Stow 1 Hawick Waverley 0 (League)

The difference between Mark darling and a camel is that a camel can go for more than a few days without a drink. But he’ll certainly deserve a drink this weekend after netting the gaol that sent his side hurtling like a space rocket out of the earth’s atmosphere towards a faraway planet called league success.

It’ll be a dangerous mission lasting nearly eight months, but if he becomes the first man from Stow to set foot on that planet, it’ll be one small step for Darling but one giant leap for Darling kind.

The goal came in 20 minutes or something when Anderson swung in a free kick or corner onto Darling’s head and he blasted it in from about six yards.

Another shining star in Stow’s galaxy of happiness was Bruce Aitchison, even though in the changing rooms before the game he was like a nervous schoolboy, and no wonder, he actually is one!

Aitchison who is only 16 or something, nearly didn’t make the match after he was injured playing kiss, cuddle and torture at play time only two days earlier and he’s doubtful for this Saturday too, for tomorrow he’s involved in an important game of Cops and Robbers.

George  Fairgrieve played good too. The match ball, a round leather one, was sponsored by Car Parts 4U, Galashiels. Stow would also like to thank Lauder for letting them use their pitch and changing facilities. Luckily Lauder were playing away so it wasn’t too crowded.

9^th September 1995

Stow 2 Gala Rovers 4 (League)

If Stow manager Dougie Anderson had arranged last week to go out for a meal with Derek Hancock after the match, he would have phoned up the restaurant after two minutes and cancelled his booking, purely out of anger and frustration.

For only two minutes into this local derby, so highly charged the fans had to wear wellington boots to prevent them from getting electrocuted, Hancock lashed Rovers ahead.

Hancock, a good looking rebel who plays by his own rules, picked up the ball 40yards out, controlled it with his left foot, teed it up with his right, and with his remaining foot sent it hurtling towards goal.

George Fairgrieve chose to let the 50 mile per hour shot go through his legs, the only other thing that goes through Fairgrieve as quick as that is 10 pints of lager and a chicken curry, Ian Swan, Stow’s stand in keeper had no chance to save it, Thanks very much George Fairgrieve!

In the 40^th minute Neil Collins, who’s brother John plays for Celtic and Scotland and won the Scottish Cup last season, put the Rovers 2-0 up. A couple of minutes later in the 42nd  minute Alan Turnbull, who’s brother Mike nearly reached the semi final of the Exacta fives in 1988, gave away a penalty which Mike Gray converted.

Gala Rovers had so many veterans in their team like Kenny Nichol, Davie Henry and Snug Wilson it was like watching the VE parade all over again, but after 90 minutes they were celebrating VS day…….victory over Stow!

Collins made it 3-1 then Davie Gillie pulled one back but with ten minutes to go, Welsh Curran sealed victory as his side stormed Stow’s very own beach at Normandy and captured three points, forcing the home side to sign a  declaration of defeat.