The second friendly of the season saw the Glens host Girvan with several changes to the side that faced Kello Rovers the week before.
The home side were quick off the mark after Mark Gilmour pushed into Girvan’s half before clipping a high ball into the box for David Blyth to get ahead of two defenders only for his glancing header to be blocked by keeper Sam Gibson.
Play quickly settled into an end-to-end pattern without either keeper being tested. Glens won a corner kick that went just beyond the reach of Craig Pettigrew at the back post while at the other end Martyn Brown attempt from distance flew over the bar.
Finn Taylor broke down the left to whip a great ball into the box for Mark Curragh only for Ross Fisher to win the aerial battle and Stuart Bennie mop up the loose ball. Midway through half and Fisher won the aerial battle in the Girvan box but his header from a Scott Sherrie corner kicked looped high over the bar. Blyth then found Sherrie wide on the right and his floated ball to the back post for the incoming Leon Murphy was cut-out by the leaping Gibson.
Glens keeper David Sloan
Girvan countered with a quick break down the right before Craig Harvey cut inside and threaded a perfectly weighted pass for Stephen McLelland to gather and drill a low shot from the edge of the box that although it beat the advancing keeper the ball slipped wide of the far post.
Back came Glens with Blyth driving to the by-line to whip a wicked ball across the goal mouth only for the keeper to get a hand to it and Keiron Balfour clear hit it behind for a corner-kick as Murphy threatened at the back post. Sherrie clipped the kick into the heart of the box and although Orr appeared to beat Pettigrew to the ball the Glens captain (and others) claimed the Girvan defender had handled the ball. Play continued and Sherrie recovered the ball only for the unperturbed Orr to block his cross and clear the ball.
Glens appeal for hand ball in the box
Girvan won a free-kick some 28 yards from goal which Orr blasted into the wall and after recovering the rebound playing a neat one-two before leathering the ball high and wide of target.
On 28 minutes the home side broke the deadlock. Sloan launched a long goal-kick up the right hand side which Girvan recovered only for Curtiss to rob Taylor of the ball and slot a measured pass up the line for Scott Sherrie to gather and cut inside past one defender before cracking a low angled shot between two defenders past the diving goalie at his near post.
Both sides had a couple of decent attacks repelled before the Glens doubled their lead on 36 minutes after a period of patient possession. Pettigrew picked up the ball in the middle of the park and squared to Curtiss on the left who quickly turned his marker to feed Gilmour tight on the touchline who quickly rolled it up the line to Murphy in space to curl a cross to the edge of the six yard line and although Orr beat Ryan to the ball in the air it fell to Sherrie on the far side of the box who killed it dead allowing Blyth to promptly dispatch it back into the danger area where Jordan Ryan got the better of Orr on this occasion, to coolly side-foot the ball into the back of the net.
Glens finished the half with the better of the few chances on show. Pettigrew tried his luck with a thunderous shot from 30 yards out that dipped over the bar, albeit the keeper had the top corner kick. Ryan, back defending, nicked the ball from the feet of Orr on the 18 yard line and slipped it to Curtiss to strike a great ball up the middle for Blyth to chase by the alert Gibson sprinted out his box to clear the danger.
The home side won another couple of corner kicks before the break that were well defended.
H/T Glens 2 Girvan 0
The visitors enjoyed an early spell of pressure through pushing men forward. A long throw deep into the box by substitute Sean Millarvey was headed back out by Ryan McChesney and Millarvey then floated the ball to the back post where Fisher headed clear. Ross Clark then managed to squeeze a shot through a ruck of players that dipped over Sloan’s bar and soon after Mark Curragh won a corner-kick that was mopped up by the Glens defence.
Pettigrew was spraying passes about the park as the Glens came back into the game and the captain tried another long range effort at goal that dropped over the bar.
On 58 minutes Girvan won another corner that Sean Bennie cleared at the back post only for the ball to fall for Martyn Brown but his shot was blocked by Ryan which set up a counter-attack from the Glens from which Murphy earned a corner kick. Sherrie dropped the kick into a crowded box and McChesney came out on top with his header sailing wide of the post.
Pettigrew stroked a free-kick from wide on the right to pick out Murphy on the left hand side of the box where he danced by one defender before drilling a low ball across the face of the goal that evaded the keeper leaving Bennie and Taylor to slide in at the back post sending the ball back to the keeper who did well to push it out beyond the six yard box. Ryan snapped up the loose ball and managed to seek out Blyth on the 18 yard line and his attempt to chip it into goal was thwarted by the alert Gibson.
Sean Bennie denied by defender and keeper
Another long throw from Millarvey for Curragh at the near post was won in the air by McChesney and the ball safely gathered by Sloan. The young keeper then rushed from his line to beat McClelland to a great through ball into the box.
Fisher navigated his way out a pack of Girvan players on the half-way line to pick out Ryan on the right who then released Sherrie down the line to clip a cross to the back post for the incoming Murphy only for Gibson to block his attempt to nick the ball into the net.
Ross Fisher pushes forward
On 65 minutes Glens brought on Liam Nohar and Callum Thomson for Scott Sherrie and Darren Curtiss.
Bennie’s long throw into the heart of the Girvan box was headed cleared and Girvan built a counter-attack with Harvey slipping a great ball into the box to match Curragh’s run and although the striker’s low shot beat the advancing keeper the ball sneaked inches wide of the far post.
Glens made their final change with Sean McIlroy replacing Jordan Ryan up front.
Play continued to flow from end to end without either keeper being tested. Glens came close after the Bennie played a one-two with Blyth down the right before whipping the ball into the box for Fisher to power and header wide of the post.
On 78 minutes some fine control by Bennie before picking out Nohar to roll a through ball into the box saw Blyth beat the offside trap to lash a shot from 15 yards that the outrushing Gibson pushed over the bar. Nohar fired the corner kick to the edge of the six yard box where McIlroy met it first time and his volley smacked off the post and the ball eventually cleared.
Sean McIlroy’s shot hits the post
Girvan then enjoyed a good spell of pressure with Clark cutting back a great ball to McClelland only for his shot from 6 yards blocked by the feet of Sloan, the keeper later denied Clark with a shot of his own.
Back came Glens through a Murphy shot from the edge box that Gibson clutched cleanly. At the other end Girvan pressed and won back-to-back corner kicks but couldn’t find a way through a stubborn defence. Another attacked ended with Harvey from deep in the box lashing an angled shot over the bar.
Pettigrew broke down another Girvan attack on the half way line and played the ball forward for Nohar to clip the ball to the far side of the box from Murphy and although his shot from a tight angle beat the keeper the ball flew harmlessly across the face of the open goal.
Leon Murphy goes close
The Glens finished on the front foot and the last action of the game had Gibson foil Blyth’s attempt to chip the ball into the net.
FT Glens 2 Girvan 0
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
19. David Sloan 2. Sean Bennie 4. Ryan McChesney 5. Ross Fisher 3. Mark Gilmour 7. Scott Sherrie (14. Lewis Nohar) 6. Craig Pettigrew 8. Darren Curtiss 11. (12. Callum Thomson) Leon Murphy 9. Jordan Ryan (15. Sean McIroy ) 10. David Blyth. Subs 16. Scott Johnson (gk) 17. Mick McCann
GIRVAN
Girvan: 1. Sam Gibson 4. Martyn Brown 2. Ross Clark 5. Alan Orr 3. Jack Taylor 11. Antonio Sissi 6. Kieron Balfour 8. Stephen McLelland 10. Finn Taylor 7. Craig Harvey 9 Mark Curragh Subs 17. David Oliphant 14 . Sean Millarvey
It was September last year when Glens last played at Loch Park, in a friendly against Muirkirk behind closed doors in accordance with the COVID-19 restrictions of the time.
It was March 2019 when Glens last played at Loch Park with supporters in attendance, at a league match against Largs Thistle, before the league closed down for the season in accordance with COVID-19 restrictions of that time.
Today we are delighted to welcome our neighbours Kello Rovers and supporters of both sides to Loch Park, under the COVID restrictions of today.
The Glens under the new management team of Mick McCann and Brian McGarrity had to rebuiId a team having closed down and released all their players at the beginning of last season. Several, thankfully, agreed to return while a number of new faces have also been signed up. Rovers opted to play last season looking to continue to build on great progress made the season before, only for the league to close down.
The sun was shining tempered by a cold wind (yes football’s back) and both sides with a sprinkling of trialists on show served up an entertaining match.
Glens opened the scoring after two minutes with a well-worked goal. The ball was switched from Darren Curtis on the right via Cameron Marlow to Mark Gilmour and then onto Alan Cairns wide on the left. He curled a low ball towards the penalty spot, taking 3 defenders out of play, for Sam McKee to pounce and beat a fourth defender to the ball before slotting it home from 10 yards past the advancing goalie Ryan Dunsmuir.
Rovers recovered from the early set back and menacing runs from Mark Armour kept the Glens back-four on their toes. From a short corner the striker weaved into the box and although he temporarily lost the ball, he won it back forcing Iain McKnight to concede another corner. This one was floated into the heart of the box and headed clear by Ross Fisher but again it was Armour that retrieved the ball to drive into the box, only to be dispossessed by Craig Pettigrew.
The midfield battles were intensifying as both sides tried to build attacks. Cairns and Gilmour combined well down the left with the latter earning a corner. Leon Murphy’s kick was flicked on by from Glens keeper Dunsmuir, who then gathered Pettigrew’s attempt to guide the loose ball home. Up the other end and an excellent run through the middle by Aiden Lang ended with him slipping the ball to Armour to break into the right- hand side of the box only for keeper Scott Thomson to narrow the angle and force the striker to send his low shot wide of the far post.
Back came Glens and David Blyth’s perseverance won the tussle with Andrew Struthers to release the ball to Marlow to thump a shot from 25 yards that whizzed passed Dunsmuir at full stretch and inches wide of the post. Soon after Thomas Shirkie’s free kick from the same sort of distance beat the Glens wall but sailed high over the bar.
On 15 minutes a patient build-up from Glens ended with McKnight in the centre circle slipping a through ball for Blyth to chase down and crack a low shot from the 18-yard line only for the outrushing Dunsmuir to block it with an outstretched leg. Fisher and Murphy then combined well down the right to pick out McKee on the edge of the box to flash a shot from a tight angle that bulged the side netting.
Kello won another free-kick just outside the box and although Armour curled it wide of the wall the ball fell comfortably into the hands of the keeper. Up the park and Blyth drilled a daisy-cutter from 22 yards out which Dunsmuir got down quick to smother. Some excellent defending with McKnight robbing Armour of the ball deep in Glens’ box to set up a break upfield that ended with Struthers perfectly timing his tackle to nick the ball from the feet of Blyth as he burst into the box. Back came Kello and Johnson eluded a pocket of Glens defenders to set up a shot that flew well over the bar.
On 37 minutes Murphy curled a corner-kick to the back corner of the six-yard box for McKnight to bullet a header that Dunsmuir dived to hold at the near post. Fisher and Murphy combined down the right before feeding McKee tight on the touchline to whip the ball into the goalmouth only for it to find the top of the net. Cairns and Gilmour then followed suit combining down the left before picking out Blyth in the box only for Smith and Dunsmuir to block his attempt at goal.
On the stroke of half-time Kello drew level through a fantastic strike. A corner kick was headed clear at the near post by Marlow and the loose ball pounced on by Lang to take a touch before squaring it for Lori Johnson to casually clip it into the box where Mark Armour, with his back to goal, turned and lashed home an unstoppable shot from 17 yards out.
HT Glens 1 Kello 1
Glens made two changes at half-time with keeper Daniel Sloan replacing Scott Johnson while Mark Gilmour made way for Jordan Ryan.
The tall striker was soon in the thick of the action gathering a slide-rule pass from Fisher and slipping the ball into the path of Blyth to run into the box and drill a low angled shot that Dunsmuir got down low to push it away. Ryan chased down the loose ball his claims he was impeded by Declan Hill before he collided with the unfortunate Struthers and the ball booted upfield. Play raged on Curtis threaded a great through ball for McKee to thunder a shot from 25 yards which Dunsmuir blocked with his feet, while his team-mate Struthers was still lying injured on the corner of the six yard box. It was Ryan that snapped up the loose ball again and as Blyth burst into the box for the cut-back his claims that Hill pulled him back were also waved away and Ryan’s squared ball was blocked by Dunsmuir. As Kello tried to clear their lines common sense prevailed and play was stopped to attend to Struthers while players from both sides saw the funny side.
No laughing matter when Pettigrew’s attempt to clear the ball from the box cannoned off team-mate McKnight and headed goalward but Sloan was alert to get down and clutch the ball cleanly.
Glens enjoyed a good period of possession in the Rovers half without creating any clear-cut chances against a hard-working defence.
Play then entered a period of the end to end variety. Dunsmuir launched a goal-kick upfield and after some good build up play Lang forced his way to the bye-line but his cut-back to Armour caught the striker wrong-footed and the chance was gone. Back came Glens and McKee and won a corner-kick that was well defended while Rovers responded through a Liam Fleming header that Sloan punched away as Lang closed in. David Thomson, from within a ruck of defenders in the box, cracked a low powerful shot that had Sloan diving at full stretch only for it to sneak wide of the post. At the other end Fisher won a corner and then was in place to clip into the six-yard box where Dunsmuir punched it clear from the head of Ryan.
The Kello goal survived a scare when McKnight’s header from a corner-kick looped over the head of Dunsmuir and bounced along the goal line with two defenders frozen to their respective posts. McKee then clipped it back into the danger area only for it to be cleared.
Midway through the half Glens brought on striker Sean McIlroy for David Blyth as the home side continued to threaten. A corner kick was cleared up field and the ball recovered by McKee to thunder a shot from 25 yards out that Dunsmuir pushed away with both hands. Soon after Ryan on the bye line cut the ball back to Marlow to drill a low angled shot that was deflected wide of the far post. Murphy’s corner kick eventually fell for McKee in a crowded box to curl a powerful shot from 8 yards out that somehow Dunsmuir, having seen it late, managed to get down to push the ball away only for Craig Pettigrew to leather it home from the corner of the six yard box and put the Glens ahead on 72 minutes. Glens continued to press and another couple of corner-kicks were cleared by the Rovers rear guard.
On 78 minutes Glens brought on fresh legs with Ross Fisher and Darren Curtis making way for Scott Sherrie and Calum Thomson and both made a quick impression. Young Thomson combined down the right wing with Ryan and with a bit of trickery took two Rovers out of play to break into the box and slip the ball to Sherrie only be denied a shot by a third defender.
Although Rovers were still in the game the Glens were creating the better of the chances and turned up the pressure in the closing five minutes with a couple of corner kicks and close-range shots that Dunsmuir dealt with admirably. However, with two minutes to go McKee gathered the ball, some 30 yards out and wide on the left, before launching a ball deep into the six yard box where Sherrie trapped it brilliantly before slipping the ball through Dunsmuir legs only for it to nestle at the back post but Sean McIlroy got the jump on the defender to clip it over the line.
Glens continued to push and McKee’s shot from 18 yards was deflected over the bar for a corner which was duly cleared. In the last action Dunsmuir stretched out an arm to cut out McIroy’s cut-back across the face of the goalmouth.
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
1. Scott Johnson ; 5. Ross Fisher 3. Iain McKnight 6. Craig Pettigrew 17. Alan Cairns; 15. Leon Murphy 8. Cameron Marlow 9. Darren Curtis 14. Mark Gilmour; 11. David Blyth, 10. Sam McKee Subs. 2. Jordan Ryan 7. Scott Sherrie 8. Sean McIlroy, 12. Calum Thomson, 19. Daniel Sloan (gk)
KELLO ROVERS
1. Ryan Dunsmuir 3. Kieran Pagan 4. Lori Johnson 5. Andrew Struthers 6. Aiden Lang 7. Evan Crombie 9. Mark Armour 10. Liam Fleming 11. Declan Hill 12. Steven Parker 16. Alistair Smith 17. Michael Kane 18. Thomas Shirkie ) 19. David Thomson
Glenafton Athletic is delighted to announce manager Mick McCann’s new signings in preparation for the Season 2021/22 which hopefully will kick-off in July 2010.
Craig Pettigrew
Craig Pettigrew
34 year old defender Craig began his junior career with Lugar Boswell Thistle before stepping up to the seniors in 2005 with Ayr United. In the summer of 2008, he joined Auchinleck Talbot and during six seasons at Beechwood won three Scottish Junior Cups and two Premier Division titles as well as being capped for Scotland. Back to the seniors with Stranraer for two seasons and then Dumbarton for another before returning to Stair Park for a brief spell. Craig returned to Talbot in 2017 but within a few months moved on to Kilwinning Rangers. He joined Glenafton in Season 2019/20 and made 22 appearances while chipping in with a couple of goals before football closed down. Following the Glens decision to withdraw from the league in 2020/21 Craig joined St. Cadoc’s.
Welcome back to Loch Park, Craig.
Dean Hawkshaw
Dean Hawkshaw | (Photo John Haddow)
The 23 year-old midfilelder has signed for the Glens for the third time! After coming through the Kilmarnock U17 and U20 sides he stepped up to the first team squad in Season 2017/18. He had loan spell at Stranraer before Craig McEwan signed him for the Glens at the start of the following season. Dean made only 5 appearances before heading south to play for Halesowen Town and then returning to turn out for Airdrieonians. Southy signed Dean again for the Glens at the beginning of the ill-fated Season 2021/21. After the Glens withdrew from the WOSFL at the start of season the management team and several players, incuding Dean joined St. Cadoc’s.
Welcome back to Loch Park, Dean.
Leon Murphy
Leon Murphy | Photo John Haddow
Leaon’s story has a similar ring to that of Dean’s. The 22-year-old (tomorrow) came through the Ayr United U17 and U20s sides before stepping up to the first team squad in Season 2017/18. The following season Leon made enjoyed a succesful loan period with Glenafton making over 32 appearances for the club and scoring 5 goals before returning to Ayr United. Manager Craig McEwan signed Leon again for the Glens at the beginning of the ill-fated Season 2021/21. After the Glens withdrew from the WOSFL at the start of season the management team and several players, incuding Leon joined St. Cadoc’s.
Welcome back to Loch Patk, Leon.
David Blyth
17 year old Mauchline lad David Blyth joined the youth set up as a 7 year-old and was at Somerset through to the U15. He then moved to the Kilmarnock Youth set-up where he was part of the 03 squad that former Glens coach Craig Kyle worked with for a spell. Last year he scored a ‘worldie’ as Kilmarnock beat Hearts 2-1 in the Scottish Youth Cup Semi-final but unfortunately due to the pandemic the final was not played. David can play wide on the left or up front and is an exciting prospect.
All ClubsFollowing today’s update from the Scottish Government stating that adult contact training/football will not be allowed until 17th May 2021, the management committee of the Scottish Junior FA have decided to end season 2020/2021 and declare all competitions null & void.
We can now set our sights on moving forward and hopefully welcoming fans back at some point in the new season. This decision gives us all some clarity and the opportunity to look at starting next season a bit earlier than normal. Further details will be announced in due course.
Please continue to follow the Scottish Government guidelines and Stay Safe.
The Board of the West of Scotland Football League have confirmed that due to the current suspension of the game due to the coronavirus pandemic, the current football season will be officially ended and declared null and void if Clubs are not allowed to resume full contact training by the 3rd April, therefore allowing for the resumption of competitive fixtures no later than the 17th April.
At the start of the season, the then Interim Management Group confirmed that 50% of matches across all divisions would be required to be played to allow the League to be determined on a points per game basis, should the League competition have to end prior to the completition of all fixtures. An average of 10 rounds of fixtures are required to be played to achieve that milestone and allow all clubs to have played each other at least once. With the Premier Division Champions requiring to be determined no later than 22nd May to allow possible participation in the Lowland League Play-offs, this would require Clubs to play both weekend and midweek fixtures from the 17th April. Therefore should it become clear that this will not be possible, the League will be declared null and void and the focus will thereafter be on planning for the start of the 21/22 season.Meanwhile the League welcome the announcement from the Scottish Government regarding the easing of lockdown restrictions but would remind Clubs that the current suspension of training remains in force until we receive a further update from the Scottish FA.
We can confirm Glens manager Mick McCann has added goalkeeper coach Stuart Leavy to his back room staff.
Stuart was at Celtic and Kilmarnock as a youth before signing pro as a 16 year-old with Livingston and later moved to St Mirren. In the Junior ranks Stuart had spells with Darvel, Lugar, Kello, Hurlford, Girvan and Troon. Following a time at Glenburn Amateurs decided step to into the coaching. Mick speaks very highly of Stuart and is confident he will be a great asset for the club. Everyone at Glenafton Athletic would like to welcome Stuart to Loch Park.
Stuart at Loch Park | Troon v St Cuthbert Wanderers Joe Meldrum Trophy 2011/12
Glenafton Athletic is delighted to announce that manager Mick McCann has appointed former Glens keeper Brian McGarrity as his assistant.
Brian and Mick had spells together at Annbank United and Auchinleck Talbot before Brian made the move to Loch Park in 2012/13 with Mick following on two seasons later. Brian reached the Scottish Junior Cup Final in his first season with the Glens and earned an Ardagh Sectional Cup winners’ medal the following season and who can forget his feat of saving four penalties in a row in the quarter-final shoot-out in that competition. Of course, Brian was a member of treble winning side of 2016/17 that won the Scottish Junior Cup, the West Region Premier Championship and the Evening Times Cup Winners Cup. Brian made 210 appearances for the Glens and scored 1 goal with a long kick-out! Sadly, following a serious injury Brian was forced to retire from the game at the start of Season 2019/20, however he remained a familiar face at games, cheering the team on. Everyone at the club would like to wish Brian all the best in his new role of assistant manager of Glenafton Athletic.
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We are delighted to announce that former player Mick McCann will be appointed the new Glens manager. Mick will appoint his own back room staff and this will be announced in the near future.
Mick played up front for Annbank United and then Irvine Meadow XI before joining Auchinleck Talbot at the start of Season 2010/11. In four successful seasons at Talbot the club’s many honours included two Scottish Junior Cup wins and two West Premier Region titles. Mick then moved to Troon for a season before joining Glenafton Athletic in June 2015. During the five seasons at Loch Park, including the curtailed one of 2019/20, Mick made some 160 appearances for the Glens and scored 58 goals. Of course, Mick was part of the treble winning side of 2016/17 that lifted the Scottish Junior Cup and Evening Times Cup Winners Cup as well as being crowned West Region Premier Champions.
We are delighted with this appointment and we cannot wait for the club to be back training and playing and of course with our supporters back atloch Park . We made the correct decision in withdrawing from the league when you see the Covid situation getting worse every week and now as you are all aware the league has been suspended till further notice.
On Sunday 11th October 2020 Glenafton Athletic withdrew from the WOSFL for Season 2020/21 and effectively “suspended operations” during the current global pandemic.
This is second time in the club’s history that it has had to resort to such drastic action. During Season 1939/40 Germany invaded Poland on the Friday 1st September 1939; the next day Glens travelled to Coalburn and returned victorious after a 3-2 win in the 1st Round of the Scottish Junior Cup and the day after that Britain and France declared War of Germany. Football continued to be played on and off through the season. At the club’s Annual General Meeting on 5th May 1940, a few months shy of Glenafton’s 10th anniversary –
Sam Dickson, president of the football club then motioned that Glenafton Athletic Football Club suspend operations for the duration of war or until football is resumed in our district and that the balance of the Supporters Club along with the balance of the football club be put in the Co-op Bank. Seconded by J. Ferguson the motion was accepted and Trustees were duly appointed, namely Sam Dickson (President) & Jimmy White (secretary) for the football club and Hugh Brown & (secretary) & Henry Brown (treasurer) for the supporter’s club.
In June 1940, one of their former players and prolific goalscorer Tommy Langan joined the R.A.F. and four years was lost in action and presumed dead. This is a tribute, in his memory, to his footballing years at Glenafton Atheltic
Personal Profile
NAME:
Thomas Langan
D.O.B.
29 Aug 1915
PLACE OF BIRTH:
Galston, Ayrshire
SIGNED FOR GLENAFTON:
July 1934
POSITION:
Centre Forward
RELEASED BY GLENAFTON:
July 1937
Previous Teams
Grade
Team
School
St. Joseph’s, Kilmarnock
Juvenile
Galston Cessnockbank
Juvenile
Longpark United
Glenafton Athletic Record
SEASON
HONOURS
1934/35
Western League Champions Western League Cup Winners Ayrshire Consolation Cup Winners
1935/36
Ayrshire Cup Winners SJFA Jubilee Shield Runners-up Scored 7 goals in one game International Cap for Scotland v Ireland
1936/37
Irvine and District Cup Runners-up
Clubs after Glenafton Athletic
Season
Club
Honours
1937/38
Arthurlie
played 4 games
1937/38
Johnstone Athletic
Western League Champions Moore Trophy Winners Irvine & Dist. Cup Runners-up
1938/39
Johnstone Athletic
1939/40
Muirkirk Athletic
THOMAS LANGAN (1915-1944)
Family Life
Tommy Langan was born at Hamilton’s Row, Galston on 29th August 1915, the first child of Tommy Langan, coal-miner and Euphemia Clark. Three years later his sister Euphemia was born and three years after that brother William completed the family. The family later settled at Brewland Street in the town and it was here in 1929 that Tommy’s father died leaving his widow to bring up three children, aged between 8 -14 years old.
JUVENILE FOOTBALL
Tommy found worked as an assistant to a local storekeeper while his spare time was taken up by playing football. He played at Juvenile level with local side Galston Cessnockbank and from there progressed to playing centre-forward for Longpark United. The team were based at Hillhead Park, in his father’s home town of Kilmarnock and played in the Kilmarnock and District Juvenile League. In February 1934, 18 year-old Tommy’s performance in home cup-tie, 4-2 win over Hurlford caught the eye of the Kilmarnock Herald.
“Young Langan was a source of continuous worry to Hurlford’s defence. We had heard glowing reports concerning young Langan, Longpark’s centre-forward. Now we have seen him, and Longpark have made a most promising capture, but we would like to see this lad under less strenuous circumstances.”
A month later the paper was reporting Tommy’s decision to step up to the ranks of Junior football
“Longpark United’s promising young centre Langan has taken the Junior ‘shilling’. We would have advised further Juvenile experience before such a step, but nevertheless, we wish this lad every success in his new sphere.”
JUNIOR FOOTBALL
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC
Tommy Langan’s Junior “shilling” was being paid by Glenafton Athletic from New Cumnock some 16 miles south east of Galston as the crow flies. Glenafton were formed in 1930 and based the heart of to the miners’ rows at Connel Park; their pitch owned by New Cumnock Collieries Ltd. The pitch had been home to senior side Lanemark Football Club from 1875 through to 1920, taking their name from Lanemark Coal Company (who in turn took their name from lands of Lanemark where they owned the lease to work the minerals). After Lanemark folded Junior side New Cumnock United played there from 1919-1928 before they folded.
Glenafton Athletic played in the small South Ayrshire League and played in local, county and national cup competitions. The Glens won back to back league titles and a clutch of local cups but the league struggled to survive. After several attempts Glenafton and some other South Ayrshire clubs were admitted into the prestigious Western League comprising chiefly of North Ayrshire side. The New Cumnock side gave a good account of themselves and finished 3rd in the league reached the semi-final stage of four cup competitions. In addition, one of their players, William Ferguson was capped and played for the Scottish Junior international side; the first Glenafton player to receive this honour.
Season 1934/35
Tommy Langlan was one of a number of Glenafton’s new signings for the season ahead. He was very much considered to be one for the future as the Glens looked to protect the young centre-forward in his first season in the Junior grade. The club also paid a fee to Galston FC to allow Tommy to train with them to prevent him from travelling back and forth to New Cumnock during midweek.
The challenge of breaking through to the starting eleven was highlighted in the pre-season training match when the Glens B team, with Tommy at centre-forward, were defeated 3-0, with Serrie scoring a hat-trick for the Glens A team. Having said that both players scored in the 3-2 league win over Kilwinning Eglinton on Saturday 18th August 1934; which appears to be Tommy’s first goal for the Glens.
The Glens had been challenging at the top of the league from the beginning of the season. Young Tommy didn’t feature in too many games as the club were eager to play their strongest team to maintain the challenge. Indeed, in October 1934 the club received a letter from player Langan “asking for his papers as he thinks he had not been fairly dealt with”. His concerns appeared to have be resolved as he was listed as a reserve for a number of games.
At the beginning of November, he was selected to play in the top of the table clash at home to Dreghorn and scored the third goal in a 3-1 win, which maintained Glens unbeaten league run of played 15, won 10, drawn 5. Tommy was picked as one of the reserves for the 3rd Round Scottish Junior Cup tie at home to Yoker Athletic and also appointed one of the linesmen for the game!
Tommy continued to be named as a reserve for a number of games but come February 1935 the club received another letter from him and an interview followed within the week. Again any issues appeared to have been resolved as Tommy appeared as a reserve and occasionally in the starting line-up. Glens league challenged had faltered slightly with Kilwinning Rangers now favourites to win the race for the flag.
The New Cumnock side turned a corner and Tommy was now a regular starter. On Saturday 13th April 1935 they hosted Ardeer Recreation, a team they had never defeated in their short history. Tommy opened the scoring on 5 minutes and although the visitors equalised a minute later the Glens went on to win 6-1 with Tommy scoring a hat-trick. The Cumnock Chronicle lauded Tommy’s performance –
Glenafton’s policy of nursing young Langan has paid off
Over 200 Glens supporters boarded the “football special train” for the league game away to Ardrossan Winton Rovers where another valuable two points were gathered in a 3-1 win, including a brace from Tommy.
The goals kept coming for the young centre-forward with another double in a 3-0 win over Cumnock Juniors in the 3rd round of the Ayrshire Charities Cup.
By this time the Glens had progressed to the Western League Cup Final where they faced Ardeer Recreation at Somerset Park on Saturday 11th May 1935. A crowd of 2,000 watched the Glens open the scoring through a wonderful goal from Tommy. Barney Jackson headed home another fine goal to secure a 2-0 victory and the Western League Cup was on its way to New Cumnock, the first silverware won by a South Ayrshire club since their admittance to the Western League.
The weather for the Western League Cup final, played at Somerset Park, Ayr , last Saturday, was excellent from the spectator’s point of view, although it must have been very tiring for the players.
The game started on fast lines, Ardeer coming away with a rush, and looked like carrying everything before them, but Glen’s defence were on their toes, Gray and Brown being specially prominent, and Ferguson doing all that was required of him. Both sets of forwards were purveying football of the first order, the constructive work of both teams being one of the features of the game. Hunter, McAvoy and McGuiness were playing well in a defensive capacity for Ardeer, and on numerous occasions gave Glenafton forwards the turn-about when they threatened danger.
The game had been in progress for 25 minutes when Campbell let Hawthorn away. He careered along the wing and sent over a fast centre which Langan took in his stride and completely beat Hunter. It was a picture goal.
Ardeer had numerous scoring chances, but these were frittered away or ably dealt with by McEwan, who was on top of his game. After 40 minutes play Glen’s forced a corner which was nicely taken by Hawthorn. Jackson had placed himself beautifully, and, rising like a bird, headed into the net, to give the Glen’s a two goal lead at the interval.
Any advantage in the second half was with Ardeer, but they could not find a loophole in the defensive armour of Glenafton’s defence. In the closing stages the Ardeer forwards made superhuman efforts to save the game, but McEwan, Brown, Ferguson and Gray were positively brilliant. Glen’s thoroughly deserved their win for taking their scoring chances. The goals scored by Langan and Jackson were worthy of a cup final victor. Both teams are to be complimented on the quality of the play served up under such trying conditions.
Three days later Tommy scored the only goal of the game in a precious league victory away to Saltcoats Victoria. Glens with one league game to play were now 3 points ahead of Kilwinning Rangers who had two games to play, including one at New Cumnock in a possible show down. However, Kilwinning lost their next game and Glens were crowned Western League Champions.
On Saturday 25th May 1935 the Glens defeated Dreghorn 3-1 in the Ayrshire Consolation Cup Final at Townhead Park, Cumnock. No goals for Tommy that day, indeed he missed three good chances as he went onto win another medal.
Season 1935/36
Defending Champions Glenafton’s league campaign got off to a disappointing start when an under-strength side lost 2-1 away to Cumnock Juniors, recently admitted to the Western League, with Tommy scoring Glens’ goal. The New Cumnock side then proceeded to knock their local rivals out of three cup competitions in quick succession including the Irvine & District Cup where Tommy bagged a brace in a 3-1 win.
Tommy’s performances were beginning to attract the attention of senior sides and during October he turned out for Kilmarnock reserves and linked with Celtic Alliance side (i.e. reserves)
Celtic and Tommy Langan the Athletic’s centre-forward upon whom Kilmarnock are reported to be sweet, are the other two parties soon likely to stir the transfer market. Tommy is showing his paces with Celtic “A” in the very near future.
On Boxing Day the Glens trounced Troon 9-0 at Connel Park with Tommy opening the scoring on 30 seconds before adding two more to complete his hat-trick before half-time. The young centre-forward fired four more goals into the net after the break to take his tally to 7 and set a new club record. The Glens entered the New Year – top of the league and still in all the cup competitions.
From Boxing Day to a boxing match in January at Lochee Harp in the 4th round of the Scottish Junior Cup after Tommy and Harp’s left-back fell out on 5 minutes and both were ordered off. To add to their woes Harp’s keeper saved a penalty kick on their way to a 2-1 win. February started with a flurry a six-nil thrashing of holders Kilwinning Rangers in the 3rd Round of the Ayrshire Cup at Connel Park. A Langan double and Hawthorn single in each half doing the damage and it could have been much more if not for the heroics of Upward in the Buffs’ goal.
Tommy and John Reid were selected for Scottish Junior South side to the North side in an international trial match at Townhead Park, Cumnock. On Leap Day (29th Feb 1936) Tommy turned for the Celtic Alliance team in a 1-0 win over Hamilton Academical.
Back row: (from left to right): Matthew Devine (Royal Albert); Ernie Gowans (Inverurie Loco Works); James Clark (Cambuslang Rangers); William McLean (Yoker Athletic); Bobby Weir (Larkhall Thistle) (Captain) /1; George Wilson (Bridgeton Waverley( – travelling reserve).
Front row: (from left to right): Norrie Corbett (Musselburgh Athletic); Tommy Robertson (Camelon); Robert McAlonan (Royal Albert; Tommy Langan (Glenafton Athletic); Robert Nicol (Kirkford); John Reid (Glenafton Athletic).
A great honour befell all those associated with Glenafton Athletic when three of their players were selected to represent Scotland in the international match against Ireland in Belfast. Jackie Craig (right-half), Tommy Langan (centre forward) and Johnny Reid (outside left) were the men to be capped. Sadly, Craig was unable to play due to illness and the Scots went down, on Saturday 7th March, to a heavy 4-0 defeat.
No fewer than nine changes were made for the game against Wales at Rugby Park the following Saturday where Tommy was named the reserve centre-forward.
However, Tommy was back at Rugby Park on 28th March as the Glens faced local rivals Cumnock juniors in Ayrshire Junior Cup Semi-final where friends and family from the Galston witnessed another Langan hat-trick
In front of a crowd of 8,000 Cumnock’s Collins opened the scoring after only 11 minutes. Glenafton, fielding their recognised cup-team hit back with four goals before the break, a Tommy Langan double sandwiched between a brace of penalties from Harry Brown. In the second half Langan completed his hat-trick and Hawthorn added a sixth to complete the rout.
Unfortunately, an injury prevented Tommy from returning to Rugby Park for the final at the beginning of April against Irvine Victoria. Only goal-average in favour of the Glens separated the two sides at the top of the Western League while Cumnock were lurking 2 points behind – with a game in hand. A hat-trick from Johnnie Reid secured the Ayrshire Junior Cup for the first time in Glenafton’s history.
The Glens embarked on an intensive run of 16 games, 1 per every 3 days, missing the services of Johnny Reid (trials for Rangers “A”) and then later lost Tommy through injury which put a huge dent in their attempt to retain their title. Although, on his return he scored a hat-trick away at Auchinleck Talbot, it was Cumnock Juniors that went on the be crowned champions and Glens finished in 3rd position.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Scottish Junior Football Association the winners of all the regional associations competed for the SJFA Jubilee Shield with Glenafton representing Ayrshire. They defeated Lanarkshire representatives Coltness United 1-0 at Douglas Park, Hamilton before beating Fife side Thornton Hibernian 3-0 in the semi-final at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock in one of their best displays of the season. Two days later the Glens failed to reach the same heights when they went down to a heavy 4-0 defeat to Ardrossan Winton Rovers in the Western League Cup Final at Stevenston.
On Saturday 30th May 1936 Glenafton faced Renfrewshire side Greenock Morton Juniors in the SJFA Jubilee Shield Final at Love Street, Paisley. Over 1,000 supporters from New Cumnock in the 12,000 crowd saw the Glens let slip a 2-1 lead in the dying minutes. Although Glens took an early lead in the replay, at Paisley again, four days later, Morton Juniors fought back to secure a comfortable 4-1 win.
Season 1936/37
A number of the Glens players stepped up to senior sides and a number of new faces joined the club. The league campaign got off to a good start and Tommy headed the only goal of the game to see of Ardeer Recreation in the 1st round of the Scottish Junior Cup. Tommy hit a hat-trick the following week in a 4-1 home win over Darvel to keep the Glens on Irvine Vics coat-tails in the league. Glenafton travelled to face Cumnock Juniors in the Scottish Junior Cup 2nd Round, the first meeting of the local rivals in the national competition. The New Cumnock outclassed Cumnock with some great play and Tommy scored the second goal in the famous 5-0 victory.
Glenafton were putting up a game that was a revelation to me, their positional play, quick and intelligent passing, clever and speedy wing men who could cross without wasting any time in frills was the best I have seen this season and when Langan eluded McCall and clattered on a second goal, I could see the writing was on the wall as far as Cumnock was concerned.
In November a close encounter at Connel Park saw the home side defeat Duntocher Hibs 3-2 in the Scottish Junior Cup 3rd round. The month ended with Glens on top of the league but close challengers Irvine Vics and Cumnock Juniors had played fewer games.
The New Year began with Glens earning a draw away to Yoker Athletic in the Scottish Junior Cup 4th round and Tommy opened the scoring as Glens went on to win the replay 2-1 at Connel Park.
Glens were now 8 points ahead of Cumnock in the league but had played four more games.
In FebruaryGlenafton hosted Forfar Celtic in the 5th Round of the Scottish Junior Cup and Tommy scored a hat-trick in the 5-0 victory. The Glens were through to Quarter-Finals of the Scottish Junior Cup for the first time in their history and would travel to face Arthurlie, of Barrhead, near Paisley at the end of the month. The Glens took an early lead only for Arthurlie to draw level early in the second half. Later it looked like Tommy had put the Glens ahead, only for the goal to be disallowed.
Once Langan worked his way clear of Galt, and his parting shot, which had Brown beaten to the world, rebounded from the bottom of the upright. Eventually he did get the ball into the net only to find the referee disallowing the point for some previous infringement.
The home side then scored the winner and would go on to win the Scottish Junior Cup.
By the end of March, the Glens were still top of the league, however Cumnock were 7 points behind with 4 games in hand. They had also reached the Ayrshire Cup Semi-final where they met Kello Rovers at Rugby Park. Tommy picked up an injury during the game as was pushed out to the wing and the game ended 3-3. The replay the following ended goal-less before Kello scored three goals in extra-time to knock the holders out the cup.
Meantime Cumnock had enjoyed a long unbeaten run in the league. Indeed, a victory over Glens at Townhead Park at the end of the month would have surely secured the title only for the Glens to win 3-0 and keep their hopes alive. Into May and Cumnock completed their league games to sit top of the league. Glens needed to win all three of their remaining league games to be played over a 5 day period. Sadly, they fell at the first hurdle and would go on to lose all three matches and Cumnock retained their title with Glens runners-up. To add to their woes, they lost out to Kilbirnie Ladeside in the Irvine & District Cup Final; their remaining hope of silverware in a “What might have been” season”.
The Kilbirnie game proved to be Tommy’s last one with Glenafton. The club minutes of the 2nd June 1937 record he was released with a number of other players and was released by the club. A month later the minutes of 4th July recorded
“Letter from T. Langan and enclosing an account from McCabe masseur for treatment he received to injury he received against Kilbirnie at Stewarton. Agreed same be paid.”
Being a forward in Junior football came at a price and Tommy had many a visit to the treatment table. Tommy made his mark as a prolific goal-scorer with Glenafton and brought honour to the club and New Cumnock with his international cap for Scotland.
However, Tommy, an assistant shopkeeper, had already began a new chapter in his life having married Violet Charlesworth a nurse from the neighbouring Newmilns. The 20-year-olds were married at St. Sophia’s Chapel, Galston on 29th April 1936 and settled at 98 Brewland St, Galston. Later that year a daughter, Julia Fraser Langan was born at Newmilns, probably at Violets’ parent’s house. A second daughter Euphemia Clark Langan was born two years later in Newmilns.
ARTHURLIE
Season 1937/38
Season 1936/37 saw Tommy sign for Scottish Junior Cup winners Arthurlie and scored two goals in the four games he played for the Barrhead club who competed in the Central League.
JOHNSTONE ATHLETIC
Season 1937/38
By October Tommy had joined Johnstone Athletic another Renfrewshire side, however they had been admitted to the Western Junior League the previous season. Johnstone had already beaten the Glens 2-1 in the league before Tommy joined. The two sides were competing for the title for most of the season. By November and half way through the league campaign the top 3 were Kello Pl 17 25pts, Glens Pl 18 24 pts, Johnstone P15 23pts.
However, it was the Renfrewshire club and Saltcoats Victoria that set the pace in the second half season, including Johnstone’s 3-1 win at New Cumnock before Johnstone finished the stronger to win the title form Vics by 8 points with Glens a further 6 points to finish in 3rd place. Johnstone also won the Moore Trophy with a hat-trick from Tommy seeing off Ardrossan Winton Rovers in the semi-final before they beat Irvine Vics 3-1 in the final. They came close to winning a third trophy only for Saltcoats Vics to beat them in the final, after a replay, of the Irvine & District Cup.
Season 1938/39
There was a touch of déjà vu as both champions Johnstone Athletic and Glens competed at the top of the league again. Although scored on his return to Connel Park the Glens secured the points with a 2-1 win. By the end of the year Glens were top of the league on 33 points with Johnstone a point behind with both clubs having played 22 games. In February the two sides again met again with Tommy scoring in a 4-3 win that saw Johnstone leapfrog Glens in the league but by this time Ardeer were top. The race for the title went to the wire with Saltcoats and Ardeer each finishing on 58 points from 38 games while Johnstone finished in 3rd place on 53 points with Glens in 4th a further point behind.
MUIRKIRK ATHLETIC
Season 1939/40
In Season 1939/40 Tommy signed for Muirkirk Athletic and on 24th August 1939 he scored one of Muirkirk’s goals in the 3-1 home win over the Glens in the Western Junior League season. On 30th August he scored Muirkirk’s only goal in their 2-1 defeat away to Kello Rovers, crashing the ball past his former team-mate goalkeeper Matt McEwan.
Two days later Germany invaded Poland and the following day 3rd September 1939 Britain and France declared war on Germany. Football continued with stops and starts. At their Annual General Meeting of 5th May 1940 Glenafton Athletic agreed to suspend operations for the duration of the War.
The following month Tommy Langan joined the R.A.F. and four years later he was presumed to have lost his life on 7th June 1944.
SGT. Air Gunner Thomas Langan
Sgt. Air Gunner Thomas Langan
At the invasion of France in June of last Sgt. Air Gunner Thomas Langan was reported missing on operations over enemy territory and a few days before word came through about his younger brother’s death his mother received intimation that he is now presumed to have lost his life on 7th June last year. He was 29 years of age and had been in the R.A.F. since June, 1940. He was a native of Galston and was educated at the same schools as his brother. His wife and two young daughters reside at 77 Blair Avenue, Hurlford.
Followers of Junior football in the county will remember Segt. Langan as a skilful centre-forward who led the Glenafton Athletic team for a number of years. Season 1935-36 was an outstanding year one for him. Besides being capped for Scotland against Ireland he gained with Glenafton Athletic an Ayrshire Junior Cup badge and a runners-up badge in the Scottish Jubilee Shield competition. Before joining the Forces he was playing with Johnstone Athletic. During his schooldays he played with the St. Joseph’s team.
When he was called to the Colours Sgt. Langan was employed by Messrs. Blackwood, Morton and Sons Ltd., Kilmarnock and prior to that had been a motor van driver with Messrs. Ritchie Paper Products, Kilmarnock.
We are sure the whole community will with us in extending sincere sympathy to the bereaved relatives.
Obituary 1945
Tommy’s younger brother, William Langan was killed on 13th April 1945 while serving with the R.A.F. The names of both men appear on the Galston War Memorial.
Glenafton Athletic are pleased to share this tribute from Tommy Langan’s family
FAMILY TRIBUTE 7th June 2023
79th Anniversary of the D Day Landings. Lest we forget x Our grandfather Sgt Thomas ‘Tommy’ Langan’s last day , he would prepare for his final mission as a MK3 Lancaster Bomber Rear Gunner, Royal Air Force 115 Squadron leaving from RAF Witchford at 00.01 hrs on 7th June 1944 to Lisieux France , his aircraft was lost without trace and for him and his 5 companions 5 years of hell was over. He was 29. Such courage and sacrifice, Heroes every one of them . He is remembered at Runnymede and at the Normandy Memorial and by his proud family. R.I.P Grandad x 🏴
It is with regret that the committee of Glenafton Athletic announce our withdrawal from participation in the 2020/2021 West of Scotland Football League.
We have carefully considered all of the information and options we have at our disposal, and have arrived at our decision based on the following:
Our club members and supporters are quite simply the life blood of our club. We rely heavily on match day income such as hospitality, catering and weekly draws. Current Government legislation, prohibits us from allowing any members, supporters or sponsors into the ground. With the COVID 19 situation unlikely to change for some time, it would be financially unsustainable for the club to continue to operate without having the aforementioned income streams.
With a drastically reduced projected income, we feel that that to play under these conditions would financially cripple the club which could potentially raise doubts over our future existence. Quite simply this is not a risk we are willing to take, and as such we feel we have no other viable option than to withdraw from this season’s league championship.
We hope that everyone associated with the club understands our decision and can acknowledge that this was not taken lightly. We do however, feel that this is the only viable option for Glenafton at this time. We would like to place on record our thanks to all fans, sponsors and members for their continued support of the club through this difficult time. We look forward to returning whenever circumstances allow.
Yours in Sport
Ian Young (Club President) & John Stewart (Club Secretary)
Club Statement – Craig McEwan
Following the club’s decision to withdraw from this season’s West of Scotland Football League, the club has now reluctantly accepted the resignation of Manager Craig McEwan.
Craig has tonight informed the club that he no longer wishes to remain in charge, in light of today`s announcement regarding our withdrawal from West of Scotland Football League.
Glenafton Athletic would like to place on record our thanks to Craig for his 5 and a half years of hard work, and for the significant success he brought to the club.
We wish Craig and his family all the best for the future.
Ian Young (Club President) & John Stewart (Club Secretary)
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Glenafton Athletic 