Everyone at Glenafton Athletic was saddened to learn of the passing of former Glens manager Gerry Collins after a long battle with illness. We have many happy memories of Gerry and very grateful for the success he brought in the Cup Double Season of 2005/06. Our thoughts are with Gerry’s family and friends at this sad time.

John Timpany, club President at the time brought Gerry to Loch Park as manager during the latter part of Season 2004/05, however at the end of the season a number of high profile players left the club under freedom of of contract. Gerry along with Andy Dunlop and Davy Kennedy were then faced with enhancing remaining core of the team with several new recruits.

Rockware Ayrshire League Cup

The early season Rockware Ayrshire League Cup saw the Glens finish 2nd top in their section behind leaders Cumnock Juniors following wins over Auchinleck Talbot, Muirkirk Juniors, Kello Rovers; a draw with Lugar Boswell Thistle before losing out to Cumnock 2-1, in the last of the section games. Glens travelled to Maybole Juniors in the Quarter-Final and triumphed 2-0 before beating Beith Juniors in the Semi-final in a penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw.

Glenafton and Cumnock met in the cup final at Somerset in October 2005 and it was favourites’ Nock that opened the scoring only for Glens to fire in three goals before the break – a double from Stevie Agnew either side of Brian Blair’s strike. Cumnock drew level from a controversial penalty but back came the Glens and substitute Paul Deeney’s header sealed

Gary Matthews, Peter McAninch, John McCaig, Liam Paterson, Davy Stewart, Craig Bingham (Brian Miller), Willie Howie, Brian Blair, (Craig Callachan), Stevie Agnew, Scott Houston

Whyte & McKay West of Scotland Cup

Glenafton hosted Wishaw Juniors in the 1st round and ran out comfortable 4-0 winners, with goals from Brian Blair, Scott Houston (2) and Brian Miller. The 2nd round at home to neighbours Kello Rovers proved to be more problematical with the Glens drawing level through Craig Callachan’s spot-kick to take the tie to a penalty shoot-out where keeper Gary Matthews saved the crucial kick for a 4-3 win. The Glens hosted fellow Premier League side Renfrew in the 3rd round and a goal from young Zander Allan settled the match. History repeated itself in the 4th round when Glens beat Shotts Bon Accord at Loch Park with Zander scoring the only goal of the game. Finally, an away tie, with the Glens travelling to face Hurlford United where an early goal from Brian Miller was enough to put them through to the final.

The Glens faced favourites Maryhill who had taken the Premier League scalps of Cumnock, Pollok and Arthurlie en-route to the final at Pollok’s Newlandsfield Park. It was the Glasgow side that took the lead in the first half only for a Steven McGregor header in the second half to level the tie. Glens were never behind in the shoot-out after Gary Matthews saved Maryhill’s first kick from deadly striker Bryan Dingwall and went on to win 4-3.

Gary Matthews, Robbie Mitchell. Steven McGregor, John McCaig, Graham Mathie, Brian Miller (Brian Blair), Willie Howie (Craig Bingham), Dale Beattie, Stevie Agnew, Darren Johnstone, Zander Allan, Scott Houston. Subs Liam Paterson, Peter McAnich

Gerry stepped down as Season 2006/07 drew a close and left with the best wishes of the club.