Glenafton made two changes to the side that started against Kinnoul on Saturday with captain Craig Pettigrew (returning from injury) and Hugh Kerr taking the places of Michael McMullin and Cameron McKenzie. In the Kilwinning dug-out was former Glens’ striker David Gormley now Kilwinning manager. Up front for the Buffs was Dylan Mackin who scored a double for Livingston in the 2-0 victory over Glenafton in the William Scottish Cup 3rd Round at the Tony Macaroni Arena, five years ago.
The home side were first to threaten only for former Buff Adam Caldwell to block a close-range shot. A neat move from Glens saw Sean McKenzie gather a header from Hugh Kerr before slipping the ball wide to Sam McKee to break into the left-hand side of the box only for his low angled shot to drift wide of the far post. From then on, Buffs dominated in terms of goal mouth chances hitting the post twice and finding the net but from an offside position.
The second half followed a similar pattern. A Buffs’ free kick floated into the box ended with a header crashing off the bar and the attempt to bury the rebound cleared off the line. A vicious shot from inside the box thundered off the post and soon after former Buffs goalie David Markey pulled off a fine save from another close range. Kilwinning had another goal disallowed, although the flag was up long before the shot was made.
A minute into added time and Glens snatched all three points. Caldwell clipped a ball into the box that was hoofed clear upfield which was cut out by Paul Paton in the centre circle. From here he knocked the ball forward to Jamie McKernon to instantly thread a great pass, between two defenders claiming for offside, for Sean McKenzie to chase down and break into the box where a third defender that had played him onside fell short of catching the striker before he slotted the ball home from 10 yards out.
Sean McKenzie
FT Kilwinning 0 Glenafton 1
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. David Markey 2. Adam Caldwell 22. Ollie Rowe 4. Craig Pettigrew (captain) 11. Leon Murphy 14. David Blyth (18. Dylan O’Kane) 6. Jamie McKernon 8. Paul Paton 7. Sam McKee 16. Sean McKenzie 9. Hugh Kerr Subs 10. Callum McFadyen 15. Ryan Nisbet 16. Cameron McKenzie 17. James Martin 20. Dean Currie
KILWINNING RANGERS
1. Craig Gordon 2. Robbie Torrance 3. Kieren Wood 4. Mark Millar 17. Kenny Marshall 6. Blair McIntyre 7. Ben Lewis 8. Mark Lamont 9. Dylan Mackin 10. Thomas Collins 11. Gavin Millar. Subs: 5. Craig Leitch 12. Jordan Stuart 14. Kevin Nicoll 15. Paul Hale 16. Jack Maccalman 22. Robbie Anderson (gk)
Prior to kick-off manager Ryan Stevenson and club physio Laura Pagan posed with the New Cumnock Striders, one of today’s match ball sponsors. The Striders often make use of The Hunter Suite after some of their walks.
Ryan also posed with Gordon Kilpatrick and a group of his friends from the Morpeth area, who also sponsored the match ball. Gordon often returns to New Cumnock to follow the Glens and enjoy hospitality in The Hunter Suite.
The Glens made four changes to the side that started against Glenvale last Saturday. In cam Leon Murphy, David Blyth, Sam McKee and Sean McKenzie for Aldin El-Zubaidi, Dean Currie, Hugh Kerr and Dylan O’Kane.
Glenafton faced Kinnoull in the first match between the two clubs. The Perth side currently sit in 7th placE in the East of Scotland First Division, six points behind leaders Dunbar United.
Kinnoull kicked-off but it was the home side that were quickly on the front foot winning a corner-kick in the first minute after Sean McKenzie gathered a header into the box from his brother Cameron only for his shot at goal to be deflected wide. He then headed Jamie McKernon’s kick high into the air and although Ollie Rowe won the loose ball his cut back into the goal mouth drifted wide.
A minute later S. McKenzie showed defender Liam Wooley a clean pair of heels as he burst into the box but his shot from 12 yards was parried away on the six yard-line by keeper Jordi Duncan who then pounced to clutch the ball before the inrushing David Blyth could get a touch. A minute after Leon Murphy whipped a great ball into the box where C. McKenzie got between two defenders but his header from the penalty spot sailed wide of the post.
The home side continued press while at the other end a low shot from Mark Smith was comfortably held by keeper David Markey
Back came Glens and Blyth’s cross from the right was headed out for a corner which in turn was headed out at the back post by Liam Wooley for another corner which ended with Michael McMullin’s header sailing over the bar on 15 minutes. Jamie McKernon played a one-two with Blyth before firing a shot from 20 yards through a busy box that slipped wide of the post and soon after the McKenzie brothers combined brilliantly in the box before Cameron curled a shot from 10 yards that forced Duncan into another fine save pushing it wide for a throw-in.
Midway through the half Kinnoull broke upfield and although Patrick Brown managed to break into the right-hand side of the box, Murphy and McMullin manage to strip of the ball which was later recovered for the visitors by Gregor Donald on the left hand of the box but his advance was ended by Adam Caldwell’s timely tackle. At the other end the McKenzies combined again to set up a shot for Sean from 18 yards that whizzed just wide of the post.
Kinnoull countered through the middle with a decent move that ended with Smith winning a free-kick at the edge of the ‘D’ following a challenge from Rowe. Kyle Wooley’s kick beat the wall and seemed destined for the top corner only for Markey to leap and push the ball over the bar. The corner-kick fell kindly into the keeper’s bread basket and the danger was gone.
At the other end Paul Paton clipped a great ball from the right for Sam McKee on the left to drive to the bye-line before cutting the ball back to C. McKenzie on the corner of the six-yard box and although he was quickly dispossessed the ball fell for Paton now at the edge of the ‘D’ blasted a shot that was blocked and eventually scrambled clear.
The visitors then pressed for a spell and although Smith and then Donal dmanaged to win balls in the Glens’ box, they were both soon repelled by the home defence. Anthony Holt then snapped up the ball on the outskirts of the box and squared the ball to Kyle Wooley but under pressure from Murphy he dragged his low shot from 18 yards well wide of target.
The hosts then dominated the closing ten minutes of the half. Caldwell from deep on the right clipped the ball upfield for McKee to gather and skip past a defender before breaking into the left- hand side of the box and cutting the ball across the six-yard line which was missed by attackers and defenders alike until arriving at the incoming Blyth on the far corner of the six-yard box only for his low-drilled angle shot to slip past the far post with the keeper stranded at the near post. Soon after, the young midfielder got back on his bike to pounce on a headed clearance and fire a shot from 22 yards that drifted wide of the same post.
Some controversy then followed after a long clearance by McMullin was headed on by Sean McKenzie beyond the line of the four defenders and chased down by brother Cameron, who looked a good two yards offside. However, with no flag raised, he pressed forward but couldn’t get the better off Duncan who had advanced to the six-yard line to block his shot and then smother the loose ball. He too got back on his bike, breaking into the left-hand side twisting and turning before clipping the ball into the six-yard bow where his brother Sean’s header bounced off the head of a defender before another booted the ball over the bar to start of three corner-kicks for Glens in quick succession, none of which broke the deadlock.
HT Glens 0 Kinnoull 0
The home side quickly increased their corner count to six after C. McKenzie’s shot from close range was deflected wide before Murphy’s kick was headed cleared. Soon after C. McKenzie pushed down the right and hooked a high ball into the box that McKee met on the drop sending the ball skidding off the ground which although Duncan fumbled, he quickly recovered the ball. The keeper then did well to rise and claw the ball away from the head of S. McKenzie at the edge of the six-yard box.
On 55 minutes Anthony Holt trapped a headed clearance on the centre circle before stabbing the ball forward to Brown who then took a few touches before unleashing a shot from 25 yards that sailed well over the bar.
Glens then pressed for a period in which the won three corner kicks in a five-minute spell through Blyth, C. McKenzie and McKee with each in turn repelled by the Kinnoull defence.
At the other ended McMullin and Brown had another coming together at the edge of the box but the visitor’s free kick fizzled out and back came Glens. C. McKenzie forced his way to the bye-line only for his cut-back to be grabbed by Duncan.
Good build up play deep in the right between Paton and Blyth and then McKernon and Caldwell ended with the latter clipping a dangerous ball into the box which C. McKenzie laid back to McKee only for his shot from the edge of the box to be deflected over the bar. Although Sean Fergus headed the corner clear the ball was quickly returned to the heart of the box where McMullin’s shot from 10 yards was deflected wide taking the corner count to 12, and this too was cleared.
On 77 minutes Glens brought on Ryan Nisbet for David Blyth and he was soon in the thick of the action floating a high ball deep into the six-yard box that Duncan did well to clutch from the head of McMullin and hold cleanly as the fell to the goal-line.
S. McKenzie burst into the left-hand side of the box and chipped the ball into the six yard box for brother Cameron where Adam Frydrychooz intercepted to power header to the edge of the box where Paton tried to lay it back to McKernon only for substitute Ben Ragan to handle the ball, a yard outside the box, on the left-side of the ‘D’. Up-stepped Jamie McKernon to blast a free-kick which appeared to go through the wall and into the far corner of the net beyond the reach of Duncan. Glens 1-0 up on 84 minutes.
The visitor replied with a sense of urgency with a shot from Smith that was deflected wide for a corner kick which ended with Ragan’s glancing header at the near post flash wide of the back post.
Play raged back and forth in the closing minutes as the visitors looked to stay in the tie. However, it was the home side that came close to adding their tally after McKee cut in from the left and squared to Nisbet to push forward to corner of penalty box and clip a super ball to the far post for the incoming S. McKenzie to bullet a header from 3 yards out only for Duncan to pull off a terrific point-blank save before Frydrychooz cleared the loose ball.
FT Glens 1 Kinnoull 0
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. David Markey 2. Adam Caldwell 5. Ollie Rowe 3. Michael McMullin 11. Leon Murphy 14. David Blyth (15. Ryan Nisbet) 6. Jamie McKernon (captain) 8. Paul Paton 7. Sam McKee 16. Sean McKenzie 19. Cameron McKenzie Subs not used: 4. Craig Pettigrew 9. Hugh Kerr 17. James Martin 18. Dylan O’Kane 33. Aldin El-Zubaidi
KINNOULL
20. Jordi Duncan 2. Kyle Wooley 3. Sean Burton 4. Gregor Donald 5. Liam Wooley 6. Cammy Robertson 7. Patrick Brown 8. Anthony Holt 9. Mark Smith 19. Adam Frydrychooz 18. Sean Fergus SUBS: 10. Jamie McKenzie 11. Ben Ragan 12. C. Scott 14. Paul Anderson 15. Fraser Morrison 16. T. McCluskey 17. Adin Phillips
Manager Ryan Stevenson and club secretary John Stewart posed with Glens’ supporter Derek Beagrie to thank him for sponsoring today’s match ball.
Glenafton welcomed Glenvale F.C. to Loch Park in the first meeting between the two clubs for this 1st round tie of the West of Scotland Football League Cup. The Paisley side, who play in the 4th Division of the WOSFL, were drawn at home and requested the game be switched to New Cumnock.
Glenafton made four changes to the starting eleven that faced Hurlford on Wednesday evening. In came new signing, defender Dean Currie, Adam Caldwell, Ollie Rowe and Dylan O’Kane replacing Craig Pettigrew (injured), Sam McKee (suspended), Ryan Stevenson and Leon Murphy. Also, on the Glens’ bench was 16-year-old attacking midfielder Callum McFadyen, the first player to sign a dual contract with the First team and the U17’s squad, within our new youth academy pathway.
Prior to kick-off a minute’s silence was observed to mark Remembrance Day.
Glenafton created an early chance through Adam Caldwell and Dylan O’Kane combining deep on the right touchline before the latter turned inside and a fired a shot from the corner of the penalty box that keeper Daniel Moncrieff clutched safely on his goal-line.
On 6 minutes, from the same area of the pitch, Caldwell took a short throw to O’Kane who quickly returned the ball for Caldwell to roll it back to McKernon. From here he picked out O’Kane on the edge of the box and then continued his run forward expecting to complete a one-two, only for O’Kane to hold off the challenge from Ben McDowall and cut inside along the 18-yard line before sweeping a shot into the far corner of the net beyond the reach of Moncrieff.
Glenvale’s heads didn’t go down after the early set-back and on 10 minutes Darren Taylor fashioned a shot from 22 yards that was blocked in the box by Dean Currie accompanied with appeals for hand-ball that were turned away.
Glenafton continued to enjoy the bulk of possession but much of the slick passing took place in their own half as creating a decent opening against a disciplined defence was proving difficult.
On 20 minutes Michael McMullin broke down the left only for his cross into the box to be deflected wide for a corner which was floated to the back post where Taylor was in place to head it clear out the box from where Paul Paton pounced and drilled a low shot from 24 yards through a ruck of players and safely into the arms of the keeper.
Vale won a shy on the left which appeared nothing of any note until Stewart Perry launched an almighty long throw high into the six-yard box and although Paton won the aerial battle against McDowall, notice had been served.
The ‘home side’ enjoyed another good spell of possession without creating any decent chances still facing a stubborn defensive line.
On 25 minutes Luke Christie curled a free kick from wide on the right to the far post forcing Caldwell to hook it clear for a throw on the left. As Perry lined up the throw no fewer than 3 of his teammates congregated at the near post and on cue, he catapulted the ball high in the air to descend on the threesome and their marking defenders forcing Markey to leap and palm it over the bar. Christie’s corner into the goalmouth was won by the unmarked McDowall but his header was more of the cushioned variety lacking any power and the loose ball was snapped up by Markey.
Back came Glens but there were no takers for Caldwell’s cut back across the face of goal and soon after O’Kane ‘s effort from outside the box flew high and wide of target.
Vale responded with a break down the left where they won a throw-in some25 yards from the bye-line. Perry’s shy found his target McDowall on the outskirts on the 6-yard box, with Ollie Rowe tight on his back, and as he stooped to head the ball it struck the Glens defender on the forearm and the referee pointed to the spot. Up stepped Luke Christie to send Markey the wrong way and level the tie on 33 minutes.
Glens countered and McKenzie held of a posse of Vale players to fashion a shot from 24 yards that sailed over the bar. Soon after he chipped a neat ball into the box for McKernon to chase down but Kieran Love blocked his path allowing the keeper time to rush from his line to grab the ball. McKenzie then held off Taylor before threading a ball into the box for Kerr to chase down only for the alert and brave Moncrieff to dive at his feet and clutch the ball at the expense of an accidental knock, from which he quickly recovered.
As the half drew to a close Perry had a couple of long throws, one from the right and the other from the left, both of which were headed clear by Currie and Paton in turn.
At the other end Paton lofted a free-kick into the six-yard box where Moncrieff leapt high to pluck the ball out the air as Kerr and Rowe threatened.
In the last action of the half Reece Robertson won the ball in the centre circle and then pushed up the left wing before trying to pick out Kamil Leszczynski at the edge of box only for Aldin El-Zubaidi to intercept and roll the ball back for Markey to clear.
HT Glenvale 1 Glenafton 1
Glenafton brought on Sean McKenzie for Hugh Kerr and he was soon in the thick of the action threading a ball from centre circle upfield to the left-hand side of the box for his brother Cameron to chase down and from the bye-line clipped the ball into the goalmouth for the incoming O’Kane only for Moncrieff to intervene and push the ball over the bar.
McKernon’s corner-kick was headed clear from the packed box by Lewis Brown and here again Paul Paton pounced to side foot a low shot from 20 yards that took a deflection of the foot of Perry on the penalty spot sending the ball into net on the keeper’s right, who was already committed to dive to his left. Glens 2-1 up on 47 minutes.
Once again Glenvale showed their mettle and quickly won a corner-kick which fell for Leszczynski in space at the back post only for his low shot to be blocked by the legs of Markey before Leszczynski retrieved the loose ball and his attempted cut-back into the six-yard box to be deflected wide for a corner-kick, which was headed cleared by Rowe.
Glens countered through a great run down the right by Caldwell who played one-two’s with Sean McKenzie and then O’Kane on his way to the outskirts of the box where he picked out Cameron McKenzie who then rolled the ball on to Rowe to lash a dipping shot from 15 yards which although it beat the leaping Moncrieff the ball bounced off the top the bar and out for a goal kick.
Play then raged back and forth with both sides winning corner-kicks, all of which were headed clear by the opposition other than a Glens kick that ended with Currie’s header dipping over the bar; while another Perry throw-in created a scramble in Glens’ box which ended with Markey smothering the ball.
Michael McMullin picked up a groin injury and Caldwell moved to left back while substitute James Martin filled the vacant position on the right. Vale also made a change with Brodie Gillanders making way for Nicky Donnelly. A couple of corner kicks, one-a-piece, came and went before Glens brought on Ryan Nisbet for Dylan O’Kane midway through the half.
Soon after Glenvale passed up a great chance to level the match again. McDowall nicked the ball from Nisbet at the corner flag and slipped the ball forward to Donnely who in turn released Leszczynski to break down the left who then whipped a wonderful ball to the back post for the incoming Robertson but under pressure from Caldwell his attempt to guide the ball home drifted wide of target.
The closing fifteen minutes felt almost like a game of two-halves with Glenafton dominating the ‘first-half’ during which time they won four corner-kicks. Although one of these came after Moncrieff pulled off a great save from a wicked ball whipped in from wide on the right by Nisbet neither of the four corners forced a save from the goalie. However, one corner had Sean McKenzie appealing for a penalty when McDowall appeared to have Cameron McKenzie in a stranglehold but play continued and Martin’s snap shot in a crowded box sailed over the bar. During this period Glenvale made three changes with Jack Doak, Jamie Sidebotham and Sean McMonagle in turn coming on for Darren Taylor and Lewis Brown and Kamil Leszczynski
The tables then turned and Glenvale won four corner-kicks in quick succession, The first coming from Markey tipping a great free kick over the bar, floated into the box by Christie and the keeper repeated that feat with Christie’s first two corner kicks.
Then, from open play Paton clipped a ball down the right for Nisbet to drive to the bye line and whip the ball high beyond the reach of Moncrieff at the near post only for Rowe’s header to sail over the bar. At the other end McDowall’s header in the box from Christie’s free-kick suffered the same fate. In the last action of the match Glenvale equalled Glenafton’s corner-kick tally of ten but came short of taking the tie to a penalty shoot-out as Markey clutched the ball to his chest.
FT Glenvale 1 Glenafton 2
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. David Markey 20. Dean Currie 33. Aldin El-Zubaidi 3. Michael McMullin (17. James Martin )2. Adam Caldwell 6. Jamie McKernon (captain) 5. Ollie Rowe 8. Paul Paton 18. Dylan O’Kane (15. Ryan Nisbet) 9. Hugh Kerr (16. Sean McKenzie) 19. Cameron McKenzie Subs: 10. Callum McFadyen
GLENVALE
1. Daniel Moncrieff 2. Luke Christie 19. Lewis Brown (5. Jack Doak) 8. Brodie Gillanders (14. Nicky Donnelly) 10. Kamil Leszczynski (9. Sean McMonagle) 16. Kieran Love 6. Ben McDowall 11. Darren Taylor (13. Jamie Sidebotham) 18. Stewart Perry 13. Craig Reilly 12. Reece Robertson Subs: 3. A. Riley 20. K. Clark
Glenafton made two changes to the eleven that started against Auchinleck Talbot last Saturday with Jamie McKernon returning from suspension and replacing Ollie Rowe and Cameron McKenzie coming in for his brother Sean. In the Hurlford starting eleven was former Glenafton midfielder Paul McKenzie.
The match was played under the floodlights and heavy rain and gusts of wind. Although the first half finished goal-less Hurlford broke the deadlock with a minute of the restart after Paul McKenzie headed home a corner kick from close range.
The Glens equalised on the hour mark with a well worked goal. Substitute Adam Caldwell gathered the ball deep in his own half and pushed forward down the right flank to the half-way line before threading the ball inside to Cameron McKenzie who instantly whipped it down the wing for the flying Leon Murphy to chase down and collect on the right hand side of the box from where he cut inside and clipped a perfectly weighted pass to the back post for the incoming Hugh Kerr to meet it first time and fire it into the roof of net from a few yards out.
Hugh Kerr
FT Glens 1 Hurlford 1
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. David Markey 33 Aldin El-Zubaidi 4. Craig Pettigrew (capt.) 3. Michael McMullin 7. Sam McKee 6. Jamie McKernon 8. Paul Paton 10. Ryan Stevenson 11. Leon Murphy 9. Hugh Kerr 16. Cameron McKenzie Subs Used: 12. Adam Caldwell 15.Ryan Nisbet 18. Dylan O’Kane. Not Used 14. David Blyth
HURLFORD UNITED
1. McDonald 2. Liam Miller 3. Sam Lidlington 4. Carter Frew 5. Craig Reid 6. Love 7. Paul McKenzie (capt.) 8. Chris McKnight 9. Chris Kerr 10. Marc McKenzie 11. Jack Whittaker. Subs: 21. Chris Taylor (gk) 12. Michael Mullen 14. Mickey Wilson 15. Neil McGregor 16. Alex Bell 17. Chris Robertson 18. Robbie McCracken
Glenafton made one change to the eleven that started against Stoneyburn last Saturday with Michael McMullin returning from suspension and replacing Jamie McKernon (suspended). In the Talbot starting eleven were former Glenafton midfielders Ally Park and Michael Wardrope
Keeper Andy Leishman launched a kick high and deep into the Glens half where Craig Pettigrew outjumped Graham Wilson to head the ball back into the Talbot half where Sean McKenzie trapped and rolled it back to Ryan Stevenson tight on the touchline on the half-line from where he instantly stabbed the ball upfield for Hugh Kerr to get the jump on Craig McCracken and chase the ball down into the box before keeping his cool to slot the ball from 14 yards under the advancing Leishman and into the net.
Hugh Kerr
HT Auchinleck 0 Glens 1
Talbot won a throw on the left a few yards from the corner flag from where Aiden Wilson threw it short to Graham Wilson who took a touch before back-heeling it to Mark Shankland to whip a wicked ball from the bye-line to the back post where substitute Kier Samson headed home from a yard out under pressure from Michael McMullin.
The home side took the lead as the Glens cleared their line only for the ball to fall for Michael Wardrop hovering on the outskirts of the right-hand corner of the box from the lasered a low thunderous shot through a busy box into the far corner of the box.
Auchinleck doubled their lead from a corner-kick that Mark Shankland headed home at the post from 2 yards out.
FT Auchinleck 3 Glens 1
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. David Markey 5. Ollie Rowe 33. Aldin El-Zubaidi 4. Craig Pettigrew (capt.) 3. Michael McMullin 7. Sam McKee 8. Paul Paton 10. Ryan Stevenson 11. Leon Murphy 9. Hugh Kerr 16. Sean McKenzie Subs Used: 14. David Blyth, 19. Cameron McKenzieet
AUCHINLECK TALBOT
1. Andy Leishman 2. Chris Stafford 3. Aiden Wilson 4. Neil McPherson 5. Craig McCracken 6. Gareth Armstrong 7. Michael Wardrop 8. Ally Park 9. Graham Wilson 10. Brian Boylan 11. Mark Shankland. Subs: 12. Ross Taylor14. Kier Samson 16. Aaron Mason. 16. Lewis Crawford 17. Jamie Ballantyne 18. Steven White
Prior to kick-off manager Ryan Stevenson and club secretary John Stewart posed with a big Glens man George Capstick who once again kindly sponsored the match-ball.
Glenafton welcomed Stoneyburn of the East of Scotland 3rd Division to Loch Park for the Scottish Junior Cup 3rd round tie. The two sides have faced each other once before in the competition back in 1991/92 season in the 5th round at Loch Park. Glens took an early lead with a chip from Davie MacFarlane only for Stoneyburn to equaliset through a late strike from Gary Mills. In the replay a double from Tom Brown put the visitors 2-0 upin 17 minutes to seemingly put the visitors in command only for them to be reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of Steve Lindsay. Although ‘The Fulshie’ pulled one back through Brian Lynch on 74 minutes the 10 men held on and then defeated Tayport and Beith before losing out to Auchinleck in the final.
The Glens made two changes to the eleven that started against Irvine Meadow last Saturday with Paul Paton returning from suspension and manager Ryan Stevenson making his debut on the playing front, while Michael McMullin (suspended) and James Martin made way.
Glens kicked-off and enjoyed some early pressure before taking the lead on 5 minutes after winning a free-kick close to the corner of the penalty box on the right hand-side. Paul Paton clipped a ball to the back post where Ryan Stevenson rose to head the ball from the tightest of angles past keeper and defender and into the net at far post.
The home side continued to dominate the early play with Jamie McKernon and Paton picking out their passes and setting up Leon Murphy and Sam McKee for attacks down both flanks. On 9 minutes McKee’s attempt to pick out Hugh Kerr in the box was deflected out for a corner that was scrambled clear.
Stoneyburn then showed their teeth as central defender Dean McConnel picked up a great square ball from Dylan Anderson in the Glens’ half before breaking forward and as Stevenson and Paton closed in, he unleashed a thunderbolt from 25 yards that beat keeper David Markey at full stretch only for the ball to crash off the post.
Back came Glens with another good spell of possession but up against a well drilled defence. McKee’s cut back from the bye-line for Sean McKenzie on the six yard line was intercepted by the head of Colin Gallacher and the ball hooked clear by McConnell. Stevenson then won a corner which was cleared to the edge of the box and Paton’s shot flew high and wide of target. McKee burst into the right hand-side of the box only for his shot from the corner of the six-yard box to be blocked and sent wide by Ben Magee for a corner kick on 15 minutes. Murphy whipped the ball to the near side of six yard box where Stevenson stooped to send a looping header that beat keeper Gavin McQuillan on his line however although it was headed away by Joe Brady on the back post, the defender was a good step over the goal-line but claims the ball had crossed the line goal from both Stevenson and Murphy were waved away.
At the other end Jack Howe floated a free-kick high into the Glens box which was cleanly clutched by the unchallenged Markey, however on 20 minutes Stoneyburn levelled the tie. Cammy Donaldson gathered the ball inside his own half and squared it to Joe Brady overlapping down the right to break into the Glens half and then thread the ball back between two red shirts to complete a neat one-two with Donaldson who then drove forward to the edge of the ‘D’ before rolling the ball into the path of the incoming Ryan Robertson to place a low shot from 18 yards before the reach of the advancing Markey and into the net.
Ryan Robertson celebrates his goal
The visitors’ tails were up and they were certainly more confident in pushing forward with some decent breaks. A flowing move down the left concluded with Robertson, from tight on the touchline, lofting a high ball into the box where Ben Magee met it on the drop only for his shot to fly high and wide of target. Robertson had another strong run into the left-hand side of the box only for his low shot to be blocked by Craig Pettigrew.
Ben Magee & Craig Pettigrew with Ollie Rowe in support
At the other end Stevenson’s rocket from 25 yards out was well held by keeper McQuillan. Sam McKee then broke down the right only for his cross into the box to be cleared by McConnel and the ball snapped up by David Hendry who quickly dispatched the ball to Magee in the centre circle where he skipped over a slide tackle by Pettigrew. From here the big striker sprinted up the right flank with both El-Zubaidi and Paton in hot pursuit, he cut inside the latter at the edge of the box and held of the former to get to bye-line and cut the ball across the face of goal for the incoming Donaldson only for Ollie Rowe to intercept and clear the danger with the aid of Pettigrew.
Back came Glens with Paton picking out McKee wide on the right to whip the ball into the box which was headed down by Colin Gallacher and the alert McConnel then blocked McKenzie’s attempt to drill home the rebound which sent the ball to the right-hand side of the box, falling at the feet of Paton only for his cross to be clutched out the air by McQuillan. The home side continued to press and Murphy won a corner kick that was scrambled clear but the ball soon recovered by the Glens.
On the 37 minutes the pressure paid off and Glens regained the lead. McKee, on the right wing, slipped the ball forward for Sean McKenzie to break into the box between two defenders, one of whom gave chase only for the Glens striker to wrong foot him before lashing a trademark shot from 10 yards out into the roof net.
HT Glens 2 Stoneyburn 1
The visitors were quick off the block at the start of the second half. Howe curled a free kick into the box which was flicked on by the head of Donaldson towards the back post where two Stoneyburn players arrived unmarked and it was Anderson that got a touch from a tight angle only for Markey to block with his shin and send the ball behind for a corner, which would be the first of four in a five-minute spell. A let-off for the home side. The Glens eventually cleared their lines before and ventured upfield without success.
Back came Stoneyburn and Donaldson broke forward before picking out Anderson in space on the right-hand side of the box from where he drilled a low shot that Markey stopped with the sole of his boot and the loose ball was mopped up. Soon after, Howe clipped a corner into a busy goalmouth where that man McConnell got the jump on the Glens defence only for his header to be tipped over the bar by Markey.
David Markey tips Dean McConnell’s header over the bar
The corner that followed proved to be less potent and was cleared for a throw-in which was launched into the goalmouth and headed clear for the fourth corner which fell at the feet of McConnel but his shot cannoned off the back of Murphy and the danger was cleared.
Play then raged back and forth for a short spell without either keeper being tested and then against what could still be considered the run of the play the home side doubled their lead on 56 minutes. Paton gathered a short throw-in from McKee deep on the right in the Stoneyburn half and quickly returned the ball for McKee to progress to the bye-line forcing Paton’s marker to follow at which point McKee rolled the ball back to Paton with the time and space to superbly curl a high ball to the back post over the heads of the keeper and two defenders for the inrushing Hugh Kerr to leap and coolly clip the ball into the gaping net.
Glens continued to press before both sides made some changes. The visitors brought on M. Brown and Lewis McKee for Magee and Anderson while soon after Glens replaced Hugh Kerr with Cameron McKenzie, who was soon in the thick of the action.
Stevenson threaded a perfectly weighted pass between two defenders into the box for C. McKenzie to chase down and then square to his brother S. McKenzie only for Gallacher to intercept and clear the ball at the expense of a corner. The kick was headed clear of the box and gathered by Paton who picked out Murphy on the right to loft a high ball to the back post where S. McKenzie trapped the ball and fired the shot into the side netting; albeit from an offside position.
At the other end Robertson cut in from the left and slipped the ball to Donaldson who in turn laid it off for Brady to fire a low shot from 18 yards that rebounded off a defender and fell for Lewis McKee only for his shot from 18 yards to fly well over the bar.
Glens made another change with David Blyth coming on for Leon Murphy.
Both sides were still going all out for the next crucial goal with the Glens looking the more likely. McKernon and Paton combined to win the ball on the half-way line before the latter clipped a long through ball into the right-hand side of the box for C. McKenzie to chase down and although he drew McQuillan off his line the keeper was still well placed to cut out McKenzie’s cut back from the bye-line, sending the ball out for a corner which was cleared.
On 78 minutes McKernon pounced on a loose ball inside the Glens half before clipping the ball forward for the McKenzie brothers to chase, at which time McConnel and Gallacher raised their arms for offside, unaware that full back Mitchell Spiers was playing them onside and indeed Spiers then raised his arm by which time Cameron McKenzie was well on his way to the penalty box where he rounded the keeper before slotting the ball into the net from an acute angle just as the back-tracking Spiers reached the goal-line. Glens now 4-1 up while Stoneyburn went down to 10 men after centre-back Colin Gallacher was ordered from the field, presumably for disputing the goal was offside.
With 5 minutes to go the Glens made a further 3 substitutions with Craig Pettigrew, Sam McKee and Sean McKenzie making way for Adam Caldwell, James Martin and Dylan O’Kane to see the game to its conclusion while Stoneyburn also introduced Tony Guatella and B. Ferris.
Meanwhile Stoneyburn were eager to conjure up a consolation goal in the closing minutes and Lewis McKee fashioned a shot from the edge of the box that was comfortably held by Markey. At the other end McQuillan raced from his line to dive at the feet of C. McKenzie to clutch the ball. Soon after Blyth’s volley from 8 yards was deflected over the bar and McQuillan punched the corner-kick clear.
FT Glens 4 Stoneyburn 1
Glenafton will travel to Angus to face Carnoustie Panmure in the 4th round of the Scottish Junior Cup on Saturday 3rd December 2022, KO 1:45 pm.
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC: 1. David Markey 22. Ollie Rowe 33. Aldin El-Zubaidi 4. Craig Pettigrew (capt.) (2. Adam Caldwell) 7. Sam McKee (17. James Martin) 8. Paul Paton 10. Ryan Stevenson 6. Jamie McKernon 11. Leon Murphy (14. David Blyth) 9. Hugh Kerr (19. Cameron McKenzie) 16. Sean McKenzie (18. Dylan O’Kane)
STONEYBURN: 23. Gavin McQuillan 2. Joe Brady 3. Mitchell Spiers 4. Dean McConnel 5. Colin Gallacher 6. David Hendry 7. Dylan Anderson 8. Jack Howe 9. Ben Magee 10. Cammy Donaldson 11. Ryan Robertson Subs. 12. M. Brown 14. S. McCreadie 15. C. Stone 16. Lewis McKee 17. Tony Guatella 18. B. Ferris 1. Jay Anderson
Glens made one change to the 11 that started against Lugar Boswell with Sean McKenzie replacing the suspended Paul Paton while the bench was depleted with only two substitutes. On the bench for Meadow was former Glenafton player Rhys Wallace.
A frantic first five minutes degan with Hugh Kerr getting on the end of a Leon Murphy cross only for his header to be held by keeper Marc Waters. At the other end Calum Gow’s header from a free-kick into the box was initially cleared by Michael McMullin and the Glens defence stood firm as Meadow recovered the loose ball. It was Gow that then headed a Glens corner-kick clear and soon after another corner from the hosts was headed over the bar by Sean McKenzie.
Huh Kerr and Calum Gow
Meadow then enjoyed a good spell of possession and broke forward in numbers with slick movement and passing, albeit aided at times with Glens giving the ball away cheaply. Another Gow header from a free-kick dropped in the arms of keeper David Markey. A determined run from Connor Boyd ended with his shot being blocked in the box by Craig Pettigrew and Aldin El-Zubaidi. Gow’s near post header from a corner-kick was held by Markey. Another Meadow corner was headed clear and the loose ball clipped back into a crowded box which was cleared again by the Glens defence setting up a counter-attack by Sam McKee which ended with Gow and Brian Wharton combining to rob Kerr of the ball at the edge of the Meadow box.
Mid way through the half and played now ebbed back and forward with only a few chances on show. For Meadow Kyle Faulds cut in from the left to flash a shot wide of the post while at the other end McMullin made good progress down the left before whipping a great ball into the box which was intercepted by Gow, coolly heading the ball to Faulds on the bye-line to clear.
Play continued to rage back and forth and clear-cut chances continued to be thin on the ground. Jamie McKernon floated a free-kick into the Meadow box where Gow won the aerial battle with Hugh Kerr at the expense of a corner kick which was duly cleared. At the other end, 10 minutes from the break, Louis Kerr’s shot from open play flew high and wide of the target. Back came Glens and McKernon floated another free-kick from the centre-circle high and deep into a packed box only for Waters to rush from his line to leap and punch the ball clear as Hugh Kerr threatened.
Marc Waters punches clear
Meadow pegged the Glens back in their own half in the closing five minutes of the half. Boyd’s shot was blocked by El-Zubaidi and soon after Graham flashed a shot wide of target.
HT Glens 0 Meadow 0
A frantic start to the second half saw the hosts win two corner kicks through Hugh Kerr and McKee, both of which were headed clear, the first by Neil Slooves and the second by Gow. At the other end the visitors pressed and Graham was denied of a couple of attempts in the box by James Martin and Pettigrew while Glens counter-attacks fizzled out before the Meadow box would be breached.
On 52 minutes the Meadow broke the deadlock. Ross Urquhart headed the ball into the box for Graham to gather and although Pettigrew nicked the ball from his feet the alert Connor Boyd pounced on the loose ball and with quick feet stepped outside El-Zubaidi to make space to lash a low angled shot past Markey and into the net.
After kikc-off the visitors were immediately on the front foot with numbers in a busy box where Rowe and El-Zubaidi combined to rob Graham off the ball and McKernon clear it upfield only for Wharton to break up the counter-attack.
Soon after Wharton, from the centre circle, floated a free-kick high into the Glens box where an unmarked Neil Slooves drifted into a gaping hole in the Glens defence to side foot the ball on the drop from the six-yard line and although Markey got a touch, the ball finished in the back of the net. Meadow 2-0 up on 54 minutes.
Glens brought on Dylan O’Kane for Leon Murphy and later Meadow replaced Louis Kerr and Jamie Martin.
Play had resumed into a period of up and down the park with a couple of flash points here and there, but without any decent chances on show until the 70th minute. A ball clipped in from the tight on the right touchline took two Glens defenders out of play and somehow Urquhart contorted his body to fashion a powerful header from 6 yards out that crashed off the bar with Markey rooted to the spot. Soon after Rowe blocked a close range shot from Urquhart as Meadow piled on the pressure.
Ross Urquhart header
Glens made another change with James Martin making way for Cameron McKenzie while Meadow brought on Connor O’Donnell for Ross Urquhart.
The home side then enjoyed their best spell of the second half. Sean McKenzie won the ball in the centre circle and slipped it to Kerr who quickly fed McMullin wide on the left. From here he broke forward before drilling a low shot from 25 yards that Waters got down low to hold to his chest in the 6-yard box. Cameron McKenzie’s angled shot from the left-hand side of the box was deflected wide for a corner-kick which was won in the air by Rowe and the ball fell for McMullin but his shot was blocked in a busy box.
On 83 minutes Meadow won a free kick on the outskirts of the Glens box and McKernon had words with the referee which ended with a red card for the midfielder. Soon after another free-kick was floated into the box and Graham’s header flashed high and wide of target.
Dylan O’Kane
At the other end O’Kane whipped a ball into the box for the incoming Sean McKenzie & Kerr shadowed by Gow and Wullie Lyle but it was keeper Waters that clutched the ball cleanly.
Back came Meadow and Graham, managed to stay on his feet as he broke into the box but under pressure from Rowe his shot trundled into the arms of Markey.
In the closing minutes Cameron McKenzie clipped a ball into the box for Kerr to chase and although he beat Wharton to the ball, Waters rushed from his line to bravely dive at the feet of the Glens striker.
FT Glens 0 Meadow 2
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. David Markey 33. Aldin El-Zubaidi4. Craig Pettigrew (capt.), 35. Michael McMullin 11. Leon Murphy (18. Dylan O’Kane)17. James Martin (19. Cameron McKenzie) 22. Oliver Rowe 6. Jamie McKernon 7. Sam McKee 9. Hugh Kerr 16. Sean McKenzie Sub. Not Used: 15. Ryan Nisbet
IRVINE MEADOW XI
1. Marc Waters 2. Wullie Lyle 3. Paul Byrne 4. Brian Wharton 5. Calum Gow 6. Neil Slooves 7. Kyle Faulds 8. Ross Urquhart (16. Conor O’Donnell) 9. Callum Graham 10. Louis Kerr (12. Jamie Martin) 11. Connor Boyd 12. Jamie Martin 14. Jamie Whyte 15, Sam McCloy 16. Conor O’Donnell 17. Ross Smith 18. Rhys Wallace 21. Joshua Bysouth (gk)
Glenafton made one change from the 11 that started against Darvel last Friday evening with Calvin Kemp making way from Jamie McKernon. In visitors dug-out was former Glenafton player Johnny Baillie, now manager of Lugar Boswell Thistle.
Glens were first to threaten after Leon Murphy broke into the right-hand side of the box cut inside Lauchlan Reid before firing a shot that slipped wide of the far post.
The home side dominated the early possession for a spell with the ball being switched from side to side as they looked for openings which albeit were thin on the ground.
Leon Murphy broke into the right-hand side of the box cut inside Lauchlan Reid before firing a shot that slipped wide of the far post. Michael McMullin was busy down the left and won a corner on 10 minutes that was headed clear before and the chance gone. Hugh Kerr released McMullin down the left to whip a dangerous ball across the face of the goal that was met by Ollie Rowe at the back post only for shot to skewed wide of target.
Lugar began to grown into the game and enjoyed a good spell of attacking play. Midway through the half keeper Robbie Wilson launched a long high ball upfield that was headed on by Sean Robertson for Conan Macklin to chase down in the box only for McMullin to hook the ball clear which was quickly snapped up by Grant Wallace who in turn found Macklin on the edge of the box. From here he gave McMullin the slip and rode a tackle from Paul Paton before setting up a shot that sailed wide of the post.
Soon after, Lewis Kerr slotted a great through ball to give Robertson a free run to goal, only for another tight offside decision to go against the frustrated visitors.
Glens responded through McMullin delivering another dangerous ball into box where although Kerr won the aerial battle his header dropped over the bar.
Back came Boswell and pegged Glens back in their own box with three corner kicks from Conor Connel in quick succession – the first was scrambled clear by the Glens defence, the second forced keeper Markey to punch the ball wide from his near post and the third taking a fortunate bounce of the shin of Rowe in a packed six-yard box allowing him to quickly mop up the loose ball to deny Kyle McCulloch at the back post.
At the other end James Martin broke down the right to win a corner and it was McCulloch in his defensive role that cleared the danger with a brave header. It was the home side’s turn to pile the pressure on. McMullin clipped a ball into the left-hand side of the box where it was chested down by Jamie McKernon who rolled it back to Kerr to blast a shot from 18 yards that deflected off Adam Lowe and over the bar. It was McKernon that floated the corner-kick to the back post where Rowe’s header fell safely into the hands of goalie Wilson. Soon after Rowe’s shot from inside the box bulged the side netting at the stanchion.
A minute before the break the Glens made the breakthrough. It was no surprise that it came from another McMullin cross into the box which although was headed cleared by Jack Taylor the ball was chested down by Jamie McKernon on the outskirts of the box and after taking a touch followed by a step to the side, he lashed a low shot from 22 yards that flew past Wilson at full stretch, into the corner of the net.
HT Glens 1 Lugar 0
Glens made two changes at the break with Leon Murphy and Ollie Rowe making way for Sean McKenzie and Dylan O’Kane both of whom played their part in the host’s first chance of the second half. O’Kane gathered the ball in the centre-circle and slipped it forward to McKee on the left who then played a great reverse pass for the overlapping McMullin to chase down in the box and square for McKenzie to give a defender the slip before firing the ball inches wide of the post from 6 yards out.
At the other end McCulloch’s header from a corner kick deflected off Pettigrew’s head and behind for another corner which McCulloch won in the air again heading the ball wide of target.
Just before the hour mark Lugar brought on Mitchell Ewing for Sean Robertson while soon after Glens brought on Calvin Kemp for Hugh Kerr. In between times Connel curled a free kick over the wall from 20 yards out only for Markey to get down low and save at the base of the post.
Lugar made another change with Lewis Kerr making way for Dominic Horton.
Midway through the half Glens came close to doubling their lead. Some excellent build up play set up McMullin wide on the left to whip a cross into the box which was headed back out and picked up by Paton, who rolled it back to McKernon to play a slick one-two with Kemp before thumping a shot that thundered off the bar sending the ball high into the air and eventually out of play.
The visitors responded with another corner-kick which came to nothing before both sides made further changes. Glens brought on Adan Caldwell for James Martin and later Lugar replaced Laughlan Reid with Dean McLaughlin.
Although Lugar had faded as an attacking force keeper Wilson pulled off a fantastic save on 79 minutes to keep them in the tie. McMullin on the left, lofted a high ball into the box and McKenzie leapt head and shoulders above Wylie to power a header from 10 yards out only for Wilson to dive to his right and punch the ball round the post earning well deserved praise from his team mates. McKernon’s corner kick found its way back him before he whipped it deep into the six-yard box where Wilson punched it clear.
Glens continued to press as Aldin El-Zubaidi gathered the ball in the centre-circled and squared it to Paton on the right who quickly slipped the ball up the wing for Caldwell before breaking forward to complete the one-two and then roll the ball into the right hand side of the box for the incoming McMullin to clip it across the face of goal at pace for Kemp at the back post who looked certain to score only to skew his shot wide of target.
On 81 minutes the pressure paid off beginning again with El-Zubaidi in the centre-circle only this on occasion he played it down the left to McKee who then sent the ball into the box for the overlapping McMullin to fire a low ball into the goalmouth for the inrushing Sean McKenzie to guide it home with an outstretched leg from 4 yards out.
Glens stroked the ball about as they went in search of a third goal and came close when at the end of another fine passage of passing play ended with McKee unleashing a blistering shot from 30 yards out only for Wilson to get down low and tip it wide of the post. The keeper clutched the corner cleanly out the air to complete a fine shift.
FT Glens 2 Lugar 0
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. David Markey 33. Aldin El-Zubaidi 4. Craig Pettigrew (capt.), 35. Michael McMullin 11. Leon Murphy (16. Sean McKenzie) 17. James Martin (2. Adam Caldwell) 22. Oliver Rowe (18. Dylan O’Kane) 8. Paul Paton 6. Jamie McKernon 7. Sam McKee 9. Hugh Kerr (10. Calvin Kemp). Subs. Not Used 4. David Blyth 12. Ross Jordan 15. Ryan Nisbet 16. Cameron McKenzie
LUGAR BOSWELL THISTLE
21. Robbie Wilson 2. Kyle McCulloch 3. Lauchlan Reid (18. Dean McLaughlin) 4. Jamie Wylie 5. Adam Lowe 6. Jack Taylor 7. Conan Macklin 8. Grant Wallace 9. Sean Robertson (14. Mitchell Ewing) 10. Craig Connel 11. Lewis Kerr (12. Dominic Horton). Subs Not Used: 15. Craig McLean 16. Murray 17. Thomson
An historic night for Glenafton Athletic with their first competitive match under the newly installed floodlights at Loch Park.
Switching on the lights are Andrew Hamilton of Halliday Lighting; Steven Kerr, Glenafton Development/Commercial Officer; Alan Cairns and Ian Young, Club President. (Photos Courtesy of Jon Haddow)
Before kick-off manager Ryan Stevenson and Steven Kerr posed Andrew Hamilton of Halliday Lighting.
Andrew Hamilton, Steven Kerr, Alan Cairns and Iain Young
Ryan Stevenson, Steven Kerr & Andrew Hamilton
Manager Ryan Stevenson and club secretary John Stewart posed with the Grozier and Wyllie families whom sponsored the match ball in memory of their late loved one Jack Grozier and Andrew Wyllie and prior to kick there was a minute’s applause in memory Jack, Andrew and Wullie Kelly.
Remembering Jack Grozier
Remembering Andrew Wyllie
Glenafton made two changes to the eleven that started against Beith Juniors last season. In came James Martin and midweek loan-signing Aldin El-Zubaidi from Kilwinning Rangers in place off Jamie McKernon and Dylan O’Kane. Our ‘Friday night under the lights’ opponents were last season’s champions and current leaders Darvel with former Glenafton manager Craig McEwan in the dug-out as assistant manager making his first return to Loch Park since his resignation back in October 2020.
Darvel kicked off and won an early corner that was headed clear the near post by Hugh Kerr while that other end Leon Murphy’s corner was punched clear at the near post by keeper Lyle Avci.
The home side opened the scoring in stunning style with flowing move from box-to-box. A Darvel break, down the left, was mopped up in the box by debutant Aldin El-Zubaidi as two blue shirts closed him down, he pinged a great ball forward for Calvin Kemp to chase down in the Glen’s side of the centre circle where he took a touch before picking out Sam McKee wider with a forward diagonal pass. From here he cut inside and then threaded a superb reverse pass between Ross Meechan and Cameron Eadie deep into the box for the incoming Hugh Kerr with Andrew Stirling hot on his heels and although the Glens striker got his shot away the outrushing Avci made a brave block sending the ball high into the air and Kerr & Stirling tumbling to the ground. Chance gone? – no chance, Kerr kept his wits about him, picked himself up and met the ball on its descent to guide past the disoriented goalie and into the net. LIGHTS, KERR, ACTION! 1-0 Glens.
Play went back and forth with some fine moves from both sides.
Kemp and Leon Murphy combined to set up Kerr with another chance in the box only for Stirling to block his shot. Darvel countered with a slick passing moving which ended with keeper David Markey pulling off a great to push Lewis Morrison’s vicious shot round the post. The visitors played a short corner from the left to Ian McShane on the outskirts of the box who rifled a shot through a packed box and into the far corner of the net to level the match on 19 minutes.
Play continued to rage from end to end. Markey was forced into another great save pushing away McShane’s blistering free-kick from just shy of 30 yards.
On 38 minutes Kemp played a forward pass into Darvel’s half for McKee to gather and cut inside last man Daryll Meggatt only for the Glens man tumble to the ground and the referee show the bewildered Darvel centre-back a red card, followed swiftly by another for Darvel’s manager.
The ten men responded well pegging Glens back in the closing minutes of the half and indeed were rewarded on 45 minutes when McShane’s low driven free-kick from just out side the box when through legs in the wall to find the back of the net.
HT Glens 1 Darvel 2
The visitors were first to threaten after the break with Markey clawing a close-range header from Willie Robertson over the bar. At the other end a Glens corner was cleared out the box and the ball snapped up by Paul Paton to curl a cross to the back post where Kerr’s powerful angled header sneaked inches wide of the other post. Soon after Ollie Rowe’s glancing header from Paton’s floated free-kick whizzed wide of the post.
Back came Darvel and McShane had couple of free-kicks from dangerous positions only for the first to dip well over the bar and the other, a low drive that trundled wide of the post.
On the 65 minutes Paton from inside Darvel’s pinged the ball to Michael McMullin in space on the left from where he lofted a high ball into the box where Hugh Kerr on the corner of six yard box leapt high above a static defender to bullet a glancing header that beat the diving keeper on his line and into the net. Game all square.
Glens came close after Paton curled a free kick from the right-hand corner of the box into the goalmouth only for El-Zubaidi’s header to fly over the bar.
Both sides went all out for the winner but had to settle for a share of the points under the lights.
FT Glens 2 Darvel 2
Hugh Kerr
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. David Markey 22. Oliver Rowe 33. Aldin El-Zubaidi 4. Craig Pettigrew (capt.), 35. Michael McMullin 17. James Martin 8. Paul Paton 10. Calvin Kemp 11. Leon Murphy 7. Sam McKee (15. Ryan Nisbet) 9. Hugh Kerr (5. Dylan O’Kane) Subs. Not Used: 2. Adam Caldwell 4. David Blyth 12. Jordan Ross 16. Cameron McKenzie
DARVEL
21. Lyle Avci 2. Cameron Eadie 3. Jordan Allen 5. Darryll Meggatt 6. Ian McShane 8. Andrew Stirling 9. Allan McKenzie 14. Ross Meechan 15. Willie Robertson (11. Thomas Reilly) 20. Ross Caldwell 23. Lewis Morrison (18. Chris McGowan) Subs Not Used: 7. Darren Miller 12. Callum Scott 16. Craig Moore 19. Craig Truesdale
Glenafton made two changes to the side that started against Rothie Rovers last week with Hugh Kerr and Sam McKee both returning from injury replacing Sean McKenzie (suspended) and Adam Caldwell. Meanwhile on Beith’s bench was former Glens’ striker Kit Cummins.
The hosts kicked off up the slope in the first half and were first to threaten after a fine move that ended with Jay McKay breaking through the middle and then slipping the ball to Josh Fowler free in the box only for keeper David Markey to block his point-blank shot with an outstretched leg. Another slick passing move from Beith ended with Fowler finding the net from a few yards out but from an offside position.
Good build up play from the visitors saw them press forward in numbers with the ball played wide to Sam McKee on the left to curl a dangerous ball to the back post but just beyond the incoming Hugh Kerr. McKee then broke down the left and deep into the box where he was robbed off the ball at the expense of a corner and his appeal for a penalty waved away.
Back came Beith and from the half way line McKay lofted a high ball into the box for Fowler to chase and although his lob beat the advancing Markey the ball dipped over the bar. The home side continued to press and another ball into the box from McKay ended with Michael McMullin making a timely tackle on Fowler as he prepared to shoot from close range. Later Carlo Monti gathered the ball in a busy box and was forced to feed the ball to Steven Noble on the touchline to whip the back into the box where Paul Frize’s shot deflected off Craig Pettigrew and appeared goal bound only for Markey to pull off a magnificent reflex save to push the ball wide of the post.
HT Beith 0 Glens 0
Glenafton made a change at the break with Ryan Nisbet replacing Dylan O’Kane and he was soon in the thick of things. Some good interplay with Calvin Kemp, Paul Paton and Leon Murphy on the outskirts of the Beith boxed ended with Nisbet’s ball into the box for Kerr being cut out for a corner. Murphy curled the corner to the back post where Nisbet stooped to head home from a few yards out to put the Glens 1-0 up.
Ryan Nisbet
Back came Beith and Monti whipped a wicked free-kick into the box which Markey pushed over the bar with both hands. Fowler then chased down a great through ball into the box to lash a low angled shot that beat the keeper but found the side netting.
Kemp gathered the ball in the centre circle and clipped it upfield to Nisbet on the right before he started his own ascent up the slope to complete a marvellous one-two and meet Nisbet’s cross first time to leather a low shot that keeper Aiden Glavin got down well to push the ball away.
At the other end Monti slotted a great reverse pass into the box to match Fowler’s run and although the striker managed to avoid Craig Pettigrew’s sliding tackle he stumbled before he got his shot away and his claims for a penalty were waved away. Soon after Beith broke into the box again and although Ollie Rowe blocked a low drilled shot on the line, Fowler wheeled to fire the loose ball into net from a few yards out to square the match on 64 minutes.
Glens responded well and Murphy played a great ball down the right for Nisbet who from the bye-line whipped the ball to the far side of the six-yard box for the incoming Kerr only for Glavin to push the ball over the bar. Beith replied with a long range shot from Monti that dipped over the bar before the same player floated a free-kick high deep into the box that was met on the drop but it too sailed over the bar.
The visitors broke down another Beith attack and countered in grand style. Jamie McKernon won the ball in his own half and laid it off to McKee to chip the ball upfield where Kerr headed it back to Kemp to break up the left. From here he played the ball inside to Kerr who then squared it to McKee on the left touchline to instantly launch it the back post where Nisbet clipped it into the six-yard box for Kerr and Murphy only for Glavin to intercept with a strong hand.
Beith burst back down the slope at speed and the cut-back from the goal-line set up the incoming McKay for a goal bound shot that was blocked by Rowe.
Into added time and Monti whipped a corner into the near side of the six-yard box where it struck McKernon on the arm and the referee pointed to the spot. Up stepped Connor McGinchley from 12 yards and up stepped David Markey to push the ball away which was gathered Monti clipped to the back post, only for the Beith player to loose his footing , the ball went out of play and the referee blewfor time.
David Markey
FT Beith 1 Glenafton 1
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. David Markey 22. Oliver Rowe 4. Craig Pettigrew (capt.), Michael McMullin 11. Leon Murphy 6. Jamie McKernon 8. Paul Paton 7. Sam McKee 10. Calvin Kemp 5.Dylan Okane (15.Ryan Nisbet) Subs. Not Used 2. Adam Caldwell 4. David Blyth 16. Cameron McKenzie 17. James Martin
BEITH JUNIORS
1. Aiden Glavin 5. Daniel O’Neil 2. Connor McGlinchley 3. Steven Noble 8. Paul Frize (Capt.) 6. Ruaridh Langan 4. Blair Rossiter (15. Andy Monk) 7. Calum Watt 11. Jay McKay 9. Josh Fowler (16. Kit Cummins) 10. Carlo Monti.
Glenafton Athletic 