Super League 1st Division
Sat 1st October, Loch Park, New Cumnock
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 1 (0)
SHOTTS BON ACCORD 1 (0)
Glenafton missed the opportunity to go top of the league with another home draw, their third in three league games. The home side shaded the first half in terms of possession against a well organised Shotts side. It proved to be a forty-five minutes with chances at both ends the best of which was created by the lively Paul McKenzie but keeper Craig Brown pulled of a fine diving save. H/T Glens 0 Shotts 0
Paul 'Taz' McKenzie
The half-time oranges inspired a much needed zest to the encounter and the Glens in particular looked the more determined to end the stalemate. Loan signing, Paul Murphy, making his home debut, fired in a shot from the edge of the box which skimmed over the crossbar. A Gareth Armstrong header from a Lewis Sloan cut back then battered off the Bon Accord post. It seemed something had to give and it did, but unexpectedly at the other end of the park with the Glens architects of their own setback. On 52 minutes possession was surrendered carelessly in the middle of the park and the ball gathered gratefully by Gordon McKenna, who instantly headed for the exposed Ally Semple’s goal. On another day the keeper may have made the striker’s task more difficult but after McKenna’s first shot hit the post, the ball fell kindly to allow him to net the rebound.
Gareth 'Bo' Armstrong
The home side licked their wounds and McKenzie in particular was proving a handful for the visitors his attacking style giving Paul Burns a torrid time as he opened up the Shotts defence. Midway through the half it was a case of severe Burns for Taz, when the defender floored him and two minutes later chopped him down, to collect two yellow cards and his matching orders in quick succession. The Glens continued to press and were creating chances at will with two efforts from Sloan the picks of the bunch. The Shotts goal survived a few goalmouth scrambles but one ended with Gareth Armstrong wheeling round to smash home a more than well-deserved equaliser, his 12th goal of the season. Minutes later the Glens were denied a stonewaller when a Shotts’ handball in the box was waved away. Late in the game the visitors found a second wind which threatened to blow out birthday boy Ally Semple’s candles. However a few frantic clearances from his fellow defenders, including a noteworthy one from Craig McEwan, ensured the game finished a goal apiece and a point apiece. Glens 1 Shotts 1
Glenafton: Semple; McEwan, Henderson, Menzies & McKillen; McKenzie, Murphy Potter & Sloan; Armstrong & Cashmore Subs Greenlees Campbell Bell McChesney Dunsmuir
Other Scores: Girvan P Kilsyth P, Lanark 2 Dalry 0 , Renfrew P Cumbernauld P
Glenafton Athletic 