Badenoch United Triumphs in Historic First Welfare League Title

Badenoch United has secured their inaugural title in the Strathspey and Badenoch Welfare Football League, clinching victory in a tense match against reigning champions Aviemore Thistle. The match concluded in a 1-1 draw, but Badenoch’s earlier lead, combined with their resilience while down a player, ensured they emerged victorious.

The match took place on March 15, 2024, at Aviemore’s 3G pitch, where Badenoch United showcased remarkable determination. Despite losing player Bobby Russell to a straight red card shortly before halftime, the team maintained their composure. Manager Josh Brannan, who co-manages the team with Scott Macdonald, expressed the team’s relief and joy following the game. “It was a very hard game throughout and especially in the second half,” he stated. “The break gave us a little bit of a second wind and a chance to reorganise ourselves.”

Entering the match with a flawless league record, Badenoch United needed only to avoid defeat to lift the welfare shield. They held a three-point advantage over Aviemore Thistle, who were determined to complete a clean sweep of all trophies for the 2025 season. Both teams began the match energetically, exchanging shots but failing to score in the first half.

As the match approached the 45-minute mark, Badenoch was dealt a significant blow when Russell received a red card for a challenge on Aviemore’s Jacob Bain. Despite being down to ten men, Badenoch United rallied, continuing to press forward. The strategy bore fruit in the 58th minute when Scott Macdonald broke through Thistle’s defense, scoring and igniting celebrations among Badenoch supporters.

Faced with a two-goal deficit to retain their title, Aviemore Thistle intensified their efforts. They managed to equalize in the final moments through a drive from Connor Macleod, but Badenoch’s defense held firm during the four minutes of added time. When the final whistle blew, it marked a moment of jubilation for the fledgling team, celebrating their first league title.

Brannan reflected on the significance of the victory, stating, “We are absolutely delighted to win the league, especially after losing out on so many cups over the past season. We knew that we had to fight for this one, and it was great to get over the line.”

In a parallel development within the league, Aviemore Thistle achieved a remarkable feat by winning the Cruickshank Cup on the same night. They defeated Badenoch United 3-0, concluding their domestic cup campaign with a perfect record. The match, held in Nethy Bridge, saw Rory Mackinnon score twice, further cementing Thistle’s status as a formidable force in local football.

As Badenoch United celebrates this historic achievement, the club, formed from the remnants of Kingussie and now primarily consisting of players from Aviemore, looks to build on this success in the future. The win serves as a significant milestone in their journey, highlighting the potential for growth and competitiveness in local football.