T
he draw for the sponsorship of our new home kit was made at half time of the Glenafton v Shotts league match by the Shotts Bon Accord Secretary and was won by Glenbuild Contracts Ltd.
We would like to thank all the following who participated in the draw,
Glenafton’s storming win over raining Premier Division Champions Auchinleck Talbot in the Ardagh Cup final (when many never gave the Glens a snowball’s chance in h*ll) , in the glorious sunshine at Troon on Sun-day has been hailed by BBC Weather celebrity Judith Ralston. Posing with our lightning quick defender Jamie McGeoghegan, Judith tweeted –
Thank you, Judith ….and Jamie M!
Ardagh Cup Ayrshire League Cup Final
Sunday 12th October, Portland Park, Troon
AUCHINLECK TALBOT 0 (0)
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 2 (1)
JAMBO UNCHAINED AS GLENAFTON ENJOY CUP GLORY
Glenafton Athletic Ardagh Cup Winner 2014/15
Jamie McKernon won the man-of-the-match award after his freedom of Portland Park display orchestrated Glenafton’s convincing victory over Auchinleck Talbot in the Ardagh Cup final at Troon today. If truth be told, all those that run him close to the award played in either in red and white stripes or in the case of keeper Brian McGarrity all blue, who produced a faultless display against his former club.
Having said that Talbot were quick-off the mark and forced a corner-kick in the opening minute which was clutched cleanly under his bar by McGarrity and soon after the alert keeper foiled Graham Wilson’s attempt to clip the ball home from close range. Glenafton gained the initiative with McKernon pulling the strings in midfield and had Talbot on the back foot on all fronts particularly down the left flank where Adam Strachan and Aaron Connolly combined well, ably supported by with full back Alan Cairns.
On 10 minutes Andy Leishman did well to get down low and parry a 25 yard shot from Michael Wardrope and spring to his feet and make an excellent save from Connolly in his attempt to drill the loose ball home from a tight angle.A minute later Jamie McGeoghegan stroked the ball into the box for Alain Kinney to give chase and although he muscled his way to the corner of the six yard box defender Craig McCracken blocked the shot at goal.
Alain Kinney goes close
Talbot cleared the resultant corner-kick and indeed defender Martin McGoldrick made excellent progress down the left wing before the ball was then delivered to David Gormley at the back post but the striker couldn’t pick out a team-mate to put the finishing touch to counter-attack.
Glens responded in lethal fashion and took the lead on 15 minutes. McKernon picked out Strachan in the centre circle and a twist and turn later he finds Cameron Marlow in space who feeds the ball immediately to Kinney. The bustling striker, head down heads for goal accompanied by a squadron of red and white shirts and slips the ball to Connolly who is tackled at the edge of the box and the ball instantly recaptured by Cameron Marlow to drive forward before clipping the ball beyond the advancing Leishman and into the corner of the net.
Cammy cool, calm and classy finish
At the other end McGarrity made light work of a near post header from Gormley before Glenafton were back to breaking forward in waves with some classy passing and yet converting this possession into a second goal was proving to be more of a challenge.
Midway through the half Talbot enjoyed a good ten minute spell. In a rare attack through the middle Gormley was brought down at the edge of the box by Ryan McChesney, earning the Glens captain a yellow card. Wilson’s free kick was driven into the wall and only partially cleared before being returned to the near post where Gormley’s header was clutched by ease by the Glens keeper. Five minutes later another ball whipped in from the left was met by the leaping Wilson and his powerful header was pushed on to the bar by McGarrity before being mopped up.
Adam Strachan on the move again
On the half hour mark Strachan menaced his way down the left and his cut-back created havoc in the Talbot box with Leishman saving one attempt to bury the ball before Connolly pounced on the rebound and time appeared to stand still as his shot headed for the gaping net only for it to crack of the crossbar. Five minutes later Connolly cruised down the left before firing the ball across the face of goal only for the safe hands of Leishman to grab the ball a Kinney waited to pounce. H/T Auchinleck 0 Glenafton 1
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Glens came within a whisker of doubling their lead within minutes of the restart after McKernon released Wardrope down the right and his cut back intended for the incoming Connolly and Marlow saw the ball loop over the bar with Leishman grounded.
Alain doubles the Glens lead
On 53 minutes the long awaited second goal arrived after Alain Kinney caught the Talbot defence flat-footed and left himself with a free run on goal before nut-megging the out-rushing Leishman to stroke the ball into net.
With their tails up and Talbot’s heads down the New Cumnock side now pressed for a third and they were enjoying more success down the right flank with the tireless Daniel Orsi pushing forward in support while Strachan cutting inside from the left was also causing problems for the Talbot defence.
Aaron in charge
On the hour mark Marlow’s shot from 22 yards was held well by Leishmann and two minutes later Connolly’s volley from the same distance whizzed just wide of target.
Just after the hour mark the big keeper made a stunning save from Kinney’ vicious volley as the Glens pushed for a third. There was to be no more scoring and the Glens ran out comfortable winners. On 72 minutes Kinney gave the Talbot defence the slip again and from the outskirts of the box met the ball sweetly to thunder a shot that would surely have bulged the net if not for a stunning airborne save from Leishman; the bigger keeper then rising to clutch the corner-kick for seconds.
Jambo unchained
Two minutes later Gormley played a cute ball into the box for substitute Keir Milliken to chase but McGeoghan’s pace saw him intercept the ball and Milliken tumble in the box, earning the striker a yellow card. Glenafton brought on the fresh legs of Darren McGill for Cameron Marlow who left to rapturous applause for from the #AftonArmy!
Brian waits to pounce
Talbot had a claim for hand-ball in the box waved away the referee considering Alan Cairns could do little to avoid the contact. With 10 minutes to go the Beechwood Park side won a free-kick at the edge of the box and although Colin Spence curled the ball beyond the Glens wall, McGarrity plucked the ball out the air at the near post. At the other end another fine passing move ended with Wardrope’s shot whizzing wide of the post.
The final whistle sparked of great scenes of celebration within the Glenafton support and to their credit an acknowledgement from many of the Talbot supporters that on the day the better team had won. F/T Auchinleck 0 Glenafton 2
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Glenafton Athletic: McGarrity; Orsi, McChesney, McGeoghegan, Cairns; Wardrope, Marlow (McGill), McKernon, Strachan; Connolly & Kinney. Subs – Menzies, Adam, Reilly,Walker.
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Auchinleck Talbot: Leishman; McCracken, Lyle Mcgoldrick, Park; Young, White, Hyslop, Boyd; Wilson & Gormley. Subs used – Milliken, Spence, Latta. Not used – Shankland, Kerr.
Craig ‘Southy’ McEwan
Craig McEwan has left the club to take up the vacant managerial position at fellow Premier Division side Arthurlie.
Glenafton’s management team, committee , players and supporters would like to thank Craig for his four fantastic seasons at the Loch Park.
Southy was signed by Mark Shanks in November 2010 and made 124 appearance and scored 4 goals for the club, the most memorable that thunderbolt against Musselburgh in the Scottish Junior Cup 4th round tie last season.
His experience in the game shone through on the park, always giving his all and supporting the younger players in the team. Defeat was painful and victory joyous – no one quite can celebrate goals like Southy, the club’s own cheerleader. A huge favourite with the supporters, always time for a laugh and a joke and easily the best singer in the team!
During his spell with at Loch Park the Glens won the Super League 1st Division title (2011/12) and West of Scotland Cup (2012/13) and were Scottish Junior Cup finalists (2013/14).
Catch me if you can, Southy celebrares
Everyone at the club wishes Craig all the best in his new management role at Arthurlie where he will team up with former Glenafton assistant manager Stevie Kerrigan and former Glens team-mate Craig Potter. Thank you and good luck from Glenafton Athletic.
p.s. a special fond farewell from Maggie
Stagecoach Western Super League Premier Division : Match 5
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 6 (3)
SHOTTS BON ACCORD 0 (0)
Aaron Connolly claimed a classy hat-trick as Glenafton hit Shotts for six on a day the home side team impressed all over the park during the spells of bright sunshine and torrential rain that visited Loch Park over the 90 minutes.
The visitors were first to threaten and a cross into the box from deep on the right cannoned off Jamie McGeoghegan before being headed clear from the face of the goal by Ryan McChesney. Glens replied quickly through Aaron Connolly who out ran a defender to chase down an Adam Strachan ball into the box only for the advancing keeper Gary Whyte to block his shot at goal.
Shotts struggled to handle Strachan’s pace and his surging run down the left earned the hosts a corner-kick on 10 minutes. He rolled a short kick to Jamie McKernon who lofted the ball to the back post where it was headed clear to the outskirts of the box and there met by Ryan McChesney who instantly leathered a low flying screamer beyond the bewildered Whyte into the net.
Where did that come from ?
Five minutes later a determined run down the right by Daniel Orsi secured another corner-kick for the Glens and this too was partially cleared only for the ball to be fired back in by McKernon where a McChesney header from the six yard line whizzed wide of the post with the keeper still scurrying across his line. Another corner-kick, won by Alain Kinney, picked out Cameron Marlow at the back post only for Whyte to push his header onto the post and out for yet another corner which was duly cleared.
Chessy’s header inches wide
Shotts battled their way back into the game and created a few chances of their own. Midway through the half a cross from the right required McGeoghegan and McChesney to double team and clear the danger. Four minutes later a fine passage of passing play initiated by Gary McStay ended with keeper Brian McGarrity getting down low at his near post to stop a low angled drive from the left of the box. On 33 minutes another ball from deep in the left was played across the face of goal which Jordan White came within the length of a stud from guiding the ball into the empty net.
Ten minutes before the break McGarrity launched a goal kick up the right which was headed on by Orsi and gathered by Aaron Connolly at the corner of the box, where he turned Peter McMahon before cutting across the outskirts of the box before firing a fierce shot from 20 yards that took a deflection before nestling in the net.
Aaron doubles Glens lead
The game opened out again with chances created at either end. A slick passing move from Shotts ended with Mcgarrity bringing McStay’s run to an end at the near post; while McGeoghegan then broke down another attack spearheaded by the same player with a timely tackle at the edge of the box. In between times Connolly’s cut-back for Kinney in the box was cleared and so too the cut-back when the roles were reversed minutes later.
Alain heads home 3-0
In the closing minute of the half Marlow released Connolly down the left wing and his perseverance warded off a defender before clipping the ball to the back post where Alain Kinney had the freedom to rise unmarked and head the Glens into a three goal lead.
H/T Glens 3 Shotts 0
Shotts started the half in fine fashion and McGarrity had to be alert on a couple of occasions to keep the sheet clean. On 53 minutes another Shotts attack saw McChesney win the aerial battle in the six yard box and the loose ball cannon off Chris Meikle; the visitors appealing in vain that the defender had used an arm to control the ball.
Just before the hour mark the heavens opened and the rain fell heavily from the darkened sky. Still Glens lightened up the park with some silky touches that would have had the Shotts defence chasing shadows if the sun had still been shining. Another fine passing movement had the home support applauding loudly. Tight on the right Strachan rolled the ball back to Orsi who picked out Connolly infield and a magical side foot found Strachan advancing down the flank to fire the ball across the face of goal where the in-rushing Marlow was only undone by the bravery of firstly defender Gary Campbell and then that of keeper Whyte.
It’s 4-0!
A minute later the applause turned to thunderous cheers that threatened to take the roof off the Mick Morran stand. McKernon from the centre-circle slipped the ball down the left to Michael Wardrope , who then guided it skilfully inside to Aaron Connolly and with his back to goal, the striker turned his marker before in the torrential rain lashed the ball from 30 yards out to loop over the head of Whyte at full stretch and shake every last clinging rain drop off the net.
The Aaron Merry
Glenafton now four up with an hour gone controlled the remainder of the game while a higher authority controlled the weather, rain replaced with hail before a rainbow heralded the return of the October sun.
The tireless Orsi wide on the right flashed the ball across the face of goal where the in-sliding Kinney missed his connection by inches and the grounded keeper got enough of a touch to divert the ball from the path of Marlow arriving at the back post. McKernon then menaced his way forward before his thumping shot from 22 yards dipped over the bar. Whyte then made an excellent double save from Kinney. On 75 minutes Marlow curled the ball beyond the reach of Whyte only for a defender to be in the right place to clear the ball over his own bar.
Aaron completes his hat-trick
The goal that was coming arrived on 78 minutes courtesy of another touch of class from Aaron Connolly. Quick-thinking Orsi’s short throw-in caught one defender napping allowing Connolly to nip between him and his colleague close to the dead-ball line before cutting back into the box and whipping the ball past the keeper into the inside of the far side-netting. The hat-trick hero left to a rousing reception minutes later to be replaced by Patrick Walker.
Alain and Jamie get a hand from Danny
In the closing minute Marlow on the left clipped a peach of a cross-field pass to pick out the menacing McKernon who burst into the box before drilling a low drive which slipped through the keeper’s hands and legs allowing Alain Kinney to close in and blast the ball into the empty net from a yard. F/T Glens 6 Shotts 0
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Glenafton Athletic: McGarrity; Orsi, McChesney, McGeoghegan, Meikle; Strachan (Cainrs) , McKernon, Wardope (McGill), Marlow; Connolly (Walker) & Kinney
Stagecoach Western Super League Premier Division : Match 4
BEITH JUNIORS 1 (1)
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 0 (0)
Aaron Connolly, having recovered from injury, returned to the starting line-up and partnered Alain Kinney up front while in an attack minded side Glens played with three at the back.
The visitors started brightly in the sunshine at Beith and a Connolly cross from the right cut out by John Sheridan in the opening minute earned a corner which was duly cleared by the home defence. Two minutes later Kinney’s angled drive from was deflected by the outstretched leg of Kevin McDonald deep in the six yard box and Sheridan on hand to lash the loose ball to safety.
Alain Kinney with Stuart McDonald and Paul Frize
Adam Strachan kept the pressure on as he gathered the ball at the centre circle and skipped past one opponent and wrong footed another for a free run down the left flank only for Stuart McDonald to cut out his square ball into the box as Kinney and Connolly waited to pounce. Strachan returned for seconds with a more direct route into the left hand side of the box and although his cut-back was beyond Connolly at the near post, Michael Wardrope at the back post was poised to connect only for Gary Wilson to get a timely contact on the ball. It would be a similar outcome when Jamie McKernon released Daniel Orsi down the right and his cut-back fell betwixt and between Connolly and Cameron Marlow at the either posts.
Adam Strachan on the move
On the quarter hour mark the visitors were awarded a free kick tight on the left touchline which was only partially cleared by the Glens defence before the ball fell to Sheridan and although the defender did well to engineer a shot at goal the ball flew just wide of target. Three minutes later an incisive run inside by Connolly ended with a clip from Stuart McDonald and keeper Strain saved McKernon’s 30 yard free kick comfortably. Connolly then ghosted past the other McDonald before lashing the face of goal but just beyond the reach of strike partner Kinney.
Midway through the half Darren Christie’s knock-on header set up Andy Reid to run in on goal only for Chris Meikle to knock the ball from the striker’s feet with a goal saving tackle. The visitors defended Beith’s back-to-back corner kicks before breaking up field with a slick passage of passing play. McKernon picked out Strachan In the centre circle and a surging run took him to the outskirts of the box before slipping the ball to Orsi on the right wing who immediately knocked it down the line to Kinney only for both his first and second attempts to pick out teammates blocked by outstretched legs of defenders and the ball eventually sailing across the face of goal with Strain stranded on the ground.
Jamie McKernon takes control
On 25 minutes Strachan’s free kick from wide on the left saw the ball headed clear to the edge of the box and met by McKernon and his thunderous shot whizzed inches wide of the post and boomed off the advertising hoarding. Glens continued to press and another assault on the Beith box was defended well and the ball gathered by Paul Frize who picked out Reid wide on the right, the striker then launching the ball up the wing for Christie, before continuing his climb up the Bellsdale slope. Christie, now boxed in at the corner by Jamie McGeoghegan, managed to whip the ball into the box where a touch by David McGowan took the sting out of it before it fell for Andy Reid who lashed a low angled drive into the corner of the net beyond keeper Brian McGarrity at full stretch to put the home side ahead on 28 minutes.
Andy Reid leads the charge for the opening goal
Shell-shocked Glens had to be on their toes as Frize combined well with McGowan and then later Christie as the home side looked to double their advantage.
On 37 minutes Kinney’s determination won the ball in the middle of the park and a defence splitting pass picked out Marlow and with only the keeper to beat the Glens top scorer appeared caught in two minds and fired wide of target. The visitors forced a couple of corners that came nothing while at the other end McGarrity comfortably held a Reid free kick and an Christie’s effort from outside the box sailed over the bar. H/T Beith 1 Glens 0
The visitors again started brightly as the sunshine continued to bathe Bellsdale. Orsi made excellent progress up the right flank twice while there were no takers for his first cut-back he found Connolly with his second but the striker’s attempt from 8 yards skewed wide of target. At the other end Christie’s powerful shot from the of the box was blocked by McGeoghegan.
Aaron Connolly and John Sheridan
On 55 minutes a clever ball from Marlow found Wardrope in the corner of the box who in turn tried to pick out Kinney only for McShane to slide in and clear the ball. A minute later the striker gave McShane the slip to get a shot away from 15 yards out and although it beat the advancing Strain the ball slipped wide of target.
On the hour mark the impressive Sheridan broke down another Glenafton attack and the ball quickly dispatched down the left flank where an excellent pass by Christie took out three defenders and found Joe Bradley with time and space in the box but with the keeper to beat he sliced his shot wide.
Both sides made changes but further clear cut chances were thin on the ground. A free-kick from substitute Darren McGill sailed over the bar at one end while Reid blasted wide at the other.
With 15 minutes to go Strachan released Orsi in the box only for his square ball for Kinney to be cut out by Frize and from the resultant corner Meikle’s header looped over Strain’s bar. Five minutes later the keeper flapped at a Strachan corner-kick but the loose ball fell kindly for the home defence and Nicky Docherty and Wilson combined to clear the danger.
Daniel Orsi
As the visitors pressed for the equaliser Beith broke at pace down the right through McGowan who then played the ball infield for Docherty in turn to release Frize for a run into the box only for Ryan McChesney to time his tackle to perfection and keep the visitors hopes alive.
However, the Glens couldn’t penetrate the Beith box and a couple of late chances from free-kicks at the edge of the box didn’t test the keeper. F/T Beith 1 Glens 0
Beith Juniors: Strain, McShane, Wilson, K. McDonald, Sheridan, S. McDonald, Bradley, Frize, Christie,. Reid, McGowan Subs: McKeown, Docherty, McKay, Ryan, Calder (GK)
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Glenafton Athletic: McGarrity; McChesney, McGeoghegan, Meikle; Orsi (Reilly), Strachan, McKernon, Wardrop (McGill), Marlow; Kinney & Connolly. Subs. McEwan, Menzies, Adam
More photos here
Stagecoach Western Super League Premier Division : Match 3
PETERSHILL 4 (3)
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 3 (2)
Alain Kinney
The visitors raced into the lead with Alain Kinney heading home a Daniel Orsi cross with only 10 seconds on the clock. Peasy picked themselves up and were soon back on level terms through a Scott Sally header before on 27 minutes a solo effort from Richie Burke put the home side ahead. From the kick-off Glens forced their way upfield and Kinney was felled in the box, the striker stepped up to slot home the spot-kick for his 5th goal in five games.
Midfielder Tony Stevenson restored the home side’s advantage with a 25 yarder that flew into the top corner beyond the reach of keeper Brian McGarrity. Astonishingly, the Glens almost squared matters when Pat Walker, on for the injured Adam Strachan, raced clear but keeper Steven McNeil pushed the ball on the post and collected the rebound before Kinney closed in. H/T Peasy 3 Glens 2
Glenafton had the better of the second half in terms of possession with Jamie McKernon pulling the strings. With 17 minutes to go the visitors got back on level terms after a fine passage of passing play ended with Cameron Marlow slotting home the equaliser. The New Cumnock side continued to dominate and went in search of a winner only for substitute Robert Wright to smash home a screamer of stoppage time winner from 25 yards out . F/T Peasy 4 Glens 3
Glenafton Athletic: McGarrity; McEwan, McChesney, McGeoghegan, Cairns; Orsi (Connolly), McKernon, Wardrope, Marlow; Kinney & Strachan (Walker) Sub not used: Reilly.
Stagecoach Western Super League Premier Division : Match 2
Saturday 6th September , Loch Park, New Cumnock.
Glenafton began with the same starting eleven for the third game in a row as they hosted Hurford in their first home league game of the season. The early chances fell the way of the visitors with the first coming in 3 minutes when a header by Danny Mitchell from a Paul McKenzie free-kick whizzed over the bar from close range. Five minutes later Ross Robertson’s angled shot from the corner of the six yard box was parried well by Brian McGarrity. The home side counter-attackedimmediately with Cameron Marlow’s pass releasing Adam Strachan down the left at pace only for his cut-back to be partially cleared by Neil McGregor before Alan Cairns returned the ball into box where it was cleared again at the expense of a corner-kick. This came to nothing as did the ‘Ford’s corner-kick a minute later.
On 13 minutes a glorious Glenafton passing move paved the way for the home side taking the lead. Alain Kinney collected a short throw at the half way line on the left flank and with little chance of progress upfield he played the ball back across field to Craig McEwan deep on the right. The full back played a neat one-two along the touchline with Daniel Orsi before then picking out Kinney, now wide on the right and with McGregor at his back, who clipped a clever ball for the overlapping Michael Wardrope to run unchallenged into the box and then tempt Ally Brown from the line before lashing home a left footer.
Two minutes later and Orsi wide on the right laid the ball to the incoming McEwan who thundered a low drive from the corner of the penalty box which Brown was relieved to watch zoom wide of the post. Meanwhile Hurlford huffed and puffed in front of goal as they created a number of chances that came and went including on 28 minutes another Mitchell header from a free-kick that narrowly missed its target. At the other end Strachan swapped from left to right flank and back again but with little reward other than corner-kicks that were well defended. The last chance of the half fell to Hurlford when another McKenzie free-kick from the corner of penalty box was floated to the back post only for Robertson’s header go the way of Mitchell’s earlier efforts.
HT Glens 1 Hurlford 0
The first chance of the second half fell to Glenafton within a minute of the restart when Wardrope released Jamie McKernon who in turn picked out Marlow in the far side of the box only for his shot to be well held by Brown. At the other end Watt curled his shot from the edge of the box over the bar. On 52 minutes Brown clutched McEwan’s cross out of the air and then beat Strachan to the chase as he hunted down another Glens’ ball into the box. The keeper fluffed the clearance allowing Kinney to pounce on the loose ball and run in on goal only for Brown, by this time at the edge of his box, to block the striker’s shot and send the ball soaring into the air and although Strachan met it first time as it descended his volley flew wide of the empty net.
Two minutes later an Orsi ball through the middle for Wardrope to chase caught the ‘Ford defence flat-footed, however as the young midfielder entered the box the back-tracking Chris Robertson timed his tackle to perfection and although the loose ball was gathered by Strachan his cross to the back post was cleared. The visitors responded in clinical fashion. Paul Cameron wide on the right flashed a ball across the face of goal and although McGarrity got a hand to Ross Robertson’s header the ball finished in the net to tie the scores on 56 minutes. Soon after Glenafton replaced Cameron Marlow, who had sustained a cut-eye in the first half, with Chris Meikle but within a minute found themselves a goal behind.
On 63 minutes Chris Robertson soared high above the Glens’ defence to bullet home a powerful header goal-ward only for McGarrity to get a fantastic fist to the ball to send it high into the air and Neil McGregor then pounced to head beyond Cairns on the line. Five minutes later McKernon got in behind the visitors’ defence and from 8 yards out Meikle crashed his cut-back off the underside of the crossbar, only for an offside-flag to slightly dampen the agony.
The uphill task got decidedly steeper for the home side on 71 minutes after McEwan earned a second yellow card for a tackle on Ross Robertson and the home side reduced to 10 men. Nevertheless Glenafton rallied and Kinney forced his way into the box but was shut out by the two Robertsons. Strachan them made a fantastic run from deep in his own half but just over ran the ball as he tried to skip past McGregor in the box. Although Hurlford continued to threaten the game was still in the balance and Glens brought on Pat Walker for Wardrope. Kinney engineered a shot from inside the box that Brown dealt with comfortably. Try as they might the 10 men couldn’t fashion an equaliser. Hurlford had the last say in the last minute through an unlikely source. McKenzie menaced his way through the box to the bye-line to cut the ball across the face of goal for Paul Cameron on hand to slam the ball into by the way of a ricochet off Meikle and over the head of the keeper
FT Glens 1 Hurlford 3
Ardagh Glass Cup Semi-final
Wednesday 3rd September, Valefield Park, Kilbirnie
KILBIRNIE LADESIDE 1 (1)
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 3 (2)
Glenafton fielded the same starting eleven that kicked off in the win over Clydebank on Saturday and talking off fields Valefield looked in great nick in the evening sunshine. The home side got off to a flyer and took the lead within 2 minutes. The Glens cheaply conceded a corner-kick which was duly won by the head of Darren McLean and although keeper Brian McGarrity got a hand to the ball it ended in the back of the net.
Kilbirnie celebrate the opener
Although play was end to end there were too many stray final passes resulting in a scrappy period of play in which neither side created any real chance of notes. Eventually the visitors began to get the upper hand and earned a number of set pieces that were well defended until the equaliser was fashioned on 22 minutes. A Jamie McKernon corner-kick from the right was met by the head of the airborne Ryan McChesney, launched from near the penalty spot, and his looping header found that sweet spot between the head of the defender on the near post and the crossbar before the ball bulged the net.
Chessy’s header heading for the net
Ladeside struggled to recover from the blow as the Glens took heart and continued to press with McKernon pulling the strings in the middle of the park. Former Glens keeper Chris Fahey blocked an effort in the six yard from the bustling former Kilbirnie striker Alain Kinney. In a flash Daniel Orsi and Adam Strachan combined down the left , the latter whipping the ball to the back post where Cameron Marlow’s acrobatic volley whizzed over Fahey’s head and over the bar. Strachan, down the left again, slipped the ball to Alan Cairns and his cross to the back post was headed across the face of goal by Orsi creating a moment of tension between Kilbirnie’s keeper and defender before the ball was cleared.
The Jamies – McKernon and McGeoghegan
On the half hour mark McKernon picked out Kinney deep in the box and his shot blocked by a wall of defenders, a Ladeside leg then prevented Strachan lashing home the loose ball. The ensuing corner initiated a game of head tennis with Marlow’s header headed clear and Jamie McGeoghegan’s return header clinched by Fahey.
Alain Kinney puts the Glens in front
The goal that was on the cards was dealt on 38 minutes beginning with a measured chip from Kinney deep in his own half that was gathered by Marlow on the left hand side of the box before turning back with the ball, leaving a defender for dead, and then rolling it to the 18 yard line where it was reunited with Alain Kinney and drilled low and hard shot and wrong footing Fahey before nestling in the net.Kilbirnie countered with a corner kick only for the shot at the near post to edge wide of target. HT Kilbirnie 1 Glenafton 2
Following an early free-kick played into the box which saw a handful of Glens players beat the offside and yet unable to engineer a shot at goal it was the home side that found a second wind and went in search of what had seemed an unlikely equaliser.
A series of angled flashing shots from inside the box got progressively closer target while Brian McGarrity was far the busier of the two keepers. Midway through the half Kilbirnie won a free kick on the edge of the box and although the ball beat the wall McGarrity showed a clean pair of hands to cleanly gather the ball in the line.
Adam Strachan on the ball
Although the visitors created a couple of half chances it is fair to say their third goal netted on 71 minutes came against the run of play. Pat Walker who had replaced Orsi minutes earlier and with his back to goal collected the ball deep in the box form Marlow after determined play down the flank. A twist and a turn left him and his marker on the ground, only after he had skilfully guided the ball into the path of Adam Strachan to drive the ball home from a few yards out beyond the frozen Fahey.
Adam Strachan makes it 3-1
Five minutes later the game took another twist after Kinney earned a second yellow card for a rash tackle and the Glens reduced to 10 men. Nevertheless the two goal cushion rejuvenated the visitors and they were eager to add to their tally. Ladeside carved out a few chances of their own, including another free kick from the edge of the box, which although curled beyond the wall sailed over the bar. In the closing minutes frustrations surfaced and Ladeside were reduced to 9 men for picking up their second bookings.
FT Kilbirnie 1 Glenafton 3
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Glenafton Athletic: McGarrity; McEwan, McChesney, McGeoghegan, McEwan; Orsi (Walker), McKernon, Marlow, Strachan (Meikle); Kinney and Wardrope Sub not used : Thomson
Stagecoach Western Super League Premier Division : Match 1
CLYDEBANK 1 (1)
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 2 (0)
Glens made a couple of changes from the starting eleven at Whitletts on Wednesday with full back Alan Cairns returning from injury and Alain Kinney making his first start of the season, having come off the bench mid-week to score a late equaliser. Young Klark Thomson started in the bench while Pat Walker was unavailable for selection.
A lively start to the much saw a Kinney header from the corner of the six yard box flash wide of the back post. Both keepers then dealt comfortably with free kicks before the Bankies stormed into the lead on 5 minutes and in some style.
Scott Walker released Stevie Gardiner down the right flank who then played the ball quickly onto Jamie Campell and after twisting and turning in the box past two Glens defenders he returned it to Campbell only for his attempt to set up Reece Paterson for a tap-in that was blocked by Craig McEwan but a perfectly placed Jordan Shelvey fired home the loose ball.
Bankies take the lead
Campbell weaved his way through the Glens box again to tee up a shot which was comfortably held by Brian McGarrity. The keeper then pulled off another fine save after a cute pass from Gardiner had set up Paterson for an angled shot. The Bankies tails were well up and with Ian Gold on one flank and Gardiner on the other they were giving the visitors plenty of food for thought while in stark contrast the visitors were being starved of access down their flanks and any chances being created from these sources.
Daniel Orsi with Ian Gold
Kinney was having some success through the middle and on 18 minutes his good run was ended on the edge of the box by a crunching tackle from Paul Bell. The resultant free-kick cannoned off the Bankie’s wall and cleared for a corner-kick which was defended well and in a flash Shelvey set off on the counter-attack only for his long range effort to end well wide off target. A minute later and Gold picked up the ball deep in his own half on the left before driving for the centre circle and releasing Gardiner wide on the right, who then cut into the box and although his low drive beat McGarrity it finished wide of the back post.
Ryan McChesney challenges Ian gold
Glenafton enjoyed their best spell ten minutes before the break. Former Bankie Adam Strachan tried his luck from distance and keeper Robert Hamilton, wrong footed by a deflection, was glad to see the ball goes inches wide. Two minutes later Strachan’s short corner initiated a game of head tennis in the Bankies box before the ball was cleared only for it to be gathered by Michael Wardrope and his shot from 25 yards pulled off a great save from the keeper, Hamilton at full stretch pushing the ball past the post. This corner too was only partially cleared before Jamie McKernon recovered the ball on the outskirts of the box and his snap shot finished wide of target.
Alain Kinney in control
On 39 minutes the hosts had loud appeals for a penalty after the ball struck the outstretched arm of Jamie McGeoghegan and soon after another wicked cross from Gardiner was headed clear at the near post by McEwan as Shelvey looked to bag his brace.
HT Bankies 1 Glens 0
Following the break the opening encounters were much more encouraging for the visitors with Daniel Orsi having an early shot at goal that was held well by the keeper. Strachan made an excellent run down the left, getting to the bye-line for the first time, and his cut back causing some uncertainty in the Bankies defence before the ball was cleared.
‘He’s Off – Darren McGill takes out 3 Bankies’
On 55 minutes Darren McGill came on for Orsi and the midfielder was soon in the thick of things. Another lung bursting run down the left by Strachan ended with a cut-back to McGill who hammered the ball from the edge of the box only for the ball to be blocked by Andy Paterson. Two minutes later McGill was the architect of Glenafton’s equaliser after picking up the ball from McEwan wide on the right in his own half. Powering his way down the wing he shrugged off the challenge of Gold and then skipped past two other Bankies (as they collided at the touch line) and although his cross into the box was cut out by Bell the defender’s clearance was snapped up by Strachan who with the deftest of touches rolled the ball into the path of Cameron Marlow and in an instant he curled a left-footed drive into the net beyond Hamilton at full stretch.
Cameron Marlow curls home the equaliser
Match all square on 62 minutes. Four minutes later, the visitors took the lead in text book fashion. After gathering a Cairns throw-in deep on the left Strachan left Graham Mort for dead before making for the bye-line and whipping the ball to the back post where Alain Kinney, head and shoulders above two defenders, bulleted a downward header off the ground and into the net.
Alain Kinney heads Glens ahead
With 15 minutes to go Glens were forced to replace Darren McGill, who had sustained a couple of knocks, and bring on summer signing Chris Meikle, in his first appearance for the club. The sting and zing had gone out of the Bankies play and the visitors were looking the more inventive of the two sides. Nevertheless the home side still created a few chances that McGarrity dealt with comfortably, while set pieces lofted into the box were inevitably won in the air by Ryan McChesney. Another burst of speed by Strachan, this time through the middle, set up Marlow on the left and his cut back found Kinney, only for his turn and shot to be blocked by Andy Irvine.
Adam Strachan and Paul Bell
With five minutes to go Cameron Marlow was replaced by Klark Thomson and as the game drew to a close each side had a chance to add to their tally. For the visitors Strachan’s lob from 30 yards, after an outrageous piece of keepy-uppy, dipped over the bar. While for the home side Graeme Ramage cut the ball back from the bye-line intended for fellow substitute Joe Andrew at the near post only for McGarrity to dive bravely at his feet and gather the ball safely. FT Bankies 1 Glens 2
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Clydebank: Hamilton; Walker, Irvine, Bell, Paterson; Gardiner, Pearson (Ramage), Mort, Gold; Shelvey (Andrew) & Campbell
Glenafton Athletic: McGarrity; McEwan, McChesney, McGeoghegan, Cairns; Orsi (( McGill) (Meikle)), McKernon, Marlow (Thomson), Strachan; Kinney & Wardrope Subs nout used. Johnstone (GK)
More photos here
