Glenafton made two changes to the eleven that started against Rob Roy on Saturday with Jamie McKernon and Paul Paton returning while Craig Pettigrew and Dean Currie are on the bench. Also on the bench was new signing, striker Michael Moffat on loan from Ayr United.
In the Troon starting eleven was former Glenafton midfielder Dale ‘Gunner’ Moore.
In difficult windy conditions it was Troon that opened the scoring on 10 minutes after Kyle Gilroy’s break down the right and his cut-back from the bye-line was swept home from 6 yards by Sam Jamieson. Both sides hade some decent chances and Dale Burgess pulled off a fine save to fingertip a Jamie McKernon shot round the post.
Glens’ striker Hugh Kerr suffered a nasty knock and had to limp off to be replaced by Craig Pettigrew.
On 21 minutes Troon doubled their lead with a stunning strike from Jamie Gallagher. A cross from wide on the right deflected off a defender sending the ball high into the air and descending just inside the corner of the box where Gallagher let it take a bounce before cracking the ball beyond defenders and keeper alike into the far corner of the net. Gallagher came close to bagging a brace only for his close-range effort to clip off the cross bar.
At the other end a good break by the Glens ended with Burgess comfortably saving a close range shot from Sam McKee.
HT Troon 2 Glens 0
David Markey pulled off a couple of great point-blank saves as Troon pressed after the break.
On 54 minutes Glens brought on Michael Moffat for Ollie Rowe and he was soon in the thick of the action. Calvin Kemp burst down the right wing and picked out the inrushing Moffat in the ‘D’ who took a touch and although he was forced wide of the six yard box his attempted cut-back struck the outstretched arm of Dale Moore and the referee pointed to the spot. With 61 minutes on the clock Scott McLean, who had scored three goals in his last (and first) two games for the Glens, drilled a low shot that was smothered by keeper Burgess.
Glens brought on Dylan O’Kane for Sean McKenzie
On 75 minutes Troon extended their lead after Kyle Gilroy broke down the left before cutting into the box and although his shot was well blocked Pettigrew it took a deflection off a defender and fell kindly for Gilroy to drill a low shot into the net beyond the wrong-footed Markey.
In a late flurry Moffat and Kemp both had shots that were blocked in a busy box while at the other end Markey denied Jamieson his double.
FT Troon 3 Glens 0
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. David Markey 3. Scott McLean 22. Ollie Rowe (15. Michael Moffat) 35. Mick McMullin 11. Leon Murphy 10. Calvin Kemp 6. Jamie McKernon (captain) 8. Paul Paton 7. Sam McKee 9. Hugh Kerr (4. Craig Pettigrew) 16. Sean McKenzie (18. Dylan O’Kane )Subs: 2. Adam Caldwell 14. Ryan Nisbet 19. Cameron McKenzie 20. Dean Currie
TROON
1. Dale Burgess 2. Ewan McLevy (4. Blair Richardson) 3. Sam McCloskey 5. Logan Smith 6. Jack Sherrie (captain) 9. Kyle Gilroy (20. Jack Marks) 11. Dale Moore (8. Ray Montgomerie) 16. Mark Morrison 17. Josh Black (7. Ben Black) 18. Sam Jamieson 19. Jamie Gallagher. Subs: 14. Dean Fulton 15. Aaron Boyd 21. Marc Fisher (Gk)
Glenafton made one change from the eleven that started on Wednesday against Petershill with captain Craig Pettigrew returning from injury replacing Paul Paton (suspension).
At the centre of Rob Roy’s defence was former Glenafton player Ross Fisher currently on a month loan-deal from Hurlford.
Craig Pettigrew back from injury
Although Glens kicked off it was the visitors that were first to threaten in the opening minute when Adam Martin chased down a loose ball into the box forcing keeper David Markey to rush from his line and dive at the forward’s feet to snatch the ball.
The home side enjoyed a good spell of possession and came closing on 6 minutes after Calvin Kemp clipped a great ball down the right for Scott McLean to chase and then drive into the box before drilling a low angled that not only slipped wide of the advancing keeper Kevin McAllister but also the far post.
The Glens then scrambled clear a couple of Rabs’ attacks before taking the lead on 9 minutes. McMullin from wide on the left and deep in clipped a high ball upfield, where although Daniel O’Halloran won the aerial battle Hugh Kerr snapped up the loose ball and quickly picked out Scott McLean on the outskirts of the right-hand side of the box from where he drilled another low angled shot that found the far corner of the net beyond the reach of the wrong-footed keeper. Glens 1-0 on 9 minutes.
Play then raged back and forth with both sides seeing plenty of the ball without creating any clear- cut chances.
On 19 minutes Robbie Young burst into the left-hand side of the Glens box before cutting the ball back to Martin only for his shot to be deflected over the bar for a corner-kick which was headed clear by McMullin setting up a fast flowing counter-attack involving Kemp, Sean McKenzie and ended with Sam McKee’s run into the box halted by a well-timed slide-tackle by Scott Walker.
The visitors then created a number of half-chances. On 25 minutes Alan Woodhouse’s close-range header from Jordan’s Duncan’s corner kick fell kindly into the arms of keeper Markey. Five minutes later a cleverly worked free kick saw O’Halloran ping the ball along the ground from the centre circle to Young upfield who then turned to slip the ball through to Jamie Barclay to fire a shot from the edge of the ‘D’ only for the ball sail just wide of junction of post and crossbar. Soon after, Young burst through the middle with McMullin and Leon Murphy closing him down and although Jordan Duncan was unmarked on the right of the box , Young continued his run before cracking a shot from the ‘D’ that dipped over the bar.
busy box
On 33 minutes the Glens had the ball in the net after McClean from the right whipped a cross from the bye-line to the near post where keeper McAllister leapt and with his arm at full stretch pushed the ball away with his finger-tips as Kerr challenged with both players stumbling over the goal-line, leaving Sean McKenzie free to guide the ball into the net from 2 yards out. No goal, as the referee awarded Rabs a free-kick for Kerr’s challenge on McAllister.
At the other end Kemp’s challenge on Duncan in the ‘D’ earned the Rabs a free-kick which although Martin curled the ball over the wall it dipped it over the bar. Soon after Barclay’s low angled from 20 yards, through a crowded box was well held by the diving Markey.
In the closing minute of regulation time Kemp clipped a ball through the middle for McKenzie to chase and although he alluded Ross Fisher’s tackle at the edge of the box it forced the Glens strike wide to the corner of the six yard from where he chipped the ball past two other defenders and into heart of the goalmouth for the incoming Kerr only for his header to be grasped under the bar by McAllister.
HT Glens 1 Rob Roy 0
Rabs brought on Connor Hughes at the break for No?
A lively start to the second half as both sides pressed. McAllister launched a free kick from the outskirts his box to outskirts of the Glens box where McLean returned the favour and launched the ball just beyond the centre circle where Kerr once again evaded Fisher’s tackle to open a free run deep into the Rabs’ box only for his cut-back for the inrushing McKenzie to be intercepted by O’Halloran and the chance gone.
former team_mates Hugh Kerr & Ross Fisher
Play continued to flow from end to end and Markey had to rush from his line to steal the ball from Woodhouse’s feet. On the hour mark McKenzie slotted a pass between two defenders for McKee to chase down into the box where Kian Gilday stripped the ball from his feet with a perfectly timed slide-tackle only for McLean to pounce on the loose ball to thunder a shot that powerful it took the feet from McAllister after blocking it with both hands.
Rabs made a change with Alan Woodhouse making way for Derek McNab but two minutes later the Glens doubled their lead!
The Rabs defence was caught on the hop and it was a case of 3 vs 2 in Glens’ favour as McKee chased down a ball with Kerr to his inside and further out on the left was Murphy while the back-tracking Fisher and Walker were struggling to close the gap leaving McKee the time and space to drill a low shot from 10 yards out between the legs of the advancing keeper and into the net. Glens 2-0 on 67 minutes.
Soon after McKenzie burst two defenders to the left-hand side of the box then tried to chip the keeper only for the ball to dip over the bar. At the other end Martin’s shot from a tight angle was blocked by Markey and loose ball smothered. McNab then conjured up a great effort at an overhead kick in the Glens box but just lacked the power to trouble Markey who caught the ball cleanly.
On 79 minutes Glens made a double change with Sean McKenzie making way for his brother Cameron and Dylan O’Kane coming on for Hugh Kerr. Rabs also made another change?
Both sides continued to press but defences were on top until 86 minutes. O’Kane nicked the ball on the outskirts of the ‘D’ but soon found himself with two Rabs blocking his route to goal he rolled the ball to the right where Scott McLean trapped it on the 18 yard line before taking a touch and lashing another low pile driver that flew under the keeper’s body and into the corner of the net.
In the closing minute Glens brought on Calum McFadyen for his competitive debut replacing Sam McKee and he was soon in the thick of the action which continued to the final whistle.
Callum McFadyen on his competitive debut
FT Glens 3 Rob Roy 0
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. David Markey 3. Scott McLean 4. Craig Pettigrew (captain) 20. Dean Currie 5. Michael McMullin 11. Leon Murphy 10. Calvin Kemp 22. Ollie Rowe 7. Sam McKee (12. Calum McFadyen) 9. Hugh Kerr (18. Dylan O’Kane) 11. Sean McKenzie (19. Cameron McKenzie) Subs: 2. Adam Caldwell, 14.Mathew Hoffin, 15. Ryan Nisbet
ROB ROY
1. Kevin McAllister 2. Scott Walker 3. Kian Gilday 4. Ross Fisher 5. Daniel O’Halloran 6. Jamie Barclay 7. Jordan Duncan 8. Jack Gordon 9. Robbie Young 10. Alan Woodhouse 11. Adam Martin Subs: 12. Connor Hughes 14. Derek McNab 15. Colin Granger 16. Louis Campbell 17. Jon Millerick 18. J. Connelly 19. A. Gallacher
Glenafton hosted Petershill under the lights at Loch Park on Burns Night. The home side made one change from the eleven that started against Pollok (14th January) with Ollie Rowe returning in place of Jamie McKernon (suspended).
A goal frenzy either side of half-time saw the Glens run out 3-1 winners against the Peasy.
The home side made the breakthrough on 38 minutes. Michael McMullin intercepted a headed clearance in the centre circle and burst through the middle to slip the ball forward to Sean McKenzie in the ‘D’ who instantly clipped it forward into the path of Leon Murphy breaking into left hand side of the box and although his diagonal cut-back from the bye-line was missed by McKenzie it fell for Scott McLean on the far side of the box to sweetly strike a low unstoppable shot from 16 yards out to beat the keeper at the post. A cracking first goal for the Glens in only his second game.
Scott McLean (Courtesy Stranraer FC)
Two minutes later the Glens doubled their advantage with a wonderfully worked goal beginning and ending with Hugh Kerr. The striker broke down a Peasy attack deep in his own half and McLean gathered the loose ball to instantly return it to Kerr who quickly rolled it back to Paul Paton. Still deep in their own half, Paton clipped the ball forward to McLean on the right wing from where he played it inside to Calvin Kemp who whipped the ball down the right for McLean to chase, and then chip it into the box where the inrushing Kerr got between two defenders to bullet a powerful header home from 6 yards out.
Hugh Kerr
However, a minute later Christian Nade halved the deficit and the hal finished Glens 2 Petershill 1 at the break.
The Glens restored their two goal cushion on 48 minutes after Leon Murphy whipped a corner in from the right and the incoming Ollie Rowe had the space and time to guide a header into the net through a throng of players fro the six yard line.
Ollie Rowe
FT Glens 3 Petershill 1
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. David Markey 3. Scott McLean 20. Dean Currie 5. Michael McMullin 11. Leon Murphy 10. Calvin Kemp (17. Dylan O’Kane) 22. Ollie Rowe (captain) 8. Paul Paton 7. Sam McKee 9. Hugh Kerr (17. Dylan O’Kane) 11. Sean McKenzie (Cameron McKenzie) Subs: Adam Caldwell, Craig Pettigrew, Callum McFadyen, Mathew Hoffin, Ryan Nisbet
Glenafton made two changes to the side that started against Kilbirnie with new signing Scott McLean making his debut and Sean McKenzie (returning from suspension) replacing captain Craig Pettigrew (injury) and Adam Caldwell. On the bench was local lad Matthew Hoffin alongside fellow Glenafton U17 / Glenafton Athletic dual contract team-mate Calum McFadyen.
In the Pollok starting eleven was Glenafton’s treble-winning captain and ‘Hall of Famer’, Craig Menzies, always welcome at Loch Park.
Pollok took the lead on 14 minutes after Shaun Fraser slipped a ball down the left for Darren Christie to gather and cut inside where from the edge of the box he clipped a ball to the far post which was missed by attackers, defenders and keeper alike, before bouncing into the corner of the net. Although the visitors enjoyed the best of the few remaining chances on show there was to be no further scoring before the break.
HT Glens 0 Pollok 1
Chances remained thin on the ground and Glens suffered a set-back just before the hour mark after captain Jamie McKernon was ordered off on receipt of a second yellow card. The visitors took full advantage of the extra man and pressed for a second with Christie coming close after his low angled shot sneaked inches wide of the back post.
On 81 minutes Pollok doubled their lead after a free kick was floated into a busy box and knocked on by Calum Gow high into the six yard box where Chris Duff leapt to send a glancing header beyond the outstretched hand of keeper David Markey. The home-side claims that the ‘Lok man had come from an offside position to win the ball were waved away. In the closing minutes Christie burst into the Glens box and was denied his brace by the outrushing Markey blocking his shot.
FT Glens 0 Pollok 2
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. David Markey 3. Scott McLean 20. Dean Currie 5. Michael McMullin 11. Leon Murphy 10. Calvin Kemp (17. Dylan O’Kane) 6. Jamie McKernon (capt.) 8. Paul Paton 7. Sam McKee 9. Hugh Kerr (15. Ryan Nisbet) 11. Sean McKenzie Subs: Adam Caldwell, Cameron McKenzie, Callum McFadyen, Mathew Hoffin
POLLOK
1. Jordan Longmuir 2. Craig Menzies 3. Mark Sideserf (17. Sean Burns) 4. David Brownlie 5. Calum Gow 6. Derek Esplin 7. Darren Christie (16. Robbie Buchanan) 8. Shaun Fraser (18. Gary McCann) 9. Stuart McCann (15. Adam Forde) 10. Johnny Lyon (12. Stephen Docherty) 11. Chris Duff Subs 14. Kamil Krol 21. Josh Lumsden
Glenafton made one change to the eleven that started against Largs Thistle with Jamie McKernon coming in for Ollie Rowe. In the Largs line-up was former Glens’ striker Chris Dallas a member of the 2016/17 treble squad and who scored 62 goals in 3 ½ seasons at Loch Park. Former Kilmarnock player Shaun Dillon recently returned to the hot seat at Ladeside with Gary Harkins, a League Cup winner with Killie, joining his coaching staff.
Striker James Marks kicked off for Kilbirnie as the first-footers at Loch Park at 2023. However, it was Glens that were first to threaten on 2 minutes through a low angled shot from Adam Caldwell on the right-hand side of the box that keeper Joe Wilton held comfortably.
At the other end Marks broke into the right-hand side of the box only for Slick’s shot to slip inches wide of the far post.
Play then got bogged down for a period and it was Marks on 15 minutes that had another pop at goal from inside the box after picking up a pass from Nathan Wade but this time he his shot flew high and wide of the target. Nevertheless, it sparked a good spell of pressure from the visitors. Andy Duffy on the right clipped a high ball to the back post where Dean Currie got the better of Marks in the aerial battle to head clear. Ladeside recovered the ball and won back-to-back corners, the second of which keeper David Markey punched clear from the head of Marks. A long throw from the right was chested down by Dallas in a packed box but Jamie McKernon pounced to clear the danger.
Midway through the half Glens came out on top in a midfield battle to win control of the ball which was then released to Mick McMullin on the left to curl a ball into the box where Hugh Kerr bustled his way between two defenders only for his header from 10 yards out to loop high over the bar.
Back came Kilbirnie and Marks won a corner that was floated to the far side of the six-yard box where centre back Jack Wilson guided a strong header to the near post which was gratefully grabbed by both hands of Markey. The keeper quickly threw the ball to McMullin on the outskirts of his box which sparked of a slick flowing move with Sam McKee and Leon Murphy combining to pick out Kerr in the box and although he was stripped off the ball the Glens quickly retrieved it and there was now a real sense of urgency in their play with a wave of attacks.
On 28 minutes Calvin Kemp burst down the right wing and from the corner clipped a perfectly weighted ball to the far corner of the six-yard box for the incoming Kerr and McMullin and it was the latter that leapt above Duffy only for his header to lack power and direction to trouble the keeper who held it safely. Clearly annoyed with himself, McMullin soon took matters into his own hands as the Glens continued to press. He gathered a clearance from Markey deep in the Ladeside half and soon Kerr was by his side with two defenders for company. It seemed he would surely slip the ball into the box for Kerr to chase, but no ….. instead from 22 yards out he swung a left foot sending a ferocious 4-iron of a shot through the gap between attacker and defender and beyond the reach of the keeper, four yards off his line, and into the corner of the net. The celebrations equally glorious as Glens take the lead on 30 minutes.
Two minutes later however, Ladeside were back level with Marks the architect bursting through the middle holding off Currie as he entered the box then firing a ferocious shot as Pettigrew closed-in that whizzed past the advancing Markey only for the ball to thunder off the base of the post and rebounding at an acute and at speed out past the aforementioned four protagonists and to fall Mark Alexander to strike the ball sweetly into the gaping net from 6 yards out. The celebrations were equally sweet, match all square on 32 minutes.
Tails up, Kilbirnie launched a high ball upfield for Marks only for Pettigrew to intercept and guide a powerful to release Kemp down the right held and although he was stripped off the ball at the corner flag the momentum had switched back to the Glens with Paul Paton and McKernon breaking down counter-attacks in the middle of the park. McKee gathered the ball and picked out Kerr in the ‘D’ who slipped it wide to McMullin on the left to whip it high the far side of the six-yard box where Kemp met it on the drop sending an overhead kick back to Kerr at the edge of the box to lash a shot that whizzed over the bar.
Some respite for the visitors when Dallas wide on the left rolled the ball back to Alexander to whip a ball to the edge of the box where Dean Scott’s overhead kick had Markey scurrying along his line and happy to see the ball slip inches wide of the post.
Markey launched a high ball down the left for McMullin only for the leaping Duffy to climb all over him and concede a free kick about 30 yards from goal. Both sides lined up 5 players along the 18-yard line and as Paton floated the ball to the far side of the six- yard, Kemp was first to peel off the line and square the ball past the keeper along the face of the goal where Sam McKee got the jump on a handful of defenders to knock the ball over the line from a yard out with Ross McKenzie in close attendance. 3 goals in 7 minutes, to put the Glens 2-1 up on 37 minutes.
Play then raged back and forward with each side coming close to adding to their tally. On 43 minutes McKee from wide on the right clipped a ball high into the six-yard box where Kerr leapt between two defenders sending a glancing header towards the back post to fall kindly for McMullin and looked certain to score from 2 yards out only to send it wide of the other post.
At the other end, on the stroke of half-time, Scott pounced on a loose pass and found himself on the 18-yard line with only keeper to beat but with Murphy and Pettigrew closing in fast, he chose to cut inside and then curl the ball past Pettigrew in an attempt sneak the ball in at the post, only for Markey to see it late and push it wide and although Marks recovered the loose ball the chance was gone.
HT Glens 2 Kilbirnie 1
Kilbirnie won an early corner on the left which was headed clear and the ball for McKenzie on the right to clip back into the box setting up Wilson for a shot that was held at the near post by Markey.
Glens then enjoyed a spell of pressure with Kerr, Kemp & McKee all breaking into the box albeit without testing the keeper other than another Kerr run which ended in a collision with the keeper racing to the edge of the box to bravely grab the ball.
On 54 minutes Ladeside came within a whisker of drawing level. Dallas gathered the ball just inside the ‘D’ and held off two defenders before squaring it to Scott on the right hand side of the box to drill a low shot through a ruck of players and beyond the reach Markey’s dive, only for the ball to sneak wide of the post.
Back came Glens with McKee driving to the bye-line cutting the ball back into the six-yard box but just the wrong-side of the incoming Kerr. The home side kept pressing and won a corner on the right which was played short but well defended by the visitors.
The skies darkened the and rains fell on Loch Park!
On 62 minutes Ladeside brought on Owen McGinty for Dean Scott and he was soon in the thick of it down the right laying the ball off to Liam Harris only for his cross to be blocked by McKernon and out for a corner which ended with Currie getting the better of both Marks & Dallas to head the ball clear.
Played raged back and forth and a rainbow to the north made a brief appearance at the Glens goal but there was to be no pot of gold for Ladeside, as the home defence stood firm. Indeed, it was the Glens on 70 minutes that came close to doubling their lead. McMullin broke down the left into Ladeside’s half and clipped the ball forward to Kerr who then cut inside two defenders taking him to the far side of the penalty box from where he squared the ball to the inrushing Paton to fire a shot from 10 yards only for Wilton to get down low and pushed the ball away with both hands before Wilson booted the ball out for a corner. McKernon’s kick initiated a scramble deep in the box, followed by another soon after before Ladeside finally cleared their lines.
On 74 minutes Ladeside brought on Connor Hamilton for James Marks, with Dallas now moving in from the left to the take up the centre-forward role. However, the task got doubly difficult for the visitors and 20 seconds later Hugh Kerr broke into the box and held off the Trialist to advance to the corner of the six-yard box and stroke the ball past the advancing goalie and into the far corner of the net. Glens 3-1 up with 15 minutes to play.
However, a minute later Kilbirnie passed up a good chance of halving the deficit. McGinty’s free kick from 22 yards bounced back off the Glens wall and the ball was scrambled clear of the box only to fall for McGinty who lofted a high ball back into the box where Hamilton’s glancing header deflected off Pettigrew and fell into the path of Dallas but with only the keeper to beat, he skewed his shot wide of the post.
Ladeside made another change with Liam Harris making way for Corey Pearson.
Kerr, from just inside in his own half, released Kemp to burst down the right where he shook off the chasing Alexander before progressing into the box and cutting the ball back for Paton only for his close range to be deflected wide for a corner kick that was quickly cleared.
On 85 minutes Craig Pettigrew pulled up with an injury and was replaced with Ollie Rowe and at same time Sam McKee made way for Cameron McKenzie.
Play went back and forth the closing minutes with few clear cut chances on show other than McGinty’s cross that flashed a cross he the face of the Glens goal and was deflected wide for a corner kick that came to nothing.
FT Glens 3 Kilbirnie 1
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. David Markey 2. Adam Caldwell 4. Craig Pettigrew (capt.) (Ollie Rowe) 20. Dean Currie 3. Leon Murphy 10. Calvin Kemp 6. Jamie McKernon 8. Paul Paton 35. Mick McMullin 9. Hugh Kerr 11. Sam McKee (Cameron McKenzie).
KILBIRNIE LADESIDE
77. Joe Wilton 2. Andy Duffy 3. Mark Alexander 4. Jack Wilson 5. Trialist 6. Liam Harris 7. Dean Scott 8. Nathan Wade 9. James Marks 10. Ross McKenzie 11. Chris Dallas. Subs: 52. Graham Black 12. Andrew Lavelle 14. Corey Pearson 15. Owen McGinty 16. Connor Hamilton
After a couple of week-ends of postponed matches due to water-logged pitches across the region the Glens hosted Largs Thistle in a Premier League match under the lights on a Friday night at Loch Park. During this period David Blyth in his second season at the Glens signed for Whitletts Victoria and Aldin El-Zubaidi returned to Kilwinning Rangers following the completion of his loan speell.
1. David Markey 2. Adam Caldwell 4. Craig Pettigrew (capt). 20. Dean Currie 11. Leon Murphy 10. Calvin Kemp 22. Ollie Rowe 8. Paul Paton 3. Michael McMullin 9. Hugh Kerr 7. Sam McKee Subs Used: 15. Ryan Nisbet 16. Cameron McKenzie 18. Dylan O’Kane
Glenafton made two changes to the eleven that started against Cumnock Juniors way back on 7th December with captain Craig Pettigrew, returning from injury and Sam McKee coming in for Jamie McKernon and Sean McKenzie (suspended).
There was very little between the two sides and the match was decided on 71 minutes after the Glens conceded an own goal after a an attempted clearance rebound off a defender and over the line.
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. David Markey 2. Adam Caldwell 4. Craig Pettigrew (capt). 20. Dean Currie 11. Leon Murphy 10. Calvin Kemp 22. Ollie Rowe 8. Paul Paton 3. Michael McMullin 9. Hugh Kerr 7. Sam McKee Subs Used: 15. Ryan Nisbet 16. Cameron McKenzie 18. Dylan O’Kane
LARGS THISTLE
1. Jamie McGowan 2. William Sewell 3. Laurie McMaster 17. Trialist 5. Ryan McGreath 6. Stuart Faulds 7. Dario Nimmo 8. Simon McBryde 9. David Ramsay 10. Scott Lewis 11. Gary Davidson. Subs: 12. Alan Frizzel 14. Sean McLeod 15. Ross Devine 16. Louis Thompson 21. Jamie Walker (gk)
Glenafton made four changes to the side that started against Carnoustie Panmure with Aldin El-Zubaidi, David Blyth, Sam McKee and Cameron McKenzie making way for Michael McMullin, Dean Currie, Calvin Kemp and Hugh Kerr.
In the Cumnock line-up was former Glens player Findlay Frye while treble winning Kyle McAusland was on the bench.
Cumnock kicked off after handshakes between captains and former Glenafton team-mates Findlay Frye and Jamie McKernon.
It was former Cumnock striker Sean McKenzie that got the visitors off to a flying start on 8 minutes. McKernon floated a corner kick from the left to the far side of the six yard box where Ollie Rowe sent a controlled cushioned header back to his far post where McKenzie got the jump on the ‘Nock defender to head the ball home past the keeper from 2 yards out.
The Glens doubled their lead on 19 minutes with a wonderfully worked moved. Leon Murphy clipped a ball down the left for Hugh Kerr midway into the Cumnock half and holding off a defender he rolled the ball inside to Sean McKenzie who quickly dispatched it to Calvin Kemp on the right hand. From here the midfielder played the ball back to McKernon to instantly whip it into where Hugh Kerr, with his back to goal and Mark McLennan tight on his back, killed the ball with his right foot before swivelling and drilling a low shot with his left, under the keeper from 14 yards.
Hugh Kerr
Another fine passing move from the visitors ended with Kemp cracking a shot from th corner of the box that fizzed inches over the bar.
HT Cumnock 0 Glens 2
The home side halved the deficit on 54 minutes through Mark McLennan’s spot kick after Murphy had been ajudged bump Frye in the box. Although Cumnock continued to press the Glens were unlucky not to double their lead after Paul Paton, from the centre circle, lofted a high ball to the edge of the box where the back-tracking defender attempted to head the ball back to the outrushing Jamie Barclay, however the chasing Kerr intercepted and flicked the ball over the keeper’s head only for it hit off the inside of the post and gathered by Barclay.
On 64 minutes Cumnock drew level from a corner kick that was headed to the edge of the six yard box and then flicked on with another header for substitue Jordan Moore to guide the ball into the net from close range. Moore bagged his brace on 78 minute after slotting home another spot kick for the home side to turn the game on its head.
Sean McKenzie
The visitors continued to battle and were rewarded on 86 minutes after Sean McKenzie let a long ball upfield bounce into the box before cutting inside one defender and then wrong-footing two other defenders as he set-up a low angled shot from 14 yards ou that nestled in the corner of the net.
In the closing minutes keeper David Markey pulled off a fine save from Moore blistering shot from 18 yards denying the striker his hat-trick and Cumnock three points. Soon after Markey launched a long high ball to the edge of the box where Sean McKenzie and a defender pushing close on his back were both challenging for the ball only for the striker to catch him with a swinging arm and the defender collapsing to the ground. The referee had no hesitation on sprinting to show the record and thankfully the defender got back to his feet and the 10 men held on for a share of the points.
HT Cumnock 0 Glens 2
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. David Markey 2. Adam Caldwell 22. Ollie Rowe 3. Michael McMullin (7. Sam McKee)20. Dean Currie 11. Leon Murphy 10. Calvin Kemp 8. Paul Paton 6. Jamie McKernon (captain) 16. Sean McKenzie 9. Hugh Kerr (16. Cameron McKenzie) Subs: 4. Craig Pettigrew 15. David Blyth15. Ryan Nisbet 17. James Martin 18. Dylan O’Kane 21. Aldin El-Zubaidi
CUMNOCK JUNIORS
Jamie Barclay, Jared Willet, Greg Ferry, Mark McLennan , Cammy Ross; Callan Veitch, Andy McLaughlin, Findlay Frye (captain), Jamie Dolan; J. Conn, Brendan Sharpe. Subs: Adam Strain, Kyle McAusland, Ryan Carnwarth, Chris Campbell, Graham Boyd, Jordan Moore
Glenafton made two changes to the eleven that started against Kilwinning Rangers on Friday evening with Craig Pettigrew (injured) and Hugh Kerr making way for Ollie Rowe and Cameron McKenzie.
The Glens travelled to face Carnoustie Panmure in the Scottish Junior Cup 4th round in the first meeting between the two clubs in the national competition. They won the competition in 2003/04 defeating Tayport in an all-Angus final on penalties and of course Tayport were also Glenafton’s first scalp in the Scottish back in 1992/93. In the previous round they fought back from 2-1 down at the break to win 3-2 with two late goals away at WOSFL Premier League side Petershill. Carnoustie now play in the Midlands Football League in the 6th tier of the pyramid structure of which they were inaugural champions last season and are in good shape to challenge this season again, currently sitting with am impressive record of Pl12 W12 D2 L1.
Glenafton kicked off and were quickly out of the traps against ‘The Gowfers’ with Sam McKee breaking down the left to sand wedge a high ball to the back post where Gordon MacDonald took no chances and headed it out for a corner. Although Leon Murphy’s kick was won in the air by Jamie Winter and the ball scrambled clear the visitors quickly retrieved the ball and another McKee cross from the left was headed clear as Glens pinned Panmure back in their own box.
Neat build-up play from Jamie McKernon and David Blyth set up Cameron McKenzie to blast a shot from 25 yards that had keeper Darren Clarkson diving at full stretch to push the ball wide of the post. As before, Winter’s head intercepted this corner at the near post and once again the ball was won back by the Glens for McKee on the left to float another ball into a packed box where Sean McKenzie flicked it on for Aldin El-Zubaidi to control and hold-off Louis Joyce. He then slipped the ball a few yards to his right for Ollie Rowe, who despite being under pressure from Ryan Suttie, managed to engineer a shot from the edge of the six yard box that flew into the roof of the net above the outstretched arm of the keeper. Glens 1-0 up on 4 minutes.
The visitors continued to press and another Cameron McKenzie shot from 25 yards zipped over the bar. Soon after Blyth chased down a ball into the box forcing the keeper to rush 10 yards off his line and get a hand to Blyth’s chip shot to push it wide for another corner kick, that was …..headed clear!
Carnoustie managed briefly to break into the Glens half before Rowe’s clearance was headed high into the air by Ross Fraser in the centre circle which Cameron McKenzie met on the drop to release Blyth down the right to drive to the side of box and cut-back for the incoming Sean McKenzie only for Bailey Steel to intervene at the expense of another corner which went much the same way as the others.
The Gowfers then came to the fore with Winter pulling the strings. On 14 minutes they won the first of four corner kicks in a five- minute spell to equal their opponents’ tally. Adam Caldwell and El-Zubaidi combined to force the first one behind at the back post and the one that followed saw keeper David Markey leap and push the ball high into the air which was met on the drop by Gordon MacDonald, only for his sweetly struck shot to whiz wide of the post. The lively Joyce whipped a ball from wide on the right to the back post for the incoming MacDonald but Caldwell got their first to guide it wide of target. The corner that followed was headed wide by El-Zubaidi for another which Danny Millar met at the back post but his header drifted wide. The home side continued to press winning free-kicks on the outskirts of the box that were stoutly defended by the visitors.
Play then raged back and forth and on 24 minutes Glens came close to doubling their lead after Murphy released McKee down the left and although his cross flew over the heads of attackers and defenders alike it had Clarkson scurrying across his line and grateful to see the ball crash off the inside of the post and back out into the six-yard box for Millar to gather.
At the other end Winter floated a ball high into the box which was headed on by Paul Martin and as Markey run from his line to collect, he took a sore one as MacDonald barged into his shoulder.
Back came Glens and Sean McKenzie held off a clutch of opponents on the half-way line before laying the ball off to Paul Paton who clipped a perfectly weighted pass down the right for Cameron McKenzie to chase and drive into the box before trying to pick out McKee, only for an outstretched leg of Ryan Roche to divert the ball wide for a corner kick that was headed clear by Dale Reid.
From just inside his own half Winter fired another fine ball into the Glens box for Reid to chase which ended with a coming together with Markey, not too pleased with the collision, ending with both players shown a yellow card.
On 36 minutes the home side drew level and it was no surprise that Winter was the architect. Joyce broke down the right before clipping ball into box where Reid controlled it well before rolling it back out the box for Winter to thunder a low ball from 25 yards that Markey did well to get down low and push away only for the incoming Gordon MacDonald to intercept and lash the ball into the gaping net. Carnoustie 1 Glens 1.
Much of the closing ten minutes of the half proved to be a midfield battle with a few chances on show, the best of which saw McKee clip a high ball into the box and Cameron McKenzie get between two defenders only for his shot to fall comfortably into the keepers’ hands while at the other end Markey got down low to smother Steel’s low angled shot.
The last action saw Carnoustie draw level with Glens’ corner-count of five, which was clutched cleanly by Markey
HT Carnoustie 1 Glenafton 1
Glenafton made a change at the break with Calvin Kemp coming on for David Blyth.
The visitors won an early corner and Murphy’s curler was headed over his own bar by Miller while McKernon’s corner that followed was headed clear at the near post by Winter. On 53 minutes, Reid from the right-hand side of the box rolled the ball into the path of the incoming Ross Fraser who lost his footing, and Reid’s appeal for penalty was waved away.
Carnoustie pressed for a period but the Glens defence closed ranks in preventing any shots at goal.
Glens countered through Murphy pushing forward wide on the left before picking out McKernon just over the half-way line who then pinged a great ball to Sean McKenzie, just inside the box with his back to goal, who quickly laid it back to his brother Cameron to lash a shot from 20 yards only for keeper Clarkson to get airborne and tip the ball over the bar at full stretch. The corner was headed clear and The Gowfers pressed again but could not unlock the Glens defence forcing Winter to try his luck from 30 yards only for the ball to sail over the bar.
Back came Glens with a string of three corners in quick succession the last of which was headed clear to the edge of the box where Paton fired a shot that flew over the bar.
On 62 minutes Glens brought on Hugh Kerr for Cameron McKenzie, who had run his socks off.
Two minutes later the visitors took the lead for a second time. Winter clipped another ball at pace into the Glens box only for Rowe to clear and Kerr to gather on the half-way line where he squared it wide to Kemp to drive forward and release Sean McKenzie to burst down the right with Suttie in hot pursuit. On reaching the edge of the box, ten yards from the goal line, the big striker applied the brakes and Suttie slid on bye, allowing McKenzie space to square the ball for the incoming Paul Paton to take a touch and curl a shot that deflected off Roche before nestling in the net. Glens 2 Carnoustie 1 on 64 minutes.
The home side were forced to make a change with Greig Warwick for the injured Danny Millar.
Carnoustie responded well and although they pushed forward in numbers any shots were blocked time and again by Glens legs and keeper Markey was seldom tested. Play then entered a period of back and forth with few chances on show until 77 minutes.
Markey launched a goal-kick upfield which Kerr headed square to Kemp on the right, who chested it down before breaking upfield to curl a super ball into the heart of the box where the inrushing Kerr leapt high to power an equally superb header from 8 yards out only for keeper Clarkson to outshine them both with a magnificent save diving low to his right to get a strong hand to the ball near the base of the post and as Kerr chased down the loose ball, MacDonald was on hand to gratefully kick it out for a corner.
McKernon floated the kick into the heart of the six-yard box and although Suttie won the aerial battle the ball fell for Paton on the ‘D’ to blast a shot that cannoned off the back of a defender and out for another corner. Murphy’s kick was also cleared to the outskirts of the box and again Paton pounced to lash a low shot that whizzed wide of the post.
On 79 minutes the Glens doubled their lead. Clarkson launched the ball up the right wing where it was hooked into the centre and fell for Paton to cushion a lob upfield where Sean McKenzie got the jump on Suttie to have a free run into the box and draw the keeper to his six-yard line before curling the ball into the net from 12 yards out. Glens 3 Carnoustie 1
The visitors had scored two late goals at Petershill in the 3rd round and would need to do the same here if they were to stay in the competition. Daniel Dorovic won the ball in busy box and slipped it to Reid only for his low angled shot to be blocked by the feet of Markey.
Soon after the keeper launched a long ball upfield which was headed on by Sean McKenzie, gathered by Kerr to square to Kemp on the right who then cut inside to lash a shot from 22 yards that zipped past the keeper at full stretch and inches wide of target.
Glens kept possession in the closing minutes before, in the last action of the match Winter lofted a free kick high into the box which Markey punched clear.
FT Carnoustie 1 Glenafton 3
Glenafton will tavel to face Bellshill Athletic in the Quarter-Final on 11th February 2023
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC:1. David Markey 2. Adam Caldwell 3. Aldin El-Zubaidi 4. Ollie Rowe 11. Leon Murphy 14. David Blyth (10. Calvin Kemp) 6. Jamie McKernon (captain) 8. Paul Paton 7. Sam McKee 16. Sean McKenzie 19. Cameron McKenzie (9. Hugh Kerr) Subs: Subs not used: 15. Ryan Nisbet 17. James Martin 18. Dylan O’Kane
CARNOUSTIE PANMURE: 21. Darren Clarkson 4. Bailey Steel 5. Ryan Roche 7. Pat Martin 8. Jamie Winter 10. Ross Fraser 12. Danny Millar (3. Greig Warwick) 18. Dale Reid 19. Gordon MacDonald 20. Ryan Suttie 23. Louis Joyce. Subs 16. Aaron Leiper 17. Daniel Dorovic 22. Paddy Conway
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
Glenafton Athletic 