Baikie relishing Tayport Super League challenge

The Perth side are about to embark on their first season of Super League football and provided a stiff test for John Ovenstone’s men.

‘Port came close to an opener during the first half.

Following a corner kick, Jamie Mackie hoisted the ball back into the area and Dale Reid was unlucky to see his header come off the bar.

But Reid did find the net in the second half.

Played in by Liam Ross, one of several new signings on show, Reid smashed his shot beyond the ‘keeper.

Swifts equalised when an error at the back proved costly and former Tayport striker Robbie Holden pounced to make it one apiece.

It is the dawn of a new era at the Canniepairt, as there have been changes behind the scenes.

Long-serving stalwarts Abby Oswald, Alastair Oswald and Kenny Smith have retired from their prominent roles on the committee.

Over the summer, the committee has been bolstered by some new recruits with former manager Dave Baikie filling the role of club chairman. “Personally, I felt that the club needed some experience as the retirements of Abby, Alastair and Kenny left a void to be filled and I decided to get involved again, albeit in a different role,” said Baikie.

“We’ve now amassed a committee of 11 and we’re still looking to add more people as many hands make light work.

“We’re trying to work on the infrastructure of the club and, most importantly, support John Ovenstone with the playing side.

“We’re looking to find new ways of raising funds as finance has become so important in the junior game.

“The Super League has changed since it began in 2002 when Tayport were at their peak.

“Now it’s dominated by the clubs with the biggest budgets like Linlithgow, Bonnyrigg and Bo’ness, and it’s difficult for the clubs north of the Forth to compete.

“Gtting Tayport back to that level is a big challenge, but it’s a challenge we look forward to.”