Glenafton Athletic

Glenafton 0 Gartcairn 1

Posted on September 9, 2023 by flowgently

PDM Huws Gray	WOSFL Premier League	Match 07
Glenafton Athletic	0 (0)
Gartcairn	1 (0)	Barr
Sat 09 SEP 2023	KO 2:00 pm	Loch Park, New Cumnock

Glenafton made three changes to the eleven that started against Darvel last Saturday. Sam McKee and Gary Fraser (injured) made way for Ryan Sinnamon and Charlie Maxwell, signed midweek on a loan deal from Annan Athletic. With regular goalkeeper David Markey still on holiday the club had turned to former Glens keeper Connor Cullen last Saturday for cover and today another former Glens goalie Scott Johnson stepped in, indeed Scott was in goal when Glens and Gartcain faced each other for the first time two seasons ago in the WOSFL Cup. On the Glens bench was Gary Harkins who joined the club as player-assistant manager.

Today’s visitors Gartcairn, gained promotion to the Premier Division as First Division Champions, one of four promotions the Airdrie club have achieved since joining the Junior ranks eight seasons ago. Today marks the first league encounter between the two clubs.

Glenafton kicked off in the September sunshine.

Although played ebbed back and forth there was very little in terms of goal mouth action. Both keepers were on their toes and alert to come off their line and clear any danger. The best example of which for the Glens was Scott Johnstone rushing out to dive at the feet of Danny Burns as he broke into the right-hand side of the box while at the other end the keeper was quick off his mark to boot the ball clear as Michael Moffat closed in.

Indeed 26 minutes would pass before a half-decent chance surfaced when Scott McLean fired a shot from 24 yards that whizzed wide of the visitor’s post.

A minute later the referee decided that the September heat-wave was taking its toll and stopped the game for a welcomed drinks-break.

It appeared to have the desired effect as the tempo picked up and some decent half-chances emerged at both ends, beginning at the Gartcairn goal. Charlie Maxwell gathered a throw-in from McLean deep on the left before cutting along the goal-line to thread a ball between keeper and No. 4 guarding the near post for Dylan O’Kane arriving at the far post. Although, No. 3 intercepted the pass he mistimed his clearance and the ball only bobbled out the six-yard box where No. 8 got a crucial touch as Ollie Rowe had lined-up a shot at goal, however Moffat chased down the loose ball and curled a shot from 12 yards only for No. 4 to stand firm and block it with his chest on the six-yard line.

On 32 minutes Barry Eley whipped a long high ball from the left to the back post where Harry Mitchell outleapt Michael McMullin only for his glancing header to slip wide of target.

Play raged back and forth and as half-time loomed Gartcairn enjoyed a spell of pressure which saw them win a corner-kick but this landed on the roof of the net. No. 3 then broke down the left before cracking a shot from the corner of the penalty box only for it to sail well over the bar. Soon after from almost the same position Eley opted for a low powerful shot that Johnstone got down low at the base of the post to push the ball away to the side which was immediately pounced upon by Mark McGuigan who tried to squeeze home a shot home from a tight angle but Johnstone blocked this too and Craig Pettigrew mopped up the loose ball.

The Glens countered through centre-back Luke McBeth who gathered the ball deep in his own half and set off on a run that ended in the Gartcairn box, having held off challenges from Kamil Krol and later from Harry Mitchell, however unable to tee up a shot, he slipped the ball to Moffat, but with the box packed he was forced to retreat and build another attack, only for the whistle to blow for half-time.

Luke McBeth, Ollie Rowe and Ryan Sinnamon

Glens 0 Gatcairn 0

Gartcairn made two changes at the break with Brian Eley and Danny Burns making way for Kevin Nicol and Darren Smith and five minutes into the new half Glen brought on Sam McKee for Dylan O’Kane.

The visitors won a free kick just on the edge of the ‘D’ but the Glens wall stood firm and the ball was cleared.

Further substitutions were made with Gartcairn bringing on Jack McIlveen for Mark McGuigan and minutes later Glens replaced Charlie Maxwell with Alex McWalters.

Play fell into the same pattern of the first half with possession shared equally between the two sides as were the few chances on show.

On 59 minutes McIlveen broke into the left-hand side of the penalty box before cutting a diagonal pass back to Krol on the outskirts of the box to take a touch before curling a shot over the heads of defenders and beyond the reach of the keeper at full stretch only for it to drift wide of the top corner of post and bar.

At the other end McWaters squared a ball to Paul Paton to blast a low shot from over 30 yards that the keeper got down to block.

Back came Gartcairn and a free-kick from the left deep into the six yard box saw Rowe win the aerial battle with Nicol while Pettigrew was on hand to clear the loose ball as Smith threatened.

On 68 minutes Glens brought on Gary Harkins for Ollie Rowe.

However, on 71 minutes the visitors broke the deadlock. McBeth appeared to have matters under control on the left-hand side of the box only for Mitchell to steal the ball and clip it to the back post although beyond the incoming McIlveen it ran on to the far side of the box for Smith to crack a low shot from a tight angle that keeper Johnstone blocked with his foot. McIlveen was first to react and gave McWalters the slip before laying it off to Kenny Barr to calmly pick his spot and side foot the ball home from 12 yards past the unsighted keeper.

Soon after Gartcairn brought on Darren Bowie for Harry Mitchell.

Harkins picked up the ball from the kick-off to drive forward taking out three players including shaking off a shirt-pull to lay the ball off to McLean on the left-hand side of the box from where he chipped the ball to the far side of the six-yard box where Sinnamon beat Krol to send a high looping header to the far post for Moffat, only for his header, under pressure from the centre-half, to loop over the bar.

Later Sinnamon’s corner kick was punched away by the keeper on the six- yard line and fell for McLean only for his shot from 18 yards to whizz wide of the post.

On 80 minutes Gartcairn came close to doubling their lead. Jamie McTaggart cut into the left hand side of the box bursting between Pettigrew and McBeth before prodding the ball to Smith to shoot only for Johnstone to block with his foot at point-blank range then somehow scramble to get the ball on the line before Bowie could tap it home.

At the other end McLean cut in from the left along the bye-line only for the chasing full-back to win the ball and McLean’s penalty claim that he had been pushed in the back was waved away.

Into added time and Sinnamon’s corner was floated high into the box where Pettigrew and McBeth challenged for the ball the latter bulleting a header just inches wide of the post, before both players landed awkwardly and requiring treatment,

In the final action of the game Gartcairn broke upfield, won a corner that they were happy to keep possession at the flag and the final whistle blew soon after.

FT Glens 0 Gartcairn 1

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. Scott Johnson 11. Ryan Sinnamon 5. Craig Pettigrew 4. Luke McBeth 3. Michael McMullin; 2. Scott McLean 17. Charlie Maxwell (10. Alex McWater) 6. Paul Paton 20. Ollie Rowe (19. Gary Harkins); 9. Michael Moffat, 18. Dylan O’Kane. (7. Sam McKee). Subs: 14. Lyall Holding 15. Zak Ross 16. Alan Frizzell 17. Stuart Leavy (gk)

GARTCAIRN

Match Photos

Glenafton Athletic v Gartcairn

Posted in GAFC Match Report | Tagged Gartcairn, Glenafton Athletic, New Cumnock, West of Scotland Football League | Comments Off

Glenafton 0 Darvel 3

Posted on September 2, 2023 by flowgently

SCOTTISH GAS	SCOTTISH CUP	PRELIM ROUND 2
Glenafton Athletic	0 (0)
Darvel	3 (1)	McShane, Cairns, Murphy
Sat 02 SEP 2023	KO 2:00 pm	Loch Park, New Cumnock

Prior to kick-off a minute’s silence was held in memory former Glenafton goalkeeper Roger Niven who recently passed away peacefully. Roger played in the great Glens side of the early 1960’s and played in the Scottish Junior Cup in 1962/63 the biggest game in the club’s history at that time.

Today marked the first game with Mark Roberts as the new Glenafton manager having stepped up from his role as assistant manager following Ryan Stevenson’s resignation last week-end. Mark made 4 changes to the eleven that started against St. Cadoc’s last Saturday with Zak Ross, Ryan Sinnamon and Alex McWaters making way for Michael McMullin, Luke McBeth and Ollie Rowe while with keeper David Markey on holiday former Glenafton keeper Conor Cullen returned for one game.

Lots of hard work behind the scenes resulted in Glenafton being granted membership of the SFA in in June of this year and thereby gaining entry into the draw for the Preliminary Rounds of the Scottish Cup. The Glens have played in the competition in Season 2017/18 having gained entry as West Region Premier Division Champions & Scottish Junior Cup Winners and after progressing through 4 rounds fell at the 3^rd round, losing out 2-0 at Championship side Livingston; who went on to gain promotion to the Premier Division that season.

Of course, Darvel, our visitors today were the ‘Talk of the Tournament’ last season after arguably causing the greatest upset in the history of the competition after defeating Premier Division side Aberdeen 1-0 at Recreation Park in the 4^th round. Sadly, Falkirk in the next round may have shattered their cup dreams but not their lasting memories of a famous campaign.

In the Darvel dug-out was former Glens striker David Winter now assistant manager at the Irvine Valley side while on the bench was former Glens player Leon Murphy who made the move to Recreation Park in the summer and although he scored against the Glens in the opening game of the season it was the New Cumnock side that brought the 3 points home.

Michael Moffat kicked off for the Glens with Loch Park bathed in the September sunshine. Both sides had ventured forth without threatening until as early as 3 minutes when Stephen Bronsky intercepted a ball upfield and from just inside his own half powered a perfectly weighted header back up the park over the heads of Luke McBeth and Craig Pettigrew for Jordan Moore to chase down the ball and burst into the box, drawing Conor Cullen from his line, but under pressure from McBeth the striker sent the shot well wide of the post from close range.

Craig Pettigrew, Jordan Moore and Luke McBeth

The visitors continued to press and Scott Ferguson broke forward to the edge of the box only to be robbed off the ball by Paul Paton before tumbling down (not for the last time!) only for the ball to drift into the path of Ross Caldwell breaking into the right-hand side of the box but again Paton won the tackle and although Caldwell quickly retrieved the ball his cross to the back post was clutched under the bar by Cullen.

Glens responded through Ollie Rowe flicking a header to the outskirts of the box for Moffat and Sam McKee only for Bronsky to beat them to it and bomb another header upfield but back came the ball again and Bronsky hooked it clear again.

Darvel countered through Ferguson pushing forward before feeding Graham Wilson on the outskirts of box who then set off on a diagonal run that came to an end after a coming together with Paton, the Glens player appeared to get a touch of the ball before a clash of knees. A free-kick was awarded about 22 yards out and up stepped Ian McShane to shine by arrowing a low shot, inches off the ground and inches wide of the left-hand side of the wall (from his perspective) and in at the post beyond the reach of the keeper. Darvel 1-0 up, 13 minutes.

Bronsky broke down a couple of Glens attacks bulleting a header clear as Moffat challenged and then beating Fraser to a through ball and launch it to safety.

On 18 minutes the visitors had decent chance to double their lead as Moore burst into the left hand side of the box to drill a low shot from the corner of the six yard only to be foiled by Cullen block with his foot that deflected the ball across the face of the goalmouth to be mopped up by Mick McLaughlin.

Soon after the visitors won a corner on the right than McShane floated into a packed six yard where Bronsky for once came out second best in the aerial battle, on this occasion with McBeth. The loose ball as they say was recycled but Glens stood firm as Ferguson jinked along the 18 yard line but his shot was blocked by Paton’s instep, sending him tumbling down again and for good measure swung a leg at Paton as he tried to step over him

Glens were struggling to find a way into the Darvel box from open play while a free kick from the left floated high to the back post was headed clear by Bronsky.

Nevertheless, in the closing 15 minutes of the half the home side were seeing more of the ball in the Darvel half.

On 35 minutes O’Kane burst down the right flank chasing a ball that Mark Sideserf looked favourite to win, but not only did the young striker win the race he sent Sideserf one way and then another before whipping the ball from the corner flag to the back post where Rowe outleapt Bronsky sending the ball high into the air to descend at the near post where David Syme headed it high back into the air for Ross Barbour then to head it clear of the box.

Darvel broke forward in numbers but were unable to unpick a well drilled defence to set up any shooting opportunities.

O’Kane then repeated his run down the right touchline with Syme on this occasion looking favourite to win the ball but could only do so by bringing the striker down some 5 yards from the bye-line. Scott McLean clipped the free-kick to the near post where Syme redeemed himself by heading it clear a Pettigrew challenged.

Soon after keeper Andrew Wilson had to race from his line as Moffat chased a loose ball only for the grounded Bronsky to somehow hook it clear. McLean then floated a high ball deep into the box where Rowe leapt between Wilson and Bronsky and although the keeper initially caught the ball with outstretched arms, he finally got it under control as he fell to the ground.

Ollie Rowe challenges keeper Andrew Wilson

McKee and Moffat combined down the right before the latter clipped the ball into the box where Rowe held off the challenge from Barbour to guide the ball to the left-hand side of the box where O’Kane pounced only for his shot to dip over the bar and land on the roof of the net.

McMullin gathered the ball on the left before cutting inside and playing it forward for Moffat on the 18 yard line who laid it off to O’Kane on the left to roll it back to Fraser to line a shot from 25 yards out. This was blocked by Dean Cairns sending the ball high into the air forcing Wilson to rush from the line and leap above Moffat and Syme to push the ball back high into the air again and descending towards the gaping goal only for Bronsky to intercept and clear it out the box.

Back came Glens and McLean burst down the right and into the box to blast a low angled shot that keeper Wilson did well to get down low and hold with both hands.

HT Glens 0 Darvel 1

Play flowed back and forward at a pace with sun continuing to beat down.

Although Darvel were first to threaten after Moore’s effort from a tight angle slipped wide of the post it was the Glens that came close to levelling on 53 minutes after winning a free-kick on the left touchline some 18 yards from the corner-flag. Fraser floated the ball high into the box and McBeth leapt high above Syme to bullet a header that beat the keeper but thundered off the post and Graham Wilson mopped up the rebound.

The visitors then enjoyed a good spell of pressure with a lung-busting run deep from his own half into the Glens box by Barbour chased by McKee who stuck to his task and blocked the intended pass to Moore. Dean Cairns, McShane and Wilson combined to set up Ferguson at the edge of the box only to lose his footing again under pressure from Paton. Soon after with Darvel forward in numbers Syme tried a long-range header to catch Cullen off his line, but the ball fell safely into his hands.

On 58 minutes the visitors passed up a golden chance to double their lead. Moore cut deep into the box from the left before clipping a great ball across the face of goal, taking out two defenders and the keeper, for the inrushing Ross Caldwell with the goal at his mercy, but under pressure from McMullin his shot from a few yards out flew over the bar.

Some respite for the Glens defence as O’Kane broke through the middle only for his attempt to pick out Rowe in the box to be cleared by Barbour which Moffat quickly snapped up and slipped the ball down the left for McKee to whip it back into the box but Rowe was denied again as Syme intercepted to hook the ball over his own bar; the corner was cleared.

Back came Darvel in lethal fashion to double their lead on 64 minutes. Glens lost possession on the left-hand side of their box and the ball lwas aid off for the incoming Dean Cairns to step past McMullin before thrashing the ball home from 12 yards out.

On 70 minutes Ferguson was fouled on the edge on the box and picked himself up from off the ground to curl a superb free kick over the wall that Cullen could only watch as the ball battered off the inside of the top of the back post and ultimately cleared.

At the other end McKee picked out O‘Kane on the edge of the ‘D’ with blue shirts closing, he elected to drive a low shot from 22 yards and although the keeper got down to block it, he let the ball squirm out his hands and was glad to see it roll inches wild of the post.

McLean played the corner short to McKee and picked up the return pass before completing the one-two for McKee to fire a shot from the corner of the penalty box that whizzed beyond the finger-tips of Wilson at full stretch and inches wide of the far post.

On 73 minutes Glens brought on defender Zak Ross for Sam McKee who took up the right back position with McLean taking up McKee’s role on the left wing. Darvel also made a number of substitutions including bringing on former Glens player Leon Murphy.

Soon after Murphy and McLean gave chase to a ball down the left wing and there was a coming together as McLean tumbled to the ground as looked to breach the six-yard box but McLean’s appeal for a penalty were waved away by the referee.

Murphy responded at theother end with a curling shot from the right-hand side corner of the box that curled wide of the far post.

O’Kane then burst down the right wing only to be held back by substitute Danny O’Halleron and the free kick floated to the back-post where Rowe’s header was cleared.

In the closing minutes Glens made a triple substitution with Alan Frizzel, Alex McWaters and Ryan Sinnamon coming on for Gary Fraser, Ollie Rowe and Dylan O’Kane.

On 93 minutes Darvel substitute Jamie Glasgow played a fast-flowing one-two with fellow substitute Thomas Reilly to break into box and set-up a close-range shot that was well held by Cullen.

However, a minute later it was Glasgow that slipped the ball to Leon Murphy to take a touch before drilling low shot from the edge of box that although Cullen got a hand to, the ball finished in the net. Darvel 3-0 on 94 minutes.

The final whistle blew soon after.

FT Glenafton 0 Darvel 3

Good luck to Darvel in the next round.

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. Conor Cullen 2. Scott McLean 5. Craig Pettigrew (captain) 4. Luke McBeth 3. Michael McMullin; 18. Dylan O’Kane (10. Alex McWaters) 8. Gary Fraser (11. Ryan Sinnamon) 6. Paul Paton 7. Sam McKee (15. Zak Ross); 20. Ollie Rowe (16. Alan Frizzel) 9. Michael Moffat. Sub: 17. Stuart Leavy(gk)

DARVEL
21. Andrew Wilson 2. Ross Barbour 4. David Syme 5. Stephen Bronsky 14. Mark Sideserf 6. Ian McShane 8. Dean Cairns 9. Jordan Moore 15. Graham Wilson 17. Scott Ferguson 23. Ross Caldwell Subs: 1. Andy Leishman (gk) 3. Danny O’Halleron 7. Leon Murphy 11. Thomas Reilly 16. Craig Moore 18. Ross Urquhart 20. Jamie Glasgow

Match Photos

Glenafton Athletic v Darvel

Posted in GAFC Match Report | Tagged Darvel, Glenafton Athletic, New Cumnock, Scottish Cup | Comments Off

Mark Roberts appointed Glenafton Manager

Posted on August 29, 2023 by flowgently

CLUB STATEMENT:

Glenafton Athletic are delighted to announce the appointment of Mark Roberts as our new manager.

Mark has gained management experience from spells at Ayr United and Queens Park, and he makes the step up from assistant manager to Ryan Stevenson.

Mark has the full backing of the players and the committee, and we urge our fans to get behind the new management team and players ahead of our Scottish Cup tie against Darvel on Saturday.

We are also delighted to confirm that the existing backroom staff will remain unchanged.

Posted in GAFC Club | Leave a comment

Manager Ryan Stevenson Resigns

Posted on August 28, 2023 by flowgently

CLUB STATEMENT:

Glenafton Athletic can confirm that this morning manager Ryan Stevenson has resigned from his position as manager at the club.

We would like to thank Ryan for his efforts during his time at the club, and would like to wish him well for the future.

Ryan was appointed manager in March 2022 with Glenafton languishing in the relegation zone, in 16th place in the 20 team league (six teams would be relegated in line with league reconstruction). In a tense finish to the season the Glens finished in 12th place securing their Premier Division status. Last season the Glens finished in 10th place in the new 16 team league and only six points below the top 5. Ryan also steered the team on a great run in the Scottish Junior Cup to reach the semi-final.

Monday 30th August 2023

Statement from Ryan Stevenson:

“Now the dust has settled, I’d just like to say a massive thank you to Glenafton FC for giving me my first opportunity in management.

It’s been a great experience and one I’ve enjoyed so much.

I felt now was the right time to step aside, take time and see what’s next for myself.

I want to thank all the board members for there support and help.

I’d like to thank my players who have been amazing for me and a pleasure to work with they really have made it so enjoyable for me and I love each and everyone of them .

I’d also like to thank one of my best mates a guy who’s been there with me for the last 20 years in my life Marko for all his help and advice at times when I’ve needed it.

I’m delighted the club have given him the opportunity to take the club forward and I have no doubt they will go on and have a great season.

Thank you for all the messages over the weekend from all you who have reached out.

I’m look forward to continuing on with my coaching badges and hopefully be back in the game soon.

Thanks again Glens”

Posted in GAFC Club | Leave a comment

St. Cadoc’s 4 Glenafton 0

Posted on August 26, 2023 by flowgently

PDM HUWS GRAY	WOSFL Premier Division	Match 06
St. Cadoc’s	4 (2)	McHugh, McLaughlin 2, McTaggart
Glenafton Athletic	0 (0)
Sat 26 AUG 2023	KO 2:00 pm	New Tinto Park, Glasgow

Glens made three changes from the eleven that started against Pollok last Saturday with Michael McMullin, Lyall Holding and Ollie Rowe making way for Ryan Sinnamon, Alex McWaters and Sam McKee.

In the St. Cadoc’s line up was former Glenafton defender Richie McKillen.

Although this was the first meeting between the two clubs the U17s sides met 10 years ago in the Scottish Youth Cup semi-final as Newlandsfield with Glens progressing to the final.

St. Cadoc’s kicked off and early on both sides had chances from a set piece. The visitors won a free-kick after Dylan O’Kane had been brought down on the outskirts of the box only for Gary Fraser’s thunderous shot fom 28 yards to batter off the wall. At the other end Antony Brady floated a corner-kick to the near post where it was headed on by Bob McHugh and met by Ronan Hughes but his attempt to head it home from a difficult angle dipped over the bar.

Played ebbed back and forth for a period with Richie McKillen featuring in several aerial battles .

St. Cadoc’s enjoyed a good spell of pressure with Neil McLaughlin down the left and Daniel McManus down the right, both looking partiularly lively. The latter broke into the right hand side of the box and rolled the ball back for Brady to curl a shot from 16 yards forcing keeper David Markey to dive at full stretch and push the ball round the post before Fraser headed clear the corner-kick that followed.

It was Fraser picking up a ball on the right and cutting inside that got the Glens pushing forward again but his shot from distance sailed well wide of target.

On 18 minutes Bob McHugh’s perseverance paid off to put St.Cadoc’s ahead. BJ Coll tried his luck with a low powerful shot from 30 yards that was blocked by Paul Paton on the 18 yard line and then robbed the loose ball from McLaughlin only for McHugh to recover it and with his back to goal twisted and turned bewteen a couple of defenders before setting himself up for a super strike from 24 yards that whizzed home at the post with the Markey wrong-footed.

Some patient build up play from the home side ended with McManus breaking into the right hand side of the box and lashing a low ball towards the goalmouth ended up taking the feet from the inrushing Ronan Hughes with Paton by his side, the referee taking no nonsense on claims for a penalty.

Glens grew into the game and dominated possession for a period.

Fraser from deep on the right switched play clipping a ball up the left for Scott McLean to gather and drive to edge of the box before firing a low shot through the legs of Alan Lithgow only for keeper Mateuz Miller to get down low and safely hold.

Soon after Lithgow was slowly bringing the ball out of defence only for the alert O’Kane to intercept his forward pass and drive to the edge of the box with the centre-half in pursuit. Cutting inside he run along the 18 yard line weaving past Lithgow and then gave Gary Miller the slip before withstanding a push in the back as Miller fell to floor but his route into the box was ultimately blocked by Coll and McKillen doubling up.

Midway through the half the home side were struggling to clear their lines as O’Kane and Sam McKee pegged them back forcing Lithgow to roll the ball back to the keeper only for his attempted clearance to fall at the feet of McKee. He quickly set off for the left hand corner of the box skipping past two defenders before chipping the ball deep into the box over the heads of two others for the incoming Ryan Sinnamon only for Coll to intercept and send the ball wide of the post with the keeper diving towards the other.

The corner-kick from the left was headed clear and out for a throw-in on the right which Fraser gathered and whipped a ball to the back post where the aerial battle between Craig Pettigrew and Lithgow ended with the ball falling for O’Kane but his shot, through a busy box, was blocked by McKillen and duly hoofed clear.

Michael Moffat gathered the ball on the outskirts of the box, holding up play drawing three defenders towards him, before clipping it to McKee in space on the left. He quickly played a sublime one-two with McLean returning the ball between two defenders for McKee to burst into the box and curl a shot that beat keeper in full flight but whizzed over the junction of post and cross bar.

Moffat and Sinnamon then combined to release McLean down the left only for his cross from the deadline to be deflected wide for a corner which McLean delivered into the goalmouth and three consecutive defensive headers ended with the ball dropping for Alex McWaters to trap and unleash a low shot from 25 yards that was deflected wide for another Glens’ corner.

McLean floated the kick to the back post where it was met by the inrushing Sinnamon to beat the keeper and two defenders to the ball only for his header to bulge the side netting.

Glens continued to press in numbers but were facing two banks of defenders still capable however of occassionally surrenderng possession with slack passes.

On 32 minutes the visitors came within a whisker of drawing level. Sinnamon floated a corner from the right into the goalmouth where Pettigrew leapt unchallenged to bullet a header goalward that the keeper managed to push to the side with a strong hand and although it still seemed net-bound Coll cleared it off the line and O’Kane’s effort to steer home the rebound whizzed inches wide of the post.

Back came Glens and although they continued to enjoy the lion’s share of possession there were fewer direct attempts at goal and on 36 minutes they were caught with a sucker punch in a clinical fashion.

Brady won the ball in the centre circle and Gary Miller snapped up the loose ball to slip it forward to Hughes who then pinged a defence splitting ball for McManus breaking into the right hand side of the box and quickly square the ball to the other side of the box, taking three defenders out of play, for the incomimg Neil McLaughlin to arrow the ball beyond Markey and into the far corner of the net.

Back came Glens with some excellent build up play. McWaters in his own half slotted the ball upfield to O’Kane who laid it off to McKee and after a well-engineered one-two with Moffat he in turn released McLean tight on the left to drive to goal-line and whip a ball to the near post where Moffat’s header from the 6 yard line flew wide of the post.

The game then flowed back and forth before the last chance of the half fell to the home side only for McHugh’s free-kick from 23 yards to bounce off the Glens wall and Markey mop up the loose ball.

HT St. Cadoc’s 2 Glens 0

Glens kicked off the second half and were soon on the front foot through McLean breaking down the left and clipping the ball into the box where Moffat’s effort from the corner of six yard box was well hel by the keeper.

At the other end McLaughlin cut in from the left and fired a shot from the edge of the box that was deflected out for a corner which was punched high into the air by Markey and then cleared from the box by Fraser.

Back came Glens and Moffat gathered the ball on the outskirts of the box and rolled it into the left hand side of the box for the incoming McKee to clip a shot that deflected of Slattery’s shin sending the ball toward goal but beyond the keeper at full stretch and just beyond the far post. Lithgow then headed clear the corner-kick.

On the hour mark Glenafton brought on Mick McMullin for Ryan Sinnamon and he was soon in the thick of action with a break down the left before whipping the ball across the face of goal deceiving the diving keeper only for McKillen to clear the ball as O’Kane and Moffat threatened.

On 64 minutes St.Cadoc’s made in 3-0 after quick-thinking Coll’s throw-in from the left was chased down in the box by McLaughlin before bursting along the 18 yard line with defender Zak Ross in pursuit, on reaching the ‘D’ he turned and drilled a low powerful shot that flew past two others defenders and into the net at the near post with the keeper rooted to his line.

Five minutes later Glens made a double substitution with Craig Pettigrew and Sam McKee making wasy for Ollie Rowe and Alan Frizzell.

A minute later St. Cadoc’s completed the scoring with another well worked goal. McManus with his way to goal blocked slipped the ball down the left touchline to Coll and although quickly closed down by two defenders he thread a great pass, between them both, to substitute Lewis McTaggart who quickly jinked past Paton before cracking an angled shot from 16 yards that zipped through Ross’s legs and into the far corner of the net. 4-0 on 70 minutes.

Played settled down into the back and forth mode and the home side made several other substitutions.

For Glens Fraser had a couple of shots from 20 yards both of which were blocked in a busy box while for St. Cadoc’s substitute Pearse McGarvey broke down the left, driving to the bye line and drawing Markey from his line but there were no takers for his ball cross the face of the goal leaving McMullin to clear the danger.

McMullin thenfrom wide on the left, launched a high ball to the back post but beyond the reach of Rowe’s leap at the back post. Similarly at the other end a ball whipped in from the left was just beyond the reach of substitute Alan McKenzie as he slid into the six yard box.

FT St. Cadoc’s 4 Glens 0

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. David Markey 15. Zak Ross 6. Paul Paton 5. Craig Pettigrew (cap.) (20. Ollie Rowe) ; 11. Ryan Sinnamon (3. Michael McMullin)) 8. Gary Fraser 10. Alex McWaters 2. Scott McLean, 18. Dylan O’Kane 9. Michael Moffat 7. Sam McKee (16. Alan Frizzel). Subs: 14. Lyall Holding 4. Luke McBeth

ST. CADOC’S
1. Mateusz Miller 2. Dom Slattery 3. BJ Coll (cap.) 4. Richie McKillen 5. Alan Lithgow 6. Gary Miller 7. Daniel McManus 8. Anton Brady 9. Bob McHugh 10. Ronan Hughes 11. Neil McLaughlin Subs 12. Daniel Connor 14. Aidan Fellowes 15. Gary Muir 16. Pearse McGarvey 17. Allan McKenzie 18. Lewis McTaggart 21. Ryan Truesdale

	Match Photos
	St. Cadoc’s v Glenafton

Posted in GAFC Match Report | Tagged Glenafton Athletic, New Cumnock, St. Cadoc's, West of Scotland Football League | Comments Off

Glenafton 2 Pollok 5

Posted on August 19, 2023 by flowgently

PDM HUWS GRAY	WOSFL Premier Division	Match 05
Glenafton Athletic	2 (0)	Moffat, O’Kane
Pollok	5 (3)	Christie, Forde 3,Main
Sat 19 AUG 2023	KO 2:00 pm	Loch Park, New Cumnock

Glens made one change from the eleven that started against Arthurlie midweek with Ryan Sinnamon making way for Zak Ross.

Former Glenafton striker Shug Kerr was a late withdrawal from Pollok’s starting eleven and was replaced by Adam Forde.

The visitor opened the scoring on 4 minutes after a ball from the left was clipped into the goalmouth and fell for Darren Christie on the outskirt of the box to lash a volley into the net. At the other end Michael Moffat’s shot from inside the box drifted wide of the post. Back came Pollok with a couple of half chances that suffered the same fate before doubling their lead on 11 minutes.

Fraser Mullen picked up a square ball from Jordan Allan wide on the right just 10 yards inside the Glens half before unleashing a low flying thunderbolt of a shot that took a bounce deep in the box and although keeper David Markey got down to block the ball it fell free and the alert Adam Forde slammed it over the line.

Two minutes later Pollok made in 3-0 on 13 minutes after keeper Ben Fry launched a goal kick long and high up the park over the head of defender allowing Forde to trap the ball on his thigh before engineering a shot from the edge of the box that finished in the net, perhaps taking a deflection.

The Glens rallied to an extent. Markey’s goal kick was headed on by Ollie Rowe and then flicked upfield by Moffat where it was gathered by O’Kane only for shote fom 25 yards to dip over the bar. Soon after Scott McLean’s corner kick was won in in the air by Moffat sending the ball to the back where the inrushing Rowe came within a whisker of making contact to force it over the line.

Pollok counter-attacked down the right with Marc McKenzie making a determined run into the box to pick out Forde although his touch let him down the ball fell for Andrew Gallacher in the six yard who rolled it back for Luke Main who looked certain to score but somehow he skewed his shot wide of the post.

HT Glens 0 Pollok 3

Glens made two changes with Ryan Sinnamon and Alex McWaters replacing Lyall Holding and Ollie Rowe.

The visitors were soon on the front and created a number half-chances before they made it 4-0 on 52 minutes. Christie jinked down the right flank before clipping a ball into the yard where Forde completed his hat-trick after leaping high between two defenders to the head the ball over the keeper’s head an into the net.

Four minutes later the home side pulled one back. McLean’s corner-kick was floated into the goalmouth and headed out of the box by Calum Gow only for McWaters to head it high back into the box where although Allan trapped the ball. he barged Moffat to the ground in the process. Moffat stepped up to take the spot-kick and side footed it beyond the reach of keeper Fry.

Played ranged back and forth with efforts from both sides sailing over the bar before Markey pulled off two blocks from low powerful shots from outside the box. McKenzie breaking down the left before whipping a cut-back from the goal-line to Forde who then laid it on a plate for Main but his rushed shot from 8 yards whizzed over the bar. However, on 79 minutes Luke Main made no mistake to lash the ball home from 4 yards out after Markey had blocked Forde’s short-range effort.

Some consolation for the Glens after they completed the scoring on 83 minutes with the pick of the goals perhaps. Markey launched a clearance upfield where Moffat headed it onwards from the centre circle and O’Kane hooked it over his shoulder to release Adam Frizzell down the right who then slipped the ball back to O’Kane who turned one defender before dancing passed an before curling a shot into the top left-hand corner from the edge of the box.

FT Glens 2 Pollok 5

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. David Markey 14. Lyall Holding (11. Ryan Sinnamon) 6. Paul Paton 5. Craig Pettigrew (c); 2. Scott McLean 8. Gary Fraser 15. Zak Ross 20. Ollie Rowe (10. Alex McWaters) 3. Michael McMullin (16. Alan Frizell) ; 9. Michael Moffat 18. Dylan O’Kane

POLLOK
1. Ben Fry 2. Fraser Mullen 3. Jordan Allan (Ryan McGregor) 4. Scott Forrester 5. Calum Gow 6. Lindsay 7. Darren Christie (Chris Duff) 8. Luke Main (Kyle Hutton) 9. Adam Forde 10. Marc McKenzie (Sean Burns)11. Andrew Gallacher

Posted in GAFC Match Report | Tagged Glenafton Athletic, New Cumnock, West of Scotland Football League | Comments Off

Arthurlie 1 Glenafton 2

Posted on August 16, 2023 by flowgently

PDM HUWS GRAY	WOSFL Premier Division	Match 04
Arthurlie	1 (1)	McGuigan
Glenafton Athletic	2 (0)	McLean, Rowe
Wed 16 AUG 2023	KO 2:00 pm	Dunterlie Park, Barrhead

Glenafton made three changes to the eleven that started against Clydebank on Saturday with Zak Ross, Sam McKee (suspended) and Alex McWaters making way for Lyall Holding, Ollie Rowe and Dylan O’Kane.

The sides were evenly matched in the opening encounters in terms of possession and the few chances that were on show. On 7 minutes Lyall Holding launched the ball up the middle for Dylan O’Kane to trap and play a one-two with Michael Moffat firing a shot from 25 yards that keeper Max Clarke did well to get down low and hold.

Max Kerr and Conor Bolger were looking lively down the left for Arthurlie. It was Bolger that came close to opening the scoring on 13 minutes after a great run through the middle and weaving past two defenders before cracking a shot from 22 yards that David Markey stopped before smothering the loose ball.

Conor Bolger picking the ball up 40 yards out and gliding past a couple of defenders before seeing his 20-yarder gathered at the second attempt by David Markey in the Glenafton goal.

The ‘Lie broke the deadlock midway through the half following a break down the right which ended with Momoduo Sugufara clipping the ball into the box for Dylan McGuigan to head it home beyond the reach of Markey.

Glens fought their way back into the game and Scott McLean came close to drawing the side level after curling a free kick round he outside of the wall only for the ball to cannon off the outside of the post while the keeper was guarding the other one. Soon after a ball floated into box the left ended with Ollie Rowe’s header drifting wide of target.

However, the home side finished the half on the front foot with Bolger again in the thick of things. Lie breached the box and Markey broke down and attack on the goal-line only for the ball to be recovered and curled in to the box where a flashing header was held by Markey.

HT Arthurlie 1 Glens 0

A minute into the new half and Arthurlie were forced to make a change after striker Dylan Dykes picked up an injury and was replaced by Gary Carroll. On 55 minutes Sugufara won the ball inside the ‘Lie half and tight on the right touchline from where he picked out Bolger who lit the after-burners to burst upfield and into the Glens box and lay the ball into the path of Carroll to blast home from 6 yards out, but from an offside position.

On the hour mark Glens brought on Alex McWaters for Ryan Sinnamon and five minutes later Carroll fell awkwardly during a tackle and had to be carried off in some discomfort and was replaced by Andy McLaughlin.

The changes continued when Carroll fell awkwardly and had to be carried off in som discomfort on 65 minutes to be replaced by Andy McLaughlin.

On 70 minutes the Glens drew level. Moffat robbed the ball from McLaughlin just inside the Glens half on left and pushed forward before cutting inside and gliding across the park with the Lie defence backing off. He then chipped a glorious ball forward between two defenders for O’Kane and Scott McLean to chase into the box, the former stumbled while the latter continued the chase, drawing the keeper of his line and finding the net from an acute angle.

Played raged from end to end with some fast-flowing football and some decent chances as both sides went in search of a winner and the three points. The winner arrived on 90 minutes and it was the visitors that snatched the points. Holding played the ball up the right for McLean to gather and drive forward before slotting the ball to McWaters with his back to goal at the outskirts of the box and despite a defender tight on his back he returned the ball to McLean on the overlap. Now entering the box McLean instantly picked out Moffat on the six yard line who coolly rolled the ball it back to McWaters to slip it wide to the unmarked Ollie Rowe to score from 6 yards out.

Six-minutes added time (for the Carroll injury) flew in for the home side and seemed an eternity for the visitors before the final whistle blew.

Arthurlie 1 Glens 2

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. David Markey 14. Lyall Holding 6. Paul Paton 5. Craig Pettigrew (c); 2. Scott McLean 8. Gary Fraser 11. Ryan Sinnamon (10. Alex McWalters) 20. Ollie Rowe 3. Michael McMullin; 9. Michael Moffat 18. Dylan O’Kane Sub Not Used: 16. Alan Frizzell

ARTHURLIE
36. Max Clarke, 19. Lewis Magee, 20. Sam Greenwood (21. Ciaran McPherson), 17. Michael MacNeil, 12. Momoduo Sugufara, 2. Max Kerr, 8. Jordan Leyden, 23. Mark Docherty (c), 10. Dylan McGuigan, 7. Conor Bolger 11. Dylan Dykes (9. Gary Carroll) (16. Andrew McLaughlin)

Posted in GAFC Match Report | Tagged Arthurlie, Glenafton Athletic, New Cumnock, West of Scotland Football League | Comments Off

Clydebank 4 Glenafton 1

Posted on August 5, 2023 by flowgently

PDM HUWS GRAY	WOSFL Premier Division	Match 03
Clydebank	4 (1)	Collins 2, Slattery, Mulcahy
Glenafton Athletic	1 (1)	Fraser
Sat 05 AUG 2023	KO 2:00 pm	Holm Park, Clydebank

Glenafton made two changes to the starting eleven that faced Troon on Tuesday evening with Luke McBeth (suspended) and Dylan O’Kane making way for Zak Ross. making his first start for the club, and Alex McWaters.

In the Clydebank starting eleven was former Glenafton player Lee Gallacher, captain for the day, while in the dug-out was manager Gordon Moffat, another former Glens player.

The Glens kicked off and the game quickly fell into the pattern of play going back and forth at a pace without seriously testing the keepers. It was the visitors that were first threaten through Michael Moffat breaking into the ‘D’ and from within a pocket of 3 defenders he slipped a forward diagonal pass into the left-hand side of the box for the incoming Alex McWaters only for keeper Kieran Hughes to rush from his line and block the shot at the corner of the six-yard box at the expense of a corner-kick.

Scott McLean curled the kick into the six-yard box where Matt Niven’s attempt to clear the danger failed to clear the box and Gary Fraser got the jump on his marker Joe Slattery on the 18-yard line to nick the ball and a couple of steps later he slammed it home from 12 yards. Glens 1-0 up after 6 minutes.

Played continued to flow from end to end before the Bankies gained the upper hand for a spell. Lee Gallacher set up Slattery for a shot from the edge of the box that was blocked by Paul Paton and deflected out for a corner. Gallacher delivered the kick to the back post where Niven from the six-yard line leapt to send a high looping header to other post where Slattery looked certain to head home from a few yards only for either Moffat or Ryan Sinnamon or both on the goal line to head it out for another corner.

Gallacher curled this corner into the heart of the goalmouth where Paton won the aerial battle with Tom Collins sending the ball rolling to the edge of the box to be snapped up by Frazer Johnstone sliding tackle who then jinked his was past 3 defenders before the ball fell for Collins to lash the ball into the roof of the net from 12 yards. Bankies back level on 13 minutes.

Normal service resumed as both sides sought to add to their tally. Gallacher tried a cheeky lob from the ‘D’ that keeper David Markey clutched. At the other end Sam McKee broke through the middle before drilling a low shot from 30 yards that keeper Hughes fumbled before mopping up the loose ball.

Midway through the half a Clydebank corner was whipped high to the back post where team-mates Niven and Ciaran Mulchay leapt in unison but under pressure from Craig Pettigrew the ball flew inches wide of target.

Back came the visitors through McKee and McMullin combining down the left before the latter fired the ball to the back post for the inrushing McWaters only for his header to drift wide, under pressure from Oisin McHugh.

Soon after McWaters gathered the ball in the centre circle and in a flash played a slick one-two with Moffat before showing McHugh a clean pair of heels to break into the box and draw the keeper from his line only for Hughes to tip his angled shot round the post. The corner kick was headed clear and the ball quickly recovered by the Glens who continued to press. McKee burst through the middle and then fed McMullin on the left to launch another trademark ball into the box for Moffat only for Niven to intercept and cleart for a shy from which Sinnamon and McMullin combined to win a corner, which was also cleared.

Back came Glens and McWaters and Moffat were hogging possession on the outskirts of the box with slick passing and movement. Finally, they managed to breach the box and the ball fell for Fraser only for his shot to be blocked and headed back out the box by Niven which was retrieved by McLean but his shot flew high over the bar.

On the half hour mark Bankies began to enjoy a good spell of pressure with Collins and Slattery in particular looking lively albeit without testing the keeper including a free kick from the edge of the box that was drilled into the Glens wall.

At the other end McKee made another powerful run driving to the left-hand corner of the box before feeding McMullin on the left wing to fire the ball to the back post for Moffat, only for McHugh to intervene and head clear. Soon after Sinnamon’s free kick from 30 yards cleared the wall before sailing high over the bar.

On the closing minute of the half Pettigrew robbed Slattery of the ball just inside the Glens half and it fell for Moffat to knock it on for McKee to gather and break deep into the box with McHugh on his heels, then clipped a low angled shot that slipped just wide of the hands of the diving keeper and unfortunately beyond the far post.

Bankies launched the ball upfield where Paton met it on the drop sending it high into the air before descending into the centre circle where it was Fraser that met it on the drop and lobbed it forward with McKee tracking its course from an attacking perspective and Niven from a defensive perspective. As the ball bounced McKee raised a high boot in an attempt to control it while simultaneously Niven dipped his head in an attempt to clear it – the pair collided and ball flew up into the air as Niven collapsed to the ground in some discomfort. The referee promptly flashed the red card to McKee and both sides debated the decision while Niven received treatment

Glens mustered one more attack before the break after Moffat released the ball down the left for McWaters to chase with the recovered Niven now in hot pursuit to the corner flag from where McWalters cross into the box was cleared and an entertaining and eventful half drew to a close.

HT Clydebank 1 Glenafton 1

Clydebank kicked-off and were immediately on the front foot through Slattery weaving his way into the left-hand side of the box before chipping the ball high into the six-yard box but just beyond the head of the leaping Collins allowing the ball to continue and drift inches wide of the back post. Soon after Mulcahy progressed to the right had corner of the six-yard box and although Zac Ross did well to block his shot the ball fell for Slattery only for his shot to be deflected wide by McLean for a corner that Gallacher floated to the near post which was headed clear by Pettigrew.

On 49 minutes Bankies recovered the ball and patiently switched the ball from the left to the right where Hodge and Gallacher combined to win another corner kick that was executed straight from their play-book with excellent timing and precision. Gallacher played it short to Lowe on the corner of the six-yard box who then rolled a diagonal ball back to Gallacher now at the edge of the box, 12 yards from the bye-line, and from here he squared the ball at pace to the unmarked Joe Slattery to meet it first time and sweep a low hard shot the whizzed through a busy 6 yard box and into the net.

The home side continued to press making full advantage of the extra man stroking the ball about with ease.

On 55 minutes Glenafton made a change with Alex McWaters making way for Alan Frizzell and before the dust had settled the Bankies doubled their advantage. Another patient build concluded with Johnstone switching the ball to James Grant on the outskirts of the box on the left-hand side from where he quickly slotted a diagonal pass to Collins as he broke into the box but with no prospect of a shot he touched a cleverly weighted ball wide for Ciaran Mulcahy to gather and turn before drilling a low angled shot under Markey from 10 yards out. Bankies 3-1 up on 56 minutes.

Glens mustered a break down the left from where McMullin whipped a great ball to the near post for the inrushing Frizzell only for McHugh to intercept at the expense of a corner which was headed clear by Johnstone. Back came the visitors and Paton won the ball on the half-way line and clipped it high into Bankies box but this too was cleared and Clydebank countered in deadly fashion.

Slattery pounced on the loose ball and slipped it to Gallacher on the half-way-line who played a one-two with Lowe before taking a touch or two and firing the ball upfield for Tom Collins to chase down into the left-hand side of the box and after controlling it with his head he volleyed an unstoppable shot from 8 yards out. Three goals in a 9 minute spell put the Bankies 4-1 up against the 10 men on 59 minutes!

On 63 minutes Glens brought on defender Ollie Rowe for striker Michael Moffat while soon after Bankies replaced Adam Hodge with Larry McMahon.

The visitors had a short spell of possession in the Bankies half without ever breaking into the box or testing the keeper.

With 15 minutes to go the Bankies made their final changes with Lee Gallacher and Nick Lowe making way for Alan Kelly and Liam McGonigle.

Glens made good progress down the left for McLean to float the ball into six yard box for Frizzell and Rowe and although the latter outjumped the two defenders keeper Kieran Hughes leapt to clutch the ball cleanly.

The Bankies finished with a flurry of shots – Johnstone blasted well over the bar from 18 yards, Kelly’s curling effort from 20 yards was well held by Markey and then the keeper got down low at the post to hold Little’s angled strike.

Clydebank 4 Glens 1

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. David Markey 15. Zak Ross 6. Paul Paton 5. Craig Pettigrew (c); 2. Scott McLean 8. Gary Fraser 11. Ryan Sinnamon 7. Sam McKee 3. Michael McMullin; 9. Michael Moffat (20. Ollie Rowe) 10. Alex McWaters (16. Alan Frizzell) Subs: 14. Lyall Holding 18. Dylan O’Kane

CLYDEBANK
1. Kieran Hughes 2. Adam Hodge (17. Larry McMahon) 24. James Grant 4. Matt Niven 15. Oisin McHugh 6. Frazer Johnstone 7. Lee Gallacher (c) (21. Alan Kelly) 8. Joe Slattery 19. Ciaran Mulcahy (9. Callum Graham) 23. Nicky Lowe (11. Liam McGonigle) 14. Thomas Collins (10. Nick Little) . Subs Used:

Posted in GAFC Match Report | Tagged clydebank, Glenafton Athletic, New Cumnock, West of Scotland Football League | Comments Off

Glenafton 1 Troon 3

Posted on August 1, 2023 by flowgently

PDM HUWS GRAY	WOSFL Premier Division	Match 02
Glenafton Athletic	1 (0)	Moffat
Troon	3 (2)	Shankland, Docherty, Jamieson
Tues 01 AUG 2023	KO 7:30pm	Loch Park, New Cumnock

Prior to kick-off a minutes silence was held in memory of former Glenafton player and manager Tommy McGinn and also in memory of other players and supporters that had sadly passed away over the summer. Glenafton would also like to thank Tommy’s family for the generous donation made to the club through President John Stewart this evening.

Glenafton made two changes to the starting eleven that faced Darvel on Saturday with Lyall Holding and Alex McWaters making way for Michael McMullin and Dylan O’Kane. On the bench was summer signing Zac Ross joined by Alan Frizzell who signed for Glens yesterday, having come on against Darvel as a trialist.

After some early pressure from Troon the Glens gave away possession on the outskirts of the box allowing Dean Fulton to gather the ball and square it for the on rushing Kyle Gilroy only for the winger to be tripped by Luke McBeth before he could break into the box. The Glens defender was shown a red card for preventing a goal scoring opportunity and summer signing Mark Shankland stepped up to take his goal scoring opportunity with his usual aplomb and curling the free kick round the wall and into the net.

The 10 men Glens side immediately made a change with forward Sam McKee sacrificed for defender Zak Ross, making his debut for the club. The home support voiced their anger when no action was taken after Fulton appeared to strike Ryan Sinnamon on the face.

Glens best effort of the half saw Michael Moffat break forward before blasting a shot from 18 yards forcing Dale Burgess to pull off a great save, leaping high to push the ball wide of target.

On 32 minutes Troon doubled their lead from another set-piece.Sam McLoskey floated a corner kick from the right toward the back post where Nicky Docherty won the aerial battle to bullet a header home.

HT Glens 0 Troon 2

The visitors came close to adding to their tally after MCloskey broke into the left hand side of the box and drive to the goal line before whipping a great ball across the goalmouth for the incoming Shankland only for his seemingly net-bound header to be pushed away by keeper David Markey.

At the other end Dylan O’Kane chased a long ball down the right from Mick McMullin and with hsi route into the box blocked he rolled the ball back to Scott McLeand to drill a daisy cutter from 22 yards that Burgess stopped at full stretch and then pounced on the loose ball.

On 63 minutes Glens then brought on Alan Frizzell for Craig Pettigrew.

The home side enjoyed a good spell of possession as they looked to halve the deficit and their efforts paid off on 71 minutes. Gary Fraser gathered the ball in the centre circle before pushing forward to slip a pass to Michael Moffat on the outskirts of the box and with his back to goal the striker quickly turned and side-stepped a defender before curling a shot past Burgess rooted to the spot.

Glens brought on fresh legs with Alex McWaters replacing Ryan Sinnamon.

The home side continued to press with waves of attacks, however the finishing touch eluded them and in time added on they were hist with a sucker punch . Burgess launched a goal kick long and high up the park taking a bounce before it fell well for Gilroy in the box to square the ball for the incoming sub Sam Jamieson to take a touch and slot it home.

FT Glens 1 Troon 3

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. David Markey 5. Craig Pettigrew (captain) (16. Alan Frizzel) 6. Paul Paton 4. Luke McBeth; 3. Michael McMullin 8. Gary Fraser 11. Ryan Sinnamon (10. Alex McWaters) 2. Scott McLean; 7. Sam McKee (Zak Ross) 18. Dylan O’Kane 9. Michael Moffat Subs: 14. Lyall Holding

TROON
1. Dale Burgess 2. Ewan McLevy 3. Sam McCloskey 4. Nicky Docherty (captain) 5.Blair Richardson 6. Jamie Gallagher 7. Ben Black 8. Kori Howard 9. Mark Shankland 10. Dean Fulton 11. Kyle Gilroy. Subs: 12. Josh Black 14. Sam Jamieson 15. Stephen Wilson 16. Dale Moore 17. Ben Strain 18. Jack Marks 21. Mark Fisher

Posted in GAFC Match Report | Tagged Darvel, Glenafton Athletic, New Cumnock, West of Scotland Football League | Comments Off

Darvel 1 Glenafton 2

Posted on July 29, 2023 by flowgently

PDM HUWS GRAY	WOSFL Premier Division	Match 01
Darvel	1 (1)	Murphy
Glenafton Athletic	2 (1)	Moffat 2
Sat 29th Jul 2023	KO 2:00pm	Recreation Park, Darvel

Glenafton travelled to face Darvel in the opening Premier Division game of the 2023/24. Doubtless the Glens all red strip would bring back memories for the home support of that fantastic evening when their team knocked Premier Division side Aberdeen out of the Scottish Cup.

Glenafton starting eleven included 4 summer signings making their competitive debuts for the club – Luke McBeth, Lyall Holding, Gary Fraser and Ryan Sinnamon as well as Michael Moffat who joined the Glens after a loan spell from Ayr United last season.

Greg Fraser, Ryan Sinnamon, Luke McBeth
Lyall Holding

In the Darvel line up was former Glenafton winger Leon Murphy who made the move to Recreation Park during the close-season and Ross Barbour, the younger brother of former Glens player Graem Barbour; while in the dug-out was former Glens’ striker David Winters, now assistant manager to Tony McInally.

A minute’s silence was held before kick-off in memory of former Darvel player John Frew who captained the club to the league title in 1967, and recently passed away.

Glenafton kicked off and within 3 minutes it was Leon Murphy that opened his Darvel account after collecting a pass from Scott Ferguson before cutting inside a Glens defender and firing a shot from the edge of the ‘D’ that whizzed past keeper David Markey and into the net.

A minute later Jamie Glasgow spurned a great chance to double Darvel’s lead after blasting a shot from 10 yards over the bar.

Glens began to grow into the game with both Paul Paton and Gary Fraser building attacks from the back including one which saw Sam McKee pick the ball just inside the Darvel half, hold off the challenge of Glasgow, drive forward and then survive the attempted sandwich of Dean Cairns & Mark Sideserf to progress down the right and square the ball across the goalmouth for the incoming Michael Moffat only for Stephen Bronsky to intervene and clear the danger.

On 15 minutes the visitors drew level with an exquisite finish. Lyall Holding gathered the ball near the half-way line and with no options forward he rolled the ball back to Paul Paton who launched a long high ball into the Darvel box for Moffat to chase down showing defender David Syme a clean pair of heels. As the ball descended the Glens striker never took his eye off the ball, aware that keeper Andy Leishman had chosen to stay on his line and that Danny O’Halloran was now closing in, and from the corner of the six-yard box he delicately chipped the ball over the goalie’s head for it drop and hit off the base of the far post and into the net.

Glens enjoyed a good spell of possession. Fraser picked up the ball in the centre circle to drive forward shaking off Glasgow and then as Cairns faced him head on, he simply turned his back on the bewildered midfielder before quickly turning and continuing his run forward only for his shot from distance sailing high over the bar.

Midway through the half the home side began to press. Ian McShane and Murphy were prevented from breaking into the box by a red line of defenders and Luke McBeth stripped them of the ball. Soon after Scott Ferguson won a free kick at the edge of the box only for McShane’s effort to be bravely headed away by McBeth on the end of the wall. Murphy and Ross Barbour combined down the right to win a corner kick which was cleared by the Glens defence at the expense of a disputed corner which McShane played short to Glasgow before curling the return pass high and wide of the goal.

Played then raged back and forth for a period with rain showers coming and going too.

Captain Craig Pettigrew making his 100th start for Glenafton Athletic. Congratulations Craig.

Back came Glens and Craig Pettigrew launched a long ball upfield for Alex McWaters to chase into the box only for Syme to block his run and allow the ball to run into the hands of Leishman. At the other end a Darvel shot from 20 yards flew undeterred through a packed penalty box before whizzing inches wide of the post.

Glens countered through Holding winning a corner after a good run down the right, O’Halloran won the ball in the air and Cairns booted it clear. Murphy made another mazy run down the right before picking out Ferguson to whip a low shot from the outskirts of a box that took a deflection forcing Markey into pulling off a great save and push the ball wide of the post.

On 35 minutes a Darvel corner was won in the air by Syme and the ball fell for Cairns to fire a close range shot which was blocked and cleared by McLean, only for McShane to quickly whip it back into the box where Graham Wilson clipped it into the net but from an offside position.

Some respite for Glens as McKee broke down the right and into the right-hand side of the box only for his cut-back for the incoming Moffat to be clutched cleanly by Leishman.

Ferguson’s header at the other end slipped wide of the post while soon after he gathered a short corner from McShane but his shot from the corner of the penalty box dipped over the bar.

Back came Glens and Scott McLean’s powerful run down the left saw him skip past Barbour before progressing to the bye-line only for his cross to be cut-out by O’Halloran for a corner. McLean took the kick which was headed on at the near post by Moffat before McBeth’s header cannoned off Syme and the ball fell for Pettigrew on the outskirts of the box to chip it back into goalmouth for McBeth to flash a header wide of the post, albeit from an offside position.

HT Darvel 1 Glens 1

The home side kicked off the second hald and were soon on the front foot. O’Halloran headed a corner wide of target; Barbour drilled a low shot that lacked the power to trouble Markey who got down low to hold; the same could be said of Murphy’s shot that the keeper clasped cleanly and Sideserf’s diving header flew wide of the far post.

On 54 minutes Glens made a double change with Lyall Holding and Alex McWaters making way for Michael McMullin and Dylan O’Kane. The young striker was soon in the thick of the action snapping up the ball in the centre circle and totally committed to driving forward before thumping a shot from distance that sailed over the bar. Back came Darvel and Markey was called into action again, diving to intercept Glasgow’s low ball for the incoming Ferguson.

On 56 minutes the game became shrouded in controversy.

McShane picked up the ball in the middle of the park and forced his way forward to break into the right-hand side of the box to clip a ball to the near post where Murphy somehow got down low to guide a header that appeared to crash off the underside of the bar and the quick reactions of Markey saw him block the loose ball with his knee. The keeper then pushed the ball against the inside of the post before falling to his knees and grabbing the ball with both hands, holding it tightly on the ground. Arms were vehemently raised from both sides the Blue demanding the ball had crossed the line the Reds strongly of the opposite opinion. The referee glanced over at the assistant referee on the line and pointed to the centre circle with the lino now running to the half-way line.

Goal to Darvel! But wait, the Glens were incensed with the decision and the referee then consulted his assistant and it appears there was an uncertainty over whether the ball had crossed the line or not – enough it would seem to deny a goal, the game remained tied at one-the-piece.

The home side continued to press and a corner-kick was headed on at the near post by Wilson to set up Ferguson but his side footed shot ended up, (in the words of Sutherland Brothers & Quiver), lying in the arms of Mar(ke)y!

Glens got their breath back and won a corner kick which saw the four-pack of O’Halloran & Syme and Pettigrew & McBeth simultaneously leap for the ball – who won the ball was less clear but it fell for Sideserf to head clear out the box.

The visitors continued to press and on 62 minutes the Moff struck again to put them in front.

A long ball upfield was intercepted by an O’Halloran header sending it high into the air and the ball then chased down by Moffat who managed to give O’Halloran the slip before progressing and cracking a low shot from the 18-yard line that flew past the outstretched leg of Syme and the reach of the diving Leishman before nestling in the net. As the Glens gathered near the corner flag to celebrate the crestfallen Darvel players made their way to the centre circle.

Nevertheless, the home side licked their wounds and Barbour broke through the middle but with his route to the box blocked he rolled the ball back to McShane to curl a powerful shot from 25 yards pulling off another fine save from Markey who held on tightly to the ball as Wilson hoped to snap up any spillage.

Back came Glens and O’Kane stripped O’Halloran of the ball on the outskirts of the box before driving to the bye-line and cutting inside towards the edge of the six-yard box only for Leishman to block his shot at the expense of a corner-kick, which was cleared by Barbour.

McMullin then switched play from deep on the left to upfield on the right with a great ball for O’Kane to trap and drive into the box, skipping past Sideserf and then leaving O’Halloran grounded but once again Leishman rushed from his line to block the young striker’s shot on the six-yard line.

Darvel then enjoyed a good spell of pressure albeit with lots of passing on the outskirts of the box but couldn’t breach the penalty area until a Sideserf cross from wide on the left bounced of the top off the bar and fell for Glasgow to bullet a diving header that was blocked by Markey before he pounced on the loose ball.

Jamie Glasgow and David Market take a breather

On 71 minutes Darvel brought on Craig Moore for Graham Wilson.

The home side tried to breach the Glens box again but Ryan Sinnamon stopped Cairns in his tracks and McShane’s free-kick from 20 yards saw Markey get down low to push the ball away and Murphy looked certain to prod it home at the near post but instead the ball drifted wide of the far post, but Moore was adjudged to be offside in any case.

With 15 minutes to go Glens Sam McKee made way for Ollie Rowe.

Darvel pressed again and Murphy picked up the ball at the right-hand corner of the penalty box but again with no way through he was forced to run along the front of the box before playing the ball back to McShanewho was restricted a shot from 25 yards that whizzed high and wide of the far post.

Back came Glens and Fraser’s long ball upfield caught the Darvel defence napping leaving Moffat with a free run to goal and O’Kane following for company and as they approached the box Moffat let O’Kane take up the running forcing Leishman to rush from his line and on this occasion the striker slotted the ball through the keeper’s legs and into the net. To his dismay the assistant referee flagged for offside although he appeared well behind Moffat when collecting the ball!

At the other Cairn’s glancing header was comfortably collected by Markey.

With 5 minutes of normal time to go Glens brought on trialist Alan Frizzel and for Michael Moffat.

Darvel continued to press without testing Markey as they struggled to break down a well-drilled Glens defence.

Indeed, Glens came close to extending their lead after O’Kane chased a ball down the left before cutting into the box and drilling a low shot from a tight angle past three defenders and beating the diving Leishman at the near post, only for the ball to hit the post and roll along the length of the gaping goal before slipping wide of the far post.

Dlan looks on as the agonisingly drifts wide of the back post

McBeth broke down a Darvel attack with a powerful header and although Frizzel was quick off the mark to leave the struggling O’Halloran in his wake Leishman run out of his box to boot the ball clear.

Into what would prove to be 6 minutes of added time Darvel’s man-of-the-match Leon Murphy conjured up the best ofthe chances as the home side pressed for a late equaliser only for his curling shot from 20 yards to be pushed round the post by Markey at full stretch.

The six minutes flew by for Darvel while they dragged on for Glenafton but when the whistle went the travelling support went back up the brae and headed doon the road delighted with their team’s efforts.

FT Darvel 1 Glens 2

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. David Markey 5. Craig Pettigrew 6. Paul Paton 4. Luke McBeth; 14. Lyall Holding (3. Michael McMullin) 8. Gary Fraser 11. Ryan Sinnamon 2. Scott McLean; 7. Sam McKee (20. Ollie Rowe) 10. Alex McWalters (18. Dylan O’Kane), 9. Michael Moffat (16. Alan Frizzel)

DARVEL
1. Andy Leishman 2. Ross Barbour 4. David Syme 5. Stephen Bronsky 6. Iain McShane 7. Leon Murphy 8. Dean Cairns 14. Mark Sideserf 15. Graham Wilson 17. Scott Ferguson 20. Jamie Glasgow Subs. 3. Danny O’Halloran 9. Ally Small 10. Ross Urquhart 11. Thomas Reilly 16. Craig Moore 21. Andrew Wilson 24. Rob Miller

Match Photos

Darvel v Glenafton Athletic

Posted in GAFC Match Report | Tagged Darvel, Glenafton Athletic, New Cumnock, West of Scotland Football League | Comments Off

Glenafton Athletic

Glenafton 0 Gartcairn 1

Glenafton 0 Darvel 3

Mark Roberts appointed Glenafton Manager

Manager Ryan Stevenson Resigns

Statement from Ryan Stevenson:

St. Cadoc’s 4 Glenafton 0

Glenafton 2 Pollok 5

Arthurlie 1 Glenafton 2

Clydebank 4 Glenafton 1

Glenafton 1 Troon 3

Darvel 1 Glenafton 2

www.glenaftonfc.com

Paying For The Jersey

Show Racism the Red Card

Most Recent Posts

Glenafton Facebook

SEARCH CATEGORIES

Archives

Email Subscription

Blog Stats

COPYRIGHT