Rob Roy 1 Glenafton 2

Posted on September 3, 2022 by flowgently

Saturday 03 Sep 2022 KO 2:00pm Guys Meadow, Cumbernauld
PDM Buildbase WOSFL Premier LeagueMatch 04
Kirkintilloch Rob Roy 1 (0)McCormick
Glenafton Atheltic 2 (0)McMullin, Murphy

Glenafton made 3 changes to the 11 that started against East Kilbride Thistle last Saturday with Sean McKenzie (suspended), Hugh Kerr (injured) and Leon Murphy making way for Cameron McKenzie, David Blyth and Ryan Nisbet.  The visitors donned their new blue away top for the first time and like the home red top it is sponsored by the local business Iain Watt Haulage.  Today’s hosts Rob Roy are unbeaten in the league with 2 wins and a draw in their opening 3 games.

Glens enjoyed some early pressure and Sam McKee’s perseverance down the left earned a corner that was cleared. The Rabs soon found their feet and Connor Hughes’ snapshot from inside the box was held cleanly by keeper David Markey. Back came Glens and Michael McMullin and McKee combined down the left before the latter whipped the ball into the box where although David Blyth got a raised foot to it, the connection wasn’t clean and the chance was gone. The lively McKee chased down another ball into box only for the outrushing keeper Owen Stott to win the race.

The hosts then began to dominate the game in terms of possession and the chances on show.  On 13 minutes Jamie Barclay cracked a shot from inside the box which flew wide of the post and thundered off the advertising boards behind the goals. Soon after, Hughes burst down the right to the bye-line and fired a low ball across the face of the goal just beyond the incoming Cammy McNair while Ryan Nisbet was on hand to turn the ball behind for a corner kick which was headed high and wide of target by Dean Cairns. MacNair then forged his way through the middle before drilling a shot from 22 yards that drifted wide.

A brief respite for the visitors as Cameron McKenzie tried a speculative shot from distance that Stott collected comfortably.

Back came the Rabs and although Kerr McCormick’s corner was headed clear by Jamie McKernon the ball was won at the edge of the box by MacNair but his shot bounced off the ground before being grabbed by Markey. Minutes later, a high ball into the box was headed on by Jamie Barclay towards the corner of the six-yard box where Hughes met it sweetly on the drop only for Markey to rush from his line and bravely block the shot at the expense of a corner. McCormick curled the ball into the six-yard where Daniel O’Halloran tried to prod home at the near post only for it to deflect off Blyth’s back and over the bar. McMullin won the aerial battle for the corner that followed and Paul Paton mopped up the loose ball.

The Glens began to get back into the game as play raged back and forth albeit with defences on top. Paton released Nisbet down to the right to whip a wicked ball into the goalmouth where Scott Walker took no chances and headed clear as keeper Stott attempted to come off his line to gather.

The game entered a spell of play raging back and forth and with defences well on top clear cut chances were thin on the rain-soaked ground.

As the half drew to a close a handful of half chances came and went.  The first from open play when Calvin Kemp intercepted a pass in the centre circle and spotting Stott off his line launched the ball upfield only for the keeper to rush back and have time to steady himself on the line and keep his nerve to push the ball away and gather. The remaining chances were from set plays – McKernon’s free kick beat the wall but sailed wide of target while at the other end McCormick’s attempt to curl a free-kick into a packed box was overhit and in the last action of the half Paton headed clear another McCormick free kick.

HT Rob Roy 0 Glens 0

Although Glens kicked off it was the Rabs that were quick off the blocks through Michael Baber’s great run down the right holding of a couple of blue shirts before his cross was deflected out for a corner kick. Craig Pettigrew won the aerial battle with Cameron Henry at the back post before the ref awarded the Glens a free kick for an infringement.

On 48 minutes the Rabs broke the deadlock with Baber the architect. After trapping the ball wide on the right, he lobbed it high into the air for Derek McNab to rise and head the ball over Pettigrew’s head and into the path of Baber to complete an exquisite one-two before driving to the bye-line and drilling a low ball that evaded both defenders and attackers at the near post leaving the task of the tap-in to Kerr McCormick.

Glens made a change with David Blyth making way for Leon Murphy.

Two minutes later the visitors came within a whisker of drawing level. A long high ball into the Glens box was headed clear by Pettigrew and the ball gathered by McKenzie who rolled it back to Paton wide on the right from where he launched a long diagonal ball for McKee to gather on the left hand side of the box where he turned Baber one way and then the other before clipping a ball from 16 yards that beat the outstretched hand of Stott only to dip over the crossbar.

Soon after Paton switched play from right to left again to set up McKee’s run to the bye-line where he skipped past Baber then Barclay and as Henry closed-in he picked out Paton on the outskirts of the ‘D’ who tried to find McKenzie in the box only for Barclay to intercept and clear the danger.

Both sides mounted some slick fast flowing attacks without finding the desired end product.

McNab picked up the ball in the centre circle and weaved his way down left before picking out Baber in the middle only for the alert McKee to back track and block his shot from 25 yards. Kemp countered only for his run through the middle to end with a trip and McKernon’s free-kick was headed clear. Kemp and Nisbet then combined down the right to feed Murphy tight on the touch-line and whipped a glorious ball to the back post but just beyond the incoming McKee. Rabs responded through Cairns breaking from the half-way line and slipping the ball forward to McNab who took a touch before lashing a shot from the left-hand corner of the box forcing Markey to leap and push the ball over the bar; the corner kick came to nothing.

The momentum swung the Glens way with Nisbet and Murphy on the right and McMullin pushing forward to support McKee on the left.

Midway through the half Rob Roy brought on Colin Granger for Jamie Barclay

Glens continued to press with patient build up play switching the ball from wing to wing if required. Nisbet’s cross, intended for McKenzie and Murphy in the box, was headed out by Henry and McKee pounced to lash a shot that deflected off Henry for a corner. McKernon floated the kick from the left to the back post for the incoming Rowe only for O’Halloran to intercept and head wide for another corner. Murphy from the right then curled the ball into the goalmouth and although it dipped before Pettigrew could get fashion a header it bounced in front of Michael McMullin and with Henry at his back he showed great presence of mind to flick the ball with the outside of his foot and into the far corner of the net for his 3rd goal of the season; 1-1 on 74 minutes.

Rabs made a double substitution with Robbie Young and Ben Daily replacing Derek McNab and Connor Hughes. They responded well to the set back. Cairns broke down a Glens attack and Baber gathered the loose ball before breaking up the right and then slipping it to Young on the overlap to drive a low ball into the goalmouth which was cut out by Paton at the expense of a corner kick.  McCormick played it to the near post for Colin Granger where Rowe forced him to play it back to McCormick to float the ball to the back post where McMullin beat Henry in the air and Kemp pounced on the loose ball and laid it off to Murphy.  Every Glens player, apart from McKernon & McKenzie, at that moment was in their penalty box at the start of one of the finest counter-attacks witnessed in Glens colours – a thing of beauty!

Murphy rolled the ball out to McKernon triggering an exodus of blue shirts breaking in unison upfield. As Jambo reached the half way line, on the edge of the centre circle, he hit a diagonal forward pass for Kemp to chase while Murphy continued his run through the middle. Kemp then picked out McKenzie on the outskirts of the left-hand side of the box and as Baber caught up he threaded a perfectly weighted ball between him and the static Walker for the incoming Leon Murphy to slide in and guide the ball home with the sole of his boot between keeper and post from 8 yards out. Cue ecstatic celebrations. Glens 2-1 up on 76 minutes.

The visitors stayed focused and chased down every ball. McKernon’s determination saw him rob Cairns of the ball and knock it forward into the centre circle where both Henry and Barber looked joint favourites to win it, and although Henry did, McKee quickly stripped him of the ball to break through the middle holding off Barber all the while as he charged to the edge of the box and drilled a low shot that Stott saved on the six yard line.

The Glens had the Rabs chasing shadows for a period with Paton, McKernon and Kemp at the heart of some fine possession play as they patiently looked for another opening.

On 86 minutes the Rabs replaced Cammy MacNair with Ciaran McPherson) and found a second wind for a final push. Henry released Baber down the right who was quickly closed down by McMullin and the ball deflected off him for a corner kick. It was McMullin that won the header at the near post initiating a stramash for the loose ball in a packed box with the Glens defence standing firm. Rabs won their 10th corner kick of the match soon after which was cleared at the near post by the tireless McKernon.

Two minutes into added time and Glens brought on James Martin for Cameron McKenzie and two minutes later the referee blew for full time. A fantastic fight-back to earn a great three points.

FT Rob Roy 1 Glens 2

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. David Markey 5. Ollie Rowe 4. Craig Pettigrew (captain) 3. Michael McMullin 7. Sam McKee 6. Jamie McKernon 8. Paul Paton 10. Calvin Kemp 15. Ryan Nisbet 14. David Blyth 19. (Leon Murphy) Cameron McKenzie (James Martin). Subs Not Used: 2. Adam Caldwell 21. Jordan Ross.  Conor Cullen (gk).
KIRKINTILLOCH ROB ROY
1. Owen Stott 2. Scott Walker (captain) 3. Cameron Henry 4. Dean Cairns 5. Daniel O’Halloran 6. Jamie Barclay 7. Michael Baber 8. Cammy MacNair 9. Derek McNab 10. Connor Hughes 11. Kerr McCormick. Subs: 12. Robbie Young, 14. Ben Daily, 15. Colin Granger, 16. Alan Woodhouse 17. Jack Gordon, 18. Ciaran McPherson, 19. Jordan Duncan
 
Match Photos
Kirkintilloch Rob Roy v Glenafton Athletic
Posted in GAFC Match Report | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Rob Roy 1 Glenafton 2

Glenafton 8 East Kilbride Thistle 1

Posted on August 27, 2022 by flowgently

Saturday 27 Aug 2022 KO 2:30pm Loch Park, New Cumnock
Clydebuilt Home Improvements
Scottish Junior Cup		1st Round
Glenafton Athletic 8 (3)S. McKenzie 4, Kerr 3, McMullin
East Kilbride Thistle 1 (1)Longworth

Prior to kick-off, Glenafton manager Ryan Stevenson and Club Secretary John Stewart posed with Marie Walker, today’s match ball sponsor.  Marie sponsors a match ball every season and her support is greatly appreciated.

The Glens also donned the new home strip for the first time this season and the club is extremely grateful that local business Iain Watt Haulage Ltd. has sponsored both the home and away kits.

Back: Leon Murphy, Ollie Rowe, Sean McKenzie, David Markey, Craig Pettigrew, Hugh Kerr & Michael McMullin Front: Jamie McKernon, Calvin Kemp, Sam McKee & Paul Paton

Glenafton Athletic welcomed East Kilbride Thistle to Loch Park for the 1st round tie in the Clydebuilt Home Improvements Scottish Junior. The two sides last met in the competition in the 4th round of Season 2016/17 at The Showpark with the visitors running out 4-0 winners and indeed they would go on to beat Auchinleck Talbot in the final.

Glenafton made three changes to the 11 that started against Bonnyton last week David Blyth, Dylan O’Kane and Cameron McKenzie making way for Leon Murphy, Calvin Kemp and Hugh Kerr.

Starting for East Kilbride was captain David Gray, a member of the Glens treble-winning (Scottish Junior Cup, Super League Premier Division Champions Evening Times League Champions Cup) side of 2016/17. On the bench was player / assistant manager Aaron Connolly leading goal-scorer in the Scottish Junior Cup finalist side of 2013/14 and Ayrshire League Cup winner the following season.

The visitors kicked-off on another gloriously sunny day in New Cumnock but things didn’t look too bright for them in the opening encounters.

Leon Murphy’s attempt to lob the keeper from wide on the left dipped over the bar. He then played a long one-two with Hugh Kerr before curling a cross into the six-yard box that was headed clear. Calvin Kemp won the ball on the outskirts of the centre-circle in the Thistle half and then fed Murphy down the left who promptly rolled the ball back to Kemp to clip a high ball into the box for the incoming Hugh Kerr and Sean McKenzie surrounded by three Thistle players. Kerr and Barry Russell challenged for the ball in the air but instead it fell to the feet of Sean McKenzie who managed to hold off Jordan Hutchinson before lashing the ball home from 6 yards out. Gens 1-0 up on 4 minutes.

Two minutes later Russell floated a free kirk from the centre circle to right hand side box where Sean Winter got the jump on Michael McMullin with a tremendous leap to send a looping header toward Jamie Longworth at the back post only for Ollie Rowe to intervene and head the ball clear.

At the other end McMullin won the aerial battle to get on the end of Jamie McKernon’s ball deep into the box and although his bullet header went through keeper Tam Kane’s legs Russell was on hand to hook the ball clear.

On 11 minutes the visitors equalised in spectacular fashion. It began with Hutchinson’s long pass up the left wing for Craig Hastings to gather but with his way into the box blocked he doubled back and picked out David Sinclair in acres of space in the middle of the park who took a touch before unleashing a shot from 35 yards that whizzed past players from both sides before bulging the net a foot inside the post.

Glens were soon back on the front foot after another good ball into the box by Kemp which eventually fell for McKenzie only for Hutchinson to get in the way of his shot from 12 yards. A corner followed soon after which created panic in the box and Kane forced McKenzie to play the ball back to McKernon who chipped the ball to back post for Kerr but his close-range header sneaked inches wide.

Thistle countered with Kane launching a goal kick long and high up the right for Winter to flick on with his head, taking two defenders out of play, allowing Longthorne to gather the ball and break into the box unimpeded and as Ollie Rowe closed in, he squared ball to Ally McDonald but from 6 yards out he clipped the ball past the advancing keeper David Markey and well wide of the back post.

Calvin Kemp and David Gray

Paul Paton from deep on the right fired a long diagonal ball for Murphy to collect wide on the left who then skipped past Winter before clipping the ball to the back post for Kerr to climb above Hutchinson only for his header to loop high over the bar. At the other end McDonald chased down a ball into the box but his low shot was comfortably held by Markey.

On 20 minutes the Glens regained the lead after Kemp intercepted Hastings infield pass to David Gray before breaking forward at speed, slipping past one defender then another before laying it off to Sean McKenzie who continued the run into the box before drilling a low diagonal shot that beat Kane to fly into the far corner of the net.

Glens continued to press and almost doubled their lead 7 minutes later after Sam McKee curled a vicious shot from the right corner of the box that dipped over the outstretched hand of the keeper only to crash off the base of the post and Murphy’s attempt to slot home the rebound slipped wide of the post.

Played then flowed back and forth with both sides searching for an opening with the better of the chances falling to the home side. A shot from Kemp inside the box flew inches wide and soon after McKee‘s shot was deflected wide of the post for the first of three corner kicks in quick succession the last of which saw McKernon  float the ball into the heart of the six yard box where Sean McKenzie rose head and shoulders above all comers to head the ball into the net to complete his hat-trick.

HT Glens 3 EK Thistle 1

Glens made one change at the break with Leon Murphy making way for Ryan Nisbet who switched wings with Sam McKee and it was McKee’s cross from the left into the box that Hugh Kerr rose to head home beyond the reach of the diving keeper from 10 yards out to put the Glens 4-1 up

Soon after McKenzie robbed Russell of the ball on the right-hand side of the box and squared it to Nisbet on the right touchline to whip a vicious cross into the six-yard box where the incoming Kerr beat the keeper to the ball only for the header the crash off the bar and McKenzie’s effort to bury the rebound deflected wide for a corner that was cleared. Kerr then met another Nisbet cross and his downward header bounced high into the air only for Kane to push the ball away with both hands.

Hugh Kerr and keeper Tam Kane

On 55 minutes the Glens extended their lead after keeper Kane ran from his line to gather a long harmless ball into his box. He then threw the ball out the box in preparation to launch it back upfield only for the alert Hugh Kerr to rush forward and leap high in the air to block the ball sending it deep back into the box and then win the race to chase down the ball and stroke it into the empty net from a few yards out for 5-1.

Credit to Thistle they continued to plug away and forced a corner-kick that was cleared by Rowe’s powerful header.

A sixth goal and hat-trick for Hugh Kerr followed soon after. Kemp won the ball in the centre circle and picked out Nisbet wide on the right who clipped another dangerous ball into the box and although Russell prevented it reaching McKenzie the loose ball was about to be pounced on by Kerr only for Hutchinson to bring down. Kerr sent keeper Kane the wrong way from the spot to make it 6-1 with an hour gone. The smiling striker was then replaced with Dylan O’Kane leaving the pitch to loud applause. 

 

Longworth and Hastings combined well in the box but could find no way through to test Marky.

Markey rolled out the ball to Craig Pettigrew who squared it to Rowe who then launched a long high ball over the Thistle back-line into the right-hand side of the box where O’Kane, having beat the offside trap, was free to chase the ball down and gather it short of the goal line. From here he threaded the ball back between two back-tracking defenders to Sean McKenzie who instantly lashed it home from 7 yards out for his fourth goal of the game, despite Thistle concerns that there was no offside flag. 7-1 with 63 minutes gone.

 

Glens replaced Sean McKenzie with his brother Cameron and Sam McKee with James Martin, both players leaving to loud applause.  Martin took up his place on the right wing while Nisbet switched to the left.

C. McKenzie came close, after chasing down McMullin’s long ball into the box and lobbing the ball over the advancing keeper only for the ball to dip over the baR.

McKernon then pinged a ball from the middle of the park to Nisbet on the left-hand corner of the box from where he rolled it back to Michael McMullin who continued his run to the corner of the six-yard box before lashing a low shot into the net to make it 8-1 on 75 minutes.

Martin broke down the right before whipping a ball into the goal where O’Kane came within a whisker of getting his head to it, soon after Martin turned provider again as O’Kane burst into the box only for substitute Matt Gray to block his shot.

At the other end after some patient build up play from Thistle ended with David Gray cracking a low shot from outside the box that Markey did well to get down low and smother. Back came Glens and O’Kane skipped past a couple of defenders to drive to the far side of the six-yard box only for Kane to smother his attempt.

FT Glens 8 East Kilbride 1

Glenafton will travel to Rothienorman, Aberdeenshire to face Rothie Rovers, in the 2nd round if the Scottish Junior Cup on Saturday 24th September 2022, KO 2:30 pm. Rovers defeated Armadale Thistle 4-2 in their 1st round tie.

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. David Markey 22. Ollie Rowe 4. Craig Pettigrew (capt.) 3. Michael McMullin 7. Sam McKee (17. James Martin) 6. Jamie McKernon 8. Paul Paton 10. Calvin Kemp 11. Leon Murphy (15. Ryan Nisbet) 9. Hugh Kerr (18. Dylan O’Kane) 16. Sean McKenzie (19. Cameron McKenzie) Subs Not Used: 2. Adam Caldwell 14. David Blyth 21. Conor Cullen
EAST KILBRIDE THISTLE
1. Tam Kane 2. Jethro Goldsmith 3. Jordan Hutchinson 4. Paul Tierney 5. Barry Russell 6. David Gray (capt.) 7. Sean Winter 8. David Sinclair 9. Jamie Longworth 10. Ally MacDonald 11. Craig Hastings. Subs used: 12. Matt Gray 16. David McKean  17. Adam Edgar 20. Zak Moynes Subs not used: 14. Stu Gordon 15. Andrew Skinner 19. Aaron Connolly
More Match Photos
Glenafton Athletic v East Kilbride Thistle
Posted in GAFC Match Report | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Glenafton 8 East Kilbride Thistle 1

Bonnyton 0 Glenafton 1

Posted on August 20, 2022 by flowgently

Saturday 20 Aug 2022 KO 2:00pm The Synergy Arena, Kilmarnock
Trade Radiators South Challenge Cup1st Round
Bonnyton Thistle 0 (0)
Glenafton Atheltic 1 (1)Blyth

Glenafton made three changes to the 11 that started against Pollok last Saturday for this South Challenge Cup 1st round tie. In came David Markey, David Blyth and Sean McKenzie for Connor Cullen, Adam Caldwell and Leon Murphy.  The visitors set up with three at the back Ollie Rowe, captain Craig Pettigrew and Michael McMullin. Meanwhile, up front Sean and Cameron McKenzie lined up together for the first time since they joined in the summer, the first brothers to turn out for the club since the Mitchell brothers, Danny & Glen, ten seasons ago.

Cameron & Sean McKenzie

The two league games between the sides last season ended with each recording a narrow home win, with only a goal separating them; Glens 1-0 and Bonnyton 4-3.  Today was to be no different, other than the away side edging the match on this occasion.

Bonnyton started brightly and forced a couple of corner kicks in the opening 5 minutes. The first came after Stewart Davidson’s shot from the edge of the box was deflected wide and although the kick was met at the back post by Kyle McAvoy the loose ball was cleared by Pettigrew. Back came Bonnyton with Craig Patterson bursting through the middle before playing a one-two with Taylor Allan to set up a shot that was deflected wide too. After some head tennis in the box, keeper David Markey clutched the ball safely from under the bar.

David Markey

The visitors then took a grip of the game with patient build up play from the back three and the occasional signature long ball from Pettigrew while Jamie McKernon and Paul Paton controlled the midfield picking their passes to set up attacks. Glens won a spate of corner kicks the first of which by Sean McKenzie was headed clear by Davidson. Sam McKee jinked down the right to earn another that was cleared but the ball recovered by Glens wide on the left. S. McKenzie and whipped to the back post where Rowe headed it back across the face of goal just beyond C. McKenzie and wide of the other post. McKee and David Blyth then combined down the right to win another corner that keeper Evan Currie plucked out the air in a packed six-yard box.

On 14 minutes McKee lined up to float another corner kick, from the left this time into a busy box but instead rolled it back up the touchline some 25 yards to Dylan O’Kane who quickly fired a vicious dipping shot that beat the outstretched hand of the keeper and rebounded off the bar but fortunately it then bounced off Callum McDonald and was hooked clear for a corner by Chris Love. 

Dylan O’kane’s shot crashes off the bar.

McKee’s kick was headed out of the box by Paul O’Donnell and the ball pounced on by O’Kane to lash another shot that took a deflection to send the ball over the bar.  McKee floated the corner to the back post beyond the reach of Currie’s leap and although the incoming McMullin won the header in a packed box the ball drifted wide of the post.

On 17 minutes the hosts broke down another Glens attack deep in their own half and countered with some fine passing play before Rory Campbell picked up the ball in the centre circle and released the lively McAvoy down the left who then cut inside and squared to Campbell on the outskirts of the ‘D’  who in turn slipped the ball to McDonald to clip the ball to the back post for the unmarked McAvoy to power a header beyond the reach of Markey for Allan to slam the ball home from a few yards out but from an offside position.

Bonnyton offside

Unperturbed another fine move began with Jordan Duffy and McAvoy combining down the left before picking out Patterson in the box who held the ball brilliantly before laying it off to Allan who then ran along the 18-yard line before curling a shot that Markey did well to get down low and push past the post at full stretch. The corner skimmed off the head of Love and McMullin was first to react and chase down the ball before setting off on a lung-bursting run into the into Bonnyton half and then slot an inch perfect pass to C. McKenzie on the outskirts of left-hand side of the box who took O’Donnell out of play with a delightful pass into the path of the incoming Blyth to progress to the corner of the six yard box before clipping the ball past the advancing Currie only for the ball to slip inches wide of the far post.

Paul Paton

The deadlock was broken on 21 minutes. Paton intercepted Duffy’s forward pass in the Glens’ half of the centre circle and quickly dispatched the ball down the right wing for McKee, with Duffy back-tracking in hot pursuit, while the McKenzie brothers were breaking into the box.  McKee, now about 12 yards from the goal-line and a couple yards from the edge of penalty box, however his cross was cut-out by Duffy’s raised arm a foot outside the box earning the defender a yellow card and the Glens a free kick. The visitors packed the box with their back three and front two seemingly, to challenge for Paul Paton’s free kick, only for the midfielder to roll a perfectly weighted ball into the ‘D’ for the incoming David Blyth to drill a low shot from 18 yards that took a deflection before bulging the net.

Bonnyton were immediately on the front foot with a lightning break that ended with Patterson, under pressure from Rowe, hooking a dipping shot over the bar. Unfortunately, Taylor Allan took a bad knock in the build-up play and was replaced Chris Kelly? (No.17).

Played got bogged down for a period with few chances on offer from either side albeit Glens enjoyed the bulk of possession.

The tempo picked up in the closing ten minutes of the half.  The Glens played the ball out of defence from Rowe on the right infield to Pettigrew and then onto McMullin wide on the left. From here he drilled a low ball upfield to C. McKenzie on the outskirts of the box and with Rhys Miller tight on his back he side-footed the ball high into the air to McKernon, on the overlap, who met it on the drop sending it to the corner of the six-yard box where S.McKenzie, under pressure from Love, hooked his shot just wide of target.

Another good run from McAvoy saw him win a free-kick on the outskirts of the ‘D’ only for Davidson to beat the wall but sending the ball flying over the bar.

At the other end McKee’s run down the right to the bye-line saw Currie cleanly clutch his cross under the bar. Glens continued to press and earned their 7th corner of the half which was rolled back to O’Kane to float the ball into the box which was headed clear.

HT Bonnyton 0 Glenafton 1

Glens controlled much of the play in the opening period of the second half and made an early change with Dylan O’Kane making way for Ryan Nisbet who was quickly into action clipping the ball from tight on the right wing to the near corner of the six-yard box for S. McKenzie to stoop and set a glancing header just wide of the post. Another cross, this time to the back post for McKee was intercepted by O’Donnell and headed out for a corner. McKee played it short to McKernon and with no way through the stubborn Thistle defence he switched played to the far right for Nisbet to ping another cross into the box only for McMullin’s looping header drift wide of target.

Some brief respite for Bonnyton with a long throw into the Glens’ box only for Paton to win the ball and set McKee on a lightning counter-attack down the left before picking out S. McKenzie in the box where a neat one-two with Blyth was intercepted and cleared.

Sam Mckee on the move

Glens continued to patiently press but without unlocking a well drilled hard working defence. Indeed, midway through the half the home side began to get back into the game as an attacking force, albeit without testing Markey in the Glens goal.   Pettigrew headed clear a Thistle corner while at the other end Nisbet fired a shot over the bar.

On 71 minutes the Glens brought on Hugh Kerr for Cameron McKenzie.

Bonnyton broke up the left through Kelly?(No. 17) and his shot from inside the box was deflected wide for a corner that came to nothing. Soon after Duffy clipped a great ball into the left hand side of the box for Campbell to gather and flick the ball to Patterson who chested it down only to scoop his shot over the bar.

Glens countered through McKernon picking out McKee wide on the left who cut inside before firing a shot from 22 yards that Currie finger-tipped over the bar. Nisbet’s corner from the right was slightly overhit but the ball was recycled, as they say, and made its way back to Nisbet on the right who then whipped a dangerous ball into the six yard box but just beyond the outstretched leg of S.McKenzie and straight into the keeper’s hands.

Jamie McKernon with Craig Pettigrew looking on

With 10 minutes to go Michael McMullin, who had suffered a bad knock earlier was forced to come off with a ‘dead-leg’ and was replaced by Adam Caldwell, while the home side also made a substitution.

The Paton – McKee partnership combined well up the left before feeding the ball inside to McKernon to fire a low shot from 22 yards that flew inches wide of the post.  Kelly’s (No. 17) shot from inside the box at the other end suffered the same fate.

Glenafton enjoyed the bulk of the possession as the game drew a close without any further chances of note.

FT Bonnyton 0 Glenafton 1

Glenafton will host Lugar Boswell Thistle in the 2nd round.

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. David Markey 5. Ollie Rowe 4. Craig Pettigrew (capt.) 3. Michael McMullin (18. Adam Caldwell);  6. Jamie McKernon 7. Sam McKee 8. Paul Paton 14. David Blyth 6. Jamie McKernon 11. Dylan O’Kane (17. Ryan Nisbet) ; 9. Sean McKenzie 10. Cameron McKenzie (15. Hugh Kerr)
BONNYTON THISTLE
1. Evan Currie 2. Paul O’Donnell 3. Jordan Duffy 4. Rhys Miller 5. Chris Love 6. Stewart Davidson 7. Taylor Allan 8. Rory Campbell 9. Craig Patterson 10. Callum McDonald 11. Kyle McAvoy. Subs Chris Kelly  Ben Wilson  Thomas Dempsie  Chris Gardiner Michael Brown.
 
Match Photos
Bonnyton Thistle v Glenafton Athletic
Posted in GAFC Match Report | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Bonnyton 0 Glenafton 1

Pollok 3 Glenafton 2

Posted on August 13, 2022 by flowgently

Saturday 13 Aug 2022 KO 2:00pm Newlandsfield Park, Glasgow
PDM Buildbase WOSFL Premier LeagueMatch 03
Pollok 3 (3)S. McCann, Christie (2)
Glenafton Atheltic 2 (2)Pettigrew, C. McKenzie

Glenafton made one change to the 11 that started against Arthurlie with the unavailable Hugh Kerr being replaced with Dylan O’Kane making his full debut for the club. At the heart of the Pollok defence was former Glenafton captain Craig Menzies.

In the blazing heat the home side found themselves two goals to the good after only 8 minutes. The first came in 5 minutes after Glens’ goalie Conor Cullen’s attempt to play a short-goal kick to Michael McMullin was misjudged and the ball readily snapped up by Stuart McCann on the 18 yard line from where he drove to corner of the six yard box before drilling a low shot through the keeper’s legs at the near post. Three minutes later Dylan Dykes gathered a throw-in from deep on the left wing and twisted and turned past defenders to get to the bye-line before clipping the ball into the heart of the box where Darren Christie killed it on his chest and volleyed a shot into the roof of the net.

The visitors came close to halving the deficit when Paul Paton floated a free-kick into the box where Glens’ captain Craig Pettigrew gave his markers the slip only for his header from 6 yards out to be foiled by a great point-blank save from keeper Josh Lumsden who pushed the ball over the bar. From the corner-kick that followed McMullin’s header flashed across the face of goal and the ball recovered by Ollie Rowe at the other corner flag from where he rolled the ball back to Pettigrew who eventually shook off full back Mullen before curling a cross into the box only for O’Kane’s diving glancing header to drift wide of the far post. After some good build up play Leon Murphy and Cameron McKenzie both had shots from distance which finished high and wide of target respectively.

Midway through the half both sides welcomed a much-needed water-break as the sun continued to beat down on Newlandsfield. The home side were certainly refreshed as Lumsden launched a long goal-kick upfield and after one-bounce McCann won the header to flick the ball into the path of the incoming Darren Christie to smack the ball first time into the net from 15 yards out. Pollok 3-0 up on 22 minutes.


The visitors pulled one back three minutes later. Jamie McKernon fired a corner-kick from the left to the far-side of the box where Rowe rose to head it high into the goalmouth and here Menzies beat McKenzie to head the ball back out only for Craig Pettigrew to trap it on the 18-yard line and drill a low shot that took a nick off Sean Burns’ heel before finding the net.

Craig Pettigrew

On 36 minutes the visitors pressure paid off after Paton picked out Sam McKee with a peach of the pass who then lashed a low shot from 22 yards that Lumsden did well to get down low to stop with both hands only for the alert Cameron McKenzie to beat Scott Rumsby to the loose ball and clip a close range shot that although the grounded keeper blocked with a foot the ball spun over his head and into the net.

Cameron McKenzie

HT Pollok 3 Glens 2

Despite the first half goal-fest turning into a second half goal drought under the baking sun both sides conjured up a number of chances the bulk of which fell to the home side the best of which fell to substitute Chris Duff only for Cullen to pull off a magnificent save to deny him from 10 yards out.  

FT Pollok 3 Glens 2

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. Conor Cullen 2. Adam Caldwell 3. Michael McMullin 4. Craig Pettigrew 5. Ollie Rowe 6. Jamie McKernon 7. Sam McKee 8. Paul Paton 9. Cameron McKenzie 10. Dylan O’Kane 11. Leon Murphy Subs used: 16. James Martin 17. David Blyth
POLLOK
1. Josh Lumsden 2. Fraser Mullen 3. Sean Burns 4. Craig Menzies 5. Scott Rumsby 6. Derek Esplin 7. Darren Christie 8. Dylan Dykes 9. Stuart McCann 10. Stephen Docherty 11. Jonanthan Lynch Subs: 12. Chris Duff 14. Robbie Buchanan 15. Ryan Sinnamon 16. Gary McCann 17. Adam Forde 18. Kamil Krol
Posted in GAFC Match Report | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Pollok 3 Glenafton 2

Glenafton 1 Arthurlie 0

Posted on August 6, 2022 by flowgently

Saturday 06 Aug 2022 KO 2:00pm Loch Park, New Cumnock
PDM Buildbase WOSFL Premier LeagueMatch 02
Glenafton Athletic 1 (1)Kerr
Arthurlie 0 (0)

Glenafton manager Ryan Stevenson and club secretary John Stewart were delighted to present Davy Barr with a gift to acknowledge his 43 years of service on the Glenafton Committee, as well as many years at the gate – missing all those early goals! Although Davy has now retired from the committee he remains a loyal Glens supporters.

Ryan and John also thanked Joan Hodge of local bar Munros for their continued support through pitchside advertising, sponsoring a player in our successful “Paying For The Jersey” scheme and sponsoring today’s match ball.

Remembering Adam Strachan

Prior to kick-off a minute’s silence was held in memory of former Glenafton player Adam Strachan who recently sadly passed away. The club’s tribute to Adam can be found here.

Glens made one change from the 11 that started the game at Largs with Cameron McKenzie replacing the unavailable James Martin to make his first start for the club, having come on as substitute at Barrfields.  On the bench was young local lad Dylan O’Kane signed from Ayr United.

Arthurlie returned to the Premier Division, having being relegated in 2017/18, as unbeaten Conference A Champions.  It was the visitors that enjoyed some early pressure, Tam McGaughey in particular looking lively, albeit without testing the Glens keeper Conor Cullen.

However, on 5 minutes it was the home side that took the lead after Jamie McKernon nicked the ball from the feet of Dale Simeon as he was about to square the ball to Andrew McLaughlin just inside the ‘Lie half. Jambo then broke upfield and shimmied past Lewis Magee before stroking a diagonal ball into the box for Hugh Kerr to gather and as Lance Pearce closed in, he drilled a low shot past the advancing keeper and into the corner of the net.

The Glens continued to press with McKernon and Paul Paton controlling the middle of the park. On 10 minutes Adam Caldwell and McKenzie combined on the right and an attempted cross into the box was deflected high into the air and Kerr was first to react to get between two defenders to trap the ball on the six-yard line only for keeper Garry Black to dive at his feet and eventually gain control of the ball with help from his defenders.

Jamie McKernon and Paul Paton

Arthurlie came back into the game as play began to flow back and forth. Cullen made light work of high balls played deep into the box plucking them cleanly out of the air while his counterpart Black elected to punch clear Kerr’s cross for the incoming McKenzie. Kerr then tried his luck from 25 yards out only for the ball to sail over the keeper and the bar.

The best of the rest of the chances came in the closing 10 minutes of the half. McGaughey from the middle of the park picked out Gary Carroll wide on the right of the box to clip a high ball to the far end of the box for the inrushing Aaron Healy only for Caldwell to intervene and head clear for a corner. Healy’s kick was headed high into the air by McKernon only for Jordan Leyden to meet it on the way back down and hook the ball goalward forcing  Cullen to scurry across his line to grab the ball at the back post.

At the other end McKenzie put Magee under pressure to concede a corner. Leon Murphy curled the kick into the six-yard box where Kerr got the jump on Magee to head the ball on a few yards where McKenzie and Pearce both fell to the ground as they challenged for the ball before Alan Dunsmore managed to kick it clear as far as Craig Pettigrew but his shot from 10 yards out was blocked by the timely outstretched leg of Conor Bradley sending the ball looping high over the bar. This corner was eventually cleared and the ball recovered by Glens who continued to press before the half-time whistle blew.

Craig Pettigrew’s shot deflected over the bar.

HT Glens 1 Arthurlie 0

Glenafton brought on David Blyth for Adam Caldwell at the break.

The hosts started the half strongly. Murphy released McKenzie down the left to break into the box and despite nutmegging the keeper he managed to get a hold on the loose ball. Soon after, Sam McKee broke into the right-hand side of the box and clipped the ball to the far side of the box for the incoming Blyth his attempt to stab the ball home was deflected wide by McLaughlin and had to settle for a corner. Blyth floated the kick towards the penalty spot where Michael McLaughlin leapt to bullet a powerful header that was headed clear by Dunsmore covering the near post. Glens quickly recovered the ball and McKernon and Paton combined to set up another attack which ended with Murphy laying the ball off to McMullin to lash a shot from the 18 yards line that flew over the fingertips of the leaping goalie and then the bar.

Michael McMullin heads for goal

Some respite for ‘Lie after some build up play finished with Leyden cracking a shot from 20 yards that beat Cullen at full stretch only to crash off the post an although the loose ball fell kindly for Simeon, he mishit his shot sending the ball out for a throw in. Minutes later Simeon got on the end of a free kick to the back post only for his downward header to bounce up and safely into the hands of Cullen.

Back came Glens and Paton’s long pass down the left for Kerr to chase and forced the keeper to charge out his box but his attempted clearance ended with a ‘fresh-air’ shot allowing Kerr to recover the ball and pick out McKenzie on the six-yard line, with Black still back-tracking to his goal, only for Leyden to intercept and head the ball over the keeper and the bar. Blyth floated in another fine corner for Craig Pettigrew to rise above everyone and send his header looping over the bar.

On 64 minutes Arthurlie made a double substitution with Dunsmore and McGaughy making way for Lee Roulston and Miller

Midway through the half McKernon from the half-way line pinged a great ball down the left for Kerr to break deep into the box before he rolled the ball back to Blyth who curled a cracker from 10 yards round a defender only for Black pull off a magnificent save and push the ball wide of the post.

Lie keeper Gary Black saves from David Blyth

McMullin outjumped Leyden at the back-post to send Blyth’s corner dipping over the bar. McKee then broke down the right and his cut-back from the bye-line for Murphy was cut-out by Simeon sending the ball towards his goal but Leyden was well placed to launch it clear. Another McKee cross from the right ended with Kerr’s header sailing high over the bar.

Arthurlie responded with a fine move down the left that saw McLaughlin thread a ball upfield to Roulston who then played a one-two with Healy before skipping past a defender in the box to drill a low shot from a tight angle that found the gap between Cullen on his near post and McMullin only for the ball to drift inches wide of the back post.  The visitors continued to press but the Glens defence of Ollie Rowe, Pettigrew and McMullin stood firm preventing any further shots at goal.

Cameron McKenzie & Lance Pearce

Glens always looked dangerous on the break and another burst from box to box by McKee down the left won a corner that was eventually cleared.

Back came ‘Lie through Healy down the left to whip a ball to the back post where Murphy’s attempted clearance fell was gathered on the line by Cullen and the referee waving away loud calls of ‘pass-back’. Less than a minute later the visitors earned a free kick on the outskirts of the box after Rowe was adjudged to have fouled Carroll. Up stepped Leyden to curl a cute ball from 22 yards over the wall and beyond the outstretched hand of Cullen only for the ball to bounce on the top of the cross bar and out for a goal-kick.

Jordan Leyden goes close

On 77 minutes Cameron McKenzie left to well-earned applause after a great shift and was replaced with Dylan O’Kane. Arthurlie also made a change with Conor Bradley making way for Kyle Elrick.

Roulston cut into the box from left before laying the ball off to Healy to shoot from close range but Cullen made a point blank save and McMullin quickly launched the loose ball out for a throw. Cullen then cleanly clutched a high ball to back post out the air with McMullin in an attendance as back up. The visitors continued to push for an equaliser and won a free-kick on the goal-line 5 yards from the corner flag but again the home guard were not to be bettered. 

Conor Cullen clutches another ball out the air

On 84 minutes the Glens broke down another Lie attack allowing McKee to pick up the ball on the outskirts and set off on his trade-mark lightning run down the right only for the chasing Leyden to grab a handful of his shirt to halt his free run into the Lie half. The two confronted each other and Leyden was shown yellow, presumably for the original foul but not a second yellow for kicking out; while McKee was also shown yellow. ‘Lie lucky not to be down to 10.

Murphy broke down the left before chipping the ball upfield for Kerr but with two defenders on his back he did well to win a corner which was floated into a busy six-yard box only for the ball to pop out from the pack and safely into the keeper’s hands.  O’Kane then chased down Paton’s header deep into the ‘Lie half but with Magee on his back the keeper was able rush from his line to collect the ball as it entered the box.

Dylan O’Kane & Lewis Magee

At the other end Cullen was able to clutch an overhit high ball unchallenged. A few minutes later he performed the same feat albeit on this occasion there were 5 ‘Lie players in the six-yard box.

Murphy then fed Kerr down the left again and the tireless striker held the ball at the corner flag as the referee blew for time.

FT Glens 1 Arthurlie 0

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. Conor Cullen 2. Adam Caldwell (16. David Blyth) 3. Michael McMullin 4. Craig Pettigrew 5. Ollie Rowe 6. Jamie McKernon 7. Sam McKee 8. Paul Paton 9. Hugh Kerr 10. Cameron McKenzie (14. Dylan O’Kane) 11. Leon Murphy Subs: 15. Ryan Nisbet 17. Jordan Ross
ARTHURLIE
1. Garry Black 2. Alan Dunsmore (14. Lee Roulston) 3. Conor Bradley (Kyle Elrick) 4. Lance Pearce 5. Lewis Magee 6. Andrew McLaughlin 7. Tam McGaughey (15. Miller) 8. Jordan Leyden 9. Gary Carroll 10. Dale Simeon 11. Aaron Healy Subs: Scott (gk), McLachlan, Ross
More Match Photos
Glenafton Athletic v Arthurlie
Posted in GAFC Match Report | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Glenafton 1 Arthurlie 0

Largs 1 Glenafton 1

Posted on July 30, 2022 by flowgently

Saturday 30 Jul 2022 KO 2:00pm Barrfields Stadium, Largs
PDM Buildbase WOSFL Premier LeagueMatch 01
Largs Thistle 1 (0)Forbes
Glenafton Athletic 1 (1)McMullin

Glenafton kicked of their 2022/23 Premier League campaign with a trip to to face Largs Thistle. The hosts came out on top, home and away, in last season fixtures and finished two places and two points above the Glens in 10th place in the 20 team league. Reconstruction at the start of this season saw the top flight to 16 teams.

Prior to kick-off a minute’s silence was held in memory of Ossie Findlay who passed away recently. Ossie was assistant manager of the successful Largs Thistle side that won the Scottish Junior Cup in Season 1993/94, defeating holders Glenafton in the final.

Captain Craig Pettigrew won the toss and the Glens kicked off with four of the summer signings in the starting line-up; keeper Conor Cullen, defenders Adam Caldwell and Michael McMullin along with midfielder Paul Paton while a fifth, striker Cameron McKenzie was on the bench.

Both sides were well matched and created a number of decent chances. Glenafton took the lead on 34 minutes after Paul Paton curled a glorious free kick from the right to the far edge of the six yard box for the incoming Ollie Rowe, who had given his marker the slip, to rise and power a downward header that beat the keeper at the nearpost and bounced onward to arrive perfectly on time to match Michael McMullin’s run to the back post, where he kept his cool to nod the ball home from a few yards out between two defenders.

Michael McMullin

HT Largs 0 Glens 1

The second half followed a similar pattern with chances coming and going at each end. McMullin came close to doubing the Glens lead after lasering a shot from 25 yards, only for the alert Jamie McGowan to push it over the bar. Although Largs were reduced to 10 men after Cory Hughes received a second yellow card they conjured up an equaliser on 78 minutes. Stuart Faulds on the right, 10 yards or so from the goal-line, clipped a well weighted free kick into the heart of the box where Craig Forbes got between two defenders to rise and angle a flashing header high into the net beyond keeper Conor Cullen at full stretch.

Glens came close to regaining the lead in the closing minutes after Leon Murphy’s looping header beat McGowan, only for the ball to bounce off the top of the crossbar and the keeper then pull off a point-blank save as Sam McKee tried to bury the loose ball. At the other end Forbes too, came close to claiming the points for Largs before both sides had to settle for a share.

FT Largs 1 Glens 1

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. Conor Cullen 2. Adam Caldwell 3.Michael McMullin 4. Craig Pettigrew 5. Ollie Rowe 6. Jamie McKernon 7. Sam McKee 8. Paul Paton 9. Hugh Kerr 10. James Martin 11. Leon Murphy Subs Used: 14. Cameron McKenzie Subs: 12. Trialist 15. David Blyth 16. Ryan Nibset 21. David Markey (gk)
LARGS THISTLE
1. Jamie McGowan 2. Sean McLeod 3. Laurie McMaster 4.George Sewell 5. Cory Hughes 6. Stuart Faulds 7. David McGrath 8.Simon McBryde 9. Alan Frizzell 10. Scott Lewis 11. Craig Forbes | Subs Used: 14.Liam Coogan 15. Lewis Davidson Subs: 12. Jack Haggerty 16. Blair Devine (T) 17. Louis Thompson (T) 21. Jamie Walker
Posted in GAFC Match Report | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Largs 1 Glenafton 1

Ryan McChesney Testimonial

Posted on July 24, 2022 by flowgently
Ryan McChesney Testimonial 24/07/2022
KO 2pm		Loch Park,
New Cumncok
Glenafton Treble Team 2016/17
[REDS]		5 (1)McCann, Gray, Andrew 2, McChesney
Ryan McChesney Select
[BLUES]		2 (1)O’Kane, Murdie

Glenafton Athletic were proud to host a testimonal match for local lad Ryan McChesney. He signed for the club in Season 2010/11 as a central defender having previously played with the successful Glens 1992 youth side as free scoring striker. Ryan played for 10 seasons up until 2019/20 and plans were in progress to mark his testimonial only for the season to close early due to COVID. The Glens closed down for the season during which time Ryan turned out for Dalbeattie Star before returning to the Glens at the start of season 2021/22 and has since moved onto Maybole. He made 300 appearance for the club scored 27 goals and his honours include those won in the Treble Season of 2016/17 – WOSFL Premier Champions, Scottish Junior Cup Winners and Evening Times Cup Winners . Add to these winners medals for West of Scotland Cup , Ayrshire Sectional Cup and Super League 1st Division Championship.

Glenafton Athletic Treble Team 2016/17

Players and coaches from the Glenafton side of Season 2016/17

Back Row: Joe Andrew, Chris Meikle, Ryan McChesney, Brian McGarrity, Craig Menzies, David Gray Front Row: Craig Potter, Conor Lynass, Ally Park, cameron Marlow, Kieran McAnespie (27 mins), Mick McCann.

Ryan McChesney Select

A selection of Ryan’s friends and from Glens players of Season 2021/22

Back Row: Russel Ferguson, Paddy McDonald, Jamie Kerr, Steven ‘Shaka’ Hyslop, Stuart Bell Front Row: Kris McChesney, Dylan O’Kane, Sam McKee, Alan Murdie,Sean Bennie, David Blyth (inset)

Both sides lined up for team photos before kick-off on a sun-bathed Loch Park with a good turn-out to see the local hero in his Testimonial Match. Alan Mason kindly volunteered, (after some cajoling) to be referee for the day.  It proved to be a highly entertaining game that was played in a very competitive and equally good-natured manner with plenty of chances, great saves and goals galore over two halves of 40 minutes. For the purpose of the report the teams will be referred to the Reds and the Blues.

The Reds started off strongly with a succession of corner-kicks in the opening 10 minutes, the best of which saw a Mick McCann close range header scrambled off the line by keeper Jamie Kerr and defenders Russell Ferguson & Stuart Bell.

The Blues began to grow into the game. David Blyth clipped a ball down the right wing for Sean Bennie who quickly cut it back for Dylan O’Kane to gather at the edge of the box and skip past one defender, holding off another before squaring for Shaka Hyslop to fire a low shot that was held on the line by keeper Brian McGarrity.  Soon after Alan Murdie intercepted a clearance and stroked the ball forward to McKee to break into the box and from a tight angle fire a low shot that beat McGarrity at the near post only to slip wide of the back post.

At the other end David Gray cracked what seemed to be a goal bound shot from 22 yards only for Kerr to pull off a super save and tip the ball over the bar. The Treble Side continued to press and the keeper got down low to hold a shot from Gray from 10 yards out.  Chessy then switched play from deep on the left with a great cross field pass to Chris Meikle who quickly slotted the ball into the box for Joe Andrew and loud appeals for penalty followed the tackle from Bell. Referee Mason was unimpressed and stood his ground; no pen! 

Midway through the half the Reds made a change with Cammy Marlow made for Kieran McAnespie.

Back came the Blues after Kris McChesney won the ball and laid it off to Blyth who broke through the middle releasing McKee down the right who then cut inside to run along the outskirts of the penalty box and then after playing a one-two with Blyth blasted a shot from the edge of the ‘D’ which McGarrity did well to clutch cleanly.

Kieran McAnespie picked up the ball deep in his own half to casually stroll up the left wing before, from 10 yards inside in his own half, launching a superb ball upfield high over the defenders’ heads to drop it into the heart of the ‘D’ and match Conor Lynass’s run into the box who let the ball take another bounce before cracking a shot only for Kerr to block it, sending the ball high into the air. Lynass beat the keeper to the loose ball and tried to guide it into the net only for the backtracking Bell to clear it off the line as McCann closed in.

Gray clipped the corner-kick to the corner of the six-yard box where Craig Potter powered a header that was blocked on the line by the keeper and the loose ball quickly cleared upfield.  McAnespie killed the ball on his chest before feeding Lynass with another inch perfect pass where from inside the ‘D’ he took a touch, as Bennie and Paddy MacDonald closed in, and cracked a shot that Kerr pushed round the post.

The Blues cleared the corner kick and McKee picked up the loose ball to burst upfield through the middle with Blyth breaking to his left and O’Kane to his right; with the latter taking the pass and progressing into the box only for the advancing McGarrity to block the point-blank shot.

The Reds countered with a wonderful passage of flowing football. Meikle won the loose ball and slipped it to McAnespie who clipped the ball up the left wing where Gray gathered before feeding Ally Park still deep in the Reds half, who squared it to Potter, who picked out Joe Andrew in the centre circle who then squared to Park, who in turn clipped it forward to Gray wide on the left who stroked it infield for Andrew to push forward and try chip the keeper from 20 yards only for the ball to dip over the bar.

The deadlock was finally broken on 33 minutes with a move that began as a thing of beauty and ended with a stroke of good-luck or bad-luck depending on the colour of your shirt. O’Kane intercepted McAnespie’s pass sending the ball up the right-hand touchline where McKee beat Chessy to the ball and burst into the box only for his attempt to pick out the incoming Blyth at the back post to be intercepted by Craig Menzies – cue vintage Zee!

He strolled out the box with ball at his feet before a burst of speed took him past O’Kane and threading a forward pass at pace between two blues shirts to McCann in the centre circle while continuing his run to complete the one-two and gathered the ball on the half-way line. From here as Bennie & Bell closed-in he took them both out of play with the cutest of reverse passes upfield for McCann to hunt down and break into the box where he gave Hyslop the slip (literally) and then drew the keeper from his line which by this time Bennie, Bell and Zee had all arrived in the box. Now for the good or bad luck! Mick’s attempt to curl the ball round Kerr deflected off the keeper and then Bennie’s attempt to clear the loose ball cannoned over Bell’s chest and into the empty net.   Reds 1 Blues 0.

A minute later the Reds came close to doubling their lead after a Davie Gray special from 25 yards out crashed beat the airborne keeper only to crash off the inside of post, inches under the bar, and the ball bounce across the face of goal and out for a goal kick.

Another minute later and the Blues were level. Blyth recovered the ball in the centre circle and released McKee down the left and then cut inside to the ‘D’ where he back-heeled the ball into the box and although Chessy & Zee had blocked his way to goal O’Kane pounced on the loose ball and rifled it past McGarrity and into the roof of the net. Reds 1 Blues 1.

In the last action of the half Kerr pulled off another fine save from Gray’s powerful shot, from 16 yards.

HT Red 1 Blues 1

Blues made a change at the break with Shaka Hyslop making way for Cammy Marlow (Blue top / Red Shorts!) and he was soon in the thick of it, robbing Lynass of the ball in the box after a great pass from McCann.

The game flowed back and forth before the Blues took the lead on 50 minutes. Sam McKee broke down the right and cut into the box before laying the ball back to Alan Murdie to sweep a low shot that beat McGarrity at his near post and into the net. Pleas from the Reds for an early infringement fell on the deaf ears of Referee Mason.  Reds 1 Blues 2.

On 54 minutes the Reds won a free kick on the outskirts of the left hand side of the box. Despite the Blues setting up a three-man wall about six yards from the ball David Gray stepped up and delivered a Gray special, curling the ball over the wall and the head of a defender on the six yard line and into the top left postage stamp with the keeper rooted to the spot. Reds 2 Blues 2.

  • Glens legend Robbie Henderson and his dad get a good view

Five minutes later the Reds got their noses in front after McCann from deep in the box laid the ball off to the incoming Joe Andrew to lash home an unstoppable short from the corner of the six-yard box. Reds 3 Blue 2.

At the other end McGarrity blocked a low angled shot from McKee and Menzies mopped up the loose ball on the goal line.

On the hour mark Lynass got the better of Marlow this time as he broke into the right hand side of the box and flashed the ball across the face of the goal beyond the back post where McCann tried to set up McChesney with a shot from 6 yards but the ball rolled on bye and Joe Andrew smashed the ball through a ruck of players and into the net. Reds 4 Blues 2.

Another attempt to set up Chessy for a goal saw the former Glens youth striker fire wide of target. On 65 minutes another opportunity fell his way after Marlow was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box and the Reds were awarded a penalty. The tension mounted as the Ginger Chessy gingerly stepped up to the spot, laughing and joking but no doubt the nerves were tingling – no danger, as he slammed the ball from 12 yards. Reds 5 Blues 2.

By pure chance the Blues won a penalty kick, but on this occasion, McChesney – Kris that is, clipped the ball over the bar.

At the other end Chessy had a great opportunity to find the net from open play only to send the ball six-feet wide of target much to the amusement of Reds and Blue. Soon after Chessy skipped past Bell in the box but the defender recovered to block his shot from 6 yards.

Further half chances came and went at either end including McGarrity blocked a low shot from O’Kane; Bennie stopped a Gray shot on the line and then blocked Lynass’s attempt to bury the rebound.

FT Reds 5 Blues 2

GLENS TREBLE TEAM 2016/17: 1 Brian McGarrity 12. Chris Meikle 4.Craig Menzies 5. Ryan McChesney 2. Cammy Marlow (6. Kieran McAnespie) 11. Conor Lynass 7.Ally Park Craig Potter 3. David Gray 9. Mick McCann 10. Joe Andrew.
RYAN McCHESNEY SELECT:  1. Jamie Kerr 2. Sean Bennie 18. Russel Ferguson 5. Steven ‘Shaka’ Hyslop ( 5. Cameron Marlow) 4. Stuart Bell 19. David Blyth 7. Paddy McDonald 9. Kris McChesney 3. Alan Murdie 10. Sam McKee 11. Dylan O’Kane.

After the final whistle both side formed a guard of honour and while each player should his hand in turn they burst into song “We don’t need no Messi, we’ve got ginger Chessy’!

Thanks for the memories Chessy!

Ryan McChesney’s Testimonial
More Match Photos Here

Posted in GAFC Match Report | Tagged , | Comments Off on Ryan McChesney Testimonial

Adam Strachan (R.I.P.)

Posted on July 10, 2022 by flowgently

Everyone at Glenafton Athletic was saddened to learn about the tragic passing of former Glens player Adam Strachan. Our thoughts are with Adam’s family and friends at this difficult time.

Adam Strachan

Adam was signed for Glenafton Athletic at the beginning of Season 2014/15 by manager Tommy Bryce. He quickly settled in and enjoyed a good pre-season scoring in 3 of the 6 friendlies. Adam scored his first competitive goal in the 2-1 home loss to Auchinleck Talbot in the sectional games of the Ardagh Ayrshire Sectional Cup. In the Quarter-Fiinal the Glens defeated Whitletss Victoria in a penalty shoot-out after a 2-2 draw and then travelled to Kilbirnie where they beat Ladeside 3-1, with Adam scoring the crucial third goal.

  • Quarter-Final v Whitletts Victoria
  • Semi-Final v Kilbirnie Ladeside

In the final at Troon the Glens faced favourites Auchinleck Talbot and put on a brilliant display with Adam almost unplayable as they went on to win 2-0 with goals from Cameron Marlow and Alain Kinney.

  • Photo courtesy of J.B. Vass

Adam went on to make 22 appearances for Glenafton and scored 6 goals before leaving the club in the New Year following the departure of manager Tommy Bryce and his assisstant Mark Howie. Still it felt he packed a season’s worth of play into such a short time and it was a privilege to watch him play a game he quite clearly, dearly loved. R.I.P. Adam.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Maybole 2 Glenafton 1

Posted on July 9, 2022 by flowgently
Pre-Season Friendly09/07/2022
KO 2:15pm
Ladywell Stadium
Maybole
Maybole Juniors2 (1)Kirkwood, Connelly
Glenafton Athletic1 (0)McMullin

Captain Craig Pettigrew, Alan Cairns, Jamie McKernon and Hugh Kerr all returned from the summer break for the Glens second pre-season friendly. Starting for Maybole were former Glens players – keeper Ally Semple and striker Michael Riley while on the bench was midfielder Calum Thomson, a summer signing from Loch Park.

Ladywell Stadium was bathed in sunshine with the mercury rising by the minute!

The hosts looked lively from the start with Michael Riley leading the line and won back-to-back corners that the Glens defence dealt with comfortably. 

On 7 minutes Paul Paton nicked the ball and threaded a pass upfield for Sean McKenzie to chase down then drive into the box forcing Semple to rush from his line sending the striker tumbling to the ground with a slide tackle, leaving the ball to run aimlessly wide of the post. Glens continued to press and Jamie McKernon’s floated free kick into the six-yard box where Hugh Kerr leapt high above Semple and central defender only for his header to dip over the bar.

Play then ebbed back and forward for long periods without either side finding an opening to test the keepers, that was until midway through the half.

Maybole won a corner on the right and playmaker Paul Cameron clipped it into a busy box where central defender Lewis Kirkwood took a step forward before hooking the ball over his shoulder and into the air before it dipped over the heads of the keeper and defenders and into the net.

Normal service was resumed as play flowed from end to end with only a couple of half chances on show. Hugh Kerr made good progress down the left to whip the ball into the box only for Semple to intercept and clutch the ball cleanly. Later, Riley won the ball in the centre circle to break upfield and into the right-hand side of the box only for the back-tracking Michael McMullin to deflect the striker’s low angled shot wide and the corner kick that followed was cleared.

Some sustained pressure from the Glens began with Paton’s free kick to the back posted headed wide by a defender as Pettigrew threatened.  It was the Glens captain that met McKernon’s corner at the back post only for his header to be deflected wide for another corner. McKernon’s kick was headed on by McMullin and met by Kerr deep in in the six-yard box only for Semple to push away his point-blank header and his defenders scramble the loose ball clear.

On 36 minutes McKenzie’s perseverance in the box won another corner kick that was headed clear by Riley to initiate a neatly worked counter attack from Maybole.  It was Riley that picked up the ball on the centre circle to quickly feed Cameron wide on the left. From here he broke up the wing and then rolled the ball forward for No 11. on the overlap to whip the ball to the near post only for No. 10 to send his free header wide of the post – a let off for Glens.

Back came Glens and from the outskirts of the Maybole box Paton rolled the ball back to McKernon who quickly picked out Kerr on the 18 yard line where he turned quickly to crack a low shot that was comfortably held by Semple.

The hosts countered with a break down the left with Cameron and No.10 that ended with a corner which was headed clear by McKernon, hooked on by Paton and gathered by Sam McKie to drive from the centre circle to deep into the Maybole box only for his cut-back to blocked by two defenders.

At the other end McMullin and then Pettigrew headed cleared a couple of dangerous balls into the box.

HT Maybole 1 Glens 0

Glens kicked off the second half and 50 seconds later they were level. McKernon whipped a corner kick into the heart of the box for Michael McMullin to leap and bullet a header from 6 yards out that despite Scott Dinwoodie’s attempt to block it on the line his header sent the ball bulging into the roof of the net.

Played continued to rage back and forth as the sun continued to beat down.

Maybole broke down the right and although the ball into the box was cleared Craig Reid pounced on the loose ball to curl a powerful shot that whizzed wide of the far post.

On 52 minutes Glenafton made a triple change with Martin, McKernon, McKie making way for David Blyth, Calvin Kemp and Ryan Nisbet. While Maybole brought on Calum Thomson.

Glens then enjoyed a good spell of pressure. McKenzie’s determination down the left won a corner kick that Paton curled high to the back post where Craig Pettigrew outleapt Kirkwood only for his header to fly inches wide. McKenzie switched play to Blyth on the right to break forward to the corner of the penalty box before slipping the ball wide to Caldwell who cut it back into the box where McKenzie got the jump on two defenders to drill a low shot from 8 yards out only for Semple to pull off a great save and push the ball wide of target before a defender on the bye line launched the ball upfield.

Back came Maybole through Reid with a quick break down the right but his cross was blocked by Alan Cairns and the corner that followed was headed clear by Pettigrew only for the loose ball to be recovered by Maybole and after some neat one-twos the ball was whipped into the box where keeper Conor Cullen clutched it cleanly at the near post.

Pettigrew from deep on the right pinged a long diagonal ball upfield for McMullin to chase down on the left-hand side of the box before clipping the ball to the incoming McKenzie, who with a defender on his back turned to angle a shot for the back post only for Semple to get down low and hold at the near post.

At the other end a Kirkwood header from a corner kick dipped over the bar.

On 73 minutes Maybole regained the lead after substitute McKenzie Connelly, on the park for 5 minutes, intercepted a pass back to Cairns leaving him with a free run into box, where he then cut inside the back tracking Pettigrew before firing a low shot into the net past the wrong-footed keeper.

Soon after Pettigrew had to leave the field for treatment for a short spell and then later on call it a day.

Maybole came close again after fine footwork from Reid before laying of the ball to No. 18 on the left hand side of the box and although his low-angled shot beat Cullen at his near post the ball drifted wide of the back post.

At the other end Blyth chased down a ball to the right-hand side of the box before side-stepping the defender and curling a shot from the 18 yard line that sailed over the bar. Soon after he broke down the right wing and again cut inside the defender before shooting first-time from a tight angle only for the ball to find the side-netting. Glens continued to press and Semple did well to punch clear Nisbet’s dangerous ball into the box.

The closing five minutes came and went without any further chances of note.

FT Maybole 2 Glenafton 1

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 1. Connor Cullen 2. Adam Caldwell 4. Craig Pettigrew 3. Alan Cairns 5. Michael McMullin; 11. James Martin (David Blyth) 6. Jamie McKernon (Calvin Kemp) 8. Paul Paton 7. Sam McKie (Ryan Nisbet); 9. Hugh Kerr, 10. Sean McKenzie.
Match Photos
Maybole Juniors v Glenafton Athletic

Footnote: It was great to have a blether with former Glens, Maybole and Kilmarnock player Chris Fleming at the game who was with his former Glens team-mate Jim Marshall; both now playing in the highly successful Cumnock Strollers walking football side.

Posted in GAFC Match Report | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Maybole 2 Glenafton 1

West Park 0 Glenafton 2

Posted on July 2, 2022 by flowgently
Pre-Season Friendly02/07/2022
KO 2:15pm
Huntershill Sports Hub
,Bishopbriggs, Glasgow
West Park United0 (0)
Glenafton Athletic2 (1)McKenzie, Nisbet

Glenafton travelled to face West Park United in the first of their pre-season fixtures. The Bishopbriggs club recently gained entry to the Fourth Division of the WOSFL and are based at Huntershill Sports Hub.

Glens fielded their five new summer signings – goalkeeper Conor Cullen, defenders Adam Caldwell and Michael McMullin, midfielder Paul Paton and striker Sean McKenzie in the starting eleven. On the bench were five of the Glenafton Youth Academy (U17s) accompanied by their manager Cammy Black.

There were only a few clear-cut chances on show during the half as two well organised sides enjoyed some good passages of patient passing play while trying to create any openings. 

Glens were first to threaten after Paul Paton from deep on the right pinged a diagonal pass to David Blyth wide on the left where he cut inside and curled a shot from 20 yards that drifted wide of the far post. Soon after the same pair combined with Paton floating a ball to back post for the incoming Blyth only for his header to be pushed away by the keeper and the flag raised as he slotted the loose ball into the net.

At the other end a peach of a pass into the box set up No. 10 but under pressure from Michael McMullin he dragged his low shot inches wide of the post.

Glens made the breakthrough on 19 minutes after some sustained pressure.  Sam McKee broke down a West Park counter-attack in the Glens half before driving forward and rolling the ball to Ryan Nisbet wide on the right. From here he cut inside and switched on the after-burners to shake off a defender and from just short of the bye-line clipped the ball high to the back post, over two other defenders and the keeper, for Sean McKenzie to bullet a header home from 2 yards out.

The Glens continued to press with Adam Caldwell and McMullin initiating the moves from deep in their own half. However, they were up against a well organised side equally eager to build from the back. On 26 minutes a good move ended with No.18 fashioning a shot from the edge of the box that was cleanly held by keeper Conor Cullen.

Back came Glens after Calvin Kemp won the ball in the centre-circle and quickly picked out McKenzie who squared the ball to McKee to crack a shot from 30 yards that the keeper finger-tipped over the bar. McKenzie’s glancing header from Murphy’s corner kick dipped inches over the bar. Shortly afterwards, McKenzie’s header from a Murphy cross drifted wide of the post.

West Park finished the half strongly and came close to drawing level on 37 minutes. No. 18 broke through the middle and played a neat one-two with No. 20 before progressing into the box and with McMullin closing in, he chipped the ball high in the air over the head of Cullen at his near post only for it drop on the cross bar and bounce to safety.

No. 10 then chased down a through ball but his shot from just outside the box lacked the power to test Cullen. In the last action of the half the same player skipped into the right-hand side of the box and picked out No.17 at the far post for a tap-in, but from an offside position.

HT West Park 0 Glenafton 1

Played ebbed back and forth in the early stages of the half with some half-chances at either end.  For the home side No. 26 did well to engineer a shot on target from outside the box under pressure from Caldwell only for it to fall into the hands of Cullen.

Midway through the half Caldwell then broke upfield and picked out Nisbet in a busy box who then rolled the ball back out to Blyth to crack a low shot from 22 yards that the keeper pushed round the post. Soon after James Martin broke down the right before clipping the ball to the back post where It was cleared only to the edge of the box where Blyth killed it on his chest before drilling a low shot inches wide of the post.

On 71 minutes the Glens doubled their lead after Kemp intercepted an uncharacteristic poor pass and knocked the ball on to Sam McKee who took a touch before side-footing a perfectly weight pass into the path of Ryan Nisbet to progress unimpeded into the box, draw the keeper from his line before clipping the ball over his head and into the gaping net.

mm

Glens dominated possession for a time stroking the ball about looking for openings and although West Park faded for a time the home defence remained difficult to break down.

As the game drew a close West Park made a final a push Cullen had to be alert to punch a corner-kick clear from under his bar and Paton was in place to clear the ball upfield. 

Glens countered with Murphy down the left who played the ball inside to McKee who in turn squared it to Caldwell to unleash a low thunderous shot from 30 yards that the keeper did well to get down low and then snatch the loose ball.

The last chance of the game fell to West Park after No. 26 broke down the left and whipped a great ball to back post for the incoming No.12 who looked certain to scire but his header glanced wide of target.

FT West Park 0 Glenafton 2

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. Conor Cullen 2. James Miller 4. Adam Caldwell 3. Michael McMullin 11. Leon Murphy; 7. Sam McKee 6. Paul Paton 10. Calvin Kemp 8. David Blyth 9. Sean McKenzie, 19. Ryan Nisbet
Match Photos
West Park United v Glenafton Athletic
Posted in GAFC Match Report | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on West Park 0 Glenafton 2