Glenafton made one change from the eleven that started against Invergordon last Saturday with Callum Wilson replacing Evan Maley. Cammy Ross and Ollie Rowe remain on the injury list. Glens have also recalled striker Dylan O’Kane from a successful loan spell at Craigmark Burntonians. Captain Hugh Kerr makes his 100th start for Glenafton today, congratulations Shuggy.
Kilbirnie Ladeside currently sit in 8th place of the WOFL 1st Division. In their line-up today is former Glenafton midfielder Ryan Walker.
Kilbirnie kicked off and enjoyed a good spell of possession and perhaps just shaded the corner-kick count, the most likely source of a goal for either side. However, Glenafton eventually broke the deadlock in determined fashion on 36 minutes.
Keeper David Markey launched a goal kick high into the Ladeside half where Shuggy Kerr outjumped Jamie Whyte knocking the ball out the right where Mickey Wilson gave chase but with Chris Erskine hot on his heels forced Wilson to paint himself into a corner (flag) before stroking the ball a few yards back up the touchline for Ryan Connelly only for Lee Duncanson to pounce and strip him off the ball before curling an inch-perfect into the heart of the box where Michael Mullen leapt between three defenders to guide a header home at the near post beyond the reach of diving keeper Ryan Truesdale. Glens 1 Ladeside 0, 36 minutes.
The home side’s tails were up and broke forward in numbers. Mullen gathered a pass from Ross Lindsay before blasting a shot from the edge of the ‘D’ only for Truesdale to pull off a fine save.
Chris Erskine took a sore one on the ankle from Cory Pearson and clearly was in soon discomfort and soon after was replaced with Dylan O’Kane.
On the stroke of half-time Callum Wilson gathered the ball inside Ladeside’s half the left before driving towards the box with Pearson too tight on his heels, bringing the midfielder down as the cut into the box. Up stepped Michael Mullen to slam the spot-kick into the net. Glens 2 Ladeside 0, 45 minutes.
HT Glens 2 Kilbirnie 0
Glens dominated play in the opening encounters of the first half and later brought on David Craig recovered from injury for Michael Mullen. Despite the home side pressure Jared Willet’s low drive from 18 yards on the left side of the box that whizzed past the advancing keeper and inches wide of the far post, was the best of the chances.
Kilbirnie pulled one back after Danny Bamford played a short corner from the left to Connelly at the edge of the box to curl the ball to the back post where Currie’s clearing header was gathered by Jamie Whyte at the far end of the box and whipped to the back post for the inrushing Connelly only for Lee Duncanson to intervene with a diving header which fell for Micky Wilson to take a touch before drilling the ball home from 18 yards. Glens 2 Kilbirnie 1, 71 minutes.
Back came Glens through Lindsay intercepting a Kilbirnie pass in their half of the centre circle before driving forward and brushing off an attempt to hold him back and although he rode Wilson’s two footed tackle on the outskirts of the ‘D’. Three Glens players lined up to take the free kick and it was the man in the middle Shuggy Kerr to curl the ball round the left-hand side of the wall and although the keeper at full stretch got a touch with both hands the ball bounced into the net. Glens 3 Ladeside 1, 75 mins.
Shuggy Kerr on his 100th start for Glenafton
Ladeside continued to make a match of it and were rewarded when a corner from the right was met in the six-yard box by Sam McLoy to flash a super glancing header that crashed off the base of the far post for the alert Jack Isherwood to head the ball home from 4 yards. Glens 3 Ladeside 2, 81 mins.
Dylan O’Kane had been hobbling for some time after a sore one on the shins and was replaced by Robbie McDougall while Blair Anderson made way for Kelvin Daniel.
The visitors came close in the closing minutes. Wilson from wide on the left deep in the lens half floated a cross into a busy box where David Markey leapt to punch the ball away with both hands only for Tiegan Kyle to meet it on the only for his shot from 16 yards to be clutched cleanly by the alert keeper.
Into added time and Kilbirnie won a corner kick on the right and the tall keeper Truesdale joined his team-mates in packed Glens box, however it was Isherwood that leapt at the corner of the six-yards to bullet another glancing header which appeared rebound of Glens Callum Wilson a few yards off the goal-line … the final whistle blew.
Glens 3 Kilbirnie 2
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1.David Markey 2. Lee Duncanson 3. Jared Willet 4. Craig McCracken 5. Lewis Currie 6. Callum Wilson 7. Blair Anderson (15. Kelvin Daniel) 8. Ross Lindsay 9. Hugh Kerr (captain) 10. Michael Mullen (16. David Craig) 11. Chris Erskine (17. Dylan O’Kane (14. Robbie McDougall)) Subs Not Used: James Hart (gk) 12. Callum McFadyen 18. Brannan McDermott
KILBIRNIE LADESIDE
52. Ryan Truesdale 2. John Tennent 3. Mickey Wilson 4. Jack Isherwood 5. Jamie Whyte 6. Ryan Walker 7. Corey Pearson 8. Brad Cooper 9. Sam McCloy 10. Danny Bamford 11. Ryan Connelly Subs. 14. Frazer McFadzean 15. Josh McLaughlin 16. Dean Farmer 17. Tiegan Kyle 18. Declan Walsh 77. Jamie McGowan
A minute’s silence was held before kick-off, in memory of Glenafton fan and Glenafton Supporters Club member Gary Traunter. Our thoughts are with Gary’s family and friends at this sad time.
Glenafton made one change to the eleven that started against Bridge of Don Thistle last Saturday with Blair Anderson replacing David Craig, joining Ollie Rowe and Cammy Ross on the injury list.
Our opponents, Invergordon Football Club won the North Caledonian League and Cup double last season. They currently sit 4th in the league with a 100% record of 4 wins out 4 and and goal difference of 24; those teams above of them course have played 3 or 4 games more than them. In the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup Invergordon beat South of Scotland League Side Lochar Thistle 3-1 in Preliminary Round 1 and East of Scotland side Dunipace Thistle 3-1, after extra time, in the Preliminary Round 2.
Captains Cammy Mackintosh & Shuggy Kerr
Invergordon kicked off against the wind on an overcast day, with the forecast of heavy rain yet to materialise but don’t worry it did! Both sides mounted decent attacks which were quickly repelled in turn until the Glens opened the scoring in 9 minutes.
Evan Maley gathered the ball wide on the right with Cammy Mackintosh tight on his shoulder but after applying the brakes and a quick turn he created space to pick out Michael Mullen on the left-hand side of the ‘D’ who broke deep into the box but with his sight at goal blocked by two defenders he attempted to clip the ball back to Shuggy Kerr on the penalty spot only for it to roll past the striker and fall for Evan Maley now at the right hand-side of the ‘D’ to drill a low diagonal shot from 22 yards beyond the reach of the diving Jayden Reid and into the net at the back post. Glens 1 Invergordon 0, 9 minutes.
Play raged back and forth again and it was the home side that doubled their lead. Mullen from just inside the Invergordon half and wide on the right curled a ball into the box for the incoming Jared Willet only for defender Kyle Taylor to intercept, however his intended clearance saw the ball fall for Ross Lindsay on the outskirts of the ‘D’ to curl a shot from 24 yards that whizzed past the keeper beating him at his near post. Glens 2 Invergordon 0, 12 minutes.
Play again fell into a pattern of back and forth.
On 17 minutes the visitors won a free-kick just inside the Glens half from where James Ross launched the ball high into the box for the leaping Blair Morrison which keeper David Markey cleanly clutched the ball. At the other end Chris Erskine gathered the ball on the right-hand side of the box only for his shot from the corner of the six-yard box to be deflected back towards the touchline where Lee Duncanson was quick to gather and pick out Erskine, now further back from the six yard box and with the keeper covering the near post, he chipped the ball towards the back post which dipped inches wide of the junction of the post and cross-bar with Reid a relieved spectator.
Back came the visitors and with the Glens defence pushed forward to the half-way line, a long ball was launched upfield to be chased down by the club’s top goal scorer Torran Lambie and with Lindsay on his heels he broke into the box only for Markey to rush from his line and strip the ball from his feet. Soon after, Taylor from tight on the right picked out Lambie in a busy box and with his back to goal hooked the ball goalward only for it to fall just wide of the post.
Midway through the half Willet, from wide on the left, laid the ball off to Mullen who drifted wide towards the edge of the ‘D’ to fire a shot that flew high and wide of target. Glens continued to press with numbers in the box and had a couple of shots blocked before Willet pounced on a loose ball at the edge of the ‘D’ to crack a sweet shot that keeper Reid dived at full stretch to push the ball wide of the post. The corner kick was headed clear to the edge of the box from where Maley’s shot went the same way as Mullen’s.
Invergordon countered through Lambie gathering the ball on the right just inside the Glens half and with a neat touch held off Willet and Maley to thread a square ball inside to Kenneth Morrison who pushed forward to the edge of the ‘D’ before picking out Ben Bruce to curl a shot from just inside the box past the advancing Markey only for the ball to dip over the bar. Soon after the keeper rushed from his line to smother the ball at the edge of the box as Bruce and Callum Murray closed in.
Back came the Glens with Kerr winning a corner on the left which Lindsay floated into a packed six-yard box and although Blair Morrison won the aerial battle it was Blair Anderson that snapped up the loose ball only for his cross to be deflected wide for a corner on the right. Ross curled the kick high and with the wind in his favour the ball looked net bound only for the keeper Reid to leap and with an outstretched arm get a touch that denied Craig McCracken a header on the line and sent the ball wide of the back post.
Back to the left side and Lindsay’s corner generated a spell of head tennis in the box beginning with a leaping Ross and then a leaping Lewis Currie before the ball fell for Kerr only for his header from a standing position some 8 yards to fall safely into the keeper’s hand.
Glens continued to press with a wave of attacks. Erskine gathered the ball at the outskirts of the ‘D’ and forced wide he pushed towards the bye-line before whipping a cross to the back post where both Kerr and Mullen were lurking only for the leaping keeper to finger-tip the ball of their flight-path. Soon after, Duncanson won a corner on the right which Lindsay curled high and into the six-yard box packed with 16 players and although Blair Morrison won the aerial battle the ball bounced out for a corner on the left. Lindsay kick descended on the six-yard line beyond the leap of the Ross and fell for Kerr only for his header to bounce just wide of the left post.
Play then flowed back and forth for a spell without either keeper being tested.
However just before half-time Maley gathered the ball wide on the right in the Invergordon half and jinked his way past a number of defenders (and team-mates) about six yards into the box and as he weaved between Rio Hastings and Blair Morrison, he was abruptly brought down with a whack on the shins from Kenneth Morrison, in full view of the referee and a penalty kick awarded. Up stepped Michael Mullen to send the keeper the wrong way and slam a low shot into the left corner of the net. Glens 3 Invergordon 0, 44 minutes.
The home side didn’t rest on their laurels and chased down the ball after the visitors kicked-off. Lindsay from wide on the left curled a high ball into the box for the incoming Erskine only for Reid to catch cleanly. Erskine then burst down the right with Blair Morrison lagging behind and squared the ball to Mullen arriving in the box to blast a shot between Ross and Taylor before it flew wide of target.
HT Glens 3 Invergordon 0
The visitors made three changes at the break with Euan Henderson, John MacLeod and Ruaridh Patience replacing Kyle Taylor, Callum Murray and Kenneth Morrison
The forecast rain had arrived, light at first, as the Glens kicked off and play quickly fell into a pattern of back and forth.
Mullen gathered a Duncanson shy from the right on the outskirts of the six-yard box two yards from the bye-line only for his attempt to square the ball across the goal mouth to be blocked by Blair Morrison. Hastings pounced on the loose ball to prevent the corner kick and played a one-two with Bruce before launching upfield where McCracken on the half-way line got the jump on McLeod to head the ball back down the touchline. Bruce gathered the loose ball and sped up the wing before cutting inside along the outskirts of the box and as he tried to get past Lindsay, the Glens man stood his ground and Bruce tumbled in full view of the referee. Despite Lindsay’s claim that he won the ball the referee thought otherwise and awarded a free-kick a couple of yards outside the box. James Ross sweetly curled the free-kick round the four-man wall and beyond the reach of Markey on the goal-line and into far corner of the net. Glens 3 Invergordon 1, 53 minutes.
The tempo of the game went up a notch as the visitors’ tails were now up. McCracken blocked John McLeod’s shot in a busy box and the loose ball was recovered by Invergordon and eventually Lewis Mackay rolled the ball wide to Ruaridh Patience on the right touchline to whip a cross to the back post where Bruce and Markey leapt in unison, with the keeper getting two strong hands to punch clear.
On 63 minutes Glens brought on Callum Wilson in place of Ross Lindsay.
Played continued to rage back and forth with the defences still on top, albeit the visitors understandably tended to break forward in numbers to try and close the two-goal gap.
Invergordon came close midway through the half when Lambie won the ball on the right and with three red shirts in the vicinity he pushed to the outskirts of the box before rolling a perfectly weighted pass deep into the box for the overlapping Mackintosh to gather and drill a low angled shot that beat Markey at his near post only for the ball to drift inches wide of the back post.
The visitors continued to press and a corner from the right was floated high to the back post where McCracken won the aerial battle heading the ball high up into the air before Ross mishit on its descent sending it into a packed goalmouth where Maley stretched to clear the ball clearly in some discomfort; he had picked up a bad knock some minutes beforehand.
On 69 minutes Glens made the substitution with Evan Maley making way for Kelvin Daniel and the tall defender was soon in the thick of the action. Hastings from wide on the left floated a free kick to the back post for Lambie who leapt in unison with Daniel and Currie – unclear who won the header but it was Bruce that leathered the loose ball high over the bar.
McCracken from just inside the Glens half launched a high ball into box with Willet giving chase while defender Patience kept his eye on the ball, meanwhile keeper Reid rushed from his line – and it was Willet of the trio that leapt to head the ball goalwards with Reid now back-tracking and relieved to see it roll inches wide of the post. Despite the Invergordon appeals the referee oddly awarded a corner-kick to the Glens which was headed clear by the industrious Bruce.
The visitors then strung together a slick box to box passing move finishing with Lambie on the edge of the box where he was stopped in his tracks by Anderson and McCracken at the expense of a free kick. Up stepped Ross at the edge of the ‘D’ and curled the ball round the four-man wall again aiming for the top right-hand corner of the goal only for Markey to push it away with both hands, sending the ball out for a throw-in which eventually set up Mackintosh to chip high ball to the near post for Bruce which drew Markey from his line to clutch the ball safely.
Mullen gathered the ball inside the Invergordon half and flicked it on to Kerr to push forward and slip the ball down the right for overlapping Duncanson to whip it into the box for the inrushing Kerr only for Morrison to intervene and bullet a header wide for a corner. Wilson floated the kick from the right into a busy box where McCracken’s powerful downward header bounced off the six-yard line only for Morrison to return the favour with a downward header that fell at the feet of McCracken only for his shot to deflect off Morrison for a corner, which was promptly cleared.
Back came Glens with Erskine breaking from the centre circle before laying it off to Duncanson on the right who in turn rolled the ball up the wing for Erskine to gather and complete a slick one-two before giving two defenders the slip at the edge of box only for his shot to sail over the bar. The home side continued to press a time only for the final touch to desert them.
On 85 minutes Invergordon brought on Jordan Knight for Ben Bruce and soon after Glens brought on Robbie McDougall for Chris Erskine.
Both sides were going all out in the heavy rain and a frantic finish was guaranteed after Invergordon scored on the 93rd minute after Ross launched a free kick from a few yards inside the visitors half high into the left-hand side of the box where Morrison leapt to send a diagonal header to the far side of the outskirts of the six-yard box for Torran Lambie to guide his clinical header into the far side of the goal. Glens 3 Invergordon 2, 93 minutes.
On 95 minutes Invergordon won a corner on the left and throwing caution to the wind keeper Reid joined his team mates in the Glens box. The kick was played low to the near post where it was deflected out for another corner. In stark contrast the one that followed was played high to the back post where Lambie headed it high back beyond the near post which sae keeper Reid’s downward header bounce of Duncanson at the post and McDougall cleared the ball out for a shy to deny a third corner.
A long throw from the left saw Morrison and Anderson leap and challenge for the ball and although it was unclear who won the header the ball flew high into the air and descended on the 18 yard line where Duncanson bravely dipped his head to clear the ball from the box only to be pushed from behind by Morrison and facing the raised boot of Henderson from the front. One free kick for the price of two!
The final whistle blew on 97 minutes much to the relief to the home support after a spirited comeback by the visitors.
FT Glenafton 3 Invergordon 2
Let’s not forget however, the exceptional first half that the players delivered and the victory takes us through to the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup 2nd Round – well done!
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1.David Markey 2. Lee Duncanson 3. Jared Willet 4. Craig McCracken 5. Lewis Currie 6. Evan Maley (15. Kelvin Daniel) 7. Blair Anderson 8. Ross Lindsay (17. Callum Wilson) 9. Hugh Kerr (captain) 10. Michael Mullen 11. Chris Erskine (14. Robbie McDougall) Subs Not Used: James Hart (gk) 12. Callum McFadyen
INVERGORDON
1. Jayden Reid 2. Kyle Taylor 3. Rio Hastings 4. James Ross 5. Blair Morrison 6. Lewis Mackay 7. Ben Bruce 8. Cammy Mackintosh (captain) 9. Torran Lambie 10. Callum Murray 11. Kenneth Morrison. Subs Used: 12. Euan Henderson 14. Ethan Brown 15. John MacLeod 16. Ruaridh Patience 17. Jordan Knight Subs Not Used: 21. William Godding 18. Hamish Loftus
Glenafton Athletic made one change to the eleven that started against Yoker Athletic last Saturday. Today’s opponents are Bridge of Don Thistle who currently sit at the top of the North of Scotland Premier Football League: Premier Division.
Thistle took the lead after Gui Barbosa won a corner kick on the left and then floated the ball into a busy six-yard box for Sam Thomson to nod it over the line. Thistle 1 Glens 0
Glens won a free kick just inside the Thistle half, as players from both sides lined up on the left hand-side of the box, Chris Erskine peeled off to the right to receive the kick from Ross Lindsay and then dribbled between two defenders before curling a shot from 10 yards that keeper Daniel Nish pushed away with both hands only for Craig McCracken to send a high looping header into the heart of the box where Michael Mullen met it on the drop only for his cracking volley to be deflected wider to a corner on the right, which was cleared
Back came Thistle with Barbosa floating a corner from the left to the back post where it was headed back into a busy six-yard box only for Thomson to hooked the ball over the bar.
Play continued to rage back and forth as half-chances came and went with Erskine coming close after gathering the ball in the centre circle and set off on a diagonal run to the right-hand side of the box accelerating pass couple of defenders before clipping a low shot towards the back post only for the keeper to get down low and clutch the ball cleanly.
HT Thistle 1 Glens 0
The visitors enjoyed a good spell of possession after the break. Evan Maley gathered a clearance from the Thistle box and quickly picked out Lee Duncanson wide on the right and after giving a defender the slip he curled a great ball into the box where Kerr on the penalty spot with his back goal conjured up an overhead kick that flew high and wide of target.
Soon after Erskine and Duncanson combined down the right before the latter whipped another great ball into the box where Kerr got the jump on the towering defender Finlay Johnstone only for his downward header to bounce off the base of the right-hand post with the keeper rooted to the spot, Erskine won the race to the loose ball only to lash the ball over the bar.
Glens levelled the tie with a well worked goal. Keeper David Markey launched the ball down the left just inside the Thistle half where Kerr won the aerial battle to knock the ball inside for Mullen to control and square it to Jared Willet breaking down the left before cutting inside to the corner of the box and dinking a delightful pass between two defenders for Kerr to gather and drive to the left edge of the six yard box to whipped a low ball across the face of goal for the inrushing Chris Erskine to lash it into the roof of the net. Thistle 1 Glens 1.
The visitors took the lead with another a tremendous box-to-box move. Lewis Currie intercepted a cross into the box with a clearing header that fell for Evan Maley to flick up for Erskine to head on to Mullen who completed an excellent one-two with a great touch, and although Erskine stumbled, Kerr quickly pounced on the ball just inside the Thistle half to nudge it into the path of Willet to break down the left and slip past a defender before looking up and curling a perfectly weighted ball for the incoming Michael Mullen to guide the ball past the diving keeper into the net from 15 yards out. Thistle 1 Glens 2
As the game was drawing to a close the home side rallied but the Glens defence stood firm, and instead it was the visitors that found the net – not once but twice. Markey launched a free kick up the park that Michael Mullen headed on, only for the striker to receive a pass nd holdoff defenders before drilling a low shot into the net from the left side of the ‘D’. Thistle 1 Glens 3
A minute later a long clearance upfield by Markey and with a defender tight on his back Mullen headed the ball on goalward for Shuggy Kerr chase down and drawing the keeper from his line the striker slotted the ball into net from 18 yards. Thistle 1 Glens 4
FT Bridge of Don 1 Glenafton 4
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1.David Markey 2. Lee Duncanson 3. Jared Willet 4. Craig McCracken 5. Lewis Currie) 6. Evan Maley 7. David Craig 8. Ross Lindsay 9. Hugh Kerr (captain) 10. Michael Mullen 11. Chris Erskine Subs Used: 12. Callum McFadyen 14. Robbie McDougall 15. Kelvin Daniel 17. Callum Wilson Subs Not Used: James Hart (gk) Blair Anderson
BRIDGE OF DON THISTLE
1. Daniel Neish 4. Finlay Johnstone 6. Cammy Bowden 7. Stewart Rennie 10. Liam Burnett (captain) 11. Gui Barbosa 14. Callum Nicol 15. Scott Milne 18. Sam Thomson 22. Kyle Murphy 24. Celmiro Mussunda SuBs: 21. Ross Salmon 2. Darren Holt 5. Ross Forsyth 8. Harvey Yeats 9. Richie Massie 12. Brookes 19. Mitchel Watson
Glenafton made five changes to the side that faced Auchinleck Talbot last Saturday with Kevin McAllister (trialist), Blair Anderson (injured), Ollie Rowe (injured), Cammy Ross and Callum Wilson (both unavailable) making way for David Markey, Craig McCracken, Kelvin Daniel, Ross Lindsay and Chris Erskine. With the bench rather sparse manager Paul Paton was named as a substitute.
Yoker Athletic currently sit mid-table of the 3rd Division a point above Glenvale our 1st round opponents.
Yoker kicked off and found themselves a goal down on 2 minutes. Ross Lindsay won the ball in the Yoker half and slipped it to Michael Mullen to progress to the outskirts of the ‘D’ but with his way to goal blocked he clipped the ball back to Evan Maley to gather and drive forward before cracking a dipping shot from 30 yards that bounced under keeper John Lynn at full stretch, two yards off his line and into the net. Glens 1 Yoker 0, 2 minutes
The home side dominated possession and a shot from Chris Erskine sailed over the bar while another from Mullen swerved well wide of target before Glens doubled their lead. Lindsay from deep in his own half picked out Mullen in the Yoker half of the centre circle who then quickly slotted a diagonal pass down the right for Lee Duncanson to break forward and clip the ball into the box for the inrushing Hugh Kerr and Erskine only for Mark McKillop to intercept and send the ball to the outskirts of the box where Michael Mullen pounced and skipped inside of Kyle Bunch before drilling a low shot from 17 yards between the centre-backs McKillop and Kerian Love and between the keeper and the post. Glens 2 Yoker 0, 12 minutes.
Glens continued to dominate with Erskine gathering a pass from Lindsay deep in the Yoker half before threading a perfectly weighted ball into the box for Mullen to chase down, bursting between two defenders at the edge of the ‘D’, and although his attempt from 12 yards out to chip the advancing keeper deflected off the sliding tackle of Love the ball still appeared to be net-bound only for Lynn to pull off a great save – on his haunches on the six-yard line, he managed to stretch his arm upright and finger-tip the ball to the side which Aidan Maclagan hooked clear out of the box.
However! Jared Willet gathered the loose ball and quickly picked out Kerr at the edge of the box who guided the ball down the left for the overlapping Craig to whip a glorious ball to the back post for the inrushing Lee Duncanson to leap head and shoulders above Paul O’Brien and bullet a powerful downward header that Lynn could only push high into the roof of the net. Glens 3 Yoker 0, 15 minutes.
Glens continued to press and a Lindsay free-kick into a packed box saw Duncanson’s header soar over the bar soon after Erskine’s shot from 15 yards whizzed wide of the target.
At the other end the Taylor Fadian gathered the keeper’s goal kick in the centre circle and clipped the ball to Rui Carbolla on the left who pushed forward to the corner of the penalty box and with defenders now congregating he fired a dipping shot that bounced off the top of bar.
Back came the home side with Willet and Erskine on the left playing three consecutive one-two’s which saw the former drive to the near post only for his attempt to cut the ball back to Kerr to be blocked at the expense of a corner. Lindsay floated the kick into a packed six-yard box and although Craig McCracken won the aerial battle his header sent the ball glancing wide of the post. Soon after keeper Lynn got down low to hold Mullen’s shot from the ‘D’.
Kerr was sandwiched between two defenders on the outskirts of the ‘D’ and although both Mullen and Lindsay lined up to take the free-kick it was Ross Lindsay that curled the ball wide of the leaping wall into the left-hand corner of the net with the keeper rooted on his line. Glens 4 Yoker 0, 36 minutes.
The home side added a fifth after a Mullen shot from 14 yards was deflected wide for a corner on the right. Lindsay curled the ball into a packed box only to be headed outto the 18-yard line by Keir McNair where it took a bounce before Maley cracked a shot that was blocked by the arm of the leaping McKillop. Up stepped Michael Mullen to slam home the spot kick. Glens 5 Yoker 0, 42 minutes
Just before the break, Erskine intercepted a poor clearance to fire a low shot from 20 yards only for Lynn to get down low and push the ball wide of the post. The corner kick led to another corner which was cleared.
HT Glens 5 Yoker 0
Glens made a change at the break with Craig McCracken making way for Lewis Currie.
The second half would conjure up the football adage of ‘A game of two halves’ not in the sense that Yoker clawed back a five-goal deficit, indeed the half would prove to be goal-less, but in the sense the visitors matched the home side in terms of possession and the few chances that were on show.
The visitors were first to threaten after Bunch floated a free-kick from the right into the box which was eventually cleared at the third attempt by the home defence.
On 58 minutes Glens made a double substitution with Callum McFadyen replacing the injured David Craig and Robbie McDougall replacing Evan Daley.
Yoker then mounted a slick box-to-box attack beginning with the keeper dropping the ball at the feet of Love in his six-yard box to the slip the ball to Carballo on the left who then played a quick one-two with McNair to progress to the centre-circle before squaring it to substitute Luke Gallagher. He, smartly back-heel the ball into the path of O’Brien who threaded a 25 yard pass upfield for Carballo to gather on the 18 yard line and hold off McFadyen and Willet before turning to leather a shot that whizzed over the bar.
At the other end Duncanson, tight on the right, clipped the ball inside to Erskine who played a dummy to let it run on to McFadyen who in turn laid it off to Lindsay who quickly picked out Mullen to skip past Bunch before blasting a shot from 25 yards that flew high over the bar.
Soon after, Erskine picked up a pass to drive to the right hand corner of the box where he slipped it to Duncanson on the right touchline to loft the ball high into the far side of the six- yard box where Kerr and McDougall lurked, only for keeper Lynch to leap and pluck the ball out the air.
Midway through the half Glens made another change with captain Hugh Kerr making way for player-manager Paul Paton.
Willet and Mullen combined to set up the latter to break into the left-hand side of the box and drill a low shot that the keeper blocked with his feet before his team mates mopped up the danger.
Play raged back and forth and with defences on top there were few chances on show.
On 72 minutes Bunch gathered the ball on the left just inside in his own half before playing a neat one-two with Carballo and clipping the ball up the wing for Ben Smith to cut inside and curl a ball deep into the box for the inrushing Ben Lavety but the substitute just failed to connect.
Back came Glens and Paton gathered the ball deep in his own half and picked out Mullen in the Yoker half of the centre-circle. From here he clipped the ball upfield for Erskine to chase and although he gathered it on the 18-yard line and held off the challenge of McNair before rolling the ball into the path of McDougall to drill a low shot from 12 yards only for Lynn to come off his line and dive to smother the ball.
On 87 minutes Paton threaded a ball from the half-way line to the edge of the box for McDougall to chase down and beat substitute Callum Robinson to the ball but with his way to goal blocked he was forced to roll it back to Duncanson who quickly squared the ball to Mullen on the ‘D’ only for his shot to fly over the bar.
In the closing minute Glens won a free kick on the left which Mullen curled over the wall lined up on the 18-yard line only for the keeper to cleanly clutch it, and secure a second half clean sheet.
FT Glens 5 Yoker 0
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. David Markey 2. Lee Duncanson 3. Jared Willet 4. Craig McCracken (16. Lewis Currie) 5. Kelvin Daniel 6. Evan Maley (14. Robbie McDougall) 7. David Craig (12. Callum McFadyen) 8. Ross Lindsay 9. Hugh Kerr (captain) (15. Paul Paton) 10. Michael Mullen 11. Chris Erskine Subs: James Hart (gk)
YOKER ATHLETIC
1. John Lynn 2. Aidan Maclagan 3. Paul O’Brien 4. Mark McKillop 5. Kieran Love 6. Matthew Burke 7. Ben Smith 8. Kyle Bunch 9. Keir McNair 10. Taylor Fadian 11. Rui Carballo Subs. 12. Luke Gallagher 14. Ben Scott 15. Ciaran Smith 16. Callum Robinson 17. Ben Lavety 18. Ayden Fox 25. Lucas Ross
Glens made two changes to the eleven that started against Dalkeith last Saturday. Goalkeeper Jacob Pazikas (unavailable) was replaced with trialist Kevin McAllister and Ross Lindsay made way for Evan Malley.
After a fairly even start Talbot, with a 100% league record, went to town with four first half goal. The home side broke the deadlock on 15 minutes after a determined break down the left before the ball was played inside to Ewan Thomson to casually clip the ball into the far corner of the net from the 18-yard line. Talbot doubled their lead on 19 mins after a corner kick saw Luke Main win the aerial battle in a busy six-yard box to head home.
On 33 minutes the home side extended their lead after Kyle McAvoy nicked the ball at the left-hand corner of the box before driving into the goalmouth only for the advancing keeper Kevin McAllister and Ollie Rowe to block the ball which then fell kindly for Connor Boyd to roll into the empty net from 6 yards out. The fourth goal arrived on 37 minutes after a couple of aerial battles down the right saw the ball bounce towards the outskirts of the box where Austin Sime held off the challenge of Blair Anderson before drawing the keeper from his line and slotting the ball between his legs and into the net.
HT Auchinleck 4 Glens 0
Three minutes into the second half and after some slick passing down the left which ended with Scott Schoneville rolling a perfectly weighted ball into the box for the overlapping Luke Gillies to square across the face of goal for Connor Boyd to slot home from six-yards out.
On 53 minutes Glen got on the scoreboard after Chris Erskine from the left curled a corner kick to the near side of the six-yard box to match Lee Duncanson’s run, the defender leaping to sending a glancing header into the far corner of the net.
Ten minutes later Talbot restored their five-goal lead. A corner from the right was fired into a packed goal-mouth where Kyle McAvoy’s header crashed off the underside of the bar before rebounding off the back of the keeper and over the line.
On 70 minutes Connor Boyd secured his hat-trick and completed the scoring after a Glens corner was cleared and within a flash a string of 3 or 4 inch-perfect passes saw the ball end with Boyd on the right-hand side of the box to drill home a low angled shot.
FT Auchinleck 7 Glens 1
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. Kevin McAllister 2. Lee Duncanson 3. Jared Willet 4. Blair Anderson 5. Ollie Rowe (captain) 6. Evan Maley 7. Cammy Ross 8. David Craig 9. Hugh Kerr 10. Michael Mullen 11. Callum Wilson. Subs Used: 14. Ross Lindsay, 15. Kelvin Daniel 17. Chris Erskine Subs Not Used: James Hart (gk), Calum McFadyen, Craig McCracken, Robbie McDougall
AUCHINLECK TALBOT
1. Wullie Muir 14. Ross Clark 3. Scott Schoneville 5. Aiden Wilson 23. Neil McPherson (captain) 8. Austin Sime 12. Luke Main 11. Luke Gillies 9. Connor Boyd 24. Kyle McAvoy 10. Ewan Thomson. Subs: Dylan Brown (gk) , Alex Nimmo, Lwendo Kazoka, Ruaridh Langan, Ali Boyle, Robbie Scullion, Kieran Wood and Andy Kerr
Glenafton Athletic made one change to the eleven that started against Beith last Saturday with keeper David Markey (unavailable) with new signing Jacob Pazikas took his place. Jacob played for Rangers Youth and was capped 8 times for Scotland U17 while on progressing to Rangers U18 then Rangers B he had loan spells with Civil Service Strollers, Stranraer and Gala Fairydean Rovers.
Jacob Pazikas
Dalkeith Thistle currently sit in 5th position in the East of Scotland 2nd Division and like the Glens they received a bye into the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup Preliminary Round 2.
Prior to kick-off a minute’s silence was held in memory of Freddie Farrow who passed away recently. Freddie followed the Glens for many years during which time he also served on the committee. He will be sadly missed at Loch Park and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.
Dalkeith kicked off against a strong gusting wind and almost suffered an early setback in the opening minute. Defender Ross Aitchison chased down a long ball heading for the Dalkeith box with Michael Mullen hot on his heels, meanwhile keeper Jordan Moffat raced from his goal-line to the outskirts of the ‘D’ edge and although he failed to clear the ball Aitchison, from the 18-yard line, kept his cool to hook it clear as Mullen closed in.
Glens continued to press and Cammy Ross burst down the right to earn a corner kick which Ross Lindsay curled high into the box and as the ball dropped beyond the reach of the leaping keeper it whizzed round the back post as Shuggy Kerr threatened.
Soon after, keeper Jacob Pazikas launched a goal kick to just inside the Dalkeith half where Kerr outleapt Michael Lennie to head the ball into box for Mullen to chase only for the alert Moffat to win the race and clutch it cleanly. The one-way wind assisted attacks continued while the visitors struggled to make any headway into the Glens box.
On 20 minutes the home side broke the deadlock. Ross gathered the ball on the right and with Matthew Brown in close contact he pushed forward just beyond the corner of the 18 yard box and as Ronan Clelland joined his colleague, Ross whipped a cross into the six-yard box beyond Kerr and three defenders for the inrushing Michael Mullen to thump the ball with the inside of his left foot into the roof of net, despite the keeper’s brave effort to block it. Glens 1 Dalkeith 0, 20 minutes.
Back came the home side with Jared Willet breaking into the left-hand side of the box but with defenders congregating he rolled a diagonal ball back to Mullen to blast a low ball from 18 yards which took a deflection off Darren McTernan before Elliot Grieve on the six-yard line launched it high into the air leading to another Glens corner, that was cleared.
Midway through the half Thistle strung a series of passes together up the right for Lewis Russell to gather the ball on the outskirts of the box only to be closed down by Ollie Rowe forcing him to try and pick out Chris Jack but David Craig and Lee Duncanson combined to snuff out the danger. Nevertheless, the visitors began to enjoy some decent possession in the Glens half, still against the wind with the drizzle now promising heavier rain.
Back came the Glens and doubled their lead on 32 minutes with Ross the instigator again. Breaking down the right he jumped a sliding tackle from Scott Moffat, just inside the Dalkeith half, he continued his run with Clelland for company and from the edge of the box clipped the ball towards a busy penalty spot which was intercepted by Lennie clearing it out for a shy, some six yards from the corner-flag. Ross cleverly aimed the throw-in to bounce towards the bye-line for Ross Lindsay to get the jump on a clutch of defenders and drill the ball across the face of goal and although the keeper got down low to save, it bounced over his arm and continued along the goal-mouth where Jared Willet, loitering at the back post, gave his marker Clelland the slip and at the second attempt stroked the ball into the gaping net from two yards out. Glens 2 Dalkeith 0, 31 minutes.
Although there was another brief spell of Dalkeith possession in the Glens half the defensive line of Rowe, Duncanson and Blair Anderson snuffed out any threat of goal action.
Meanwhile David Craig took a sore one, just inside the Glens half on the left. Anderson launched the free kick to the far corner of the penalty box where Kerr won the aerial battle with Lennie sending the ball high into the box over a couple of defenders falling for Michael Muller close to the penalty spot where he let it bounce before slotting the ball home from six yards out past the advancing Moffat. Glens 3 Dalkeith 0, 39 minutes.
Soon after Willet controlled a loose ball before laying off to Callum Wilson to drill a low shot from 24 yards that keeper Moffat got down low to hold in worsening conditions as the rain persisted.
Credit to Dalkeith they pushed forward and won a free-kick well inside the Glens half that was launched high into a packed box only for Pazikas to rush to corner of his six-yard box to gather the loose ball.
At the other end Glens won a shy on the right about 12 yards from the bye-line, Anderson picked out Ross at the edge of the box and with his back to goal hooked a high overhead kick which Moffat leapt to pluck the ball out the air before landing safely.
Thistle mounted a sustained attack just before the break and although it was repelled a couple of times Liam Cairns trapped the ball to the left of the ‘D’ and from 20 yards out he drilled a low diagonal shot through a space in a line of defenders and beyond the reach of keeper Pazikas diving at full stretch only to whiz inches wide of the post.
HT Glens 3 Dalkeith 0
An early chance for Dalkeith after Ross gathered a ball on the right close to the half-way line but was forced to retreat, under pressure from substitute Keiran Richard, however his underhit passback to the keeper trundled into the box with Scot Moffat chasing it down only for Rowe to rush back and with a perfectly timed sliding tackle knocked the ball off Moffat’s shins and out for a goal kick.
Lindsay gathered the ball just inside the Glens half and clipped it upfield for Kerr on the move, only for Lennie to intervene with a header which fell into path of Wilson to control the ball before driving forward and cracking a vicious shot that keeper Moffat got down low to push round the post. Lindsay whipped the corner from the right and Scott Moffatt got a touch in the six-yard box before Richard hooked the ball upfield. Soon after Kerr won a corner on the left but this too was cleared.
Glens continued to press and Lindsay threaded a ball into the box for Craig to chase down and although he beat the advancing keeper to the ball, he was forced to go wide and from the bye-line clipped the ball into the goal mouth where McTernan swiped it clear as Kerr threatened.
Willet picked out Craig on the 18-yard line with a peach of pass who in turn laid the ball off to Mullen, only for his shot to be comfortably saved by keeper Moffat.
On 54 minutes Glens made a change with Mullen making way for Chris Erskine as the rain continued to soak the players while the visitors made a double substitution soon after.
Glens won a shy down the right just outside the home dug-out and Lindsay was booked, apparently for time-wasting, as he searched for a team-mate. Meanwhile, Dalkeith assumed that the throw-in should change side only for the referee to intervene and Anderson took the shy for the Glens – time wasting indeed!
In any case Ross gathered the throw in and played a neat one-two with Anderson only for cross into the box to be deflected wide for a corner which was headed clear of the box from where Richard launched the ball up the park for substitute Cammy Leslie to chase with Willet on his heels, only for his attempted cross to drift over the bye-line.
At the other end Wilson chased a ball down the right albeit Lennie had a head start and was shielding the ball as it entered the Thistle box while keeper Moffat rushed from his line and dived to hold with strong hands sending Wilson tumbling to the ground – a brave save.
Back came Dalkeith, through Clelland launching a high ball into the box only for Duncanson to win the aerial battle sending a header well clear of the box which Clelland chased down before firing the ball over the head of Rowe and onwards over the bar. Soon after Richard, from the left, fired a high cross into the left-hand side of box forcing Pazikas to race from his line and leap to collect ball.
On 69 minutes Glens made a double substitution with Ross Lindsay and Hugh Kerr making way for Evan Maley and Robbie McDougall.
Anderson, from wide on the right, curled a ball into the goalmouth which saw keeper Moffat punch it away with both hands only as far as Erskine on the edge of box to chest it down before drilling a low shot which was drifting wide of the right hand post before McDougall interveneed to try and guide the ball into the far corner only for the ball to bounce wide of the other post.
The rain may have relented but the Glens continued to peg Dalkeith into their own box.
Another run down the right from Ross saw him lash a vicious cross into the box that crashed of the crossbar. Soon after Maley cracked a shot that dipped wide of the right post, as the keeper looked on.
The home side continued to press with Ross breaking down the right and playing a slick one-two with Craig to gather the ball deep in the box only for his shot to deflect off a defender, sending it high towards goal forcing the keeper to tip the ball wide of the post. Wilson’s corner was headed clear.
Some respite for the visitors on winning a corner on the right which was floated to the back post for Grieve where Craig and Anderson combined to clear the danger.
On 80 minutes Glens made another double substitution with Kelvin Daniel and Callum McFadyen replacing Blair Anderson and David Craig.
At the other end Wilson gathered a shy from Ross on the right and weaved his way between two defenders before drilling a low shot from 18 yards that deflected off the shins of Lennie inches wide of the post and out for a corner-kick which was eventually cleared.
Although the home side continued to rack up the corner count while the visitors worked hard to salvage a consolation the second half ended goalless.
FT Glens 3 Dalkeith 0
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. Jacob Pazikas 2. Lee Duncanson 3. Jared Willet 4. Blair Anderson (15. Kelvin Daniel) 5. Ollie Rowe (captain) 6. Ross Lindsay (14. Evan Maley) 7. Cammy Ross 8. David Craig (12. Callum McFadyen) 9. Hugh Kerr (16. Robbie McDougall) 10. Michael Mullen (17. Chris Erskine) 11. Callum Wilson. Subs Not Used: James Hart (gk).
DALKEITH THISTLE
24. Jordan Moffat 5. Michael Lennie (captain) 23. Elliot Grieve 3. Ronan Clelland 2. Ross Aitchison 11. Darren McTernan 17. Chris Jack 7. Matthew Brown 16. Liam Cairns 10. Lewis Russell 21. Scott Moffat. Subs: 1. Caleb Mellors 9. Jamie Kerr 12. Aaron Faulds 14. Daniel Collin 15. Cammy Leslie 18. Keiran Richard 19. Andy McNeil 20. Matty Meechan 22. Craig Malcolm
Glenafton made three changes to the eleven that started against Glenvale last Saturday with Craig McCracken (injured), Lewis Currie (injured) and Kelvin Daniel making way for Ollie Rowe, Blair Anderson and Cammy Ross.
Beith kicked off and both sides enjoyed some early flurries into their opposition’s box before visitors carved out an early lead with a well worked goal. A high ball just over the half way line saw Allan Woodhouse crouch down low and head it out to the right for Connor O’Donnell to gather before slipping it upfield for Liam McGonigle to take a great touch and back-heel the ball into the path of the advancing Woodhouse who in turn slipped it forward to Tom Collins where from the edge of box he burst between two defenders in a diagonal run to right hand corner of the six-yard box before blasting a shot past keeper David Markey and into the roof of the net. Glens 0 Beith 1, 6 minutes.
Back came Glens and Callum Wilson curled a free kick to the edge of the six-yard box for the leaping Shuggy Kerr only for Scott Rumsby to win the aerial battle sending the ball out for a corner on the right which was floated into the box and headed out for a corner on the left which was cleared at the near post by Robert Thomson.
At the other end McGonigle launched a free kick from tight on the left touchline high into the Glens box for team mates Rumsby & Kristian Gkegka, albeit closely marked by Anderson & Lee Duncanson, only for Markey to rush from his line to punch the ball clear from the collection of heads before Anderson launched the loose ball up the park.
Although play raged back and forth it was the visitors that posed the greatest threat. Collins looked to chase the ball into the left hand side of the box only for Ollie Rowe’s sliding tackle to win the race but the ball was quickly gathered by Woodhouse who rode the tackle from Anderson before picking out McGonigle to find gaps in the Glens defence and break into the box only to overhit the ball allowing the advancing Markey to dive and smother it on the six-yard line while the inrushing McGonigle was forced to hurdle the floored keeper.
Back came Beith to win a corner on the right a minute later. McGonigle floated the ball to far side of the six-yard box where Adam Cummins used Shuggy Kerr’s back as a springboard to win the header looping the ball high into the heart of the goalmouth for the leaping Kristian Gkegka to bullet a header from 3 yards out, which despite Cammy Ross’s valiant attempt to head it clear from the goal-line sent the ball into the roof of the net. Glens 0 Beith 2, 16 minutes.
The visitors threatened again as Woodhouse broke through the middle with three defenders in his wake including Anderson who forced him to rush his shot from the edge of the ‘D’ which drifted wide of target.
Glens then enjoyed a good spell of possession in the Beith without however testing the keeper. Another attack saw Ross set off down the right in his customary fashion of hugging the touchline and slipping past opponents, in this case Gkegka and then Max Brown, although the latter gave chase all the way to the corner flag where he clipped Ross as he crossed the ball into the goalmouth. Ross Lindsay curled an inch perfect ball into the goalmouth where Michael Mullen, despite Taylor and Cummins close on his back, leapt to bullet home a header from 3 yards out beyond the outstretched hand of keeper Shaw. Glens 1 Beith 2, 25 minutes.
Play then fell back into the pattern of back and forth.
Shaw punted a long ball up the right for McGonigle to chase down and with defenders closing in, he rolled the ball back to the lively Woodhouse who quickly skipped past one defender and the another two as he drove to the bye-line and then cut inside only for Lindsay to nick the ball t the edge of the six-yard box at the expense of a corner, which Collins met at the near post but shot wide of target.
At the other end Willet did well to win a corner on the left which Lindsay floated into the goalmouth where Kerr outleapt Cummins but his downward header fell kindly for Gkegka to block at the post and O’Connell to clear.
Although play continued to rage back and forth with plenty of goalmouth action at either end the scoreline remained 2-1 in favour of the visitors at the break.
HT Glens 1 Beith 2
Half chances came and went at either end with the best falling to the Glens when Lee Duncanson launched a high ball from well inside his own half to edge of the Beith box where Mullen trapped the ball between Brown and Cummins and then lobbed it high over the advancing keeper Shaw now at the penalty spot, however he hurried back to his line in time to pluck the descending ball out the air.
Back and forth went both sides and it was the home side made the breakthrough. Anderson deep on the right launched a long throw into a busy goalmouth and although Cummins won the aerial battle he sent the ball straight back to Anderson who quickly lobbed it to the back post where Taylor’s glancing header sent the ball rolling to the left hand corner of the box where Willet with McGonigle on his heels gathered the ball and then drove towards the bye-line, and from 2 yards out he whipped a perfectly weighted ball to the back post where the unmarked Michael Mullen timed his run to leap and head home the equaliser from the goal-line. Glens 2 Beith 2, 67 minutes.
The home side came close to adding another two minutes later. Lindsay broke down a Beith attack on the outskirts of the Glen box before lobbing the ball down the right for Mullen to chase and then cut inside past a couple of defenders to drill a low shot from the penalty spot only to be blocked by Rumsby before Kerr pounced on the loose ball to blast a shot from 16 yards that drifted wide of the right post.
Glens continued to press and were duly rewarded. Lindsay floated a free kick into the box with players from both sides lined up along the 18 yard line and although O’Connel won the header he sent the ball high to the right-hand side of the six-yard box where Ollie Rowe under pressure from Rumsby hooked the ball across from Kerr to meet it on the drop on the six yard line only for his shot to be blocked before the alert Michael Mullen pounced to curl a low shot into the net from 12 yards out, to complete an outstanding hat-trick. Glens 3 Beith 2, 71 minutes.
Soon after Glens, Rowe broke down a Beith attack in the box where the ball fell for Lindsay to launch upfield for Mullen to hunt down and burst down the right and some six yards from the bye-line whipped the ball into box for the incoming Kerr, only for his header from six yards fly high over the bar.
At the other end Beith won a free kick on the edge of the ‘D’ and although Collins curled the ball round the right-hand side of the five-man well, keeper Markey got down the low to hold the ball on the line.
The visitors enjoyed a good spell of possession in the Glens half. Substitute James Finlay curled a shot from 20 yards that was comfortably clutched by Markey. Soon after Collins trapped the ball on the outskirts of the box before slipping it to Woodhouse who then played a cute diagonal ball into the box to set up a shot for substitute Alex Fairlie only to be blocked by the alert Markey at the corner of the six-yard box.
On 79 minutes Brown broke down the left and played a neat one-two with Woodhouse before whipping the ball into the goalmouth and although it deflected off Cammy Ross it fell for the inrushing Fairlie only for his shot, under pressure from Duncanson, to sail over the bar. Soon after a corner kick was curled into a packed six-yard box and although Thomson won the aerial battled his header flashed wide of the back post. Glens were being pegged back and Beith won another free kick on the left which Collins curled to the back post over a multitude of heads behind whom Cummins got down low to bullet a header that cracked off the post and sent ball rolling along the goal-line before Lindsay wasted no time in hoofing it out for shy. It was Lindsay that then cleared the long throw into the box.
On 85 minutes Glens made a change with Blair Anderson making way for Kelvin Daniel.
Collins from the left over hit a cross into a busy box which was quickly gathered near the right touch-line and whipped to the back post where Thomson leapt high only for his header to be cleanly held by Markey.
Glens made a late double substitution on 88 minutes with Ross Lindsay making way for Evan Maley and on 89 minutes Robbie McDougall replacing Michael Mullen.
Beith whipped another ball into a busy box where Daniel headed it clear to the edge of the box where it was nodded on by Wilson and gathered by Gkegka to lob it high towards the near post for Collins only for Markey to claw the ball away and as two Beith players closed in David Craig cleared the danger. Two minutes into added time Fairlie drilled a low shot in the box that slipped just wide of the back post.
Respite for the Glens as Kerr held on to the ball down by the right corner only to be fouled Gkegka and the final whistle followed.
FT Glens 3 Beith 2
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. David Markey 2. Lee Duncanson 3. Jared Willet 4. Blair Anderson (15. Kelvin Daniel) Ollie Rowe (captain) 6. Ross Lindsay (14. Evan Maley) 7. Cammy Ross 8. David Craig 9. Hugh Kerr 10. Michael Mullen (16. Robbie McDougall) 11. Callum Wilson. Subs Not Used: James Hart (gk), Robbie McDougall. Subs: James Hart (gk), Callum McFadyen
BEITH JUNIORS
1. Ross Shaw 2. Ross Taylor 18. Max Brown 4. Scott Rumsby 5. Adam Cummins (captain) 6. Kristian Gkegka 7. Liam McGongigle (14. Alex Fairlie) 8. Connor O’Donnell (15. James Fairlie) 9. Robert Thomson 10. Allan Woodhouse 11. Tom Collins. Subs: 12. Aiden Laverty 16. Patrick Boyle 21. Kyle Baird.
The Glens travelled to Paisley to face 3rd Division Glenvale at Ferguslie Sports Centre, Paisley in the 1st Round of the South Region Challenge Cup. Both sides met each other in the 1st Round of the West of Scotland Cup at Loch Park back in Season 2022/23 and it was the Premier Division that edge the tie 2-1 against the then 4th Division side with Glens current manager Paul Paton scoring what proved to be the winner.
Glenafton made two changes to the eleven that started against St. Cadoc’s on Wednesday night with Ollie Rowe (unavailable) and Cammy Ross making way for Kevin Daniel and Lewis Currie.
Glenvale kicked off and Glenafton won a free-kick in the opening minute. Callum Wilson floated the ball to the right-hand side corner of the six-yard box where Lewis Currie won the aerial battle sending the ball back across the goalmouth for the incoming Shuggy Kerr to get a touch only for keeper Lee Kilbride to clutch the ball cleanly.
Two minutes later Lee Duncanson burst down the right and a few yards from the bye-line floated a great cross into the box which sailed inches over the head of the leaping Ryan Whitehorn to drop for Michael Mullen, on the outskirts of the six yard box, to hook the ball towards the back post only for Kilbride to pull off an acrobatic save to stop the ball on the line and his team-mate Johnny McKay to pounce on the loose ball and hoof the ball out for a shy.
Glenvale enjoyed a brief break up to the edge of the visitors’ box only to be robbed off the ball which fell for Mullen deep on the left to set off on a run that took him to 5 yards short of the ‘D’ from where he slipped the ball to Kerr on the overlap on the right who then cut inside to blast a diagonal shot from 20 yards that beat Kilbride diving at full stretch only to whizz inches wide of the post.
Back came the hosts with a break down the left that saw Gordon Meredith challenge for the ball in the box only to be outnumbered by keeper David Markey diving as feet with Craig McCracken for company.
At the other end Callum Wilson weaved his way down the left and gave Nicky Donnelly the slip at the edge of the box to drive towards the near post only to be tripped by Whitehorn a few yards from the six-yard box. Arms from both sides went up in the air, before the referee pointed to the spot. Up stepped Michael Mullen to blast home the penalty kick beyond the reach of an outstretched leg of goalie. Glenvale 0 Glenafton 1, 12 minutes.
Play then raged back and forth for a time as the home side began to enjoy more possession in the visitors’ half and they were rewarded after striker Connor McKenzie burst into the left- hand side of the box before McCracken and Kelvin Daniel blocked his way at the expense of a corner. McKay curled the kick deep into the packed goalmouth and Daniel’s attempt to clear the ball from six-yard saw the ball rebound deeper into the goalmouth where the quick-thinking Darren Kennedy with his back to goal hooked the ball over his head, as well as those of a clutch of defenders and the keeper on the line, and into the net. Glenvale 1 Glenafton 1, 12 minutes.
Play fell into the same pattern as that before the equaliser peppered with some meaty challenges but without either keeper being severely tested.
1331 However, the home side broke the deadlock on 34 minutes. Kerr chased a long clearance into Glenvale’s half only to be adjudged to be offside. Keeper Kilbride launched the free-kick high and long up the left where McKenzie beat Daniel to the ball sending a high looping header into the Glens box only for McCracken to beat Robert Sloan to the ball heading it back towards the touchline. The alert McKenzie got between Lee Duncanson and Daniel to win the ball and drive to the bye-line, with the latter giving chase, and as McKenzie turned back to cut inside into the box Daniel caught him and the striker tumbled to the ground, just inside the box. Connor McKenzie picked up the ball and marched to the penalty spot planting the ball on top of it, awaiting the referee’s whistle before blasting a low angled shot into the right-hand corner of the net as Markey dived in the opposite direction. Glenvale 2, Glenafton 1, 34 minutes.
Glenvale continued to press and O’Connor won a header in the Glens half to send it bouncing into the right-hand side of the Glens box for Sloan to chase down only for Daniel to outsprint the winger and knock the ball out for a corner kick, which Markey clutched cleanly in a busy six-yard box.
Soon after the home side won another corner-kick after O’Connor’s shot from the edge of the box defected wide for a corner kick on the left. McKay looked to float the corner in the box only for Ross Stevenson to sprint from the near post towards the corner flag to play a short one-two with McKay who then clipped a low ball into the box which bounced up and despite his efforts Whitehorn could not get it under control under pressure from McCracken and headed the ball wide.
Lee Duncanson in control
On 44 minutes Craig McCracken had to hobble of the park and was replaced by Blair Anderson. Markey launched a ball down the right where a Kerr header sent the ball down the right touchline for Mullen to chase only for Craig Reilly to intervene and slip the ball up the line for McKay but he was quickly robbed off the ball by Duncanson to burst down the right and pirouette past one defender before side stepping another to float a ball into the six-yard box where Stevenson took no chances and headed it wide of the back post for a corner. Lindsay floated a high ball in the heart of the box where Kerr leapt high to meet it full on sending the ball well over the bar.
The half-time whistle blew soon after and both teams marched off, the home side well worthy of their lead.
HT Glenvale 2 Glenafton 1
Glenafton made a change at the break with defender Kelvin Daniel making way for attacking midfielder Cammy Ross who quickly won a corner-kick on the right after picking up a good pass from Anderson. The kick was followed by a scramble in a busy six yard box where after the ball bobbling about Mullen got a touch that set up Currie for a stab at goal which appeared to be deflected off a defender wide of the post, since the keeper tried to prevent it; but goal kick was the outcome.
Soon after Glenvale floated a free kick into the goalmouth which was cleared to the outskirts of the box and the ball snapped up by Ross to burst up through the middle and slot a pass to Mullen breaking into the left-hand side of the box only for the back-tracking tireless McKay to intervene and his tea-ates clear the loose ball.
On 48 minutes Ross switched the ball from wide on the right high into the far side of the box where Mullen trapped the ball before turning to leather a low diagonal shot beyond the reach of an outstretched leg of one defender and through the legs of another before bouncing up on the six yard line which although the keeper was already diving to his left he somehow managed to readjust and claw the ball away with his right hand, sending the across the face of the open goal before it was hoofed out the park for a throw-in.
On 55 minutes Duncanson gathered the ball on the left touchline and played a slick one-two with David Craig before launching a long ball upfield from the half-way line for Kerr to chase down and drive to the corner flag only for his cross to be deflected wide for a corner kick. Lindsay floated the kick into the packed goalmouth and it was Shuggy Kerr from within a pocket of three defenders to bullet a downward header from six-yards out and beyond the reach of the keeper on his line. Glenvale 2 Glenafton 2, 55 minutes.
The visitors piled on the pressure with waves of attack but with no end product. On 62 minutes Lindsay intercepted a clearance on the left and well inside the Glenvale half and picked out Wilson who in turn rolled a square ball for Anderson breaking forward at a pace to take a touch before cracking a thunderous shot from 28 yards that deflected off the raised thigh of Reilly and dipped into the side net out for corner, which was headed clear. The Glens continued to press and Glenvale continued to soak up the pressure.
On 70 minutes Glenafton were forced to make another substitution after Lewis Currie sustained a bad injury and was replaced with Callum McFadyen.
Callum McFadyen on the ball
Anderson picked up a pass in the middle of the Glenvale half and quickly slotted the ball to Duncanson wide on the right who cut inside and skipped a defender before playing a one-two with Kerr and blasting a ball from the 18 yard line only for it to swerve wide of the right post.
David Craig pushed forward down the left before laying the ball off to Mullen who quickly cut inside to drill a low angled shot from 22 yards into the side netting albeit the diving Kilbride appeared to have it covered.
Back came Glens through Ross on the right to clip the ball upfield for Wilson to chase down and hold off two defenders before curling the ball into the goalmouth where the leaping keeper pushed it away high into the air only for it to fall for Kerr on the 18 yard line, who trapped it on his chest before blasting a ball that deflect off the back of Reilly.
On 75 minutes Glenvale made a triple substitution.
Meanwhile Glens continued to push for the winner. Lindsay curled a corner kick from the left in the heart of the box where the leaping Kerr won the aerial battle only for his header to flash high and wide of the target. Soon after Ross and Wilson combined down the right concluding with Ross’s shot from inside the box deflected out for a corner which was headed clear to the edge of the ‘D’ and met by Lindsay only for his shot to fly over the bar.
Ross Lindsay wins the ball
McFadyen gathered the ball on the outskirts of the box and picked out Ross on the right to burst into the box to drive a low shot that drifted wide of the back post. Soon after, McFadyen gathered a pass from Wilson, took a couple of touches before thumping a shot from 25 yards that took a slight deflection off a defender while the keeper saw the ball late and could only look on as it sneaked inches wide of the post.
Lindsay’s corner from the right, into a packed goalmouth initiated quite a stramash before the ball eventually escaped from the box and the danger was over, for now.
Into 5 minutes added time and Lindsay’s corner kick from the left saw keeper Kilbride come well off his line to palm the ball away with both hands and then stayed off his line in an attempt to gather it, only for another stramash to ensue, which saw Glenvale substitute Jamie Sidebotham and Glenafton captain Kerr colliding on the outskirts of the six-yard box, initiating appeals for a foul or a penalty, depending on your point of view. Anway the referee settled for a goal-kick as the ball ended up over the bye-line.
FT Glenvale 2 Glenafton 2
And so on and on and on …. to a remarkable penalty shoot-out.
Penalty Kickx
Phase 1: 5 penalties apiece for both sides
Pen01: Vale 01 | McKenzie scored 1-0
Pen02: Afton 01 | Duncanson saved 1-0
Pen03: Vale 02 | Sidebotham saved 1-0
Pen04: Afton 02 | Wilson scored 1-1
Pen05: Vale 03 | Kennedy scored 2-1
Pen06: Afton 03 | Kerr scored 2-2
Pen07: Vale 04 | Reilly scored 3-2
Pen08: Afton 04 | Mullen scored 3-3
Pen09: Vale 05 | Whitehorn score 4-3
Pen10: Afton 05 | Lindsay scored 4-4 / had to score to keep Glens in competition.
Phase 2: Knock-out
Pen11: Vale 06 | Taylor saved / Markey adjudged off his line
Pen11: Vale 06 | re-take, Taylor scored 5-4
Pen12: Afton 06 | Anderson scored 5-5 / had to score to keep Glens in competition
Pen13: Vale 07 | McGiffen scored 6-5
Pen14: Afton 07 | Willet scored 6-6 /had to score to keep Glens in competition
Pen15: Vale 08 | Catto scored 7-6
Pen16: Afton 08 | Ross scored 7-7 /had to score to keep Glens in competition
Pen17: Vale 09 | Jardine scored 8-7
Pen18: Afton 09 | Craig scored 8-8 / had to score to keep Glens in competition
Pen19: Vale10 | Kilbride (keeper) scored 9-8
Pen20: Afton 10 | McFadyen scored 9-9 / had to score to keep Glens in competition
Pen21: Vale 11 | Stevenson scored 10-9
Pen22: Afton 11 | Markey (keeper) scored 10-10 /had to score to keep Glens in competition
All 22 players (i.e. players on field at full-time) had taken kicks and the kicks would now follow the same sequence
Pen23: Vale12 | McKenzie scored 11-10
Pen24: Afton12 | Duncanson scored 11-11/had to score to keep Glens in competition
Pen25: Vale13 | Sidebotham saved 11-11
Pen26: Afton13 | Wilson scored 11-12 / scored to end sudden death and put Glens through
A tense penalty shoot-out with 8 Glenafton players having to score to keep in them competition as Glenvale kept their noses in from until the 25th penalty kick.
Penalty18. David Craig steps up to keep the Glens in the cup
Penalty 20: Callum McFadyen steps up to keep the Glens in the cup
Penalty22: David Markey steps up to keep the Glens in the cup
Penalty24: Lee Duncanson puts his early miss behind him to keep Glens in the cup
Penalty25: David Markey saves from Jamie Sidebotham for the second time to give Glens the advantage
Penalty26: Callum Wilson slams home the winning penalty.
Handshakes
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. David Markey 2. Kelvin Daniel (14. Cammy Ross) 3. Jared Willet 4. Craig McCracken (15. Blair Anderson) 5. Lewis Currie (12. Callum McFadyen) 6. Ross Lindsay 7. Lee Duncanson 8. David Craig 9. Hugh Kerr (captain) 10. Michael Mullen 11. Callum Wilson. Subs Not Used: James Hart (gk), Robbie McDougall.
GLENVALE
1. Lee Kilbride 2. Darren Kennedy 3. Lewis Brown 4. Ryan Whitehorn 5. Craig Reilly (captain) 6. Ross Stevenson 7. Johnny McKay 8. Gordon Meredith 9. Connor McKenzie 10. Nicky Donnelly 11. Robert Sloan Subs: 12. David Taylor 15. Mark Jardine 16. Jack McGiffen 17. Jame McKay 18. Jamie Sidebotham 19. Chris Catto
Glenafton made three changes to the eleven that started against Arthurlie on Saturday. Kelvin Daniel, Evan Maley and Chris Erskine, all picking up injuries, made way for Ross Lindsay, Callum Wilson and Cammy Ross.
In the St. Cadoc’s line-up was former Glenafton defender Richie McKillen.
There was little between the two sides in the first half. Glens enjoyed the better of the play in the second half and were ultimately rewarded on the 89th minute. Chris Erskine gathered the ball on the left and quickly squared the ball inside to Michael Mullen in the ‘D’, who then weaved past a couple of defenders before stroking the ball beyond the reach of the advancing keeper into the right hand corner of the net.
Three points and a clean sheet.
St. Cadoc’s 0 Glenafton 1
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. David Markey 2. Lee Duncanson 3. Jared Willet 4. Craig McCracken 5. Ollie Rowe (captain) 6. Ross Lindsay 7. Callum Wilson 8. David Craig 9. Shuggy Kerr 10. Michael Mullen 11. Cammy Ross. Subs Used: Robbie McDougall, Chris Erskine. Subs Not Used: James Hart (gk), Callum McFadyen, Kelvin Daniel, Lewis Currie
ST. CADOC’S
1. Max Currie 2. Dom Slattery 3. Ryan Lockie (captain) 4. Jamie Ballantyne 5. Ritchie McKillen 6. Calvin McGrory 7. Zak Inglis 8. Pearse McGarvey 9. Steven Boys 10. Oliver Cameron 11. Scott Ferguson. Subs. 12. Adam 14. Junior McQuilken 15. Paddy Gallagher 16. Ruaridh MacDonald 17. Jake Ruxton 21. Hollis (gk).
Glenafton Athletic posed with George Murphy sponsor of this season home and away kits. George Murphy & Son, Bathrooms, Plumbing& Heating.
Glenafton Athletic (2025/26)
Back Row: Alan Muir (assistant manager), Paul Paton (manager), Kelvin Daniel, Michael Mullen, Chris Erskine, David Markey, Hugh Kerr, Craig McCracken, David Craig, George Murphy (sponsor). Left back: Lee Duncanson, Jared Willet, Evan Maley, Ollie Rowe (captain).
Jim ‘Buffer’ Carmichael (1943-2025)
All at Glenafton Atheltic were saddened to learn of the passing of Jim ‘Buffer’ Carmichael and offered their deepest condolences to Jim’s family and friends at this sad time. A New Cumnock lad, he joined the Glens at the start of season 1966/67 and is shown above (front row, 3rd from the left) in the side that season which defeated Tranent 3-0 in the Scottish Junior Cup 2nd round replay at Rutherglen Glencairn’s ground. After his playing career Jim served as assistant-manager at the club for a spell and then followed the Glens all his days and joined the Glenafton Supporters Club. Prior to kick-off, a minute’s silence was held in his memory of Jim.
Glenafton made three changes from the side that started against Pollok last Saturday. Blair Anderson(injured), Lewis Currie (injured) and Ross Lindsay made way for Jared Willet, Kelvin Daniel, making his first start for the club after coming on as sub last week, and mid-week signing Craig McCracken from Linlithgow Rose and of course formerly of a hugely successful side of Auchinleck Talbot.
In the Arthurlie side was former Glenafton favourite Michael McMullin.
Arthurlie kicked off against a strong wind towards the far-end of the ground. Despite this seemingly disadvantage the visitors opened the scoring on 5 minutes with a glorious goal. Sean Slaven picked up a Glens clearance in the middle of the park and slotted a diagonal forward pass to Arron Healy on the left who took a touch or to while Michael McMullin was blazing down the touchline on the overlap looking for a pass only for Healy to cut inside and skip past two defenders and as a clutch of three other defenders closed in, he curled a perfectly weighted ball from 20 yards into the far corner of the net giving keeper David Markey no chance. Glens 0 ‘Lie 1, Aaron Healy.
Glens then enjoyed a good spell of pressure in the visitors’ box. A corner from the left was played to Chris Erskine who weaved past a couple of defenders in the box and although his attempt to whip the ball into a busy six-yard box was blocked, Kelvin Daniel pounced on the loose ball before turning and laying it off to Michael Mullen to try and guide the ball home from 4 yards out past the keeper and two defenders on the line, and it was Michael McMullin that blocked the effort before the ball was cleared for a corner. It was McMullin that cleared the corner too.
Back came the home side with Erskine teeing up a shot from 28 yards only to be clipped from behind. Mullen stepped up to blast the free-kick which hit Callum Scott, leaping from the four-man wall, full on the head sending him crashing to the ground and the ball sailing high over the bar. Scott was checked but as expected he was replaced soon after by Mark Taylor. The corner that followed was blown of course.
On 17 minutes Erskine won another corner from the Glens floated in from the right by David Craig and Craig McCracken and Daniel won the aerial battle sending the ball into six-yard where Mullen’s effort was cleared by McMullin. The visitors countered with a break down the left where Healy gathered the ball inside his own half and although he was surrounded by three Glens players his twists and turns left them chasing shadows as he progressed to the half way line before clipping a ball into the left-hand side of the Glens box for Taylor to chase down before cracking a shot that whizzed just over the bar.
Play was raging back and forth with a few decent chances on show.
Mullen beat the offside to chase a ball down the left and cut inside to the edge of the six-yard box packed with 5 defenders & keeper with Erskine arriving, only for his attempt to curl the ball into the corner deflected over the bar. Erskine’s corner was headed clear by Michael MacNeil.
At the other end Healy buzzed down the left driving to the bye-line before whipping the ball across the face of goal for the incoming Shay Burke only for Willet to intervene and make a great block, however the ball fell for Taylor to fire a shot against a wall of defenders the ball rebounding high into the air off the back of Daniel and out for a corner kick, which was cleared.
On 37 minutes Glens made a change with the injured Evan Maley making way for Ross Lindsay.
Play continued to flow back and forth without either keeper being tested
HT Glens 0 Arthurlie 1
Glens were first to threaten through Mullen’s low shot from 25 yards which was spilled by keeper Waters and Sean Doherty just beat Erskine to the loose ball. Soon after Shuggy Kerr gathered the ball on the outskirts of the ‘D’ only for MacNeil to nick the ball which was quickly picked up by Burke before Kerr from behind recovered the ball, as Burke tumbled to the ground, to set up a vicious shot from 22 yards that whizzed past the keeper at full stretch. Glens 1 ‘Lie 1, 52 minutes. As the Glens celebrated the visitors appeal that Kerr ha fouled Burke were waved away.
The home side’s tails were up and were breaking forward in numbers. Erskine slipped the ball down the right for Lee Duncanson who quickly squared the ball to Mullen to crack a shot form a yard inside the box only for Doherty to block it, sending the ball back to the 18 yard line where Willet smashed it first time, but another deflection sent the ball out for a corner on the left, which was cleared by the ‘Lie defence. Glens continued to press and won another corner on the right that Lindsay curled to the back post for McCracken and Rowe, and it was the latter that got a raised boot to the ball, only to send it over the bar.
Arthurlie had enjoyed a few breaks upfield without testing Markey. However against the run of play they took the lead again after a ball was lobbed high towards the outskirts of the right-hand side of the box where Taylor controlled it on his chest and held off Daniel before clipping a low diagonal pass into the left-hand side of the box where Aaron Healy won the race ball before drilling a low diagonal shot past the outrushing Markey and into the net. Glens 1 ‘Lie 2, 66 minutes.
Play then flowed back and forth for a period during which time the unfortunate Kelvin Daniel sustained injured and was replaced by Calum Wilson on 77 minutes.
Glens began to have the upper hand in terms of possession in the opponent’s half and were rewarded on 80 minutes. Mullen gathered the ball on the outskirts of the box and held off substitute Miles Millar to drive to the left-hand corner of the box from where he curled a sublime ball into the heart of the box where Shuggy Kerr beat MacNeil to the ball and arched his back to guide a header from 12 yards out beyond the reach of Waters. Glens 2 ‘Lie 2, 80 minutes.
Glens went all out for the winner but would have to do so without an injured Chris Erskine who was replaced on 86 minutes by Cammy Ross.
Despite Glens possession it was Arthurlie that came close to taking the lead for a third time. A free kick from just inside the Glens half was floated high into the left-hand side of the box where MacNeil outleapt Wilson to bullet downward header which bounced just outside the six-yard box where substitute Tam McGaughey collided and the ball bounced free towards the goal where McCracken was now the last line of defence and spread his body wide enough forcing the incoming Millar to blast his shot over the bar.
The home side were soon on the front foot again. Mullen gathered the ball in the middle of the ‘Lie half and with two defenders in front of him he slipped the ball wide to Wilson on the right who took a touch, before McMullin floored him, sending the ball down the line for Ross to collect and threading a low ball, taking three defenders out of play, for Shuggy Kerr to smash the ball into the net from 7 yards out to complete his hat-trick. Glens 3 ‘Lie 2, 91 minutes. The celebrations of saw Shuggy & Ollie entwined as they reached the dug-out.
Glens continued to enjoy possession deep in the ‘Lie half although the final whistle went as the visitors mounted a final attack.
FT Glens 3 Arthurlie 2
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. David Markey 2. Kelvin Daniel (16. Callum Wilson) 3. Jared Willet 4. Craig McCracken 5. Ollie Rowe (captain) 6. Evan Maley (14. Ross Lindsay)7. Lee Duncanson 8. David Craig 9. Shuggy Kerr 10. Michael Mullen 11. Chris Erskine (17. Cammy Ross). Subs: James Hart (gk), Callum McFadyen, Ryan McCubbin, Robbie McDougall
ARTHURLIE
1. Marc Waters 2. Ryan Sinclair 5. Michael MacNeil (captain) 6. Sean Doherty 7. Conor Bolger 8. Callum Scott (9. Mark Taylor) 10. Aaron Healy 12. Shay Burke 17. Kieran Brophy 18. Sean Slaven 22. Michael McMullin Subs Used: 11. Tam McGaughey 15. Miles Millar. Subs: 26. Ryan Truesdale 14. Ross McMillan 19. Jonny Black 20. Dylan Coll
Glenafton Athletic 