Glenafton Athletic

Glenafton 3 Hurlford 2

Posted on September 12, 2015 by flowgently

West of Scotland Super League Premier Division : Match 3

Saturday 12th September Loch Park , New Cumnock

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 3 (0)

HURLFORD UNITED 2 (1)

DARREN’S DAZZLER CAPS GLENS COMEBACK TO SINK ‘FORD

Glenafton twice levelled through goals from Mick McCann and Daniel Orsi before Darren McGill’s thunderbolt completed the comeback to secure the points and seal the home side’s first league win of the season.

Darren’s dazzler

Glenafton made two changes to the side that started last week in the draw at Peterhsill. In came Ally Park (returning from injury) and Darren MGill while Craig McGuffie and Craig Potter were on the bench. Visitors Hurlford, included former Glenfaton defender Richie McKillen, a summer signing from Linlithgow Rose.

Glens in a 4-4-2 formation, with Mick McCann and Joe Andrew leading the line, looked lively from the start however it was Hurlford that raced to an early lead on 8 minutes. A free kick from the left field was floated into the box where Chris Robertson won the aerial battle at the near post to get the slightest of touch to deflect the ball across the face of goal and in at the back post.

Chris Robertson’s heads home the opener

The home side responded well and were enjoying a lot of the ball without however creating any clear cut chances. Indeed it was Hurlford that came close to doubling their lead on 17 minutes after David McClune appearing to line up to loft a free kick into the box but instead opting for a long range shot which was just wide of the junction of the post and bar.
Midway through the half another ‘Ford free-kick caused panic in the box after Martin Brown’s effort blasted off the Glens’ wall and the loose ball was fired back in by Ross Robertson only for this to be blocked by McChesney and as Kean pounced to try and convert this rebound in slid Park to send the ball across the face of goal to the back where Paul McKenzie’s effort was also blocked. United continued to press and a corner kick was only partially cleared before keeper Brian McGarrity and Craig Menzies combined on the line to deny Kean heading home from close range.

Back came Glens and McCann released Andrew for a diagonal run into the box with McKillen in pursuit, a cute flick took out the defender and found McGill who quickly gave Robertson the slip before squaring the ball for Dan Orsi in the box, but the ball didn’t fall kindly and the chance was gone. Hurlford replied with a long range effort from open play only for the alert M cGarrity to push McClune’s shot over the bar.

Ross Robertson and Ryan McChesney

The home side finished the closing ten minutes of the half strongly. Orsi from wide on the right picked out Chris Malone in space at the back post who cut the ball back for McCann and his first-time shot was blocked by the outstretched leg of Chris Robertson before Alan Cairns’ effort to curl the loose ball home from 20 yards finish wide of target.

Malone then tried a low drilled shot from distance that was well held by Ally Brown. The keeper then beat McCann to the chase for a ball into the box after the Glens striker had left central defenders Roberson and McKillen in his wake. Soon after, McGill at the edge of the box slipped the ball between the same pair to Andrew with his back to goal and as he turned he was caught by Robertson and stumbled to the ground but appeals for a spot kick were forlorn. Brown then did well to clutch the ball from McCann’s head as the half drew to a close. HT Hurlford 1 Glenafton 0

The visitors kicked-off and quickly gave away possession with a careless pass that was intercepted by Andrew who quickly released Mick McCann and off the Glens striker charged forward into the box and as the keeper advanced to his six yard line picked his moment to coolly drill the ball into the net. Game all square on 46 minutes.

Mick McCann slots home the equaliser

Five minutes later Jamie McGeoghegan’s through ball was gathered by Andrew on the edge of the ‘D’ where he turned McKillen before firing for goal and the shot deflected wide off the sole of the defender’s boot. The corner-kick from the left was partially cleared before Park and Orsi combined on the right to send the ball to the back post where Brown leapt to gather as McChesney threatened.

On 54 minutes Hurlford went back in front after McKenzie with no prospect of progressing into the box picked out Kean wide on the right hand side of the box who after a touch fired the ball across the face of goal missing shirts of both colours before arriving at the back post where Ross Robertson was on and to slam home, as home claims for off-side were dismissed.

Ross Robertson (obscured) scores at the back post

The home side were soon back on the front foot with Orsi causing problems with his powerful runs down the right while a Cairns free-kick from the left had Brown juggling the ball before getting under control as McCann hoped to pick up the pieces. Glenafton continued to press and yet had to be wary of the less frequent ‘Ford attacks and midway through the half McGarrity did well to get down low and smother a low angled shot from McClune. At the other end Park and Orsi combined well down the right before Orsi pulled off a great save from Brown.

Enjoying a laugh!

Glenafton brought on midfielder Craig McGuffie for defender Ally Park as they went in search of the equaliser. McGill cut inside from the left to leave Danny Mitchell stranded before Fraser Chisholm took the feet from the Glens midfielder to use up the last of his nine-lives and earn his second yellow card. The keeper made another fine save from the free kick but could do little to stop Dan Orsi bulleting home a header from the corner-kick that followed to level the match again on 75 minutes.

Glens celebrate Dan’s header

Both sides created decent chances Hurlford through Ross Robertson at one end and Glenafton when Andrew’s touch from a throw in deep into the box edged inches wide of the far post.

On 80 minutes the home side took the lead in spectacular fashion. The industrious McCann won the ball in the middle of the park and rolled it back to Darren McGill in the centre circle in acres of space and with defenders backing forward the midfielder pushed forward before unleashing a thunderous shot from over 30 yards out that escaped the outstretched arms of the keeper and dipped just under the bar before bulging the net.

Darren’s shot bulges the net

Hurlford came within a whisker of drawing level within a minute only for Kean’s shot from a tight angle on the right side slipped wide of the far post. Both sides made changes with Darren McGill leaving to loud applause from the home support to be replaced by John Paul Boyle while the visitors brought on Ryan Borris for Paul Byrne and Ryan Donnelly for David McClune. The home side were well in control and continued to attack down both flanks In the dying seconds Hurlford’s last chance ended with Robertson losing out to McGarrity. F/T Glenafton 3 Hurlford 2

Glenafton Athletic: 1. Brian McGarrity 2 Ally Park (15. Craig McGuffie) 3. Alan Cairns. 4. Ryan McChesney 5. Craig Menzies 6. Jamie McGeoghegan 7. Daniel Orsi 8. Chris Malone 9. Joe Andrew 10. Mick McCann 11. Darren McGill (12. John Paul Boyle) Subs 14. Chris Meikle 16 Craig Potter 17. David Buchanan (gk)

Hurlford United: 1. Ally Brown 2. Martin Brown 3. Paul Byrne 4. Richie McKillen 5. Chris Robertson 6. David McLune 7. Paul McKenzie 8. Danny Mitchell 9. Stewart Kean 10. Ross Robertson 11, Fraser Chisholm Subs. 12. Ryan Donnelly 14. Gus Cochrane 15. Ryan Borris 16. James Creaney 17. Iain Fisher

More photos here

Posted in GAFC Match Report | Tagged Glenafton Athletic, Hurlford United, New Cumnock, Scottish Junior Football | Comments Off

Petershill 1 Glenafton 1

Posted on September 5, 2015 by flowgently

Stagecoach Western Super League Premier Division : Match 2

Saturday 5th September, Petershill Park, Glasgow

PETERSHILL 1(1)

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 1 (0)

Glens made several changes from the side that lost to Rob Roy last week with Jamie Hay and Ally Park out injured and Darren McGill taking a place in the bench in came Craig Potter, Joe Andrew and Daniel Orsi on his return from holiday.

The visitors earned an early free kick which was whipped to the back post where Chris Malone’s attempt to convert was thwarted by keeper Steven McNeil rising high in the air to clutch the ball safely, the Glens midfielder catching a sore one in the process.

Petershill countered and despite a number of opportunities to clear the lines the Glens defence conceded free kick on the outskirts of the box. Keiran McAnespie curled the ball ;past the wall to beat keeper Brian McGarrity at his near post and put the home side ahead after 8 minutes.

Peasy take the lead

Michael Daly made good progress down the right and his tussle to retain the ball in the right hand side of box ended up with it popping up wide on the left where McAnespie’s angled shot slipped wide of target.

On 20 minutes the visitors had the ball in the net. Chris Malone picked out Joe Andrew and having shrugged off a shirt pull Chris Ketterer slipped the ball to Mick McCann who appeared to have the jump on the static Jordon Chisholm on the 18 yard line and run on to slot the ball beyond McNeil, only for the assistant’s flag to deny the score.

Mick McCann’s goal disallowed

McGarrity easily mopped up a couple of Peasy cross balls into the box before his counterpart got down low to hold a low shot from Craig McGuffie at the end of another fine run from the young midfielder. The home side looked like doubling their lead on 26 minutes after Jordon Kennedy’s close range shot was initially blocked by Malone and the ball fell kindly for him to blast his second bite at the cherry unimpeded only for McGarrity to pull off a marvellous block and the Glens defence repel the corner kick that followed.

At the other end McGuffie and Malone combined well on the left side of the box before the latter whipped the ball to the back post only for Daniel Orsi’s header to loop over the bar. Soon after Orsi’s ball into the box took a bad bounce off Ketterrer and as Malone picked up the loose ball and prepared to fire he stumbled to the ground after a clash with Tony Stevenson. Penalty claims were waved away and the Glens man booked for his trouble.
Five minutes later the same fate befell Kieran Daw after being robbed of the ball in the ball by Ryan McChesney, his tumble earning him a yellow card.

Craig McGuffie on the move

In the closing minutes of the half Peasy passed up two good chances to add to their lead. Darren McLean with time and space in the box sent his angled shot high and wide beyond McGarrity’s goal and then Daw preferred power to placing from close range and the Glens keeper pulled off another fine block.

HT Petershill 1 Glens 0

Glenafton kicked off and within a minute were back on level terms. Jamie McGeoghegan threaded a super ball for Craig McGuffie to gather, beat the offside trap and make a bee-line for the box with defender Fraser Chisholm struggling to close the gap on his prey. McNeil had little option to charge from his line and although he blocked McGuffie’s shot from the box the ball shot into the air and with his back to goal the he hooked it high over keeper and back-tracking defender and into the gaping net.

Craig lands the equaliser

With their tails up the visitors began press for a second with McGeoghegan much more prominent in supporting the attacks down the right while Potter was doing a fine job in spoiling any counter-attacks by the home side. Malone’s effort from distance sailed over the bar and the Peasy defence stood firm to clear a Glens corner as Andrew and McChesney challenged.

Just before the hour mark McChesney landed awkwardly after bringing McLean’s run down the right to an end and was replaced by Chris Meikle. The Glens were soon back on the front foot and Malone played a cute one-two with Andrew to progress into the box and although his strike was on target McNeil held comfortably. While at the other end McGarrity had to be brave to dive at the feet at Daw.

Midway through the half McGuffie jinked his way through the middle into the box only for his shot to be deflected over the bar by the timely tackle by Peter Bradley. The resultant corner came within a whisker of finding McGuffie’s head but the ball grazed off Chisholm’s head instead and the corner that followed was eventually cleared.

Jamie McGeoghegan and James Brown

Both sides made changes with the visitors bringing on Darren McGill for Daniel Orsi and soon after John Paul Boyle for Mick McCann while the Peasy brought on Gavin Stokes for Darren McLean.

McGill turned a couple of defenders at the corner of the box to slip the ball to Andrew and his low drilled angled shot was well blocked by McNeil’s outstretched leg. On 78 minutes a Peasy free kick from the left was chested down deep into the six yard box by Stevenson for Daw to pounce only for McGarrity to pull out a magnificent save with an outstretched arm.

Brian McGarrity safe hands

The visitors countered with McGill’s run down the left and before picking out Boyle and his attempt roll the ball back for Andrew was intercepted in the nick of time by Ketterer.
With 10 minutes to go the home side almost regain their after Michael Daly did well to engineer a cracking shot from a tight angle to beat McGarrity only for the ball to smash off the post. Although both sides created a couple of half chances before the final whistle neither keeper was tested.

F/T Petershill 1 Glenafton 1

Glenafton Athletic: 1. Brian McGarrity 2. Jamie McGeoghegan 3. Alan Cairns. 4. Craig Menzies 5. Ryan McChesney (14. Chris Meike) 6. Craig Potter 7. Daniel Orsi (15. Darren McGill) 8. Chris Malone 9. Joe Andrew 10. Mick McCann (12. John Paul Boyle) 11. Craig McGuffie Subs 12. John Paul Boyle 14. Chris Meikle 15. Darren McGill 16. Robert Dunn 17. Martin McClung (gk)

Petershill 1. Steven McNeil 2. Fraser Chisholm 3. Peter Bradley 4. Chris Ketterrer 5. Jordon Chisholm 6.Tony Stevenson 7. Darren McLean 8. Jordan Kennedy 9. Michael Daly 10.Kieran Daw 11. Kieran McAnespie Subs 12. Scott Davidson 14. Chris Craig 15. James Brown 16. Gavin Stokes 17. Martyn Shields

More photos here

Posted in GAFC Match Report | Tagged Glenafton Athletic, New Cumnock, Petershill, Scottish Junior Football | Comments Off

Glenafton 0 Kirkintilloch 2

Posted on August 29, 2015 by flowgently

West of Scotland Super League Premier Division : Match 1

Saturday 29th August Loch Park , New Cumnock

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 0(0)

KIRKINTILLOCH ROB ROY 2 (0)

Glenafton played host to newly promoted Kirkintilloch Rob Roy in the opening league game of the season and it was the visitors that started brightly. A free-kick in the opening minute saw former Rabs player Jamie Hay win the aerial dual with Willie Sawyers and then Alan Cairns get in a timely block on Daniel Boyle’s attempt to test Brian McGarrity in goal. The keeper then had to be alert to cut out a cross destined for Alistair Martin at the back post.

While Kirkintilloch pressed in numbers the Glens were relying on long balls as their main source of attack and on 5 minutes Mick McCann did well to force his way into the box only for the back-tracking Jonathan Carter and keeper John Murdoch to combine and block the striker’s shot at goal. Back came the Rabs and McGarrity got a strong hand to a close range effort from Kevin Watt to push the ball over the bar. From the resultant corner the keeper, surrounded by players from both sides, got a fist to the ball under the bar and then clutched the loose ball as it fell to the ground.

Brian McGarrity saves from Kevin Watt

On 15 minutes Darren McGill got the jump on Carter only for the defender to impede his run into the box. Hay’s free-kick thundered into the wall and the danger cleared. Soon after the Gavin Mackie’s free-kick from 30 yards out beat the Glens’ wall and keeper but the ball found the side netting.

Play was now much more even in terms of possession as the Glens midfield began to enjoy more of the ball and push forward more regularly. Chris Malone came out on top in a tussle for the ball and tried his luck from distance only for the ball to sail over the bar. Jamie MGeoghegan then picked up a knock-on by McCann and made excellent progress down the right flank to earn a corner. Carter and Murdoch, well off his line, appeared to have the kick covered but Hay got his head to the ball only for Daniel McKenzie to clear it off the line. Following a stramash in the box the cool head and right boot of Paul Finnigan set up a Rabs counter-attack and set up Scott Upton to pick out Sawyers in space who took a touch before pulling his shot wide of target. Both sides created a couple of half chances before Sawyers was denied deep in the box by a well timed tackle from Cairns.

Craig McGuffie and Jonathan Carter

On the half hour mark Craig McGuffie gathered the ball on the half way line and with Carter hot on his heels made a determined run into the box only for Murdoch to rush from his line and steal the ball from his feet at the penalty spot. Rabs broke upfield and Finnigan released Upton down the right who whipped a wicked ball across the face of the goal and only inches beyond the reach of Sawyers.

In the closing 15 minutes the Glens enjoyed their best spell with McCann pulling off another save from McCann and McGeoghegan’s runs down the right leading to back to corners the latter of which concluded with Murdoch saving McCann’s header.

Brian saves the spot kick

Three minutes before the break Rob Roy were awarded a spot kick after McGeoghegan’s innocuous contact with Mackie at the corner of the box. Mackie’s attempt to place in McGarrity’s left had corner was thwarted as the keeper got down lot to push the ball wide and his defence clear the corner-kick that followed.

H/T Glens 0 Rob Roy 0

The home side started the new half strongly. Ally Park on the overlap down the right cut the ball into box for McCann and Murdoch was on hand to clear. McGuffie then attacked down the left and after a cheeky nutmeg on Finnigan fired a ball across the face of goal where Boyle’s outstretched leg did enough to prevent the incoming McCann and McGill getting a touch.

Glens mopped up a couple of attacks before threatening again with back-to-back corner kicks. The first saw Park’s attempt at the near post being diverted wide while the second ended with Murdoch clutching Ryan McChesney’s header.

Ryan McChesney heads for goa

The big defender was soon in action at the other end when a cross from the right was punched by McGarrity from the head of Sawyers and Carter slipped the loose ball to Watt in space in the left only for McChesney to hunt the ball down and rob the Rab with a super sliding tackle.

Darren McGill and Daniel McKenzie

McGill’s clever pass split the Rabs’s defence allowing McCann to nip into the box but again the alert Murdoch timed his run to perfection and got a strong enough touch on the ball to allow the back tracking McKenzie to mop up the loose ball. Midway through the half both sides made changes with Craig McGuffie making way for Joe Andrew and Chris Duff replacing Gavin Mackie.

Play continued to flow from end to end. Malone burst into the box to complete his one-two with Andrew only for defender to get a touch at the expense of a corner-kick which was only partially cleared before McGeoghegan clipped the ball back into the danger area where Carter coolly dispossessed McCann. The Glens striker was thwarted again after another solo run into the box ended with Murdoch’s block at the near post.

A Rabs break away down the right ended with Sawyers winning a corner-kick and the ball eventually fell to Boyle in a crowded box and the big defender did well to engineer a shot on target which a wrong-footed McGarrity did well to smother.

Chris Duff fires home the opener

With 10 minutes to go the visitors took the lead. Sawyers apparently boxed in at the right hand corner flag turned and took two Glens defenders out the game with a cute pass to Chris Duff who headed unimpeded before powering a low drive in at the near post.

The goal initiated further substitutions with John Paul Boyle replacing Mick McCann for the home side and Kevin Watt making way for Stephen Maguire for the Rob Roy.

Willie Sawyers slams home the second

Five minutes later Kirkintilloch doubled their lead after clearing a Glens’ free-kick into the box and catching them on the break. Martin fed Upton on the right who made excellent progress on the right before taking out the remnants of the home defence with a peach of a pass to Willie Sawyers almost on the penalty spot. Although the outrushing McGarrity forced him to go wide the striker kept his composure to lash a left-footer into the gaping net. F/T Glens 0 Rob Roy 2

Glenafton Athletic: McGarrity; Park, McChesney, Menzies, Cairns; Hay, Malone, McGeoghegan; McGill, McCann (Boyle), McGuffie (Andrew) Subs. Trialist (gk), Potter, Adam

Kirkintilloch Rob Roy: Murdoch Finnigan McKenzie Carter Boyle Whelan Upton Martin Sawyers (Aitken) Watt (Maguire) Mackie (Duff)

More photo here

Posted in GAFC Match Report | Tagged Glenafton Athletic, Kirkintilloch Rob Roy, New Cumnock, Scottish Junior Football | Comments Off

Troon 2 Glenafton 1

Posted on August 26, 2015 by flowgently

Ardagh Glass Cup Quarter-Final

Wednesday 26th August, Portland Park, Troon

TROON 2 (1)

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 1 (0)

A minute’s silence was held before kick off as a mark of respect for Irvine Victoria’s club secretary Mrs Sheena Thomson who recently passed away.

Holders travelled to Portland Park, the scene of their Ardagh Glass Cup final victory over Auchinleck Talbot last season, to face Troon in the quarter-final of this season’s competition. In a pulsating cup-tie it was the home side that broke the deadlock 10 minutes before the break when Adam Forsyth headed home a cross from Dale Moore.

H/T Troon 1 Glens 0

Troon doubled their lead in 58 minutes after Dean Keenan slammed home a free kick. Glenafton halved the deficit two minutes later through local lad Craig McGuffie who gave former Glens’ goalie Ally Semple no chance with a classy header. Play continued to flow from end to end without producing any further scoring. Congratulations to Troon.

F/T Troon 2 Glens 1

Glenafton Athletic: McGarrity; McGeoghegan, McChesney, Menzies, Cairns; Malone, Adam, McGill; Andrew, McCann & McGuffie Subs: Buchanan, Boyle, Meikle, Potter, Dunn

Troon: Semple; Ure, Keenan, Collins, McGowan (Brown); Chatham, Muir, Spence, Forsyth, Shirkie (Reilly), Moore. Subs Wylie, McCrea, Harvey

Posted in GAFC Match Report | Tagged Glenafton Athletic, New Cumnock, Scottish Junior Football, Troon | Leave a comment

Cumnock 1 Glenafton 0

Posted on August 22, 2015 by flowgently

Ardagh Cup Section 4 : Match 5

Saturday 22nd August, Townhead Park, Cumnock

CUMNOCK JUNIORS 1 (0)

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 0 (0)

Holders Glenafton made six changes to the starting eleven side that defeated Lugar on Wednesday night and secure a place in the knock-out stages of the Ardagh Cup. In came Brian McGarrity, Ally Park, Alan Cairns, Jamie Hay, Craig McGuffie and Mick McCann for David Buchanan, Ryan McChesney, Darren, McGill, Dan Orsi, Robert Dunn and John Paul Boyle.

In the Cumnock side was Paul Murphy a member of the Glenafton side that won the Super League 1st Division and hopefully he can repeat that feat with our neighbours in the forthcoming season.

The first half proved to be a dull affair matching the overhead conditions and the few clear cut chances on offer were equally shared.

Ross McNeil blasted an early chance for the hosts well over the bar. On 13 minutes Mick McCann responded for the visitors when his turn and shot from 10 yards out beat keeper Joe Baker at full stretch but skimmed wide off the post. At the other end keeper Brian McGarrity comfortably saved McNeil’s looping header from deep inside the box.

Midway through the half McCann and Joe Andrew combined to release Craig McGuffie into the box and although he gave Murphy the slip his shot from an acute angle was blocked by the keeper as he rushed to the edge of the six yard box. McGuffie’s header from the resultant corner was duly cleared by Josh Watt guarding the back post. Two minutes later a Cumnock corner found Keiren Wood in space in a busy box only for his powerful header to flash well wide of target.

Joe Andrew in the ‘Nock box

Glenafton then enjoyed a good period of pressure with Chris Malone at the heart of the action. With 33 minutes gone McCann slipped the ball down the right flank for Ally Park on the overlap and from the corner flag cut the ball back into the box where it was met first time by Malone and although his shot beat a line of ‘Nock defenders Baker got down low to pull off another good save. Three minutes later Malone burst into the box to gather a McGuffie knock-down and outfoxed Baker at the near post before sending a square ball across the face of the goal only for Wood to get a foot to it as McCann threatened to pounce.

Chris Malone cuts back

Glens continued to press and Alan Cairns and Malone whipped in wicked crosses from the left but again the ‘Nock defence stood firm.With four minutes to go Cumnock shouts for a penalty were waved away after substitute Aiden Malone’s run ended with a tumble in the box as Glens’ captain Craig Menzies looked on, earning the former Airdire U19s striker a yellow card. H/T Cumnock 0 Glenafton 0

The new half took on a similar pattern to the first with half chances at either end. McGarrity got down low to stop at angled shot from Aiden Malone while the alert Baker raced from his line to beat Andrew to a long through ball into the box. Kieran Downs’ free-kick curled round the Glens wall but lacked the power to bother McGarrity.

With an hour gone Glenafton were forced to make a change with the injured Hay making way for Ryan McChesney. Meanwhile the visitors’ long balls into the box continued to be mopped up by Baker. On 63 minutes Cumnock responded with a fine passage of flowing football beginning with Del Esplin winning a header in the middle of the park and picking up the ball again, following neat touches by Owen Ronald and McNeil. Esplin then slid the ball to Watt in acres of spaces on the left hand side of the box and although his low angled shot beat the keeper Menzies was in the right place to clear the danger at the back post as Malone waited for the tap in.

Mick McCann and Paul Murphy

A flurry of substitutes had the home side swap Downs for Andy Scott and the visitors replace John Adam for Darren McGill and Craig McGuffie with John Paul Boyle.

On 72 minutes Ronald pulled back Malone as he pushed forward and from the resultant free-kick Baker pulled off an excellent save from a McGill special; two strong hands pushing the ball over the bar. Chris Malone’s short corner was played back to him by McGill and his cross headed on by Park and McCann’s touch took the ball beyond the raised arm of the keeper and the ball seemed net bound only for James Lundie to keep his cool a few yards off the line and hook the ball to safety. Soon after Lundie’s outstretched leg did enough to prevent another Malone corner finding McCann deep in the box.

James Lundie hooks clear as Joe Andrew looks to strike

Cumnock forced a couple of corners of their own both of which were defended well including an excellent punch from under the bar by McGarrity under pressure. With four minutes to go the home side’s late push paid off after Scott’s cute pass split the Glens’ defence and in a flash Ross McNeil collected the ball and unleashed a ferocious shot and in another flash the ball screamed past the keeper and into the net.

Ross McNeil’s shot ends in the net

Glens almost drew level from the kick-off after McGeoghegan broke forward and picked out McChesney who thundered a shot from 30 yards out only for a strong left-hand from Baker to send the ball up and over the bar and into the air for about the same distance. FT Cumnock 1 Glenafton 0

Glenafton Athletic: McGarrity; Park, Menzies, McGeoghegan, Cairns; Hay (McChesney), Adam (McGill), C.Malone; Andrew, Mcann & McGuffie (Boyle) . Subs Buchanan (gk), Dunn

Cumnock Juniors: Baker; Lundie,Wood, Murphy, Lindsay; Ronald, Esplin, Downs(Scott), Watt; McNeil(Lowe) and Moore (A. Malone). Subs Johnson (gk), Crawford

more photos here

Posted in GAFC Match Report | Tagged Cumnock Juniors, Glenafton Athletic, New Cumnock, Scottish Junior Football | Comments Off

Glenafton 2 Lugar 0

Posted on August 19, 2015 by flowgently

Ardagh Cup Section 4 : Match 4

Wednesday 19th August, LochPark, New Cumnock

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 2 (1)

LUGAR BOSWELL THISTLE 0 (0)

Glenafton all but secured their passage to the knock-out with a hard fought victory over a determined Lugar side. Good build up play ended with a slice of good fortune to put the home side ahead in the first half. Robert Dunn switched the play from the left flank to the right with a cross field pass to Craig Menzies. The Glens captain quickly picked out Dan Orsi at the corner of the box before breaking deep into the box to complete the one-two but instead Orsi tried find Dunn at the back post only for his cross to catch everyone out and sail over the keeper’s head and into the net.

The home side doubled their lead in the second half after a Darren McGill free kick from 30 yards beat the wall and was pushed away by both hands of the keeper and as he raced to beat John Paul Boyle to gather the rebound he tripped the Glens striker in the box. Chris Malone stepped up and slotted home the spot kick for his third goal of the season.

Glenafton Athletic: Buchanan; Menzies, McChesney, McGeoghegan, Malone; McGill, Adam, Orsi, Dunn (McGuffie) Andrew, Boyle

Posted in GAFC Match Report | Tagged Glenafton Athletic, Lugar Boswell Thistle, New Cumnock, Scottish Junior Football | Comments Off

Auchinleck 2 Glenafton 2

Posted on August 15, 2015 by flowgently

Ardagh Cup Section 4 : Match 2

Saturday 15th August, Beechwood Park, Auchinleck

AUCHINLECK TALBOT 2 (2)

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 2 (1)

Holders Glenafton visited local rivals Auchinleck Talbot, in the third round of fixtures in this year’s Ardagh Glass Cup, and in what was a rerun of last year’s final at Portland Park.

Glenafton Player: Chris Malone

The visitors made a bright start and deservedly went in front after 8 mins on the counter attack through midfielder Chris Malone. Following a blocked Talbot free-kick by Graeme Wilson, a long clearance found midfielder Craig McGuffie who held the ball up well before releasing former Talbot striker Mick McCann who picked out Darren McGill on the far side, a fine tackle by Boyd saw the ball break to Chris Malone on the edge of the box and on his weaker right foot and on the slide curled the ball past Leishman.

Glens continued to be on the front foot with wide midfielders McGill and McGuffie causing Talbot all sorts of problems. They were unlucky not to add a second shortly afterwards, following trickery from McGuffie in the middle of the park a fine pass released McCann through on goal however the Talbot goalkeeper was quickly off his line to turn the ball behind for a corner.

A smart interchange involving Talbot’s Milliken, Wilson and Young saw the home side create their first chance of the goal, however Boyd fired wildly over on the half volley from just inside the box. The home side equalised shortly before half time when a long Gordon Pope free-kick picked out an unmarked Dwayne Hislop, and his looping header from the edge of the penalty box went high into the roof of the net, despite the best efforts of keeper Brian McGarrity. H/T Auchinleck 1 Glenafton 1

In an entertaining and end to end second half, Talbot were the first team to threaten, following another free kick by Pope, the ball broke loose to centre half Campbell, however his close range shot was too close to McGarrity who held on well. Glens continued to create half chances with two long range shots from Malone being well held by Leishman, and on the counter attack a McGuffie cross found the head of McCann however his header drifted well wide.

Shortly aftwerwards it was Talbot that came closest to scoring when a long ball was knocked into the path of Milliken, and from inside the box his powerful right foot shot smashed against the edge of the post and out of danger. The home side had looked dangerous at set pieces all game and threatened once more when a floated corner found the head of powerful centre half Campbell, however his header went over the bar. McGarrity then again had to look likely to save an improvised acrobatic effort by Talbot striker Graeme Wilson. Talbot eventually went in front through striker Graeme Wilson. A quick free pick by Pope seemed to take the Glens defence by surprise, and a low cross found the unmarked Wilson, who slotted the ball home.

Daniel Orsi

Glens brought on John Paul Boyle and Dan Orsi in place of McGill and McGuffie and the substitutes combined well to bring the visitors level with five minutes left to play. A great pass from ex Talbot player Ally Park released Boyle in the box and his low driven cross landed at the feet of Dan Orsi who fired the ball past Leishman from close range to the delight of the visiting support.

Both teams tried to no avail to find a winner late on however Boyd’s header was straight at McGarrity and centre half McChesney’s glancing header from a well worked free kick drifted closely past.

Glenafton Athletic: McGarrity, Park, Cairns, Menzies, McChesney, Hay, McGeoghegan, Malone, McCann, McGuffie (Boyle), McGill (Orsi) Subs – Adam, Dunn, Buchanan (gk)

Auchineck Talbot: Leishman, Latta, Pope, Lyle, Campbell, White, Young, Hyslop, G Wilson, Milliken, Boyd. Subs Gillies, Love, S Wilson, Shankland, Findlay

Thank you to Steven Kerr for the report

Posted in GAFC Match Report | Tagged Auchinleck Talbot, Glenafton Athletic, New Cumnock, Scottish Junior Football | Comments Off

Glenafton 2 Kello 0

Posted on August 12, 2015 by flowgently

Ardagh Cup Section 4 : Match 2

Wednesday 12th August, LochPark, New Cumnock

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 2 (0)

KELLO ROVERS 0 (0)

Glenafton made a several changes to the side that kicked off at Muirkirk on Saturday. In came keeper David Buchanan, Ryan McChesney , Jamie McGeoghegan, John Adam, John Paul Boyle and Robert Dunn with Brian McGarrity, Craig Menzies, Chris Malone, Chris Meikle, Mick McCann and Craig McGuffie on the bench or unavailable for selection.

Geoff Paterson heads clear

The hosts dominated the first half in terms of possession and despite winning a flurry of corner-kicks they could not unpick the Rovers defence and get the better off former Glens goalie Ryan Dunsmuir. In what was perhaps the best chance of the half the young keeper combined well with former Glens U17 defender Sean Bennie to deny John Paul Boyle as he tried to slip the ball home from a tight angle at the near post. H/T Glens 0 Kello 0

Darren McGill

The breakthrough came in the 48th minute after the home side won a free-kick on the outskirts of the right hand side of the box. Up stepped Darren McGill to curl the ball beyond the wall and into the net giving Dunsmuir no chance, in a carbon copy of the goal he scored at Muirkirk on Saturday.

Robert Dunn

Eight minutes later Glenafton doubled their lead. Boyle gathered a short corner kick at the near post and his cross was gathered at the far side of the box by Joe Andrew who held off a defender before feeding Jamie McGeoghegan and after a touch or two his delicate chip into the danger areas saw Robert Dunn get the the jump on the defender and twist to power a header home from 8 yards out.

The Glens pushed for a third and Ally Park came close when his hunderbolt from 20 yards out crashed off the post. With 10 minutes to go the Rovers passed up a great opportunity to halve the deficit after stealing the ball deep in the Glens box but composure deserted the Kirkconnel side and the chance for one of two players to beat the goalie was lost. F/T Glens 2 Kello 0

Glenafton Athletic: Buchanan; Park, McChesney, McGeoghegan, Cairns; McGill, Hay, Adam; Boyle (McCann), Dunn (trialist) & Andrew (McGuffie)

Kello Rovers: Dunsmuir, Weir, Kilpatrick, Bennie, Paterson, Pagan, Ballantyne, Hill, Thomson,Kennedy, McGinley, Smith, Houston

More photos here

Posted in GAFC Match Report | Tagged Glenafton Athletic, Kello Rovers, New Cumnock, Scottish Junior Football | Comments Off

Muirkirk 0 Glenafton 6

Posted on August 8, 2015 by flowgently

Ardagh Cup Section 4 : Match 1

Saturday 8th August, Burnside Park, Muirkirk

MUIRKIRK JUNIORS 0 (0)

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 6 (4)

Glenafton began their defence of the Ardagh Cup with a visit to Muirkirk for the opening match of the section. Jamie McGeoghegan and Daniel Orsi were unavailable for selection while on the bench were new signings John Adam and John Paul Boyle, in his second spell at the club, while captaining Muirkirk was former Glens defender John McCaig.

Brian McGarrity had to be alert in the opening minute to grab the ball out the air as Muirkirk’s centre tried to guide a long through ball home. Some time would pass before the keeper was tested again as the Glens quickly took control of the game.

Back to back to corner kicks were earned by the visitors on 5 minutes with both cleared by the home defence. Two minutes later Ally Park on the overlap combined well with Joe Andrew before whipping a wicked ball into the box which was well gathered by the keeper.

Darren McGill’s strike finds the net

Another excellent run by Park was ended on the outskirts of the box by another mistimed tackle that had become a feature of the game. Darren McGill stepped up and flashed the kick imto the rigging from 25 yards out to open the scoring on 11 minutes, despite the best efforts of the keeper.

Glens continued to press as Craig McGuffie tricked his way down the left flank to the bye-line only for his cut-back to be partially cleared and the ball gathered by Chris Malone to play a one-two deep in the box with Andrew but again the ball was blocked only to fall for Mick McCann and his angled shot from close range to be pushed wide by the keeper. Although the corner came to nothing the pressure continued to build and the keeper did well to race from his line and disarm the incoming McGuffie only for Jamie Hay to recover the ball and set Andrew free down the right to feed Park and whip another ball across the face of gaol where McCaig did enough to prevent McCann getting a touch.

Mick McCann heads home to double Glens lead

On 16 minutes Andrew held the ball up at the corner of the box before releasing McGill on the overlap to square it for Park who made for the bye-line before turning his marker, switching to his left foot and with a delicate chip pick out Mick McCann to place his header home from the six yard line.

Two minutes later tempers frayed and Hay and McGill’s were both shown a yellow card for the reaction to some persistent fouling. Further cards followed for the home side as the game entered a scrappy period and tempers cooled.

Mick makes it 3-0

McGuffie made good progress down the left and although his cross into the box was cleared Andrew quickly snapped up the ball and held off a defender before cutting the ball back for Mick McCann to nip in between two defenders and bag his brace from close range and put the Glens three up on 32 minutes.

Five minutes from the break Muirkirk created their best chance of the half only for Hay to intervene at the expense of a corner kick which was ended with the ball cleanly clutched under the bar by keeper McGarrity.

Chris Malone drives home the fourth

On the stroke of half time Chris Malone made it 4-0 with a low drilled shot from deep in the box through a ruck of players that caught the home defence off guard. H/T Muirkirk 0 Glenafton 4

The visitors brought on Ryan McChesney for Chris Meikle at the break and the big defender was soon in the thick off the action as Muirkirk came within a whisker of pulling one back. A break down the right ended with a ball to the back post where McChesney did enough to prevent the striker having a free shot at goal and instead his effort lacked power and Park was on the line to block the ball and clear to safety.

Craig McGuffie slides home No. 5

Indeed Muirkirk were left to rue the missed opportunity to claw one back and fell further behind as Glens broke upfield and although McCann’s effort cannoned of the advancing keeper high into the air Craig McGuffie kept his cool to trap the ball on its descent and slide it home to make it 5-0 on 47 minutes.

Two minutes later McCann’s cross field pass released McGill to break into the box only for the keeper to pull off a fine block from the midfielder’s low drive. The goalie then denied McCann from close range and could only watch as Hay’s deflected shot from distance zipped over the bar.

Midway through the half the Glens replaced goalscorers McGill and McGuffie with new signings John Adam and John Paul Boyle. The former Glens striker came close to making an immediate impact as he nipped in at the near post to guide home a cross from Park but again the keeper came out on top.

On 79 minutes the woodwork denied McCann his hat-trick after his cleverly curled shot from the corner of the box beat the keeper and crashed off the junction of bar and post.

Mick goes close

Howver JP Boyle striker was in the right place at the right time to pounce and beat keeper and defender to the ball and tap home from two yards out.

JP makes it six

McCann turned provider again with a quick break and a ball into the box for Andrew to gather and although he got the better of the defender the keeper did enough to get a hand to the ball and the chance was gone.

With 5 minutes to go Muirkirk carved out a decent chance and in his determination to get a touch on the ball the centre took a sore one and collided with the post, but thankfully recovered soon after. The home side’s keeper had the last say, getting down low to push Andrew’s angled drive past the post and the resultant corner-kick duly cleared.

F/T Muirkirk 0 Glenafton 6

Other Section 4 scores: Cumnock 1 Auchinleck 3; Kello 1 Lugar 3 (at Lugar)

Glenafton Atheltic: McGarrity; Park, Menzies, Meikle (McChesney), Cairns; Hay, McGuffie (Adam), Malone; McGill (Boyle), McCann, Andrew.

More photos here

Posted in GAFC Match Report | Tagged Glenafton Athletic, Muirkirk Juniors, New Cumnock, Scottish Junior Football | Comments Off

Three ‘new’ signings at Loch Park

Posted on August 8, 2015 by flowgently

Glenafton Athletic are delighted to announce further summer signings with John Adam, Craig McGuffie and John Paul Boyle signing one year deals.

Experienced midfielder 30 year-old John was on Rangers books as a youth before moving on to Greenock Morton and then Montrose. After a spell with Green Gully Cavaliers in Melbourne, Australia he returned to Scotland and joined Linlithgow Rose and from there to Hurlford United for a season.

Striker John Paul returns to Loch Park for a second spell with the club having previously signed in 2011/12 and was part of the squad that were promoted to the Premier Division as Super League 1st Division Champions. JP moved on to Kilbirnie Ladeside in 2013/14 and had a knack of scoring against the Glens.

Midfielder Craig joined the Glens in January last season on a 6 month loan deal from Ayr United and rejoins the club on a year loan deal from the Honest Men.

Welcome to Loch Park, John, JP and Craig,

Posted in GAFC Squad | Comments Off

Glenafton Athletic

Glenafton 3 Hurlford 2

Petershill 1 Glenafton 1

Glenafton 0 Kirkintilloch 2

Troon 2 Glenafton 1

Cumnock 1 Glenafton 0

Glenafton 2 Lugar 0

Auchinleck 2 Glenafton 2

Glenafton 2 Kello 0

Muirkirk 0 Glenafton 6

Three ‘new’ signings at Loch Park

www.glenaftonfc.com

Paying For The Jersey

Show Racism the Red Card

Most Recent Posts

Glenafton Facebook

SEARCH CATEGORIES

Archives

Email Subscription

Blog Stats

COPYRIGHT