Glenafton made four changes to the eleven that started against Luncarty last Saturday with Sam Gibson, Craig McCracken, Ollie Rowe and Michael McMullen making way for Marc Fisher, Kieran MacDonald, Callum Wilson and Jamie Petre.
The game kicked off in bright sunshine, but the first half proved to be rather dull in terms of actions. Glens created the best of actions with a Callum Wilson free-kick from 25 yards out crashing off a cross-bar. Keeper Liam Prunty pulled off a great save from Craig Truesdale from a low angled shot on the left hand-side of the box while later the keeper comfortably saved
The home side enjoyed a lively start in the second half and took the lead on 49 minutes after a break down the left before Rory McKay a perfectly weighted pass into the box for Ronan Kearney to gather and drill a low angled shot past advancing keeper Marc Fisher and into the far side of the box. Cumbernauld 1 Glens 0, 49 minutes.
Glens responded and it was the lively Truesdale that gathered a cross-field pass just inside the Cumbernauld half before rolling a pass upfield into the box for Jamie Petre to chase down and crack only for keeper Prunty to pull off another fine save. Soon after another Glens shot smacked off the crossbar.
The visitors continued to press as Callum Wilson burst deep into the right hand side of the box to whip the ball back for Ross Smith to leap only his header to be well held by the goalie.
On 81 minutes the Glens drew level after Craig Truesdale gathered the ball on the left-hand side of the box turning the defender one way and then another before curling a shot between that defender and another and then the keeper diving at full stretch as the ball sneaked just inside of back post. Cumbernauld 1 Glens 1, 81 minutes.
In the hunt for a winner Rocco Devenny gathered the ball on the right, inside the Cumbernauld half, and floated a cross deep into the box beyond the last defender for the inrushing Hugh Kerr, only for his touch to send the ball wide of the post.
Cumbernauld came close in the dying minutes with a hooked shot from inside the box forcing keeper Fisher to take no chances, and tip the ball over the bar.
FT Cumbernauld 1 Glens 1
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. Marc Fisher 18. Andy McLaughlin 3. Kieran MacDonald 4. Ricky Little (captain) 20. Brannan McDermott 12. Andy Stirling (14. Rocco Devenny) 7. Callum Wilson 6. Jamie Wilson (8. Kyle Hutton) 19. Craig Truesdale 17. Jamie Petre (10. Hugh Kerr) 9. Ross Smith. Subs.: 21. Sam Gibson 5. Jordan Allan 16. Lennon Kenney.
CUMBERNAULD UNITED
1. Liam Prunty 2. B. Elliot 3. Toby Ferrie 4. Kevin Watt 5. Frazer Stobie 6. Anton Brady 7. Fraser Sheridan 8. Sam Robinson 9. Ronan Kearney 10. Rory McKay 11. Scott Brodie. Subs: Scott Cowie (gk), Gregor Goldie, Matthew McFarlane, Dom Reilly, Jeremiah Otonti, Paul Archibald
Luncarty Football Club was formed in 1886 by the local bleachworks, giving rise to their nickname ‘The Bleachers’ and played in the Seniors before transferring in 1921 to the Juniors.
Luncarty hosted Glenafton in the Scottish Junior Cup 1st Round in Season 1985/86 with a Glens team of Bentley; Gardner, McCabe; McClymont, Speir, Murdoch; Ferguson, Doherty, Faulds, McCallum, Reilly Subs: Kerr, Montgomerie. Glens ran out 5-0 winners with goals from John Ferguson, Mungo McCallum, Gary Faulds 2, Norman Montgomery.
Currently, Luncarty play in the East of Scotland Division Two with an eye of promotion and currently sit in 5th position. A great wee social club with a spectacular view over Brownlands Park.
Glenafton made three changes to the eleven that started against Arthurlie last Saturday with Marc Fisher making way keeper Sam Gibson and Keiran MacDonald & Rocco Devenny making way for Ricky Little and Craig Truesdale.
Although Luncarty kicked off it was Glens that enjoyed some early possession in and around the home side’s box. However, ‘The Bleachers’ quickly removed the colour from the cheeks of the travelling supporters. Rhys Davies gathered the ball on the outskirts of the ‘D’ before clipping a perfectly weighted diagonal pass to the junction of the bye-line and the right-hand side of the 18-yard box for James Yates to whip a ball into the six-yard box for the inrushing Dayle Robertson to guide a downward header into the net. Luncarty 1 Glens 0, 4 minutes.
Soon after the home side won a free kick on the edge of the ‘D’ only for Jamie MacKenzie’s effort to crash off the four-man wall and his attempt to bury the rebound fell high and wide of target.
Luncarty continued to press through Yates wide on the right cutting a ball inside for MacKenzie to curl a low shot that drifted wide of the back post. Davies then leathered a low angled shot from the left-hand side of the box that was blocked by keeper Sam Gibson. Meanwhile Yates fired another cross from the right into the six-yard box only for Brandon McDermott to leap and head clear at the near post.
Some respite for the visitors as McDermott pressed up the left before breaking inside to drill a low shot from 25 yards out that was safely gathered by keeper Zak Simpson as Craig Truesdale closed in for any spillage. Soon after another powerful run down left by McDermott only his square ball into the box for Truesdale to be intercepted and cleared.
Glens then floated a free kick high into the right-hand side of the box and head tennis between Craig McCracken and Ricky Little was headed well clear of the penalty box by Shaun Simpson and fell for Truesdale to drill a powerful shot from 25 yards that was deflected high and wide of target.
At the other end Yates from the right launched a high ball to the back post for Davies who was blocked by McCracken as Gibson punched the ball away. Play was stopped as McCracken required treatment and soon after was replaced by Kieran MacDonald.
Glens pushed forward in numbers only to be faced by a well drilled and packed box. Andy Stirling switched to the left wing and slipped the ball inside for Michael Mullen who quickly picked out Truesdale on the left-hand side of the box where he weaved free of two defenders to feed McDermott to lay the ball off to Mullen to drill a shot from the edge of the ‘D’ that whizzed high over the bar.
Back came Glens down the right where Andy McLaughlin launched a ball from tight on the touchline into the six yard box and although Rueben Stewart-Lamont got the jump on Ross Smith the ball fell for Stirling only for his attempt to drill a low ball back into the six-yard box deflected wide for a corner-kick, which was well defended by the home side.
Another determined run down the left by Stirling earned another corner which he floated to the far-end of the six-yard box where Little’s downward headward bounced up and clutched safely by Simpson.
On 34 minutes MacDonald on the right, just inside the Luncarty half, floated a free kick into the far side of the box for Little only for Stewart-Lamont to intercept and head to ball well out box which Jamie Wilson gathered and fed Stirling on the left to push forward and from just inside the box curl a ball towards the penalty spot for Little to stoop and send a header goalward only for Simpson to leap and clutch the ball.
Two minutes Stirling now back on the right to pushed forward and drilled a low powerful shot that whizzed past a line of three players, Stewart-Lamont in the middle, either side of Smith and Mullen, before the keeper dropped to his knees to push the ball back out the six yard box only for Smith to beat Stewart-Lamont and Yates to the loose ball and stab it into net. Yet without any claims from the Luncarty players, the assistant referee on the right wing raised a flag for offside!
On 40 minutes Mullen gathered the ball deep in the Luncarty box with Simpson locking onto his shoulder forcing the Glens striker to the ground, no flag from the assistant referee, and play was wave on.
Rubbing salt in the wounds as the home side broke upfield and Dayle Robertson under pressure from Little lobbed a ball high into the air forcing keeper Gibson on the six-yard line struggled to get back in time for the ball to drop into the net. An exquisite finish to double the home side’s lead. Luncarty 2 Glens 0, 40 mins.
Played raged back and forth in closing minutes without further scoring.
HT Luncarty 2 Glens 0
Glenafton made a change at the break with Jamie Petre replacing an injured Michael Mullen.
Glens kicked off and two minutes into the new half a low shot from Luncarty deflected off a defender on the 18-yard line and as it rolled into the box keeper Gibson gathered the ball. Half a dozen Glens players lined up along the six-yard line as Davies lined up the free-which whizzed over the wall and inches over the bar.
Two minutes later and another Luncarty free-kick but on this occasion floated high into the six-yard box where Little won the aerial battle with Stewart-Lamont and Ollie Rowe launched the loose ball upfield.
Things could only get not better! On 50 minutes after a clash between Jamie Wilson and Dayle Robertson, the Glens midfielder was sent off and the visitors reduced to ten men.
Luncarty continued to press with back-to-back corners kicks and a third followed soon after that was whipped into the six-yard box for Robertson to bullet a header goalward only for Gibson to get airborne and push the ball high into the air and on its descent, Davies bulleted a header over the bar at the junction of the post.
On 56 minutes Glens made a double substitution with Keiran Macdonald and Craig Truesdale making way for Callum Wilson and player-manager Hugh Kerr. Both were soon in the thick of the action as Wilson floated a free kick into high into the box and although Kerr beat the aerial battle with Connell Clarke his header sailed high over the bar.
The visitors were enjoying a good spell of possession in the Luncarty half. Stirling floated a corner from the left into a busy six-yard box and although Little outleapt Stewart-Lamont, keeper Simpson plucked the ball out the air.
Back came Glens with Ross breaking forward into the left-hand side of the box and as Walker closed in the whipped the ball to the far side of the box for the inrushing Kerr only to be bundled to the ground by the leaping substitute No. 23 as the referee pointed to the spot. Up stepped Callum Wilson to drill the spot-kick into the right-hand corner of the net as keeper Simpson dived to the left. Luncarty 2 Glens 1, 62 mins.
The visitors were attacking in numbers albeit without testing the keeper and indeed some respite for Luncarty as MacKenzie from the outskirts of the ‘D’ picked out substitute No. 16 on the right-hand corner of the six-yard box only to sky his shot well over the bar. Soon after he had a free shot from the outskirts of the box but dragged it wide of the left post.
Glenafton responded through another wave of attacks before Petre floated another ball to the edge of the box where Hugh Kerr got the jump on a line of three defenders to trap the ball and let it take a bounce as the keeper raced from his line arriving at the penalty spot as Kerr, some two yards further on, lined up his shot blasted the ball past the keeper and into the gaping net. Luncarty 2 Glens 2, 80 minutes.
After another lung-bursting run down the right by McDermott he squared the ball inside to Smith only for his pass to Kerr on the edge of the box to be intercepted by Stewart-Lamont wholaunched the ball upfield. Back it came though and over the heads of the two centre backs and although Kerr got a touch, it was recovered by Clarke and cleared again.
Stirling and then Wilson mounted attacks that kept Luncarty’s defence on their toes, happy to launch the ball upfield.
On 86 minutes Stirling burst down the left and with Walker on his tail he whipped a cross into the box over the head of Stewart-Lamont on the six-yard line towards Rowe and Kerr gathered on the line with two defenders for company, and it was Kerr that twisted to guide a header into the far corner of the net only for Simpson to pull off a super save at full stretch to finger-tip the ball away to safety.
Andy McLaughlin burst down the right, tight on the touchline all the way to the corner-flag and as Sub 23 closed in, he launched a high ball into the goalmouth which sailed over the keeper at the near post only for Walker at the back post to head it behind as Stirling threatened. It was Stirling that floated the corner to the far side of the box where Little cushioned a header back for Prete, a yard from the edge of the six-yard box, only for Sub. 15 to steal the ball and not only clear the danger but set up a counterattack.
The ball was launched upfield and high over the heads of Gibson, who had rushed off his line to the outskirts of the penalty box, and those of McLaughlin and Luncarty’s Sub. No. 16 who was first to control the ball with a gaping net in front of him. Although the keeper took a tumble Sub. No. 16 also stumbled under pressure from McLaughlin and by the time he controlled the ball the Glens defender was in a position not only to block his shot but to gather it and launch it upfield – a huge left off for Glens.
On 88 minutes Ross Smith took a sore one at the edge of the ‘D’ and was replaced by Kyle Hutton.
Play raged back and forth as both sides went in search of a winner, the last chance fell to the hosts on 92 minutes. Sub No.23 launched a cross from the left to the far side of the box where Sub. No. 21 guided a high looping header goalward only for Gibson to leap and clutch the ball cleanly at the near post.
FT Luncarty 2 Glens 2
So to penalty kicks –
Callum Wilson kicked off for Glens and scored to add a goal he scored in the regulation 90 minutes. Dayle Robertson kick-off for Luncarty and scored to add a goal to the double he scored in the regulation 90 minutes. Eight kicks later the score stood at 5-5 , with Glens scorers – Jamie Petre, Andy Stirling, Ollie Rowe and Kyle Hutton. Luncarty’s 3rd penalty was saved by Sam Gibson, however the assistant referee flagged he was off his line and the referee ordered a retake, which was scored.
On to sudden death and round 6, both sides scored ; while on round 7 both keepers saved their penalties. Round 8 and both sides scored, while on Round 9, Glens scored and Luncarty’s 9th penalty was saved by Sam Gibson, however the assistant referee flagged he was off his lism and the referee ordered a retake which was scored. Round 10 saw both keepers score against each other.
Since Glenafton had been reduced to 10 men during the regulation 90 minute, the 11th round began with Callum Wilson and Dayle Robertson. Wilson scored again while Dayle Robertson with No. 22 on his shirt had the 22nd penalty of the shoot out saved by Sam Gibson.
Glenafton progressed to the 3rd round of the competition after a hard fought game with Luncarty side that dominated the first half. We wish Luncarty all the best for the rest of the season.
Penalty 21: Callum Wilson slams home his spot-kick.
Penalty 22. Sam Gibson has Dayle Robertson’s spot kick covered as it slips inches wide of the post.
Sam’s celebrations!
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
Glenafton Athletic: 21. Sam Gibson 18. Andy McLaughlin 5. Craig McCracken (3. Kieran MacDonald (7. Callum Wilson)) 4. Ricky Little (captain) 20. Brannan McDermott 12. Andy Stirling 6. Jamie Wilson 8. Ollie Rowe 19. Craig Truesdale (15. Hugh Kerr) 10. Michael Mullen (17. Jamie Petre) 9. Ross Smith (16. Kyle Hutton) Subs.: Marc Fisher (gk)
LUNCARTY
24. Zak Simpson 4. Connell Clarke 5. Rueben Stewart-Lamont 14. James Yates 17. Daniel Walker (captain) 6. Cammy Robertson 8. Jack Hutchison 7. Shaun Simpson 18. Jamie MacKenzie 22. Dayle Robertson 10. Rhys Davies Subs: Sam Townsley (gk), Jamie Mackie, Urquhart, Aaron Rae, Callum Proudfoot, Jack Johnston, Mollison.
Glenafton made four changes to the eleven that started against Forth Wanderers last Saturday. Ricky Little, Callum Wilson and Jamie Petre were unavailable while Craig Truesdale took a place on the bench. Returning to the starting eleven were Craig McCracken, Ollie Rowe, Kieran MacDonald and Ross Smith.
Glens have enjoyed a good record against Arthurlie. Indeed, the Barrhead side last victory dates back to September 2012, however they currently sit top of the league, three points ahead of the 5th placed New Cumnock side.
Although Glenafton kicked off, Arthurlie were quick off the mark with back-to-back corners kicks, the latter ending with Michael MacNeil’s header sailing high over the bar.
Glens then enjoyed a good spell of possession in and around the ‘Lie box. Michael Mullen’s attempt to pick out Ross Smith on the outskirts of the box was intercepted by MacNeil before Ollie Rowe stripped the ball from him allowing Smith to chase it down before squaring it across the six-yard line for the incoming Mullen only for Shay Burke to clear the danger.
Soon after Rocco Devenny floated a ball into box for Mullen and Rowe, closely marked by MacNeil and Kyle Mitchell, Mullen claiming the latter handled the ball before Burke cleared.
On 11 minutes Mullen then gathered the ball in the ‘Lie box and with MacNeil on his heels he drilled a low shot from 15 yards forcing keeper Marc Waters to dive low at full stretch and push the ball a foot wide of the base of the post. Kieran MacDonald floated the corner that followed to the near post for Smith only for Ryan Sinclair to head the ball well clear of the box.
The Glens continued to press with the home side enjoying an occasional break upfield with breaks down either wing, but without a shot at goal.
0n 25 minutes Smith from tight on the left floated a cross into a busy box where Andy Strilring, on the penalty spot, outleapt Lewis Kinnaird only for his header to drift to right corner of the six-yard box and although Mullen beat MacNeil to the ball his low angled shot was well held by keeper Waters. Soon after Smith delivered another cross to the back post where Devenny and Sinclair’s aerial battle ended with Waters gathering the loose ball.
An Arthurlie break up the right saw Kyle Mitchell and Sean Slaven battle for the ball only for Craig McCracken to mop up the danger.
Glens countered with a long ball up the right where Devenny headed the ball infield for Mullen gathered the ball to break forward at speed with Devenny on his right and Smith farther on his left, it was to Smith he curled a high ball into the box only for Sean Doherty to intercept and head out for a corner-kick. Stirling, from the left, floated the kick into a busy six-yard box where both McCracken and MacNeil, with Burke sandwiched between them, leapt high and it was MacNeil that won the header sending the ball beyond the back post and although McLaughlin chased it down and to returned into the goalmouth, it became came clear that Burke had taken a knock and required treatment.
On 32 minutes ‘Lie won a free kick on the left which was floated deep into the box where Bannan McDermott won the aerial battle with Sinclair sending the ball high towards the outskirts of the box where Lee Roulston, with his back to goal, met on the drop only for his overhead kick sending it wide of the post. Back came Arthurlie through Sinclair breaking deep into the right-hand side of the box before clipping the ball to the back post where Fraser Scott leapt between Devenny and McLaughlin to bullet a downward header that Roulston got a touch but was blocked but not under control of keeper Fisher and MacDonald only for Jamie Gilmour to intervene and mop up the loose ball.
Back came Arthurlie and Slaven on the 18-yard line held off the challenge from Wilson and McCracken to square the ball to Sinclair, but under pressure from McLaughlin the hooked his shot high over the cross bar.
At the other end Smith broke deep into the left-hand side of the box and cut the ball across the six-yard line for Rowe to gather and stab a rising shot between two defenders and beyond the reach of the keeper and over the bar.
Play raged back and forth and in the closing minutes Arthurlie came close to breaking the deadlock as Roulston held of the challenge from Devenny at the edge of the box to curl a low powerful shot through a ruck of players and beyond the reach of the diving keeper only to drift wide of the post.
Glens countered up the right with Devenny leaping to head the ball over Callum Scott and into the box for Mullen to chase and drill a low diagonal shot that was deflected out for a corner by MacNeil, which was eventually cleared.
At the other the home side won a free kick, (handball perhaps?) on the 18-yard line. Callum Scott curled a low shot past the right-hand side of the wall only for keeper Fisher to pull off a stunning save and send the ball wide of the post. The corner-kick that followed saw McCracken and Stirling combined to prevent any shots at goal.
HT Arthurlie 0 Glenafton 0
Arthurlie kicked off and won two corner kicks in quick succession, the first Roulston’s header drifted wide of the post and the second saw Roulston’s header booted clear of the six-yard box by Gilmour.
The home side continued to press and a breakup the right saw the ball squared into the box for the incoming Fraser Scott with Andy McLaughlin by his side as he tumbled to the ground, adjudged to be a penalty kick by the well positioned referee. Up stepped captain Michael MacNeil and sent keeper Marc Fisher the wrong way as he stroked the ball in at the bottom left-hand corner of the post. Arthurlie 1 Glens 0, 52 minutes.
Some three minutes later Glens came close to drawing level as Mullen beat the offside trap before progressing to the edge of the ‘D’ and with Doherty and MacNeill either side of him he unleashed a powerful shot that whizzed wide of the reach of keeper Waters, airborne and at full stretch on his six-yard line, and inches wide of the left post.
Glens continued to press with good build up play albeit without testing the keeper.
Arthurlie responded and on the hour mark won back-to-back corners, left and right, the latter initiating a game of head tennis beginning with MacDonald in the six-yard box stooping low to head it high into air and descend on the ‘D’ where Burke head it high back into box only to be headed back out by McDermott which was intercepted by Burke and headed into the box, – 30 all; before football took over and fair old stramash ensued before McCracken cleared the ball upfield.
Stirling pushed down the left and switched play with a diagonal pass to Devenny on the far side of the box where he passed it back toward Smith on the outskirts of the box holding off Kinnaird before being brought down. Arthurlie set up a four-man wall on the 18-yard line while the keeper was situated on the middle of his goal-line. Up stepped Michael Mullen and blasted the free-kick from 28 yards that whizzed just to right of the leaping wall and began its descent from the six-yard line into the net squeezing between the inside of the post and the fingertips of keeper Waters at full stretch. Arthurlie 1 Glens 1, 63 minutes.
Mullen burst into the right-hand side of the box before unleashing a thundering angle shot that Waters at his near post could only look on as the ball whizzed over the junction of the post and bar.
At the other end Callum Scott from tight on the left touchline whipped a free-kick deep into the Glens box where MacDonald’s header took the sting out of it sending the ball towards the post where Fisher quickly gathered it, as Roulston and MacNeil closed in.
Arthurlie made double substitutions on 70 minutes with Fraser Scott and Kyle Mitchell making way for Paul Welsh and Max Gillies.
On 83 minutes McDermott’s shot from just outside the box deflected off Doherty and out for a corner that MacDonald floated high into the six-yard box where a leaping MacNeil header was intercepted by McCracken by a powerful header that whizzed past MacNeil on his descent and beyond the reach of the keeper only for the ball to dip over the bar.
Play continued to rage back and forth as both sided searched for a late winner.
Glens came close after Stirling drilled a low shot that whizzed inches wide of the post, with claims that the keeper got at touch waved away. At the other end Fisher blocked a low angled shot in a busy box.
On 90 minutes Glens made a change with Rocco Devenny making way after a great shift for substitute Callum Kenney (trialist).
Neither side was settling for a draw as they went in search of a winner.
Wilson gathered the ball just inside the Glens half before releasing Stirling down the left and from the edge of the box curled a pass to the near post just beyond the reach of the inrushing Smith as the keeper smothered the ball.
The visitors were now dominating the closing minutes of the game. Stirling switched play from the left to the right where the ball was finally gathered by McLaughlin to float a cross into the six-yard box only for the keeper and Docherty to clear the ball under pressure from Rowe.
Into added time and MacDonald broke down a ‘Lie attack and picked out Stirling in the centre circle who in turn picked out Mullen to release a ball into the box for Stirling to chase and after drawing the keeper well of his line he slipped the ball wide for Smith, only for the keeper to stick out a foot and divert the danger.
Back came the visitors and McDermott from inside the ‘Lie half picked out Michael Mullen to gather and progress to the edge of the box to thump a shot low between the legs of the leaping Sinclair and beyond the reach of the diving keeper to bulge the net. Arthurlie 1 Glens 2, 93 minutes. The celebrations that followed were joyous and worthy of strong team performance.
And yet! In a flash Glens had won the ball back from the kick-off and Stirling treading his path down the left … only for a blind spot, to occur. In a flash the keeper seeming to gather a loose ball was suddenly aware that Michael Mullen was about to pounce and steal the ball before slipping it home into the gaping net to complete a magnificent hat-trick. Arthurlie 1 Glens 3, 94 minutes.
The striker completing back-to-back league hat-tricks.
FT Arthurlie 1 Glenafton 3
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
Glenafton Athletic: 1. Marc Fisher 18. Andy McLaughlin 5. Craig McCracken 20. Brannan McDermott 12. Andy Stirling (captain) 14. Rocco Devenny (Callum Kenney/trialist) 6. Jamie Wilson 8. Ollie Rowe 3. Keiran MacDonald 10. Michael Mullen 9. Ross Smith Subs. Scott Gibson(gk) Craig Truesdale Kyle Hutton, Hugh Kerr, Jordan Allan
ARTHURLIE
Arthurlie: 1. Marc Waters 2. Ryan Sinclair 4. Lee Roulston 5. Michael MacNeil (captain) 6. Sean Doherty 8. Callum Scott 12. Shay Burke 15. Fraser Scott (16. Paul Welsh) 17. Kyle Mitchell (7. Max Gillies)18. Sean Slaven 22. Lewis Kinnaird Subs: 26. Chris Taylor 14. Ross MacMillan 19. Aaron McNulty
Glenafton fielded the same starting eleven that faced St. Roch’s last Saturday.
Today’s opponents Forth Wanderers currently sit in 7th position in the West of Scotland Football League 2nd Division. In starting eleven is former Glenafton defender Michael McMullin.
The two teams had met each other twice before in the Scottish Junior Cup. In Season 1962/63 Glens won 4-0 at Forth in the 2nd round and would go on to reach the final for the first time only to lose out to Irvine Meadow. The second meeting was 40 years ago in the 3rd round at Loch Park in Season 1986/67, with the home side running out 4-1 winners before losing at Linlithgow Rose in the 5th round. Today’s meeting in the 2nd Round is of course under the new banner of the Scottish Communities Cup.
Forth won the toss and elected to play against the strong blustery wind while the Glens kicked off towards the club house end with the wind at their backs, perhaps an advantage?
Not to be, however – as the visitors opened the scoring on 3 minutes after No. 3 broke down the left before clipping a ball into the ‘D’ only for the Rocco Devenny to clear it upfield to the centre circle where Michael McMullin casually lobbed the ball high into the Glens box where Connor Phairs pounced to beat the offside trap and rounded the keeper Marc Fisher before slotting the ball into the gaping net from a tight angle. Glens 0 Forth 1, 3 minutes.
Although the Glens responded with a decent spell of possession in the Forth half, converting that into attempts at goal was proving difficult. On 14 minutes Callum Wilson floated a corner kick from the right, high into the six-yard box only for the wind to guide it over the bar at the back post. Soon after his low shot from 22 yards whizzed wide of the left-hand post, albeit keeper James Scott had it covered.
Andy Stirling pushed wide down the left and whipped a cross into the box where Michael Mullen won the aerial battle with Michael McMullin sending the ball high into the air and although Jamie Petre beat Phails to the descending ball, keeper Scott raced from his line to claw it clear.
On 25 minutes Glens threatened again after Stirling, from tight on the left a few yards from the bye-line, lobbed a cross into the six-yard box for Mullen only for McMullin to intercept and bullet a header some inches over the bar; the corner kick was mopped up by the Forth defence.
On the half hour mark Rocco Devenny, from just inside the Forth half, floated a ball high into the air and beyond the reach of the leaping McMullin while on its descent it bounced high into the air again where Mullen met it on the drop to drill a low shot from 15 yards out, only for Scott pull of a fine save at full stretch to send the ball high over the bar, earning a handshake for McMullin. The corner that followed was headed high into the air by McMullin and after a stramash the danger was cleared.
Brannan McDermott from tight on the left launched a high ball to the back post for the incoming Craig Truesdale with No. 6 for company, only for keeper Scott to leap and clutch it cleanly.
After all that Glens pressure, Forth came close to nicking a second as Phairs challenged for a loose ball in the Glens box only for keeper Fisher and Jamie Gilmour to combine and see off the danger.
HT Glens 0 Forth 1
Forth were first to threaten coming close on 50 minutes as Ross McKenzie and Phairs combined at the edge of the box before the latter drilled a low shot, as Ricky Little and Callum Wilson closed in, only for Fisher to get down low and push the ball wide of the post.
The corner kick was cleared but a minute later Forth doubled their lead with a touch of class. Keeper Scott launched the ball high upfield only for Ross McKenzie to kill the descending ball on the top of his boot before taking a couple of touches to stab forward a diagonal pass between two defenders and into the path of Connor Phairs arriving at the edge of the box to drill a low shot beyond the advancing keeper and into the net. Glens 0 Forth 2, 51 minutes.
Glens made a change with Rocco Devenny making way for Ross Smith.
Play raged back and forth with a couple of half-chances – a Forth corner was cleared off the line while at the other end a Callum Wilson low shot from distance was well held by the keeper.
Forth extended their lead after a corner from the right was floated into the goal mouth where Michael McMullin appeared to get a touch before the ball deflected off a defender and into the net. Glens 0 Forth 3, 64 minutes.
Soon after the heavens opened for a spell.
On 69 minutes Glens made a double substitution with Brannan McDermott and Craig Truesdale making way for Kieran MacDonald and Ollie Rollie.
A Glens free kick saw the ball fall for Smith on the outskirts of a busy six-yard box and as two defenders closed in, he drilled a low shot only for Scott to get down low and push the ball off the goal-line before it was cleared out for a throw in.
Stirling and Smith combined before the latter drilled a low ball across the face of goal for Mullen to guide it goalwards only for the keeper to block it with both hands before smothering the loose ball.
The sun broke through again and yet the gloom descended on Loch Park as Forth went fourth! MacDonald from deep in his own half launched the ball upfield which was intercepted by the Forth defence and after some head tennis the ball was hooked upfield for Eddie Ferns to chase down and burst into the box before chipping the ball over Fisher, now advanced to the corner of the six-yard box, and into the gaping net. Glens 0 Forth 4, 74 mins.
Forth were looking for a fifth after No. 19 burst into the left hand side of the Glens box and squared to the inrushing No. 6 only for Fisher to intercept and block with his foot, before No. 19 gathered the loose ball and gave a couple of defenders the slip before his shot was cleared of the line by MacDonald. Soon after No. 16 collected the ball in the box with his back to goal, before turning and whipping a shot that hit the side netting.
On 78 minutes Mick McMullin had picked up an injury and was substituted.
Glens mustered a late challenge with a low shot from Mullen drifting wide of the post. Five minutes later Callum Wilson was brought down on the left hand side of Forth’s box by No.6. Wilson stepped up to slam home the spot kick. Glens 1 Forth 4, 89 mins. Little consolation though!
FT Glens 1 Forth 4
Good luck to Forth in the next round.
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. Marc Fisher 18. Andy McLaughlin 4. Ricky Little 6. Jamie Wilson Andy Stirling 20. Brannan McDermott (3. Kieran MacDonald) 7. Callum Wilson 14. Rocco Devenny (9. Ross Smith) 19. Craig Truesdale (8. Ollie Rowe) 10. Michael Mullen 17. Jamie Petre Subs: Scott Gibson (gk), 5. Craig McCracken 3. Kieran MacDonald 9. Ross Smith 8. Ollie Rowe, Kyle Hutton, Jordan Allan
FORTH WANDERERS
James Scott, Enzo Wright, Danny McKenzie, Craig Forbes, Olly Tobin, Michael McMullin, Tiger Lawson, 7. Eddie Ferns 14. Connor Phairs, Kyle Laughlin, 10. Ross McKenzie Subs: Chris Smith, Nicki Paterson, Jordon Love, Aaron McFarlane, Kyle Caig.
Glenafton travelled to face St. Roch’s and raced to a 3-0 lead at the break with the hosts down to 10 men after Nathan McConnel was sent off on the stroke of half-time. On the hour mark St. Roch’s went down to 9 men after keeper John Stark was shown a red card. Glens made it 4-0 from the penalty spot and added a fifth later on. Goal scorers were Michael Mullen hat-trick, Callum Wilson and Jamie Petre.
Michael MullenJamie PetreCallum Wilson
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. Marc Fisher 18. Andy McLaughlin 4. Ricky Little (captain) 20. Brannan McDermott 12. Andy Stirling 14. Rocco Devenny 6. Jamie Wilson 7. Callum Wilson 19. Craig Truedale 17. Jamie Peter 10. Michael Mullen
St. Roch’s
21. John Stark 16. Max Brown (15. Jay Gibb(3. Ryan Wallace (23. Kris Amponash)5. Don McLaren 4. Daniel O’Halloran 8. Dylan Kennedy 14. Jordan Pirrie (12. Jude Bell)17. Niall Graham (11. Lennon Pirrie) 2. Joseph Slee 10. Nathan McConnell 9. Jack McIlveen (12. Jude Cummins)
Glenafton made two changes from the eleven that started against St. Cadoc’s with Andy Stirling making way for Craig Truesdale and Ollie Rowe making way for Brannan McDermott on his return to the club on loan from Annan Athletic until January.
Thorniewood United currently sit in 4th position in the First Division, tied on 13 points with the three teams above them. Their manager is former Glenafton striker Adam Coakley who played for the club in Season 2010/11.
Glenafton took the lead on 39 minutes through Brannan McDermott and sealed their progression to the 3rd round through Michael Mullen’s strike in added time.
Glens 2 Thorniewood 0
Brannan McDermott and Michael Mullen
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. Marc Fisher 20. Brannan McDermott 18. Andy McLaughlin 4. Ricky Little (captain) 3. Kieran MacDonald (8. Ollie Rowe) 14. Rocco Devenny 7. Callum Wilson 6. Jamie Wilson 19. Craig Truesdale 17. Jamie Petre (11. Cameron Ross) 9. Ross Smith (9. Michael Mullen)
THORNIEWOOD UNITED
1. Euan Alexander 18. Hayden Edwards 3, Mark Sideserf 17. Regan O’Sullivan 5. Conor Bell 6. Stuart Carswell (captain) 14. Nico Gallagher 8. Brandon Blackshaw 9. Paul Donaghy 10. Alistair Small 15. Ali Miller Subs: 13. Noah Bridges 7, Miles Millar 12. Roman McMenemy 16. Mikey Archer 19. Corey Cunningham 20. Joe McShane.
Glenafton made two changes to the eleven that started against Darvel with Sam Gibson making way for Marc Fisher returning from suspension and Michael Mullen making way for Jamie Petre.
Glens dominated first-half possession albeit in a game of few clear-cut chances punctuated with a host of free-kicks, often strongly debated.
The home side came close to breaking the deadlock midway through the half after Jame Petre weaved his way into the left-hand side of the box to win a corner-kick which Andy Stirling floated into the six-yard box only for the keeper Ryan Truesdale to punch the ball clear of the box which was pounced on by Jamie Wilson to feed the ball back into a packed goalmouth where Ricky Little’s shot was deflected upwards and although his second attempt beat the keeper the ball drifted inches wide of the post.
Glens continued to press and they were awarded a free-kick in the middle of the park some 35 yards out from St. Cadoc’s goal. Up stepped Callum Wilson to blast a low shot that whizzed inches inside the left-hand post beyond the reach of the keeper at full stretch. Glens 1 St. Cadoc’s 0, 30 minutes.
The home side double their lead on 35 minutes, Kieran McDonald broke into the left-hand side of the box before slipping the ball to Petre to drive to the bye-line and float a cross to the edge of the six-yard box and although Ross Smith won the header it was Devenny that pounced on the loose ball to drill a low shot that the keeper got down low to save before Devenny was brought down as chased down the loose ball again. Despite the strong appeals for St. Cadoc’s captain Ballantyne, the referee pointed to the spot. Callum Wilson despatched the penalty spot the ball in that same space between the outstretched arm of the keeper and inside of the left post. Glens 2 St. Cadoc’s 0, 35 minutes.
A few minutes later a bad foul on Jamie Wilson saw the referee reach for his red card in his back pocket and reduce St. Cadoc’s to ten. Name-sake Callum Wilson’s free kick, from 30 yards out curled over the wall and wide of the left post.
HT Glenafton 2 St. Cadoc’s 0
The 10 men started the half well, winning a free kick on the left, on the outskirts of the box which No. 18 floated into the goal mouth and headed high into the air before dropping near the back post where No. 7’s shot was blocked by keeper Marc Fisher. Soon after the keeper comfortably grasped a low angled shot from deep in a busy box
On 62 minutes Glens made a change with the lively Jamie Petre making way for Craig Truesdale. The home side were dominating possession with Truesdale looking lively and soon after stung the keeper’s hands with a shot from 25 yards.
Further changes on of 75 minutes saw Glens bring on Cammy Ross in place of Rocco Devenny and Jordan Allan for the injured Keiran McDonald.
The visitors were proving difficult to break down as the Glens dominated possession without creating any clear-cut chances. However, on 83 minutes Callum Wilson came close to bagging a hat-trick after breaking down the left before cutting inside and from deep in the box curled a shot from a tight angle towards back post only for the keeper to reach out and push it over the bar for a corner kick which duly cleared.
Soon after Allan’s low show from 22 yards whizzed wide of the right post.
St. Cadoc’s then enjoyed a spell of possession in the Glens box. No 15’s overhead kick took Andy Stirling and Allan out of play before the ball fell for No 4. To guide a low angled shot past keeper Fisher and into the net, only from an offside position.
The closing action of the match saw St. Cadoc’s launch a long free kick to the back post concluding with another overhead kick, No. 14 on this occasion, only for this to fall safely into the arms of Fisher.
FT Glenafton 2 St. Cadoc’s 0
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. Marc Fisher 18. Andy McLaughlin 8. Ollie Rowe 4. Ricky Little (captain) 3. Kieran McDonald (2. Jordan Allan) 14. Rocco Devenny (11. Cammy Ross) 7. Callum Wilson 6. Jamie Wilson 12. Andy Stirling 17. Jamie Petre (Craig Truesdale) 9. Ross Smith. Subs Sam Gibson (gk), Michael Mullen, Kyle Hutton, Hugh Kerr.
St. Cadoc’s
Ryan Truesdale, Kieran McAndrew, Kyle Taylor, Aiden Catlow, Jamie Ballantyne (captain), Leo Fisher, Tinashe Mugwanda, Jay Shields, Fraser Cowan, Harrison Jack, Leo Adam. Subs: Ross, McGuire, Fraser Anderson, Rory McKendrick, Max McBreaty
Glenafton made three changes to the eleven that started against Rutherglen Glencairn. Sam Gibson (trialist) took the place of suspended keeper Marc Fisher while Craig McCracken and Craig Truesdale made way for Ollie Rowe and Rocco Devenny.
In the Darvel line-up were former Glenafton players Gary Fraser and Callum McFadyen
Glenafton took the lead on 27 minutes through a nice finish from Callum Wilson as he side foots in off the bar after a fine cross from Kieran MacDonald. It proved to be the only goal in the first.
HT Darvel 0 Glens 1
The second half produced a four goal frenzy in seven minutes –
On 61minutes Darvel’s skipper Ross Barbour, brother of former Glens player Graeme, fired home a spot kick to draw the sides level at 1-1.
On 64 minutes the home side took the lead through Jordan Bow; 2-1 Darvel
On 67 minutes Michael Mullen draws the sides level from a well taken free-kick
On 68 minutes Declan McDonald scores what proved to be the winning goal; 3-2 Darvel.
FT Darvel 3 Glens 2
Callum Wilson and Michael Mullen
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. Sam Gibson (trialist) 18. Andy McLaughlin 8. Ollie Rowe 4. Ricky Little 3. Kieran MacDonald 14. Rocco Devenny 7. Callum Wilson 6. Jamie Wilson 12. Andy Stirling 9. Ross Smith 10. Michael Mullen. Subs Used: 17. Jamie Petre 11. Cammy Ross 15. Robbie McDougall 19. Hugh Kerr. Not Used: 5. Jordan Allan, 16 .Kyle Hutton 21. E. Marinorc
DARVEL
1. A Wilson 2. Ross Barbour 4. Jordan Bow 5. D. Coll 6. J. Bradley 7. A. Nimmo 9. Declan McDonald 10. T. Sneddon 14. Calum McFadyen 19. A. Fitzpatrick . Subs: 21. C. Smith 11. T. O’Neil 12. L. McFadzean 15. N. Novo 16. J. Dudgeon 17. E. Lyons
The visitors kicked off but it was the home side that came close to an early lead after Craig McCracken released the ball down the right for Ross Smith to chase and cut the ball back into the box for the inrushing Michael Mullen to chip the ball from 15 yards out to the top right hand corner of the goal only for keeper Cameron to leap and claw the ball away which was eventually mopped up by Rutherglen.
Glenafton continued to enjoy a good spell of early possession in the Rutherglen half, without however testing the keeper.
The visitors began to make inroads and a break down the right ended with Danny O’Connor’s a low angled shot from the edge of the box whiz wide of the reach of keeper Marc Fisher at full stretch only sneak inches wide of the back post.
Back came Glencairn through a long punt by the keeper high into the Glens box where Barry Peters took a touch only to lose control and although Ricky Little then took a touch the ball fell for Muhammad Awan to guide the ball into the gaping net. Glens 0 Rutherglen 1, 23 minutes.
The visitors’ tails were up and had the Glens pinned pack in their box. Matters soon went from bad to worse for the home side as the keeper launched another long high ball that bounced into the box and with the Glens defence static Allan Woodhouse continued to chase it down forcing Fisher to rush from his line and clip the player as he slipped the ball past time.
Marc Fisher was shown a red card and to add to their woes reserve keeper Harry Sutton had headed south midweek and fullback Kieran MacDonald donned the keeper’s jersey before Jordan Scott slotted home the penalty kick. Glens 0 Rutherglen 2, 30 minutes.
Glens made a substitution with striker Michael Mullen making way for Ollie Rowe.
Controversy at the other end after Craig Truesdale gathered the ball and pushed forward to right hand side of the ‘D’ before stroking a diagonal forward pass to Andy McLaughlin on the at the right hand side of the box, near the bye-line, who quickly drilled the ball across the face of the goal mouth for Ross Smith, only for Calum McEwan to block and send the ball back out the six yard box where Truesdale pounced to blast an angled shot that McEwan blocked again, with the Glens player appealing for a hand-ball, the referee considered otherwise.
HT Glens 0 Rutherglen 2
Glens made a change at the break with Callum Wilson making way for Rocco Devenny.
An encouraging start from the home side after Truesdale from tight on the right touchline curled a free kick into a busy box which was deflected downwards falling for Little to cleverly hook the ball to the back post only for Aiden McGhee to intercept and deflect it , into this own net under pressure from Rowe. Glens 1 Rutherglen 2, 48 mins
The ten men were putting up a decent show, but the balloon burst when Rutherglen blasted home a third goal. McEwan chased a ball down the right before setting himself up from wide of the box to curl a cross towards the penalty spot only for Craig McCracken to strip the ball from two attackers sending the ball clear of the box only for Sean McGuire to strike a sweet shot into the roof of the net. Glens 1 Rutherglen 3, 61 mins.
Glens stuck in and Wilson pounced on a clearance and rolled the ball back to Devenny who slalomed his way through five opponents to the edge of the six-yard box to then drill a low ball to the back post for incoming Smith only for a defender to intervene at the expense of a corner on the right. This in turn resulted in another corner on the left which Andy Stirling floated high to the back post where Little won the aerial battle on for his header to dip inches over the bar.
Jamie Petre, who had replaced Craig Truesdale on 71 minutes, picked up the ball in the middle of the park and after a slick passing move with Devenny and Stirling he chased the ball down left and from the bye-line he whipped it to the corner of the six-yard box for Smith who appeared to be brought down by the centre back in front of the referee – no foul.
More frustration after Wilson launched a high ball from the half-way line down the right from for Rowe to chase, yet the referee well behind play chose to blow for offside. The blame lies with the decision to longer furnish the West of Scotland Football League Premier Division fixtures with assistant referees; placing extra pressure on referees from players, dug-outs and of course supporters.
Soon after Stirling’s free kick from just outside the box rebounded off the wall and he then floated the rebound high into the box and although Petre was offside Devenny floating in from behind smacked a low shot into the net. The offside decision stood though.
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Salt was rubbed in the Glens wound in spectacular fashion. Another Glens attack had broken down on the left corner of the penalty box where the rebound was mopped up and laid off to Josh McGrillen; from inside his own half, he burst through the middle skipping past Little and then McCracken at the edge of the box before drawing MacDonald from this line and then squeezing the ball between the keeper and the post. Glens 1 Rutherglen 4, 80 minutes.
Glens made a couple of changes with Craig McCracken and Ross Smith making way for Trialist and Cammy Ross.
Rutherglen were still not finished though with their Ross Smith applying the icing to the cake He lined up to take a free kick some two yards from the right-hand side of the box and four yards from the bye-line while his team-mates congregated in the box; no need as he curled the ball over the head of the keeper and in at the unmarked back post. Glens 1 Rutherglen, 84 minutes.
The home side went in search of a consolation only for the keeper to pull off a good save from a long range powerful shot from Wilson and he could only watch as low shot from Petre inches wide of the post.
FT Glens 1 Rutherglen 5
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. Marc Fisher 18. Andy McLaughlin 5. Craig McCracken (16. Trialist) 4. Ricky Little 3. Kieran MacDonald, 19. Craig Truesdale (17. Jamie Prete) 7. Callum Wilson (14. Rocco Devenny) 6. Jamie Wilson 12. Andy Stirling 10. Michael Mullen (8. Ollie Rowe) 9. Ross Smith (11. Cammy Ross) Not used : 2. Lee Duncanson 15. Robbie McDougall
RUTHERGLEN GLENCAIRN
1. Glen Cameron 2. Calum McEwan (14. Ross Smith) 3. Mathew Meechan 4. Aiden McLaughlin 5. Jordan Scott 6. Sean McGuire 7. Danny Connor 8. Ross Paton (16. Cole Shearer) 9. Muhammad Awan (13. Josh McGrillen) 10. Allan Woodhouse (12. Ryan McManus) 11. Barry Peters . Subs 15. Michael Foley, 17. Ben Hobbs 24. Scott McLellan (gk)
