, and Paul who carved out several opportunities himself.

Both players had chances to score the first historic goal for the HotScots, along with Alan and JP making a nice run to be clear through only to play the ball narrowly wide of the post. 

Inevitably, by chasing the game so wholeheartedly, gaps appeared in the HotScots shape and these were punished by several more well-worked Haddington goals; a team that ruthlessly took their chances when they came along.

Despite the HotScots having the legs on their opposition for the last 15 minutes, they were unable to capitalise and the game ended 9 – 0.

There were several positives to be taken from the game for the debutants.  Apart from a fantastic turn-out from a team that didn’t exist 12 months ago, and only began training back in August, the HotScots never let their heads drop and played the game with immense grit and steel throughout.

Several players had never been involved in an 11-a-side game before, so now there is a far clearer picture as to who should play where.

After retiring to the local hostelry, the two teams mingled and agreed that a return leg is definitely on the cards if not even making this a regular monthly fixture.

Kevin Rowe, chairman and founder of HotScots FC, said: “Naturally, we are disappointed with the scoreline, but this was always going to be a steep learning curve for a team that had never played as a unit before.

“We will take many lessons from this game, and definitely have a lot to build on.  Hopefully, we can improve bit by bit, and make future fixtures somewhat closer.

“Nonetheless, I am amazingly proud that the team has come so far in such a short time, and I am certain that if the team’s determination continues, the results will definitely get better.

A huge thank you to Lesley and the Haddington boys for taking us on, and we very much look forward to the next game.”

Lesley of Haddington Select said: “It was a fab game to watch. I thought the teams were quite evenly matched.”

In the sense that there were 11 players in each team?

Perhaps [HotScots] can prove Lesley right in the return leg, and finally get the HotScots’ first goal if not first victory!

■ HotScots FC now boast over 75 members, and regularly enjoy ‘kickabouts’ every Thursday and Sunday.

Although based in Edinburgh, membership is open to players and fans from across Scotland.

The club is actively looking for sponsorship and already have on board web developers David and Joe Ltd, the company behind the gay social networking website Fitlads.net, who provide the club's website.

LINK

website

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Licence.  

Posted: 23 January 2008 at 22:00 (UK time)