A Clydebank poet reached the final two of a national competition attempting to find Scotland’s top poetic penalty taker.
Hamish MacDonald took part in the final of Poems and Penalties, a one-of-a-kind contest that blends poetry with penalty shootouts.
Organised by charity Nil by Mouth, the event aims to celebrate the positive impact of football on communities across Scotland while promoting its anti-sectarian message.
The competition saw six poets from across the UK take to the spot, reciting lines from their poems before taking three penalty kicks each, with the top two scorers advancing to a sudden-death showdown.
Hamish, a lifelong Clydebank supporter and the club’s poet in residence, reached the final against Dumbarton fan Stephen Watt.
In a fitting West Dunbartonshire showdown, Stephen Watt edged a victory after Hamish’s last kick struck the post.
Hamish said: “It was a joy to take part in Nil by Mouth’s Poems and Penalties event, where crack, camaraderie and spot kicks all contributed to a delightful morning in the Borders autumn sunshine at Stow Amateurs FC.
“Dumbarton FC’s Stephen Watt was a worthy winner, with the final sudden-death penalty between Bankies and Sons adding just a touch of derby drama and the outcome decided by the width of a post.”
Despite the narrow defeat, the day ended on a high note for Hamish, who was invited as a boardroom guest to Clydebank’s 3-0 win over Borders side Gala Fairydean Rovers.
He said: “A rapid few miles’ dash to make kick-off in time for Clydebank FC’s away Lowland League victory at Gala Fairydean made the day all the more memorable.
“Hopefully, next year can see Clydebank participating again in a day that was, in this case, very much more about taking part than winning, while highlighting the important anti-sectarian educational work that Nil by Mouth undertakes in our Scottish communities.”
Dave Scott, director of Nil by Mouth, said: “Much of our work involves dealing with the more poisonous side of sport, so this event is a welcome chance to highlight the passion and poetry of the beautiful game.
"Football is something that brings real colour and exhilaration to people’s lives and it was great listening to the poets share their work and have a laugh together afterwards.
“Hamish is a mine of information on Clydebank and his love for the town, the team and its people pours through his work.
“He is already the first name on the team sheet for next year’s competition and we hope the event will continue to grow.”
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