Hurlford 0 Glenafton 2

Posted on March 5, 2022 by flowgently
PDM Buildbase WOSFL | Match 2605/03/2022
KO 2:00 pm		Blair Park, Hurlford
Hurlford United0 (0)
Glenafton Athletic2 (0)Murphy (2)

On a glorious day at Blair Park a minute’s applause was held before kick-off in memory of 81 year old Jim Clark, a great servant to Hurlford United as both a supporter and on the committee.

Under the new management team of Ryan Stevenson and Mark Roberts the Glens made no changes to the eleven that started against Bonnyton last Saturday.

In a frantic opening few minutes the visitors were first to show through Sean Bennie’s long throw from near the corner flag that keeper Martin McDonald clutched cleanly at the post as Glens front men Hugh Kerr and Ryan Nisbet threatened.  Another long throw to the near post from Bennie saw Chris Robertson head it clear, back out to the touchline and Bennie duly whipped the ball to the back post where Leon Murphy’s header was mopped up. ‘Ford countered through former Glens player Paul McKenzie releasing Kris Kerr down the right and into the box before his low angled shot was held by keeper David Markey.

Play then went back & forth with neither box being breached before the hosts won a free-kick on 8 minutes which was floated into the six-yard box only for Chris Robertson’s close-range header to sneak inches wide of the post. Three minutes later Markey at full stretch turned a low diagonal shot from Jack Whittaker round the post and the corner-kick that followed was eventually cleared.

Glens were now being pegged back deep into their own half and a powerful run into a busy box by Whittaker was ended with a last-ditch perfectly timed tackle by Bennie before the trigger could be pulled.

captain Craig Pettigrew

Some respite for the visitors after James Martin won a free-kick wide on the right that was clipped into the box by Jamie McKernon where former ‘Ford favourite Ross Fisher leapt like a salmon only for his high looping header to dip over the bar.

Back came Hurlford and a cross from the left to the back was headed out by Craig Pettigrew as Marc McKenzie threatened, only for the ball to be retrieved by namesake Paul McKenzie on the outskirts of the box. Taz then cut back inside giving Alan Cairns the slip before trying to do the same to Pettigrew only for the Glens captain to clip his heels and the referee to point to the spot. Up stepped Marc McKenzie but was foiled by Markey who got down low to push the ball wide of target.

The visitors got a lift and began to push forward only to find Robertson and co-centre back Lewis Magee in determined mood to clear their lines. Back came Ford however and after some pressure won a corner kick on the right that was whipped into the six-yard box and although a quick dart from Taz got him to the ball his glancing header whizzed wide of the back post.

On 28 minutes Glens made the breakthrough in bizarre fashion. A long clearance down the right from Pettigrew saw Martin and Hugh Kerr put Ford defenders under pressure to win a corner kick. Leon Murphy drilled the ball low and hard to the near post where Kerr was being marked by Alex Bell, only for the ball to be missed both players and then deceive the luckless keeper McDonald who unfortunately turned the ball into his own net.

Glens were now the pressing team with lots of action in the Hurlford half and box. A McKernon free kick into a packed box led to the same player floating back-to-back corner kicks into the box and the home rear guard scramble them clear.  Another powerful run down the right touch-line by Martin earned a throw 8 yards from the bye-line that Bennie launched high into the six-yard box where McDonald showed strong hands to rise and clutch the ball above a clutch of players from both sides.

The visitors’ pressure paid off on 41 minutes.  Magee headed the ball upfield from his own half of the centre circle before Ollie Rowe’s powerful header sent the ball back downfield high over the defender’s head for Kerr to collect on the edge of the centre circle. McGee and Robertson gave chase without success as Kerr broke into the penalty box forcing keeper McDonald to rush from his line before taking the feet from the striker with an outstretched leg, earning him a yellow card and the Glens a penalty. Leon Murphy’s sweetly struck spot-kick sent the keeper the wrong way to double their lead.

In the remaining minutes of the half played raged back and forth at a pace with the best chance falling to the visitors after Magee clattered into Murphy a few yards outside the box who then dusted himself to take the free kick only for the Ford wall to do its job.

HT Hurlford 0 Glenafton 2

Glens started brightly with the running of Kerr and Nisbet keeping the Ford defence on their toes. However, it was the hosts that carved out the first chance of the half after Whittaker on the left cut inside only for his low angled shot to be blocked on the six-yard box by Pettigrew sending the ball into the ‘D’ where the inrushing Marc McKenzie cracked a low fizzer of a shot seemingly destined for the back of the net before Markey sprung into action to dive to his left and tip it round the post. Pettigrew won the aerial battle with Robertson to clear the corner-kick that followed.

Davidtips Marc McKenzie’s shot round the post.

On 52 minutes Hurlford made a double substitution with Josh Rennie replacing Lewis Magee and Kris Kerr making way for Will Graham.

Ford forced a couple of corner-kicks the latter of which saw Alex Bell’s header blocked in the six-yard box and an almighty scrambled ensued with bodies strewn in the goal mouth and although Whittaker managed to conjure up a shot at goal the ref spotted an infringement an awarded Glens a free kick. The tireless Nisbet’s run down the right won another Glens corner which McDonald plucked out the air at the back post.

On the hour mark Glens brought on Mark Gilmour for James Martin.

Play was again raging from end to end with the runs of Kerr and Nisbet continuing to be a thorn in Ford’s side. However clear-cut chances were thin on the ground the best of which was Marc McKenzie’s volley from the outskirts of the box that dipped into the safe hands of Markey.

On 70 minutes Hurlford replaced Alex Ball with Macauley Wilson.

Robertson and Kerr shook hands after an accidental clash of heads and soon after the Glens striker was felled by MacDonald’s clearance after he was forced to rush out his box to deal with a loose ball under pressure from Kerr.

Although chances continued to be in short supply the best of them continued to fall for the Ford. On 82 minutes Taz cut inside from the left and went down at the edge of the box from Bennie’s challenge. Although Whittaker superbly curled the free kick round the wall Markey was his match diving low to clutch it at the post and Marc McKenzie’s hope of pouncing on any spillage were forlorn. 

Soon after, Kerr unsurprisingly was floored by cramped and was replaced by Sam McKee.

Glens survived another goalmouth scramble after McKernon headed a Ford free-kick out from the six-yard box and the ball played back in for Marc McKenzie to fashion a shot at goal that was blocked.

The visitors managed the closing minutes of the match in their opponents’ half. Nisbet held off Graham to lob a great ball upfield and over the head of Roberston for McKee to chase down and although he got the jump on Cater Frew, keeper McDonald rushed out his box again to clear the danger. Gilmour and Murphy took the ball a walk down the right and left flanks respectively before the final whistle blew on 49 minutes.

Sam McKeeon the move

FT Hurlford 0 Glenafton 2

ReMarkeyAble
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. David Markey 2. Sean Bennie 4. Craig Pettigrew 5. Ross Fisher 3. Alan Cairns; 7. James Martin (14. Mark Gilmour) 6. Jamie McKernon 8. Ollie Rowe 11. Leon Murphy; 9. Hugh Kerr (15. Sam McKee), 10. Ryan Nisbet. Subs not used: 12. Calum Thomson 16. Darren Curtis 17. Fergus Dee 18. Cameron Marlow.
HURLFORD UNITED
1. Martin McDonald 2. Chris McKnight 3. Sam Lidington 4. Lewis Magee (16. Josh Rennie) 5. Chris Robertson 6. Carter Frew 7. Paul McKenzie 8. Jack Whittaker 9. Alex Bell (12. Macauley Wilson) 10. Marc McKenzie 11. Kris Kerr (15. Will Graham) Subs not used: 14. Alexander McCow  21. Craig Burns
Match Photos
Hurlford United v Glenafton Athletic
Posted in GAFC Match Report | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Hurlford 0 Glenafton 2

Bonnyton 4 Glenafton 3

Posted on February 26, 2022 by flowgently
PDM Buildbase WOSFL | Match 2526/02/2022
KO 2:00 pm		Synergy Arena, Kilmarnock
Bonnyton Thistle4 (1) Walker, Smith, Gilroy, McColm
Glenafton Athletic3 (2)Rowe 2, Nisbet

Glenafton made two changes to the eleven that started against Benburb three weeks ago with captain Craig Pettigrew returning from injury and Ryan Nisbet starting upfront while Sam McKee and Aaron Miller dropped to the bench.

The home side got off to flying start with a goal from Ryan Walker, the son of Glens legend Davie ‘Pele’ Walker, on two minutes. Sandy Robertson, from the centre circle, clipped a high ball into the right-hand side of the box for Walker to gather before lashing a low shot from the 18 yard line into the far corner of the net beyond the reach of keeper David Markey at full stretch.

Two minutes later Walker, from the middle of the park, released Kyle Gilroy down the left to push to the bye line and clip the ball to the far end of the box for the incoming Walker to meet it first time with a left-footed volley, pulling off a fine save from Markey at the base of the near post.

Glens then had a couple of decent runs into the Bonnyton box. The first ended with Ryan Nisbet robbed of the ball by Logan Smith. The second saw Ollie Rowe forcing his way to the bye-line and although his cut-back was missed by the keeper and defender at the near post there were no Glens takers and the ball was cleared.

The visitors continued to press and a ball through the middle for Leon Murphy to chase down saw keeper Jamie Leitch rush from his line to intercept but on doing so stepped outside the box to grab the ball with both hands. After discussion between the match officials the referee sent the unfortunate Leith off and the home side were down to 10 men on 12 minutes. Sadly, for goalscorer Walker he was the sacrificial offering for the replacement keeper; who wasn’t immediately tested as the wall stood up to the free-kick.

Some great control in the middle of the park by Eddie Ablohr set up a Bonnyton attack that ended with Gilroy on a one-v-one with Markey, only for the keeper to track his move and then deflect his shot wide for a corner-kick that was cleared.

Play raged from end-to-end but with defences on top no efforts on goal were fashioned.

On 28 minutes the home side won a corner that Markey punched from under his bar with both fists. The visitors countered down the right through Jamie McKernon who floated a ball deep into the box which Hugh Kerr clipped to the back post for the incoming Rowe only for the keeper to clutch it cleanly.

Glens pegged the 10 men deep into their own half for a spell but couldn’t break down a well drilled and disciplined defence. However, the pressure paid off on 40 minutes after Ollie Rowe got the jump on the full back to chase down a ball into the box before cracking a low angled shot from 8 yards out past the keeper at the corner of his six-yard box and into the far corner of the net.

The visitors continued to press and Nisbet weaved his way into the left hand of the box but was forced to roll the ball back to Craig Pettigrew who curled a ball to the far post where Kerr’s header dropped into the keeper’s hands.

Some respite for Thistle through a blistering run down the left by Gilroy ghosting past opponents on his way to breaking into the box and cracking an equally blistering shot only for the alert Markey to block with his legs sending the ball high into the air.

Glens countered in lethal fashion. Sean Bennie deep in his own half picked up a ball from Murphy and pushed down the right while Nisbet bided his time at the centre-circle to spring the offside trap as Bennie rolled the ball down the wing into acres of open space for the unimpeded Ryan Nisbet to hunt down and draw the keeper from his line (indeed outside the box) before lobbing the ball from 30 yards into the welcoming net. The Glens 2-1 up as the half-time whistle blew.

HT Bonnyton 1 Glens 2  

The visitors were first to threaten after the break through a great run down the right by Nisbet only for his shot from a tight angle sail over the bar. Soon after, Rowe’s low shot from just inside the box slipped inches wide of the post.

However, on the counter-attack Ablohr won a free-kick down the right, 10 yards from the bye-line. Chris Kelly floated the ball into the heart of the box where Logan Smith leapt head and shoulders above all to bullet home a header to draw the sides level on 52 minutes.

Chances were then swapped at either end. Although Ross Fisher got an outstretched leg to McKernon’s free-kick into the box, the ball sneaked wide of the post. At the other end Abhlor forced his way into the box only for Markey to pull off a point bank save and push the ball high and wide of target. Back came Glens and Nisbet’s volley from the edge of the box dipped wide while Gilroy countered with another powerful run down the left only to find no takers for his cut back from the dead ball line.

On 59 minutes the home side got their noses back in front when Kyle Gilroy got a sniff for goal after picking up the ball at the edge of the D and although his route into the box was blocked, he drifted wide along the 18-yard line, still being tracked by a defender, before exquisitely chipping the ball from the edge of the box, over the head of the keeper and into the welcoming net.

The visitors responded well and Thistle survived a penalty claim that Smith had tripped Nisbet in the box. Martin then had a couple of good breaks down the left only to be repelled in the box by a stubborn defence. Nisbet then won a corner and McKernon’s kick was met at the far side of the six- yard box where Ollie Rowe rose to meet the ball sweetly and guide a header into the space between the outstretched hands of the keeper and Robertson on the back post. The match all square at 3-3 on 66 minutes. 

Thistle countered with back-to-back corner kicks that second of which was headed clear by Fisher before Glens made a double substitution on 68 minutes with Sam McKee and Aaron Miller coming on for Ryan Nisbet and James Martin. Two minutes later the two subs combined when McKee drifted wide to the left before laying it off to Miller to cut back inside before threading the ball past defenders into the box for Rowe to pounce and beat the goalie from six yards but the flag was up before the ball hit the back of the net.

Glens continued to press on 75 minutes Kerr won a free kick on the right deep in the Thistle’s half. Murphy floated the ball into the heart of busy box where a Thistle player (No. 10) appeared to lose his footing and send his header backward into the six-yard box where Rowe took control of the bouncing ball to guide it into the net. Arms from sides were then raised, Thistle claiming for offside and Glens initially celebrating the goal before drawing the referee’s attention to the grounded defender that had played the ball before Rowe.  Despite being yards away the referee consulted with his assistant and the goal to the visitors’ disbelief was deemed offside!

Glens continued on the front foot without testing the keeper and were almost caught out on 80 minutes through Gilroy’s counter-attack down the left to break into the box and drill a low angled shot that Markey did well to stop with his foot.

Bonnyton continued to frustrate the Glens as they repelled a wave of attacks including a Kerr header in the box that the keeper smothered comfortably.

Indeed, it was the ten men that came close to breaking the deadlock on 87 minutes with a break into the left-hand side of the box before the ball was rolled back for the substitute (No. 12) to coolly side foot a low shot that beat Markey but slipped inches wide of the back post.

But break the deadlock they did! After another period of intense unrewarded Glens’ pressure. After a counter down the left before the ball was switched to Kelly wide on the right to progress into box and square a long ball for the incoming substitute Dean McColm to lash a left footed shot past Markey at full stretch and into the far corner of the net sparking off joyous celebrations.

After pushing for the winner for 25 minutes the Glens now found themselves having only added time to salvage a point. It wasn’t to be as Kerr’s header from a corner-kick dipped wide of target and McKee’s shot from the edge of the box dipped over the bar.

FT Bonnyton 4 Glenafton 3

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
Glenafton Athletic: 1, David Markey 2. Sean Bennie 4.Ross Fisher 6. Craig Pettigrew 3. Alan Cairns 11. James Martin (17. Aaron Miller) 8. Jamie McKernon 5. Ollie Rowe 10. Leon Murphy 7. Ryan Nisbet (20. Sam McKee) 9. Hugh Kerr . Subs Calum Thomson, Darren Curtis, Mark Gilmour, James Hart (gk)
BONNYTON THISTLE
Match Photos
Bonntyon Thistle v Glenafton Athletic
Posted in GAFC Match Report | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Bonnyton 4 Glenafton 3

Benburb 3 Glenafton 0

Posted on February 5, 2022 by flowgently
PDM Buildbase WOSFL | Match 2305/02/2022
KO 1:30 pm		New Tinto Park, Govan
Benburb Juniors3 (1) Murphy, Lovering, Taylor
Glenafton Athletic0 (0)

Glenafton made two changes for the side that started against Darvel last week. Out went captain Craig Pettigrew who picked up a bad injury and Mark Gilmour while in came Jamie McKernon returning from injury and James Martin.

Luke Murphy opened the scoring for the home side on 10 minutes. Bens doubled their lead on 70 minutes through Lewis Lovering and seven minutes later a screamer from Ally Taylor completed the scoring and a repeat of the 3-0 victory at Loch Park.

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. David Markey 2. Sean Bennie 3. Alan Cairns 4. Ross Fisher 5. Ollie Rowe 6. Aaron Miller 7. Leon Murphy 8. Jamie McKernon 9. Hugh Kerr 10. Sam McKee 11. James Martin. Subs used: 12. Ryan Nisbet 14. Darren Curtis 15. Trialist
BENBURB JUNIORS
1. Daniel McLean 2. Lee Duncanson 3. David Leadbetter 4. Jordan Bow 5. Ryan Docherty 6. Ally Taylor 7. Ruaridh Langan 8. Ryan McCrone 9. Declan McDonald 10. Luke Murphy 11. Lewsi Lovering Subs: 12. Scott Rough 14. Willie Dawson 15. Scott Jarvie 17. Kia McFarlane.
Posted in GAFC Match Report | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Benburb 3 Glenafton 0

Darvel 2 Glenafton 1

Posted on January 29, 2022 by flowgently
PDM Buildbase WOSFL | Match 2329/01/2022
KO 1:30 pm		Recreation Park, Darvel
Darvel 2 (2)Millar, Allan
Glenafton Athletic 1 (1)Rowe

Glens made three changes to the starting eleven with Arron Miller coming in for the injured Jamie McKernon while James Martin and Ryan Nisbet made way for Mark Gilmour and Sam McKee .

Darvel kicked off with a strong wind at their back and soon forced a series of corner kicks all taken by Darren Miller. One from the left was pushed away from under the bar by keeper Davie Markey while another from the left was headed clear by Mark Gilmour at the near post across the face of goal and out for a corner on the right.  Miller lasered a lethal daisy-cutter that whizzed past a defender and attacker at the near post and although Markey got down low the ball was adjudged to have crossed the line to put the home side ahead on 8 minutes.

Afton managed to push forward against the Januar wind that was blawin cauld but Creag Litle broke down one attack and Daryll Meggatt headed clear another.

Darvel were quickly back on the front foot winning another corner that was cleared then yet another after Markey got down to push a low angled shot from Ian McShane round the back post; the keeper then cleanly clutching Meggat’s header from the corner.

The visitors enjoyed another decent spell of possession with breaks down each flank only for the cut backs into the box by Hugh Kerr on the left and then Ollie Rowe on the right to be readily mopped up. Sam McKee then broke through the middle and released Gilmour down the left to whip a ball into the six-yard box for Kerr only for Meggat to intervene and clear.

Daryll Meggat & Hugh kerr

Back came Darvel winning another couple of corner kicks that came to nothing. On 24 minutes Alan McKenzie broke into the right-hand side of the box and picked out Andrew Stirling in the six yard box to divert the ball goalward only for Markey to get an outstretched leg to the ball and send it high into air and fall for Ross Caldwell to send it back to the far post for David Galt to tap it home but from an offside position.

With the strong wind subsiding for a time play then flowed from end to end with Meggat and Little double-teaming to block McKee’s low shot from inside the box while at the other end Markey pulled off a great save from Galt’s close-range shot.

On 31 minutes Glenafton drew level after McKee put Little under pressure and his short pass to Meggat in the box was intercepted by Ollie Rowe who the rode the tackle from the centre-back to sweep the ball from 15 yards out beyond keeper Chris Truesdale on the six-yard line and into the gaping net.

The home side responded well and Millar’s free kick deep into the box was headed clear by Craig Pettigrew and then headed the second bite at the cherry out for a corner which concluded with Meggat’s header looping over the bar. Second’s later the Darvel captain was wrestling the ball from Kerr in the Darvel box.

Arron Millar recovered the ball for the Glens switching play to the right where Sean Bennie and Ross Fisher combined to win a corner which bobbled about the six-yard box before Darren Millar cleared. Glens continued to press through Bennie bursting down the right and clipping the ball into six-yard box where Kerr was squeezed out in a sandwich between Meggat and Ryan Thomson.

Darvel countered by attacking in numbers down the right only for Alan Cairns and Leon Murphy to combine and nick the ball from Miller for Murphy to launch a long ball down the right for McKee to show Little a clean pair of heels and sprint into the box before drilling a low angled shot that Truesdale’s outstretched leg at the corner of the six-yard box deflected the ball inches wide of the far post.

Sam McKee goes close

The corner was scrambled clear but the ball was quickly recovered by the Glens to return down the right to win a throw, which Bennie lobbed high into the box for Rowe to head goalward, only for Truesdale to gather comfortably.

The keeper launched a long ball upfield where MacKenzie appeared to barge Pettigrew as they challenged for the ball but instead the home side were awarded a free-kick. Millar then blasted a rocket shot forcing Markey to pull off another great save tipping the ball past the post at full stretch for a corner. Millar then whipped the ball into a packed six-yard box which was eventually pushed away from the base of the back post by Markey who then blocked Mackenzie’s attempt from a tight angle sending the ball high into the air which was then gathered by Millar still lurking at the corner flag.  From there he sent the ball back to the far post from where Little headed it back into the heart of the six-yard box for Jordan Allan to coolly kill the ball before swivelling to hook it into the net. Darvel back in front on 42 minutes.

Soon after Glens won a free kick and Miller floated the ball into the ‘D’ for Pettigrew only for his header to drop safely into the hands of Truesdale. Back came Darvel to win yet another corner from which Glens countered with McKee chasing down Pettigrew’s long ball to head for the box where McShane’s challenge ended the first half action.

HT Darvel 2 Glens 1

The early encounters after the break produced half-chances at either end. The home side were first to threaten through Galt’s low shot from the edge of the box that slipped inches wide of the post while at the other end Murphy nicked the ball from Meggat but the alert Truesdale rushed from his line to clear. Back came Darvel throug Allan from wide on the left who whipped a great ball to the back post for the incoming Caldwell only for his volley to be deflected over the bar by Cairns before Gilmour headed clear the corner that followed. Glens responded with Murphy’s shot from the edge of the box that Truesdale held cleanly.

Scott Caldwell goes close

Pettigrew fell awkwardly in the Glens box and was off the field as Glens defended back-to-back corners. He returned soon but quickly pulled up forcing Glens to make a change on 57 minutes with midfielder James Martin coming on and Rowe dropping back to the centre of defence.

Darvel pressed for a spell and added to their corner count from one of which Thomson’s header was saved well by Markey. Glens rallied with Martin and Gilmour combining down the left to set up Murphy to whip the ball high into the goalmouth that Truesdale plucked from under the bar.

On 65 minutes Darvel made a double substitution with Galt and Mackenize making way for Scott Ferguson and Henry Monaghan, the latter soon in the thick of it with a coupler of shots from distance, one whizzing well wide of the far post that other held by Markey at the near post.

McKee released Gilmour down the left to clip the ball into the box for Kerr only for Little to intercept and head clear. Glens then made a double substitution on 75 minutes with forwards Ryan Nisbet and Jordan Ryan coming in for Fisher and McKee.

Aaron Miller pushed forward to slip the ball to Kerr who was quickly surrounded by no fewer than six Darvel players and the ball for McShane to clip back to the keeper who cleared as Miller closed in. Soon after Ryan came within inches of connecting with Murphy’s free kick floated to the far post. Play then went back on forth for a time with defences coming out on top and neither keeper tested.

James Martin breaks forward

On 83 minutes Darvel made their final substitution with Jordan Kirkpatrick coming on for the departing Millar.

Allan made good progress down the left before clipping the ball into the box where it was met sweetly by the instep of Ferguson only to be foiled by a strong hand from Markey and the corner kick came to nothing.

Glens pressed for a late equaliser but could not get the better of a well marshalled Darvel defence that were happy to run the clock down or when the opportunity presented itself set up a counter-attack inevitably leading to another corner-kick or two.

Handshakes

FT Darvel 2 Glens 1

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. David Markey; 2. Sean Bennie 5. Ross Fisher (14. Jordan Ryan) 6. Craig Pettigrew (16. James Martin) 3. Alan Cairns; 10. Leon Murphy 4. Ollie Rowe 8. Aaron Miller 11. Mark Gilmour; 9. Hugh Kerr, 7. Sam McKee (15. Ryan Nisbet) Subs Not Used : 17. David Blyth 18. Calum Thomson 21. Daniel Sloan (gk)
DARVEL
1. Chris Truesdale 11. Ryan Thomson 3. Jordan Allan 5. Daryll Meggatt 19. Creag Little 7. Darren Millar (10. Jordan Kirkpatrick)  6. Ian McShane 15. David Galt (18. Henry Monaghan)  8. Andrew Stirling  9. Alan Mackenzie(17. Scott Ferguson) 20. Ross Caldwell Subs not used: Dominic Boland, Kerr, Cammy McClair, Lyle Avci (gk)
Match Photos
Darvel v Glenafton Athletic
Posted in GAFC Match Report | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Darvel 2 Glenafton 1

Kilbirnie 1 Glenafton 2

Posted on January 22, 2022 by flowgently
PDM Buildbase WOSFL | Match 2222/01/2022
KO 1:30 pm		Valefield Park, Kilbirnie
Kilbirnie Ladeside1 (1)Frizzell
Glenafton Athletic 2 0)Murphy 2

GLENS FIGHT BACK

Kilbirnie were reduced to 10 men just before the break but still had time to take the lead with a goal from Alan Frizzel. Glens battled back in the second half and a brace from Leon Murphy sealed the points fot the visitors.

Leon Murphy

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. Davie Markey; 2. Sean Bennie  5.Ross Fisher 6. Craig Pettigrew 3. Alan Cairns; 11. Leon Murphy 4. Ollie Rowe 8. Jamie McKernon 7. James Martin; 9. Hugh Kerr, 10. Ryan Nisbet. Subs Used: Mark Gilmour, Gregor Fotheringham Subs Not Used : Sam McKee, David Blyth 18. Calum Thomson 21. Daniel Sloan
KILBIRNIE LADESIDE
◦77. Joe Wilton ◦2. Alex McWaters ◦3. Johnny Gallagher ◦4. Kyle Girvan ◦5. Paul Murphy ◦6. Josh Meechan ◦7. Liam McGuinness ◦8. Corey Pearson ◦9. Alan Frizzell ◦10. Brendan Sharpe ◦11: Danny Bamford Subs: ◦12. Taylor ◦14. Muir ◦15. Anderson ◦16. Scullion ◦17. Henry ◦52. Lightfoot
Posted in GAFC Match Report | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Kilbirnie 1 Glenafton 2

Ryan McChesney 2010/11-2021/22

Posted on January 22, 2022 by flowgently

Glenafton’s Ginger Chessy moves to Maybole

The club can announce that central defender and Ryan McChesney has now completed his transfer to Maybole Juniors. A local lad Chessy played as a 12 year-old in the Glenafton youth side that under John Stewart, now club secretary, reached the Scottish Youth Cup final in 2005.

Ryan turned out for Glenafton at the start of Season 2010/11 a few weeks after his 18th birthday. He scored the Glens goal in the pre-season Joe Meldrum Trophy in a 1-1 draw with Glasgow Perthshire at Loch Park; the home side coming out on top in the penalty shoot-out. Ryan signed later in the Season making his debut on 29th January 2011 in a Superleague 1st Division goal-less draw away to Annbank United. The next season Chessy scored his first goal for the Glens in a 3-0 league win over Kilsyth Rangers on the way to promotion to the Premier Division as Super League 1st Division Champions.

Further medals followed over each of the next three seasons 2012/13-2015/15 – West of Scotland Cup winners, Scottish Junior Cup runners-up and an Ardagh League Cup winners. Three more medals were added in the treble winning season of 2016/17 with the Scottish Junior Cup, Super League Premier Championship and Evening Times Champions Cup.

Unfortunately, the Ryan’s Testimonial had to be put on hold as they club elected not to compete that season while Ryan headed for a spell at Dalbeattie Star before returning to Glenafton this season for a handful of games taking his total appearances just shy of a tremendous 300 and bagging 13 goals in the process.

Everyone at Glenafton would like thank Ryan for his magnificent service to the club and wish him every success in the future at Maybole.

We are now in talks with Ryan about arranging his testimonial after this season concludes, and a date for this will be announced imminently. Thanks for the memories Chessy

Posted in GAFC Squad | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Ryan McChesney 2010/11-2021/22

Glenafton 1 Kilwinning Rangers 2

Posted on January 15, 2022 by flowgently
PDM Buildbase WOSFL | Match 2115/01/2022
KO 1:30 pm		Loch Park, New Cumnock
Glenafton Athletic1 (0)Rowe
Kilwinning Rangers2 (1)Ramsay, Collins

Too late too little for Glens

Prior to kick-off there was a minute’s silence to mark the passing of Jock McKnight, a lifelong Glenafton supporter and Billy Moffat, of the great Glenafton side of the late 1950s/60s/

Early pressure from the home side earned a corner kick after Leon Murphy curled a wicked ball into the box from the right only for keeper Jamie Barclay to see it late before pushing it round the post at full stretch.  After some head tennis in the box the Buffs cleared the danger and soon after won their first corner which was punched clear by former Kilwinning keeper David Markey, while the another one after that came to nothing.

The visitors enjoyed a good spell of pressure and on 15 minutes came close after a quick break down the left ended which ended with a perfectly weighted cross deep into the box for the incoming David Ramsay and although he beat the outrushing keeper to the ball his header looped high and wide of the target.

David Ramsay goes close.

An early enforced substitution for the Buffs with Ben Lewis replacing the injured Carlo Monti.

Buffs continued to press and two other corners were repelled by Glens the latter mopped up by Sean Bennie to release James Martin on another powerful run down the left wing from box to box before squaring for Sam McKee on the edge of the box to turn and drag a low shot wide of target.

James Martin on the move

The home side then dominated possession for a time without however creating any clear-cut chances. On 30 minutes Hugh Kerr won a free-kick 30 yards from goal after a determined run through the middle, holding off a host of defenders. Jamie McKernon floated the ball into the box which was headed straight back out to him by David Syme and his attempt still from 30 yards out sailed over the bar.

Back came the Glens and after some good build up play McKernon with a peach of a pass from the centre circle released Alan Cairns in space down the left wing who took a touch before clipping the ball into the box where Kerr in a pocket of defenders rolled it back to McKee to side-foot a low shot from 16 yards out only to be foiled by a great save from Barclay, again palming it out for a corner that was scrambled clear.

Craig Pettigrew and Tom Collins

McKernon then floated another free-kick into the box which saw Barclay rush out the six-yard box to punch it away with both fists and set up a blistering counter-attack down the left by Ally McColm only to overhit the high cross into the box allowing Markey to clutch it cleanly before Tom Collins arrived.

A minute later down the same left wing Chris McGowan’s throw in was quickly returned to him before he launched the ball into the six-yard box where David Ramsay got between Cairns and Markey to head the ball home. Buffs 1-0 on 36 minutes.

The visitors’ tails were up and soon after another well-built counter-attack from box-to-box including some fine control from Collins on the half-way line. From here he threaded a glorious pass down the right giving Ramsay a free run into the box to fire an angled shot only for Bennie, who had tracked across from his right back position, to head it wide for a corner. A left off for Glens when Syme’s free-header from six yards flew well wide of the post.

In all but the last action of the half another break-down the right saw Ramsay turn provider and slip the ball into the box for Lewis Gardiner only for Markey to rush from his line to block his shot taking a sore one on the chest for his trouble.

Dave Markey saves from Lewis Gardiner

HT Glens 0 Buffs 1

Within a minute of the restart Kilwinning doubled their lead. Syme clipped a ball into the box and after a couple of attempted clearances it fell for McColm on the outskirts who zipped it back in for Ricky Hanvey and with Craig Pettigrew closing down he squared it to Collins who curled the ball beyond Markey at full stretch and into the far corner of the net.

Glens responded well. A Buffs free kick into the box was cleared by Ross Fisher and picked up by McKee on the goal side of the centre circle from where he set off on a tremendous run to the edge of the Buffs box before giving a clutch of defenders the slip to get to the bye-line and send a great ball over the head of the keeper at the near post and although Ollie Rowe got the jump on McGowan his header dipped over the bar.

Ollie Row heads for goal

Glens continued to press. Murphy curled a free kick from 25 yards over the wall and inches wide of the junction of post and bar. McKernon’s corner was won in the air by Kerr only for Barclay to get both hands to his header from 8 yards out.

Hugh Kerr heads for goal

The Buffs began to get back into the game as play now went back and forth with both sides creating a couple of half chances.  

On 65 minutes Ramsay’s close-range header lacked the power to test Markey while at the other Murphy cut in from the right to drill a low shot from 20 yards that was comfortably stopped by Barclay. Kerr then burst into the left-hand side of the box and squared it for the incoming Murphy only for McGowan to nick if from his feet to clear at the expense of a corner which was headed clear by Syme.

On 70 minutes Glens were forced to make a change after Jamie McKernon picked up and injury and was replaced by Gregor Fotheringham and Ryan Nisbet came on for Sam McKee.

Pressure from Buffs saw Glens struggle to clear their lines and the ball eventually fell for Lewis only for Bennie to block his shot from the edge of the box. Soon after Lewis was brought down at the edge of the box by Fisher but Syme blasted the free-kick straight into the wall.

Glens pushed forward and Nisbet on the right clipped a good ball into the box for Fotheringham only for his header to fall into the arms of Barclay.

Both sides used up their remining substitutions with 15 minutes to go.  Glens brought on Jordan Ryan for James Martin while Buffs replaced Lewis Gardiner with Struan McArthur and Tom Collins with David Anderson.

McArthur’s run into the edge of the box ended with his shot slipping wide of the post and one soon after from outside the box suffered the same fate.

On 88 minutes Glens halved the deficit. Bennie’s long throw into a packed box was headed clear and then picked up by Murphy to square to Bennie who chipped a great ball back into the goal mouth where Ollie Rowe leapt, shoulders and a bit more above Hanvey to bullet an unstoppable header home from six yards out.

In the last action of the match Cairns floated a free-kick into the box which Kerr nodded down into the six-yard box where Rowe came within inches of getting an outstretched to guide it home.

Ollie goes close

FT Glens 1 Kilwinning 2

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. Davie Markey; 2. Sean Bennie  5.Ross Fisher 6. Craig Pettigrew 3. Alan Cairns; 11. Leon Murphy 4. Ollie Rowe 8. Jamie McKernon (17. Gregor Fotheringham) 7. James Martin (16. Jordan Ryan); 9. Hugh Kerr, 10. Sam McKie (14. Ryan Nisbet). Subs Not Used: David Blyth 18. Calum Thomson 21. Daniel Sloan
KILWINNING RANGERS
1. Jamie Barclay 2. Adam Caldwell 3. Chris McGowan 4, David Syme 5. A. Trialist 6. Ricky Hanvey 7. Cartlo Monto (14. Ben Lewis) 8. Lewis Gardiner (16. Struan McArthur) 9. David Ramsay 10. Thomas Collins (12. David Anderson) 11. Ally McColm

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

Billy Moffat R.I.P.

Posted on January 5, 2022 by flowgently

LAWRENCE WILLIAM MOFFAT

Glenafton Athletic was saddened to learn that former player Billy Moffat has passed away after a long illness. Our thoughts are with Billy’s wife Kathy and their son Lawrence and daughter Katrina at this sad time.

Billy holding Western League Cup aloft

Billy joined the Glens in Season 1957-58 as a 21-year-old from his home town club of Queen of the South and scored in his debut in a 1-1 draw in a league match at Cumnock. It is no coincidence that his ten seasons at the club would encompass the ‘Golden Years of Glenafton Athletic’. In 1958-59 at Connel Park they won their first league title since 1934-35 and added the Western League Cup and Vernon Trophy for good measure while Billy finished top goal scorer with 55 goals; before he converted from inside right to right-half. The Irvine and District Cup was lifted the following season in the Glens last season at Connel Park.

Glenafton Athletic Western League Champions 1958/59 | Bill front row, 2nd from left

In 1960 the Glens relocated to a new home at Loch Park and adopted new colours of red and white. They won Western League Section no fewer than five times and converted three of them into Western League Champions – indeed three-in-a row , the first club to do so (outwith Ardeer Recreation during the War Years). Glens progressed to Scottish Junior Cup semi-final for the first time in the club’s history in 1961/62 and went one better the following season finishing runners-up to Irvine Meadow. Glens also won the Ayrshire Cup and couple of Western League Cup during those Golden Years. In Season 1961/62 Billy was selected for the Scotland Junior side to play Perthshire. The following season he captained Scotland, scored in the 3-2 win over Ireland at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock and was acclaimed the ‘outstanding player’ of the match.

Glenafton Athletic August 1960 1st game at Loch Park | Billy, back row, 4th from left

After his playing days Billy would visit Loch Park on special occasions and was with us in the Campbell Hall in 2005 to celebrate Glenafton’s 75th anniversary.

  • Glens at Connel Park | Billy front row,2nd from left
  • Billy back row, far right
  • Billy back row, 3rd from left
  • 1963: Scottish Junior Cup rnners-uplt; Billy back row, 4th from left
  • 1992: John McKnight, Nodder Kirkpatrick, Billy & Danny McCulloch
  • 2010: Billy with Nodder
  • 2010: Billy with Eddie Brennan & Danny McCulloch
Posted in GAFC Feature | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Cumnock 1 Glenafton 4

Posted on December 18, 2021 by flowgently
PDM Buildbase WOSFL | Match 2018/12/2021
KO 1:30 pm		Townhead Park, Cumnock
Cumnock Juniors1 (0)McAusland
Glenafton Athletic4 (1)Rowe, McKernon, McKee, Pettigrew

GLENS TO THE FORE

Glens made the short trip to Old Cumnock to face Cumnock Juniors in the last game of the year with both sides eager for league points as Phase I of the competition is scheduled to to be completed in the early weeks of the new year.

Glenafton made one change from the eleven that started against BSC Glasgow with Hugh Kerr unavailable and Sean Bennie returning.  In the Cumnock starting eleven were three former Glens players – Kyle McAusland, Finlay Frye and Darren McGill.

The visitors were shading the game in the low winter sunshine and deservedly too the lead on 23 minutes. ‘Nock keeper Adam Strain launched a long ball up the park that was quickly returned down the left wing with Kyle McAusland and Sam McKee giving chase and although the former won the race his clearance was snapped up by James Martin who sprinted down the flank and two yards from the bye-line whipped a glorious cross to the far corner of the six-yard box for the incoming Ollie Rowe to rise and bullet a header into the net.

Ollie Rowe

HT Nock 0 Glens 1

Kyle McAusland made amends on 52 minutes following a Cumnock corner kick that had been cleared a couple of times from the Glens before it fell for the big man to meet it on the volley and crack it home, via the post, from the outskirts of the box.

Kyle McAusland

The visitors bounced back and took the lead again on 57 minutes. Jamie McKernon floated a corner kick from the right deep into the ‘Nock box where it was headed clear to the outskirts and from there hoofed upfield only for the ball to be quickly returned to the unmarked McKernon drifting back from the corner-flag and keeping himself onside. The midfielder coolly broke into the box and cut inside defender Greg Ferry before curling a low shot from 15 yards out beyond the reach of Strain.

Jamie Mc

On 71 minutes Glens doubled their advantaged after Aaron Miller beat Ferry to a loose ball in the Glens half of the centre circle where with super touch stunned the ball to send a perfectly weighted pass into the Cumnock half of the centre circle for McKee to gather from an onside position, the Nock defender tardy in stepping out; and race unimpeded into the box and slot the ball home between the goalie’s legs from 6 yards out.

Glens completed the scoring on 84 minutes after captain Craig Pettigrew gave his marker the slip to bullet a header into the roof of the net from a McKernon corner-kick. The customary classy celebration followed.

In the closing minutes Glens were reduced to 10 men after Aaron Miller was shown a straight red car for an off-the-ball incident.

FT Nock 1 Glens 4

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. David Markey 2. Sean Bennie 4. Ross Fisher 6. Craig Pettigrew 3. Alan Cairns; 7. Aaron Miller 5. Ollie Rowe 8. Jamie McKernon 11. James Martin; 9. Leon Murphy 10. Sam McKie. Subs Used: 12. David Blyth 14. Scott Sherrie Subs:  16. Mick McCann 21. Daniel Sloan (gk)
CUMNOCK JUNIORS
1. Adam Strain 2. Kyle McAusland 3. Greg Ferry 4. Alan Murdoch 5. Ruaridh McIntyre 6. Jamie Wilson 8. Finlay Frye 9. Jordan Moore 10. Jamie Conn 11.  Darren McGill Subs: Callan Veith 14. Adam Martin 15. Aidan Berry
Posted in GAFC Match Report | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Cumnock 1 Glenafton 4

Glenafton 3 BSC Glasgow 0

Posted on December 11, 2021 by flowgently
Killie Pie WOSFL Cup | 1st Round11/12/2021
KO 1:30 pm		Loch Park, New Cumnock
Glenafton Athletic 3 (1)Kerr 2, Blyth
BSC Glasgow0 (0)

Mid-week signing midfielder James Martin made his Glenafton debut against West of Scotland Football League Division 4 side BSC Glasgow. It was Martin’s former Lanark United team-mate Hugh Kerr that gave the home side a 1-0 lead at the break with his first Glens goal. Kerr bagged his brace in the second half and along with a strike from substitute David Blyth the Glens progressed to the 2nd round.

Hugh Kerr & David Blyth

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1.  David Markey 2. Aaron Miller 3. Alan Cairns 4. Ollie Rowe 5. Ross Fisher 6. Craig Pettigrew 7. Sam McKee (17. Scott Sherrie) 8. Jamie McKernon 9. Hugh Kerr 10. Leon Murphy 11. James Martin (15. David Blyth). Subs: 12. Sean Bennie 14. Calum Thomson 16. Mark Gilmour 21. D. Sloan (gk)
BSC GLASGOW
1. I. Gordon 2. A. Prince 3. J. Falconer 4. G. Forrest 5. D. Morrison 6. T. Boyle 7. M. Beckett 8. L.Weir 9. J. Robb 10. T. Quinn 11. J. McPhee Subs: K.Gunn 14. G. Prince 15. B. Bowie 20. C. Sheerin
Posted in GAFC Match Report | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Glenafton 3 BSC Glasgow 0