Dumfries and Galloway clubs pay tribute to Charlie Watson at start of new football season
Tributes were paid to Charlie Watson ahead of the start of the new football season.
The midfielder passed away in June aged just 20 following a battle with skin cancer.
He helped Dalbeattie Star win the South of Scotland League in 2023/24 during a loan spell from Queen of the South before spending last season with Threave Rovers.
A piper led Star and Creetown out at Islecroft and a wreath was laid ahead of their South of Scotland League opener.
And there was a minute's applause at Meadow Park ahead of Threave's West of Scotland League second division encounter with Blantyre Victoria.
Threave boss, Danny Dunglinson, said: 'It was the first competitive game since we lost Charlie and we wanted to do something.
'We had his number four in the middle and a minute's applause.
'Blantyre brought a bunch of floors and a card down, which I thought was a touch of class from them. We didn't play them last year, they've heard about the story.
'We've always said we won't forget Charlie. He's the last thing we see as we come out the dressing room, we've got his photo printed on the wall.
Star went on to win their game against Creetown 1-0 thanks to a Stevie Harkness goal with just under a quarter of an hour left.
Star manager David Taylor said: 'Creetown were brilliant with their co-operation and they laid a wreath as well.
'It was a bit sombre, but once we got going it was a typical, open game. It was two teams not really wanting to lose.
'It's a good start but that's all it is and we need to try to build on it.
'There's loads to work on but loads of positives. We created some chances, it's not like it was smash and grab. 'Creetown are very well organised and leave it all on the pitch. Credit to them for that. I think we just about deserved it.'
Star strengthened ahead of the game by bringing back Cammy Bryson on a loan deal after he signed for Annan Athletic.
And they're hoping to boost the squad further ahead of Saturday's trip to Nithsdale Wanderers.
Taylor added: 'We're happy to get Cammy back and it gives us another option.
'Hopefully this week we might add one. We won't do any more than two over the next couple of weeks. If something comes up we'd look at it but with the plan we've got, two is the maximum for now unless we get a gem.
'Historically, Nithsdale start the season well.
'I think they're trying to find their feet with Sean McKenzie being at Gretna, it's a big pair of boots to fill.
'It'll be a tough one, it's tough for anybody going up there, but we're looking forward to it.'
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