Barry Somers Is Ready To Show He Is Back To His Best
Report by Andy McLaren
Former Highland League midfielder Barry Somers today warned defences more goals are to come as he aims to guide Sportsmans to the top of Amateur football for a second successive year.
Midfield ace Barry became the Highland League’s top goalscorer with 30 goals in 2010 during his spell with Formartine.
Since then, the 32-year-old has been plagued by injuries and most recently left Huntly last September.
Barry, who has also played for Keith and Inverurie Locos, scored two goals to help his side beat Premier Division hopefuls Woodside 3-1.
But despite almost quitting the game, Barry admits he now has the hunger to win Amateur silverware following his move to Sportsmans in the summer.
He said: “I played Amateur football when I was younger and all my friends are here at Sportsmans but I know I have the ability to become a regular goalscorer for the team.
“Scoring two goals on my debut felt similar to the spell I had at Formartine and I’m loving every second of it.
“I’m here for as long as I can stay fit and I definitely have no plans to play at any other level of football.
“We have a great squad of players and I’m confident we can regain the league and hopefully win a few cups.”
Sportsmans had their most successful season last term, winning both the Premier Division and Aberdeen FC Trophy.
The Aberdeenshire outfit’s league success was all the more special as they won their last 14 matches to clinch their first title since winning Division One (North) in 2009.
And Barry admits he has no regrets about taking the step down to play in the Premier Division.
“I promised the guys at Sportsmans I would join them when my days in the Highland League were over and I have stayed true to my words,” he said.
“Junior football was never an option, especially after by bad spell with Huntly last year.
“There are a variety of former Highland League players now competing for Amateur clubs which shows the strengths of the leagues.”
Woodside started the brightest and grabbed the opener on 5 minutes.
Derek Craigie crossed for former Aberdeen youngster Brian Neil who couldn’t miss from 5 yards.
Sportsman continued to push and found their equaliser on 17 minutes when Lee McKenzie blasted the ball into the roof of the net.
Half-time: 1 – 1
Sportsmans went close to finding a second goal when Andrew Ewen’s shot grazed the crossbar before John Law forced James Noble into a save with a low drive.
Somers was his side’s main threat from set pieces and he reacted the quickest to turn the ball home from 5 yards on 60 minutes.
The former Highland League ace made it 3-0 when his curled shot flew past goalkeeper James Noble into the top corner of the net.
Full Time: 1 – 3
Woodside – Noble, Banks, Gibb, Simpson, Buchan, Neil, Donald, Reid, Donaldson, Craigie, Thomson.
Subs – Ferguson, Ross, Davie, Brown, Cronin.
Sportsmans – Singer, Singer, Masson, Buchanan, Sinclair, Esson, Ewen, Somers, Davidson, Law, McKenzie.
Subs – Watson, Masson, Duthie, Fleming.
Referee – S McKenzie
