LINLITHGOW THISTLE FOOTBALL CLUB

Seaforth Highlanders 0 v 3 Linlithgow Thistle

Scorers: Orr (2), Skene

LEAFA, Premier 2 Division

11th February 2012, Royal High School

  

Thistle continued their recent revival with a comprehensive victory against the capital's Highlanders.  Having gone into the break with a goal advantage, following great interplay between Miller and Orr, before the latter powered home on the half hour, Thistle started the second period in dominant form.

 

Orr bagged his brace by converting from the penalty mark after 62mins before Skene finished off an inidvidual effort with aplomb - curling a superb effort beyond the keeper from 18 yards.

 

Thistle's investment into coaching courses and new training equipment is evidently paying dividends as the team's form appears to be going from strength to strength.  Next week's league cup game will put this to the extreme test, as Thistle play second top, Barca Milton, in the Challenge Cup 2nd Round.

 

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Having been handed a free week by the League Association, Thistle took the opportunity to play an intra-team friendly.  22 of the squad turned out for a friendly at Kettil'stoun Mains Park on Saturday, 4th February.  It was an excellent display that gave the management team a timely occasion in which to observe all the players in action.

 

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Linlithgow Thistle 4 v 2 Edinburgh Rose

Scorers: Lacki, Hesketh (2), Stevenson

LEAFA, Premier 2 Division

21st January 2012, Kettil'stoun Mains

  

Thistle won their first league game of the campaign with a convincing victory over the Rose.  It took several attempts and a few missed chances before Thistle got their just rewards, with Lacki starting proceedings by striking from distance.  Having been pegged back to equal terms, the break came at the best time for Thistle to regroup and make the necessary tactical and personnel changes.  From the restart, the home side dominated.  Hesketh blasted home from around 35 yards, before increasing the lead with a bullet header from a freekick.  The tie was concluded with a Stevenson tap-in after great team interplay, following   Rose's disappointing consolation, but the local lads were never threatened, particularly reinforced by another solid Bruce display in goals.  It is anticipated that this victory over mid-table Rose will act as a catalyst in Thistle's quest for league survival.

 

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** Burns Night **

 

Linlithgow Thistle are staging their first irreverent Burn's Night on 21st January 2012 at the Black Bitch (upstairs function room).    Following a toast to the Bard and a serving of the tradional fayre, guests will be entertained by after dinner speaker and SPL referee, Charlie Richmond.  Games will include the Lithgy Lottery; Bridgend Bargain Hunt and Bo'ness Bingo.

 

With the monotony of long January nights to break and tickets at a snip of £5, the 40 seats are expected to sell out in a few days.  Register your interest and book your place via the Secretary:

admin@linlithgowthistle.co.uk

 

 

        

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Latest Match Report

 

Linlithgow Thistle 0 v 4 The Spartans

Scorers:

Centenary Cup, 4th Round

14th January 2012, Kettil'stoun Mains

  

Thistle failed to progress to the Quarter Finals of the Association League Cup owing to a superior performance by Premier 1 side, The Spartans.  Despite a number of gilt edge chances going abegging, most notably by Stevenson and Orr, the Linlithgow men never threatened to take a hold of this match.  Although the scoreline may flatter the visitors, Spartans did run out comfortable winners.

 

Pictures taken for the Evening News at last week's game against Tollcross Thistle, can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/89bmfnc

 

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Tollcross Thistle 2 v 2 Linlithgow Thistle

Scorers: Orr, Miller

LEAFA, Premier 2 Division

7th January 2012, Riccarton 3G

  

Linlithgow Thistle agreed to reverse this fixture in order to guarantee their first football match since 19th November. 

 

Despite this lengthy abstinence from the beautiful game, the Linlithgow side played with flair and tenacity and were unfortunate not to come away with all 3 points.  A late flurry of chances for Orr and Hastie would have sealed the victory in the capital.

 

The Black Bitches went behind after 25 mins before equalising 5 minutes later.  Tollcross finished the first period the strongest and went into the break with a goal advantage, despite confident calls for an offside in the lead up to their goal.

 

From the restart, the visitors were growing in confidence and stature, and were eventually rewarded with a well-worked goal, with Miller dispatching beyond the keeper.  Despite sustained pressure towards the conclusion of this game, the Linlithgow men were unable to score the winning goal.

 

Special mention to Linlithgow's keeper, Scott Bruce, who was in oustanding form, with notable saves in both halves.

 

Evening News Photographs: http://tinyurl.com/89bmfnc

 

 

THISTLE AGREE TO FIXTURE CHANGE

 

Linlithgow Thistle have agreed to reverse the league fixture against Tollcross Thistle on Saturday.  With the inclement weather putting paid to numerous games already this campaign, Thistle were happy to amend the fixture, to now be played on 3G at Hearts Academy (Heriot Watt) in Riccarton, in order to accumulate some game time.

 

 

THISTLE ANNOUNCE FRIENDLY FIXTURE

 

** Game Cancelled due to weather **

 

Linlithgow Thistle will play a festive friendly against Central Scottish AFL Premier League side, Brightons FC on 4th January (kick off 9pm).  The 4G surface at Little Kerse, Grangemouth, will be the venue.  This is likely to be a tough reintroduction to football for the Linlithgow side against preseason tournament winners, and close neighbours, Brightons.  Thistle play Tollcross Thistle at Kettil'stoun Mains Park on 7th January, 2pm.

 

 

Linlithgow Thistle v Edinburgh Rose

LEAFA, Premier 2 Division

17th December 2011, Kettil'stoun Mains Park

  

Thistle's home league fixture against title contenders Rose was again expectedly postponed, thus bringing the 2011 leg of the campaign to a close.  Thistle will be back in formal action on 7th January 2012.  Any friendly fixture information will be posted as and when they become available.

 

 

Linlithgow Thistle v Edinburgh Rose

LEAFA, Premier 2 Division

10th December 2011, Kettil'stoun Mains Park

  

Following a morning pitch inspection, Thistle's home league fixture against title contenders Rose was expectedly postponed.  The same fixture has been scheduled for next Saturday (17th December).

  

Linlithgow Thistle v Edinburgh Rose

LEAFA, Premier 2 Division

3rd December 2011, Kettil'stoun Mains Park

  

Following a morning pitch inspection, Thistle's home league fixture against title contenders Rose was expectedly postponed.  The same fixture has been scheduled for next Saturday (10th December).

 

 

Linlithgow Thistle v Heriot Vale

LEAFA, Premier 2 Division

26th November 2011, Kettil'stoun Mains Park

  

Following a morning pitch inspection, Thistle's home league fixture against title contenders Vale was expectedly postponed.

 

 

Fernieside 0 v 1 Linlithgow Thistle

Scorer: Nimmo

Challenge Cup, 1st Round

19th November 2011, Peffermill

  

A fantastic battling performance saw Thistle progress into the second round of the Premier 1 & 2 League Cup.  

 

Straight from the kick-off, Thistle appeared determined to achieve a result against a strong Fernieside team.  The crucial goal of the game came on 14 minutes when Nimmo burst through the Edinburgh team, with impressive passing from a number of Thistle players.  As he was played through one-on-one with the out rushing 'keeper, a strong tackle saw the ball break free, with Nimmo showing great desire to rise to his feet first and fire home.

 

Although the possession ebbed and flowed to the final whistle, Thistle were little troubled.  With Scott Bruce making his return to the goals, Thistle achieved a very deserved clean sheet.

 

With title hopefuls Heriot Vale arriving in Linlithgow next Saturday, Thistle will hope to take the last two performances into the game, with anticipation that their league campaign can finally get going.

 

 

Linlithgow Thistle 2 v 1 Dunedin Athletic

Scorer: Orr (2)

Centenary Cup, 3rd Round

12th November 2011, Kettil'stoun Mains Park

  

Thistle made hard work of this Cup tie, with a determined Athletic battling to the end.  With a plethora of goal chances going abegging, Thistle were more comfortable in this victory than the scoreline suggests.

 

Orr eventually broke the dealock midway through the first half.  With an early Orr strike in the second period, the visitor's challenge was effectively killed off.  Meikle missed a penalty that would have indicated a more convincing performance, with the keeper managing a double save, with Orr failing to convert the rebound.

 

With Orr failing to dispatch a further 4 gilt-edge opportunities, not to mention Maxwell's Soccer AM's "Taxi" moment, Thistle did fail to close out the game with a clean sheet.  The midfield had pushed too far up the park looking for the third goal leaving the rearguard susceptible.  WIth a couple of minutes remaining, Athletic managed to secure a consolation that did little more than make the scoreline more flattering towards the visitors.

 

 

Linlithgow Thistle 1 v 2 Orchard Park Mount A

Scorer: Hesketh (pen)

Foster's Scottish Amateur Cup, 3rd Round

5th November 2011, Kettil'stoun Mains Park

  

Thistle were knocked out of the national cup by the reigning Greater Glasgow Premier League Champions.  Notwithstanding the pedigree of their visitors, the Linlithgow side played superbly throughout this contest that was basically settled on two errors of goalkeeping judgement.

 

The full contest was a spectacle for the 50 spectators, with both teams providing an admirable advert for the amateur game. Every member of the Thistle team gave their all, with particular outstanding performances by Meikle, Nimmo, and G Deans.

 

Thistle went behind after 35 minutes when a freekick was crossed to the far post, with the Park Mount midfielder rising well above his marker to smash his header beyond Heeps.  Thistle were back in the game staright from the second half whistle, when Orr dispossessed the Park Mount attacker from the kick-off, playing in Deans down the right channel.  As Deans cut inside the box, a clumsy challenge by the defender gave the referee no other option than to point to the spot.  A well taken penalty was placed into the 'keepers right hand post which drew the clubs level. 

 

The game flowed from end to end but ultimately Park Mount maanged to create an opportunity at the edge of the penalty area, where an attacker dispatched a tame effort beyond the flailing Heeps on 75 minutes.

 

Despite sustained pressure from Thistle, the hosts were denied an equaliser, with only Maxwell coming close in the final minutes.

 

With Thistle treating their sponsors with hospitality before and after the game at Livingston's Restaurant and the Black Bitch, although it was a disappointing result, it was a very entertaining and impressive team performance that has raised the profile and interest in the playing side of the club.

 

 

Linlithgow Thistle 2 v 4 Livingston AFC

Scorers: Hesketh (pen), Nimmo

East of Scotland Cup, 2nd Round

29th October 2011, Kettil'stoun Mains Park

  

Report deleted in error.

 

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** New Signing **

 

Thistle are delighted to announce the signing of local lad, Callum Nimmo.  Callum brings a lot of experience with his time in the Junior ranks despite being a youngster in years.  He is expected to be thrown into a debut in the East of Scotland 2nd Round Cup clash against Livingston AFC.

 

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Linlithgow Thistle 2 v 2 Newtongrange Star

Scorers: Lacki, Hesketh (pen)

LEAFA, Premier 2 Division

22nd October 2011, Kettil'stoun Mains Park

  

Thistle made it 8 games undefeated with a home draw against a strong Newtongrange side.  Despite the Linlithgow team's dominance and 2-1 advantage at the end of regulation time, Star managed to share the points with an equaliser 7 minutes into injury time.

 

Thistle started the scoring with an impressive Lacki strike before conceding just prior to the half-time whistle.  With a Hesketh penalty providing the home side with the one goal lead entering the final quarter of the game, a stramash with two players being dismissed required the referee to add on minutes to the regulation 90.  Star breached the Thistle rearguard with seconds remaining to share the spoils with their hosts.

 

Next week has Thistle entertaining Livingston AFC in the East of Scotland Cup.  

 

Hearts of Beath 1 v 4 Linlithgow Thistle 

Scorers: Lacki, Orr (2), Hastie 

Foster's Scottish Amateur Cup, 2nd Round

15th October 2011, Cowdenbeath

  

Thistle travelled to the Kingdom of Fife to battle against Hearts of Beath, an amateur club enveloped in history.  With an impressive and dominant performance, it was the visitors who earned the right to be in the Third Round draw.

 

Following sustained pressure in for 30 minutes, Thistle eventually broke the deadlock with an assured finish by Lacki.  Against the run of play, and with 2 minutes remianing of the first period, Hearts were awarded a free kick at the edge of the Thistle box that was thumped beyond the flailing Heeps.

 

Into the second half, Thistle's dominance prevailed, with three impressive goals from Orr (2) and substitute Hastie, sealing the victory.

 

 

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 ** THISTLE ANNOUNCE FURTHER NEW SIGNING **

 

Ahead of the Scottish Cup tie against Hearts of Beath, Thistle were delighted to announce the signing of veteran David Lapsley, who joins from local rivals Bo'ness Amateurs.  Davie's wealth of experience in the Amateur ranks, as well as his determination, will provide the confidence and extra steel in the heart of the defence that has often been missing this season.

 

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Bo'ness United AFC 6 v 7 Linlithgow Thistle 

Scorers: G Deans (3), Lacki (2), Orr (2) 

East of Scotland Cup, 1st Round

8th October 2011, Muirhouses, Bo'ness

 

On a day when two teams from Linlithgow travelled to Bo'ness...only one came back victorious

 

On a double derby day bonanza, with Linlithgow Rose travelling to Newtown Park to take on Bo'ness United in the Scottish Junior Cup, the end result was only one victorious Linlithgow team, with Thistle ultimately triumphing in a high scoring contest.

 

Having taken the lead, through a Lacki shot, and G Deans responding to a quick brace from United, the half time whistle concluded the first half at 2-2.  The restart was somewhat unbelievable, with Thistle going behind 5-2 by the 60th minute.  Orr, having come on as a substitute, immediately scored, with Lacki completing his brace in quick succession.  United then scored against the run of play to provide a two goal cushion, with only 10 minutes to play.

 

At this point, Thistle appeared to click and finally move out of first gear.  In doing so, Orr bagged his second, and a brace from G Deans put the visitors in the lead with a couple of minutes to play.  In essence, it was a welcome victory against rivals Bo'ness but a defensive nightmare in terms of scoreline.

 

Musselburgh Windsor 2 v 3 Linlithgow Thistle 

 (aet)

Scorers: Lacki (pen), Offer (2) 

Logan Cup, 3rd Round

1st October 2011, Whitecraig

 

With both keepers subject to injury, Thistle's perennial goalkeeper woes returned.  In response, A Morrison took to the sticks and produced a respectable performance.

 

Having gone behind to an early goal, against the run of play, Thistle were unable to strike back until after the break.  Lacki converted a rebound from his penalty, before Offer, on as a substitute, put the Linlithgow side 2-1 ahead with an outstanding 40 yard strike.  Despite sustained pressure from Thistle, Windsor drew level on a counter attack with minutes remaining.

 

Extra time again saw Thistle in dominant form but unable to penetrate their hosts rear guard.  Into the second half, Offer breached the defence and finished in style.  With this result, the Linlithgow club advance to the fourth round of the Logan Cup. 

 

Next weekend sees a local derby with Thistle travelling to Bo'ness to face Bo'ness United Amateur FC in the East of Scotland Cup, the same day as Linlithgow Rose travel to Newtown Park to face Bo'ness United in the Scottish Junior Cup. 

 

Silverknowes Vale 3 v 7 Linlithgow Thistle 

 Scorers: Lacki (3), G Deans (2), Heskey (pen), Skene 

Centenary Cup, 2nd Round

24th September 2011, Silverknowes

 

Thistle demonstrated their progress with another comprehensive victory at Vale in the Centenary Cup. 

 

However, having gone two goals ahead with an early brace from Lacki, Vale managed to bring the game level just prior to the break.  A Heskey penalty managed to put the visitors ahead at the whistle in what was an entertaining contest for the neutral.

 

Shortly after the restart, Vale again drew level but credit to Thistle, the team did not capitulate but instead grew in stature.  G Deans in particular was in outstanding form and was eventually rewarded with a quick brace with 20 minutes remaining.  Lacki completed his hat-trick before Skene danced his way through Vale and converted with a minute remaining.

 

Work is still necessary, particularly in defence, to enable Thistle to make a suitable assault in Premier 2, but most notable is the return of the winning mentality and the winning scoreline.

  

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Barca Milton 0 v 0 Linlithgow Thistle 

 

10th September 2011, Millerhill

 

Thistle continued their recent improved performance with an admirable and dominant away scoreless draw against early pace setters, Milton. 

 

The Linlithgow side were tenacious and disciplined in their play throughout this game and were unlucky not to come away with all three points.  Orr particulalry coming close, only to see the Milton goalkeeper pull off an outstanding save.

 

Despite a free week in the fixture list this coming Saturday, the recent confidence revival has continued, pleasing the management and coaching staff ahead of a cup tie against Silverknowes.

 

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** FURTHER NEW SIGNINGS**

11th September 2011 

Thistle are pleased to announce the signing of local lad, Craig Hastie.  Despite being 19, Craig brings exceptional experience having been signed with SFL side, Livingston FC up until last season. 

 

3rd September 2011 

Thistle are delighted to announce ahead of today's Logan Cup 2nd Round tie against Civil Service Strollers, the signings of Scott Bruce and Robert Sommerville.

 

Scott arrives from Broxburn Atheltic JFC with a wealth of experience in the Junior ranks and Robert signs from Bathgate Thistle to provide grit at the heart of the Central Defence.

 

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Civil Service Strollers 2 v 8 Linlithgow Thistle 

 

3rd September 2011, Marine Drive

Scorers: Offer (3), Miller (3), Orr, A Deans

 

It all seemed to click into place for Thistle, with eight goals scored through four different players.

 

This was an emphatic victory over the lower league Strollers but a resounding morale boosting outcome that has been much needed since the season commenced.  With two further additions to the squad, Scott Bruce taking to the goals, signing from Broxburn Athletic JFC, and Robert Sommerville, signing from Bathgate Thistle AFC, adding steel to the central defence, the new-look Thistle team appears to have eventually gelled.

 

Despite losing two poor late goals, to elude Thistle of their first clean sheet, this was a very positive performance and a huge motivational lift.  Hopefully it has come at an early enough stage in order for an assault on the league to be back on Thistle's agenda.

 

 

Redpath Albion 2 v 2 Linlithgow Thistle 

 

27th August 2011, Pilrig

Scorers: Hesketh, Offer

  

Thistle continued their determined mentality and performance from Monday evening to obtain a draw against a battling Albion.  With a facial injury to keeper Heeps sustained in the first half seeing Orr take the position between the sticks, the hosts were able to exploit the consequential weaknesses.  However, the Linlithgow men responded on each occasion, with a powerful header by Hesketh and a composed finish by Offer.

 

With a break from League competition and two Cup fixtures scheduled for the next two weeks, they have come at a fortunate time to enable Thistle to regroup.

 

Linlithgow Thistle 2 v 3 Fernieside 

22nd August 2011, Kettil'stoun Mains Park

Scorers: Miller, Hesketh

The proverbial game of two halves was never better illustrated in this contest, with Thistle squandering another two goal advantage.  Having worked hard to exorcise the demons from Saturday from their minds, Thistle took an early lead through a well worked goal, where Miller was on hand to head home a long throw in.  Hesketh converted a penalty early in the second half when G Deans was brought crashing to the ground to put the home side into contention to earn their first three points of the season.  However, this was not to occur, with three avoidable goals conceded in a spell of 25 minutes.  On a positive note, the heart and desire that was evidently missing from the poor performance on Saturday was back and Thistle will require all that passion if they are to ensure Premier 2 survival this season, in what is proving to be a very unforgiving league.

Heriot Vale 6 v 1 Linlithgow Thistle 

20th August 2011, The Gyle

Scorer: Hesketh

Thistle suffered one of their heaviest defeats to a more determined and structured Vale side.  Having gone behind to an early goal, courtesy of a defensive blunder, the Linlithgow men never looked like imparting any damage on their hosts.  A Hesketh penalty at 3-0 was the only plus point to an otherwise disastrous contest.  Alarmingly, Vale were subject to a 4-3 defeat at the hands of Thistle towards the end of last season but on today's game, looked as if they have been very busy during the close season in terms of transfers and training.

Linlithgow Thistle 2 v 2 Bathgate Thistle AFC

15th August 2011, Kettil'stoun Mains Park

Scorers: Miller, K. Morrison

Thistle squandered a two goal lead against the newly formed Bathgate Thistle side.  Despite a huge amount of possession and pressure by the Linlithgow side, the visitors managed to obtain a share of the spoils by way of two very soft penalties.

Going in to the break at one goal ahead, Thistle's management team knew that despite being in commanding form, goals were required to prevent Bathgate from attaining any points from this contest.  The talk at half-time appeared to have worked when K. Morrison added to Miller's earlier goal and Thistle continued to pound the visitor's goal.  Unfortunately for the Linlithgow side, Bathgate's make-shift goalkeeper was in inspired form.  With only a handful of attempts at the Linlithgow goal, it appeared that Thistle would be claiming a home win.  Disappointingly, two very soft penalties were awarded to the visitors over the course of the remaining 20 minutes. 

The large crowd at Kettil'stoun, drawn from Linlithgow, Bridgend and Bathgate witnessed a determined Linlithgow performance that just lacked the finesse in front of goal when it mattered most.  This will be the focus of the coaches' work over the next few days ahead of Thistle's first away fixture on Saturday at the Gyle.

 Kick-Off

Linlithgow Thistle 3 v 4 Barca Milton 97

13th August 2011, Kettil'stoun Mains Park

Scorers: Martin (2), Morrison

Thistle started the league campaign with a prima facie disappointing result.  However, with seven players out through suspension, with a further three unable to play through other commitments, this was an encouraging result for the home side.

Indeed, it was Thistle who had the opportunity to take the lead with a penalty.  With Andrew Morrison failing to convert, Milton responded immediately and scored the opener.

The scoring thereafter followed a familiar pattern with Thistle equalising on each occasion.  A Morrison did make some amends by scoring in open play.  Unfortunately for the Linlithgow men, the visitors scored with only a couple of minutes remaining.  Thistle, despite their efforts, were unable to secure a point.

Encouragingly, David Martin, one of Thistle's new signings, was in scintillating form and bagged a brace on his debut.

The Linlithgow side will be back to full complement when they entertain Bathgate Thistle on Monday evening.  As such, the management will be confident of enhancing areas of the team that may have appeared a little weak on today's performance.

** THISTLE UNVEIL NEW SIGNINGS **

** LEAFA ANNOUNCE FIXTURES **

The Lothian & Edinburgh AFA has announced the first batch of fixtures for Season 2011-2012.  Full fixtures can be viewed at http://www.leafa.co.uk/Saturday/Results-and-Fixtures/ .  In summary, Thistle's campaign kicks off with the following five games in the space of a fortnight:

13th Aug: Barca Milton 97 (home)*

* changed from scheduled away fixture

15th Aug: Bathgate Thistle AFC (home)

20th Aug: Heriot Vale (away)

22nd Aug: Fernieside (home)

27th Aug: Redpath Albion (away)

The Draws for the Logan and Centenary Cups have also been made, with Thistle playing away from home against CS Strollers and Silverknowes Vale, respectively.  Dates of these fixtures to follow.

** PRESEASON FRIENDLY RESULTS **

Linlithgow Thistle 3 v 3 Slamannan Ams 

Bo'ness Academy, 16th July, 2pm

Scorers: Trialist, Maxwell, G. Deans (pen)

Having gone behind to two early goals to Stirling & District AFA Slamannan, Thistle rallied to take the lead, with an impressive header from Trialist, a rare header from Maxwell, and a penalty from Thistle's Player of the Year, G. Deans.  The visitors eventually equalised but it was an excellent workout, with a few new faces performing positively for the Linlithgow side.

** PRESEASON TRAINING**

 Preseason training has been confirmed as commencing at 2pm on Saturday 2nd July at Listloaning.  New players welcome.  Please contact any of the Committee for directions.

2011 Preseason Training Schedule

- July -

 Venue details will be updated frequently so please ensure that you check back before training commences

- August -