Memorial football match for ‘much-missed legends’ held in Tain

Players and supporters, past and present gathered paid tribute to two Tain football stalwarts on Sunday.

Held in memory of long-time Tain Thistle committee man Graham ‘Peeps’ Macrae and former player Garry Perks, the Peeps & Perks Memorial match attracted a large crowd to the Links Playing Fields.

RELATED:

WATCH: Daughter’s hat-trick tribute to dad in Tain football memorial match

Tain club arrange double-memorial match to remember football stalwarts

Memorial match to celebrate Ullapool football stalwart Kenny Raigie resurrected by Tain grandson

The exhibition match is now in its second year, organised ahead of the summer amateur season by Tain Thistle players John Maclellan and Steven Martin.

Tain piper and renowned Clan leader of the Clan MacGillivray Worldwide, Iain MacGillivray, played the two teams on to the park before kick off, the reds donning the name of Perks on their backs under the guidance of “guest” manager for the day, former Tain Thistle boss Bill Russell.

A young Tain select, coached by recently appointed Tain Thistle manager Alex McDonald, provided the opposition as the “Peeps XI” for the day.

Acting as guest referee for the day, local DJ and Tain Gala representative Alasdair Mackintosh capably officiated the match, called into action only a couple of times to ensure order between the 30 or so “players” taking part.

After 90 minutes, the teams could not be separated, with Darran Goller and James Cuthbertson the men on target to make it a stalemate.

A penalty shoot-out followed and after some great efforts from 12 yards, the Perks “old boys” eleven claimed the Perks Rose Bowl and the Peeps Quaich with five successful kicks to four.

Organiser Steven Martin said: “What a day! Another fantastic turnout and an amazing show of community spirit — huge thanks to everyone who was able to take part and those whose off field support was invaluable.

“I’d like to say a massive thanks to Tain Thistle for the use of the facilities, and to Kirsty and Alan at The Saint for the post-match scran — absolutely top notch.

“We took a moment to remember Garry and Graham — two much-missed legends. We know they’re watching on with smiles on their faces and hearts full of pride.

“The young lads put on a cracking display of football, but the old boys, led by legendary manager Bill Russell, showed they’ve still got it.

“The large crowd that gathered brought a brilliant energy, and your presence was genuinely appreciated. And of course, Katie in the icy brought smiles to plenty of chocolate-covered faces — thank you for making the day extra sweet!”

Over £700 was raised on the day, with the families of Graham Macrae and Garry Perks choosing to donate the proceeds to Tain Thistle AFC.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.