Hawick return to cup spotlight after unfounded 'fixing scandal'

After Hawick Royal Albert went down to a 7-0 loss to Highland League side Huntly at Albert Park in last season's first round, allegations were made of match-fixing.

Newspapers reported stories of punters winning large sums by forecasting the correct score and betting that Huntly would gain a penalty goal - as they did in the 23rd minute when Gavin Watson, normally a goalkeeper but playing at centre-back due to a shortage of players, handled the ball on the line.

SFA President George Peat threatened a lifetime ban for the club and players if the allegations were true, and Lothian and Borders police began an investigation into possible criminal activity, but some weeks later, with the big bookmaking chains reporting no suspicious patterns, the inquiry was quietly dropped and no action was taken.

They are laughing it off now as they prepare to face Dalbeattie Star in today's first round, but at the time, the Hawick RA players and officials were dismayed at the extent of the police investigation.

"They interviewed everybody from the women who do the catering to the manager," said club secretary Douglas Purves. "I myself was interviewed for two hours in the club rooms and, at one point, the questioning made me think I'd better get a lawyer.

"The SFA told us to co-operate fully, but we had nothing to hide and we were all positive nothing would come of it, and nothing did because there was just no evidence.

"It was not a nice thing for the club to go through, and personally I think it was a waste of taxpayers' money because it was just a rumour probably started by other clubs around here that don't like us.

"It started with one newspaper who wouldn't tell anyone their source and then spread to include the penalty conceded by the centre half who decided to start playing as a goalkeeper again.

"I am dreading to discover what the rumours will be after this game."

Hawick RA manager Davie Halfpenny said the false allegations rattled his men: "It certainly did affect the players as we went up to Stirling University next and let in ten goals including two penalties."

The omens are not good for Hawick today, as they have lost their last three matches by a combined score of 0-20.

"As was the case at this stage last year, we have yet to win this season," said Halfpenny, "while Dalbeattie are still undefeated and top of the South of Scotland league. It's a big ask, especially as we have signed seven new players of whom two or three are experienced.

"Dalbeattie are favourites but, on the day, it's 11 against 11 and, if we take our chances, you never know what might happen, because it's cup football.

"Though my boys are youngsters who have stepped up from the amateur ranks to the East of Scotland league, really all they are lacking is a bit of confidence

"We have home advantage, and that's a bonus because having played at Dalbeattie, where it's a huge pitch and a bigger stadium, I don't know how they will handle the switch to our tight park."

There's none of that last-minute tactical secrecy nonsense with Halfpenny, who played 12 seasons in all at Hawick RA and also had spells at Selkirk and Peebles Rovers, as well as playing in the amateurs with local Hawick clubs. Formerly the player manager at Lauder Amateurs, Halfpenny is now in his second season at Albert Park, and has his game plan made for today.

He said: "We have had two nights' training and the 16 have been picked and know the formation that we will start with.

"Basically we want to still be in the cup tie at half-time and then, if things are going well at that point, we will make some changes and go all out for a win."

Halfpenny himself played twice in the Scottish Cup for Hawick in 1992 and 1997, both times losing against Alloa Athletic, with his brother Graham Halfpenny the manager in the latter match.

"We were drawing 1-1 for a long period but finally lost 1-3," recalled Halfpenny. "There was still a buzz on the bus home. however, because playing in the Scottish Cup is your dream - it's why you play football"

Three other teams from the Borders will be taking part in the first round. Joining Hawick RA will be Gala Fairydean, Selkirk and Vale of Leithen, with all four having home advantage.

Toughest tie of the four would appear to be Vale of Leithen's match against Highland League side Keith while two junior clubs will be trying to put one over on the Borderers, Bo'ness travelling to Selkirk and Gala Fairydean meeting Sunnybank, the Northern Super League champions from Aberdeen.