Fraserburgh’s Kieran Simpson remembers watching his dad play in important Scottish Cup ties and is looking forward to testing his mettle against Championship opposition.
The 21-year-old defender is set to be at the heart of the Broch defence when Arbroath visit Bellslea for this afternoon’s third round tie.
Growing up Simpson watched his dad – former Peterhead, Montrose, Inverurie Locos, Formartine United and Turriff United defender Mark – every week.
Simpson senior played in memorable cup ties, including Locos’ loss to Motherwell in 2009, and scored as player/co-manager in Turriff’s 1-1 draw with Morton in 2012.
Simpson junior said: “When I was younger, every Saturday, wherever my dad was playing, I would go and watch him with my granda.
“From about the age of five onwards that was always what we did.
“I remember when he was at Inverurie he played Motherwell and at Turriff he played Morton as well – they were big days.
“Going and watching those sort of games was an inspiration.
“In my own mind, I always wanted to try to play. I was brought up with it at a young age playing football whenever I could.
“My dad will be at the Arbroath game, so I’ll be told after the game how I’ve played. There’s usually something he’s not happy with, but I suppose that’s a good thing.
“He’s definitely been a big influence on me.
“When I was 16, I probably wasn’t at the level I should have been. But I went on loan to Bridge of Don for a season and played alongside my dad and I learned a lot.
“There’s not a lot of folk can say they’ve played with their dad – it was due to him playing until he was about 45.”
‘I’ve tried to take my chances’
Over the last year Simpson has established himself as a Fraserburgh mainstay and made his 100th appearance for the club last month.
He added: “It’s been good. I’ve had a run of games which really helps you prove yourself and that’s probably made the difference for me.
“I’ve tried to take my chances when I’ve had them and I’ve gained a bit of experience in that time as well.
“It will be a tough game, because Arbroath are three leagues above us and were unlucky not to get promoted to the Premiership last season.
“We were better last week against Buckie after being on a bit of a poor run.
“It was good to get that a win last week and the Stranraer game (2-1 win in round two of the Scottish Cup) shows we can beat teams from a higher level.
“I think we’ve got to be confident – if you’re not confident you shouldn’t be playing football.
“If you don’t believe in yourself you’re already 1-0 down, so we’ll give it our all and try to give Arbroath a game.”
Fraserburgh were also buoyed ahead of facing Arbroath by Willie West, Paul Young, Ryan Cowie and Zane Laird last night penning contract extensions until the summer of 2025 and Scott Barbour extending his deal until the summer of 2028.
News from around the Highland League
Meanwhile, there are also seven Breedon Highland League fixtures today.
Deveronvale (16th) will aim to build on last weekend’s win at Lossiemouth when Strathspey Thistle (17th) visit Princess Royal Park. The Jags will be without Ben Cullen and Daniel Whitehorn, but Darren Brew returns.
Inverurie Locos are without Jay Halliday and Nathan Meres for Rothes’ visit to Harlaw Park. The Speysiders are missing Alan Pollock, Kyle Whyte, Shane Harkness and Gary Kerr.
Adam Morris, Robbie Foster, Andy Hunter, Colin Charlesworth, Zander Jack, Chris Hay, Alex Thoirs and Max Berton are absent for Huntly’s Christie Park clash with Banks o’ Dee. Kane Winton returns for the visitors, but Paul Lawson, Dean Lawrie, Marc Young, Magnus Watson and Max Alexander are unavailable.
Nick Gray, Ryan Robertson and Luke Emmett are still out for Keith, who welcome Turriff United to the Haughs.
Forres Mechanics and Nairn County will do battle in a local derby at Mosset Park. Forres have Martin Groat and Kane Davies available, but Dale Wood is suspended.
Buckie Thistle will tackle Lossiemouth in a Moray derby at Victoria Park without Kevin Fraser, Sam Morrison and Shaun Wood. James Leslie is missing for the Coasters.
Joe Malin and Mark Nicolson are Brora Rangers’ absentees for the clash with Clachnacuddin at Grant Street Park. Martin MacKinnon returns for the Lilywhites, but Riley Mackenzie, Jamie Calder, Finlay Mackenzie and Kieran Chalmers are out.
