Monday 10th August saw the start of the new season. Fifteen players were present and fifteen competitive matches were played. Most of the matches were in the Glasgow Cup but a few league matches took place. In the league, title contenders Danny Gregory and Kevin Smith both got off to a winning start.
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In the Glasgow Cup there are seven groups with only one player qualifying for the quarter-finals plus the best runner-up. Fraser McKenzie made the quarters by winning his group and Kevin Smith and Malcolm Lees look likely in their groups.
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The semi-final and final of last season’s Association Cup were also played with Danny Gregory taking the trophy but more of that in another post.
In a repeat of last season’s final, Tom Burns defeated Kevin Smith to win the Glasgow Cup. This time, however, the players served up a 5-goal thriller compared to the single goal scored in the 2025 final.
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Burns took the lead but was soon pegged back as the two players battled for control. In the second half Burns moved two goals ahead. Smith did reduce the deficit to 3-2 but he had little time left to find the equaliser which would have taken the match to shots.
Burns probably just about deserved the win and he still has the chance in the Association Cup to secure a cup double. To do that he will need to overcome both John Halpin and Danny Gregory.
In only his fourth season Danny Gregory has become the Glasgow League Champion. He gained the necessary points in a hard fought 1-0 win over John Halpin. It was an exciting finish to the season with Tom Burns and Kevin Smith also in with a chance of the title. With this success under his belt, Gregory can now go to the World Cup in Paris full of confidence.
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Gregory joined the club in season 2022/23. He finished 11th. The following season he was 9th and then last season 4th. Perfect progression! He is also in the final of this season’s Association Cup and so a League and Cup double is still on the cards.
The season is now reaching its climax and an exciting finish it’s proving to be. Kevin Smith has already won the Handicap Cup and will play Tom Burns in the final of the Glasgow Cup. Danny Gregory is in the final of the Association Cup and he awaits the winner of the semi-final between Tom Burns and John Halpin.
The league is a 3-horse race between Danny Gregory, Tom Burns and Kevin Smith. Gregory is in pole position with the title in his own hands but a slip up would give Burns or Smith the opportunity to triumph.
This season the GTSA was delighted to welcome back founder member Andy Humphrey after a gap of forty eight years. Here Andy writes about his experience of returning after such a long time:
“As one of the original GTSA members from 1973 when the club was formed, I, like many others, drifted away from the club when life seemed to get in the way. Forty-eight years later following a Facebook conversation with Willie Fleming at Christmas time, I was asked if would I not consider coming back. We arranged to meet at the club when it restarted after the Xmas break. To be honest I wasn’t sure how I would fit in as I knew the game had evolved, but was encouraged by the fact that I knew four of the members who were still playing since the mid-70s. I don’t know what I was worrying about, as a nicer bunch of guys you couldn’t meet. I think I am quite comfortable with meeting new people, but every one of them was more than happy to help me. I was given a free team by Alessio, and played friendlies for the first month. Every member I played was more than happy to let me use one of their teams and advised me not to buy until I had tried the different bases available. I started playing league games, and although I am still struggling with the modern game, I still come away from the club on a Monday night thinking why did I ever chuck it and that’s down to everyone being so helpful and making me feel comfortable. I will probably never be much good now as I was away too long, but I now think of it as a night with mates, so cheers guys, it’s you lot who make the club!”
Subbuteo Night Celebrates 48-Year Rivalry and Exciting Matches
The GTSA witnessed a night filled with nostalgia, fierce competition, and thrilling matches as the players came together to celebrate a monumental occasion – a 48-year rivalry match between GLADMAN and FLEMING. The storied history between these two players reached its pinnacle on the club’s 50th-anniversary year.
The Historic Rivalry: GLADMAN vs. FLEMING
Extract from Scottish Table Soccer Association newsletter
Arguably one of the longest-running rivalries in the club’s history, GLADMAN and FLEMING faced off in a league match that held immense significance. Their competitive history dates back almost half a century, making it a momentous occasion for both players and the club. Both competitors entered the match unbeaten in the league, with GLADMAN proudly boasting a clean sheet, having not conceded a goal in the tournament.
While the match ended without goals, it was a spectacle of entertaining Subbuteo action. Chances came and went in both halves, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. The spirit in which the game was played was commendable, marking a fitting tribute to this long rivalry and the club’s 50th anniversary.
League Results Showcase Competitive Spirit
The night’s league matches were marked by intense competition and impressive performances:
FLEMING and GLADMAN finished in a goalless draw in their historic clash.
JACK faced a formidable FLEMING and suffered a 0-4 defeat.
HALPIN narrowly edged out SPOORS in a hard-fought contest, with a final score of 2-1.
The Association Cup witnessed a tense encounter, with JACK and GLADMAN locking horns. The match concluded with GLADMAN emerging victorious with a narrow 1-0 win.
In the Glasgow Cup group stage, HALPIN and BURNS battled it out, resulting in a 0-2 victory for BURNS.
Handicap Cup Thrills and Challenge Matches
The Handicap Cup provided its own dose of excitement:
GREGORY and FLEMING engaged in a thrilling match that ended in a 4-4 draw. However, FLEMING claimed victory in the shootout, prevailing 2-1 on shots.
WRIGHT secured a hard-fought 3-2 win over HALPIN in another Handicap Cup match.
Willie Fleming wins the shoot-out 2-1
Three challenge matches rounded off the evening’s action:
GREGORY faced a formidable BURNS and was met with a 0-5 defeat.
SPOORS took on WRIGHT, but WRIGHT proved dominant, winning 5-1.
In a match of flair, GLADMAN defeated GREGORY with a score of 2-1.
As the Subbuteo season continues, the spirit of camaraderie, rivalry, and sheer talent displayed by these players promises more electrifying matches and memorable moments. Stay tuned for more thrilling Subbuteo action as the club’s anniversary year unfolds.
2022-23 Glasgow Cup Semi-final Thriller: BUTLER Triumphs Over BURNS
After some unavoidable delays, the highly-anticipated semi-final of last year’s Glasgow Cup finally took place. The match pitted two of the club’s top players against each other: BUTLER and BURNS. What ensued was a breath-taking contest that ended in a 2-2 draw, leading to a nerve-wracking shootout to determine the winner. BUTLER’s precision and composure in front of goal proved decisive, as he clinched victory 4-1 in the shootout, thus securing his spot in the final.
20222-23 Glasgow Cup Final: BUTLER Claims Victory Over Newcomer SMITH
Glasgow Cup Finalists
Fresh off his intense semifinal, BUTLER faced off against club newcomer SMITH in the Glasgow Cup final. Despite SMITH’s remarkable journey to the final in his inaugural year at the club, BUTLER’s experience shone through. The match ended with BUTLER emerging as the champion, winning comfortably with a scoreline of 5-0. A hearty congratulations to both competitors for their outstanding performances.
Dave Butler lifts the cup
Glasgow Cup Group Stages Continue
This year’s Glasgow Cup group stages kicked into gear, delivering intriguing matchups and results:
WRIGHT narrowly defeated SMITH with a score of 2-1.
GREGORY and ANDREONI battled to a hard-fought 1-1 draw.
FLEMING and HALPIN also ended their match in a 1-1 stalemate.
ANDREONI secured a convincing 2-0 victory over GLADMAN.
League Matches Unveil Surprises
The league matches provided their own share of surprises and standout performances:
FLEMING took on GREGORY, emerging victorious with a 3-1 scoreline.
GLADMAN claimed a hard-fought 1-0 win against SMITH.
BURNS displayed his dominance, beating WRIGHT 6-1.
Danny Gregory takes on Willie Fleming
With these results, GLADMAN now sits at the top of the league table with a perfect record of four wins out of four matches and he has yet to concede a single goal. His impressive form has firmly established him as a force to be reckoned with this season.
Stay tuned for updates as this season’s excitement continues to unfold.
GTSA gathered once again for a thrilling evening of precision flicking and heart-pounding matches. With league matches, Glasgow Cup group stages and friendly challenges on the menu, the evening was packed with excitement and surprises.
League Matches:
BARI Falls to JACK and GLADMAN, McKENZIE Takes Down WRIGHT
The league matches set the stage for some fierce competition. In a series of closely fought contests:
BARI was on the front foot for most of his match against JACK but he made two catastrophic defensive errors which allowed JACK to secure a 2-0 victory.
BARI then had another tough outing, this time against GLADMAN, and once again he failed to find the back of the net, losing 0-2.
McKENZIE showcased his skills as he triumphed over WRIGHT, with a final score of 3-1.
Glasgow Cup Group Stages: BUTLER Dominates
The Glasgow Cup group stages added to the excitement, with one player making a significant impact:
BUTLER delivered a masterclass performance in his match against WRIGHT, netting an impressive eight goals and conceding three, resulting in an 8-3 victory for BUTLER.
McKENZIE also faced the formidable BUTLER, but despite his valiant effort, he couldn’t halt BUTLER’s march, and the match ended 1-3 in favour of BUTLER.
Dave Butler on the defensive!
Friendly Challenges: GREGORY Shines
The friendly challenge matches provided a different flavour to the evening’s proceedings, offering players a chance to engage in spirited, non-competitive encounters. Notable results included:
JACK and GREGORY engaged in a close battle, with GREGORY ultimately emerging victorious with a score of 2-1.
GREGORY continued to impress, securing a narrow 1-0 victory over GLADMAN.
Danny Gregory on his way to two Challenge League victories
The players demonstrated their dedication and passion for the game. The evening was filled with intense moments, showcasing the skill and sportsmanship that define Subbuteo at its finest.
As the season unfolds, fans and players can anticipate even more thrilling matches and unexpected outcomes in the world of our miniature table-top soccer. Stay tuned for updates as the action continues to heat up on the Subbuteo pitch in Knightswood.
GTSA Evening Unveils Thrilling Matches and Surprises
Club’s Second Match Night of the New Season
GTSA gathered once again for an evening of precision flicking and nail-biting moments as they embarked on the second match night of the new season. With unfinished business from the previous season lingering in the air, players took to the pitch with gusto and determination.
Handicap Cup Final: WRIGHT Triumphs Over SPOORS
The opponents, separated by referee Willie Fleming
The Handicap Cup final was the highlight of the evening, featuring a showdown between two equally matched contenders, WRIGHT and SPOORS. With both players sporting the same handicap level, a closely contested match was anticipated. As the game unfolded, however, SPOORS found himself making critical errors upon which WRIGHT masterfully capitalised. The final scoreline painted a clear picture of WRIGHT’s dominance, with the match concluding 6-0 in favour of one of the season’s newcomers.
Chad Wright receives his trophy
Glasgow Cup Semifinal Upset: SMITH Outpaces HALPIN
In a surprising twist from last season’s Glasgow Cup semifinal, the newcomer SMITH clashed with club veteran HALPIN. The result was a fiercely contested match that ended with SMITH prevailing 2-1. The victory secured SMITH’s place in the Glasgow Cup final, marking a remarkable debut season for the Subbuteo player.
League Matches Unleash Frenzied Action
League matches added to the electric atmosphere of the evening as competitors battled for supremacy. Here are the results from the heated encounters:
SPOORS 1-7 BURNS: A dominant performance by BURNS left SPOORS struggling to keep up.
GLADMAN 2-0 MCKENZIE: GLADMAN secured a comfortable win over MCKENZIE.
SMITH 3-0 GREGORY: SMITH displayed formidable skills, defeating GREGORY.
FLEMING 2-0 WRIGHT: FLEMING’s precise flicking secured him a win against WRIGHT.
HALPIN 1-3 BURNS: BURNS continued his winning streak, overpowering HALPIN.
SMITH 3-2 WRIGHT: SMITH managed to edge past WRIGHT in a thrilling match.
GREGORY 0-2 MCKENZIE: MCKENZIE maintained his composure, sealing a victory against GREGORY.
Tom Burns faces John Halpin
Glasgow Cup Match Group Stages Heat Up
The Glasgow Cup match group stages also saw intense competition with two exciting fixtures:
GLADMAN 3-0 GREGORY: GLADMAN demonstrated his prowess with a convincing win over GREGORY.
FLEMING 1-4 BURNS: BURNS continued his dominance, securing another win in the group stage.
Friendly Challenge: FLEMING Takes On WRIGHT
In a friendly challenge match, FLEMING faced off against WRIGHT, resulting in a 2-0 victory for FLEMING. This friendly encounter showcased the camaraderie and competitive spirit that makes Subbuteo evenings at the club so enjoyable for all.
As the Club’s season continues to unfold, we can look forward to more thrilling matches, surprises and intense competition on the miniature pitch. Stay tuned for updates as the club’s talented flickers battle for supremacy.
The club’s 50th-anniversary season began with a bang. A bit of unfinished business from last season, however, still had to be completed. With two quarter-finals and two semi-finals yet to be decided from the previous season’s Handicap Cup, anticipation ran high.
In the first quarter-final, JACK and BERRY clashed in a thrilling match. JACK held a one-goal advantage, but BERRY’s resilience prevailed, securing a 5-3 victory. As a result, BERRY advanced to the first semi-final, where he would face SPOORS.
The second quarter-final featured a closely contested showdown between BUTLER and FLEMING. FLEMING started with a one-goal lead, and when regular time ended in a 1-1 draw, the game headed into an exhilarating shootout. FLEMING emerged triumphant with a 3-2 shootout victory, earning him a spot in the second semi-final against WRIGHT.
In the first semi-final, SPOORS, armed with a one-goal advantage, squared off against BERRY. SPOORS showcased his prowess, winning the match 2-0 and securing a coveted spot in the Handicap Cup final.
The second semi-final witnessed WRIGHT, starting with a two goal lead, taking on FLEMING. Although FLEMING managed to score a late goal, he couldn’t find an equaliser, and WRIGHT claimed the match 2-1, earning his spot in the final.
The Handicap Cup final, set for a later date, will be a highly anticipated battle between WRIGHT and SPOORS. With both players having the same handicap we can expect an intense showdown to determine the 2022-23 Handicap Cup champion.
Brian Spoors
Chad Wright
In addition to the Handicap Cup excitement, the season also saw four league games that showcased some thrilling action:
ANDREONI dominated GREGORY with a resounding 5-1 victory.
The defending league champion, BUTLER, maintained his strong performance, defeating Handicap Cup finalist SPOORS 5-0.
ANDREONI faced a challenging match against club stalwart GLADMAN, resulting in a 0-3 loss.
HALPIN delivered an impressive performance with a 3-0 victory over JACK.
As the season’s early fixtures unfolded, BUTLER finds himself back in familiar territory, occupying the top spot on the league table, building on his success from last season.
Last night also saw the introduction of the inaugural Friendly Challenge competition. In an exciting debut match, WRIGHT faced GREGORY. In a surprising turn of events, GREGORY emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline, beating the higher-ranked player and earning three points. This new addition of a competitive edge to friendly matches promises to add an extra layer of excitement to the club’s fixtures.
As the 50th-anniversary season unfolds, the club eagerly anticipate more exciting matches and memorable moments. Stay tuned for updates on the Handicap Cup final, Association Cup Final, Glasgow Cup Final and the league standings as the season progresses. Here’s to another remarkable season of table football!
Plate Winner: Martin BellefontaineBaver Bari v John HalpinDanny Gregory v Oriano MichelettiColin Tarry v Andy FitzpatrickBrian Spoors v Marco Bevilacqua
