Barr Scottish Junior Cup Final Update

Posted on May 29, 2014 by flowgently

Glens_ScottishBarrBBC Scotland

BBC Scotland visited Loch Park and interviewed  John Stewart, club secretary. They filmed around Loch Park and along the Castle.

  • The film will be shown on BBC 1 on tomorrow morning (Friday 30th May) news between 7 and 9 an and Reporting Scotland at  6.30 pm.
  • The interview will run BBC Radio Scotland every hour

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Meeting with SJFA Officials

John Stewart met with SJFA Officials at Rugby Park this evening.

  • Under no circumstances is there to be any flares or fireworks to be let off before during or after game. Anyone involved will be arrested and charged
  •  Anyone taking drink into the ground will be arrested and charged.
  • Bobby Guthrie has been given approval be in the Glenafton dressing room and on the pitch before and after the game to take photographs.
  • The mascots parents can view them from the trackside before kick off then escort them the east stand (Glenafton support)

Should Glenafton win the cup then NO supporters should COME ON TO THE PARK  to celebrate as the BBC has a time-slot for the ‘man of the match’ straight after the final whistle and the presentation of the trophy on the halfway line.

  • Any delay caused by fans on the park means the presentation will not be shown on television.
  • The players can bring there children on the park after the presentation is finished.

Access to Rugby Park

John Stewart has passed on details of any disabled supporters requiring access to Kilmarnock FC Head of Operations and Security. If anyone’s name has not been forwarded yet then please contact John ( 07831232638) before kick off or contact the Peter Orr, Kilmarnock FC (07547127321) and he will arrange access and  parking,

John has another meeting at Rugby Park tomorrow morning with Kilmarnock security, BBC, SJFA, and sponsors, any further information regarding the Glenafton support will be released tomorrow night on website, glens forum and official Facebook page

 

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Nicola fae New Cumnock / Different Class

Posted on May 29, 2014 by flowgently
NC/DC

NC/DC

I Love NC/DC

Nicola Murdoch (Murray) was born and bred in New Cumnock and although she now lives and works in Colombia, South America, her wee village is never far away.

Recently she has been ‘buzzing’ about Glenafton’s success on the pitch and repeatedly stated that she would be home to watch them lift the Scottish Cup.

A few weeks ago she sent a message home with an attachment confirming a weekend round trip for the final with the message,

“G0t the weekend off, the Glens are having a party”.

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It does not come as a great surprise to her family as she has been a loyal supporter/follower of the Glens since her youth. Her husband, Scott, who is a Cumnock boy will not be joining her for the journey and Nicola is quoted as stating, “he’s got the longest scarf in Ayrshire, he supports who ever’s winning”.

Nicola has been living and working abroad for many years as a Primary Teacher. Initially working in Shanghai, China then recently moving to Bogota, Colombia.

She has taken her wee village with her on all her travels through the years and there cannot be many people the world over who do not know about our wee village which she refers to as NC/DC- ‘New Cumnock Different Class’.

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NicolaMurrayFor her 30th birthday recently her friends in Bogota pulled together an amazing surprise with a Glenafton themed party where local businesses including the Glen’s Bar made guest appearances and Nicola taught them her favourite Glens’ songs.

The marathon trip to watch her beloved Glenafton is one which her friends (all over the world) and family will talk about for many years to come.

Good Luck Glenafton and safe travels Nicola ‘Nickthechick’ Murdoch ( NC/DC).

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Scottish Junior Cup Final: Supporters Buses

Posted on May 26, 2014 by flowgently

Glens_ScottishBarrGlenafton Athletic spoke to the Police & Kilmarnock’s head of operations and security today.

It has been confirmed that all the Glenafton Buses have to leave from New Cumnock together at 2.15 pm

The police will also have a presence when they are leaving and note that No Drink Will be allowed on the Buses

Please notify all drivers and conveners that they can park on the away end “Burnside Street”, & “Home Quarry Road” .

Please let the drivers know that there will be cones at the roadside to identify where buses CAN park

Kilmarnock

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Glenafton Athletic POTY 2013/14

Posted on May 24, 2014 by flowgently

Glenafton Athletic Player of the Year Awards

Glenafton Athletic’s Player of the Year award saw club captain Craig Menzies honoured for a fantastic season in winning three awards – Supporters Player of the Year, Committee Player of the Year and Players Player of the Year.

Fellow defender Ryan McChesney won the Young Player of the Year Award and Aaron Connolly won the top goalscorer award with 19 goals (so far!).

Collage_POTY1314

 

Congratulations to all the prize winners.

Ryan, Aaron and Craig

Ryan, Aaron and Craig

 

 POTY Gallery

Collage_POTY1314_01

Top: Alan & Ainsley; Aaron & Stevie

Bottom: Stevie, Craig and Brian; Findlay, Alain, Jamie and Stevie

Glenafton_POTY_201314_02

Cameron, Darren , Ian and Margaret

Thanks to John Haddow for photos

 

 

 

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Glenafton 4 Glenafton U19s 3

Posted on May 24, 2014 by flowgently

Friendly

Saturday 24th May, Loch Park, New Cumnock

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 4 (2)

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC U19s 3 (1)

With the Scottish Junior Cup just 8 days off the Glens took the on the U19 at Loch Park.  Aaron Connolly , Alain Kinney and Cameron Marlow all turned out for the U19s, while young Ryan Campbell lined up for the Glens.

GlenaftonvGlenU19s_F_H1314In a highly entertaining match the U19 took an early lead through Alain Kinney who blasted the ball home with less than two minutes gone. The match was all square three minutes later after keeper Derek Rush made a fine save from a Jamie McGeoghegan shot only for the loose ball to be partially cleared to the edge of the box where Jamie McKernon duly dispatched into the net with a trademark thunderbolt.

On 8 minutes the Glens took the lead when Campbell laid the ball out to the right for the overlapping Craig McEwan who then drove into the box and fired a low angled shot beyond the keeper and into the net at the back post.

Both sides came close to adding to their tally with Kinney and Marlow both hitting the cross bar sandwiched between a great run into the box by McKernon skipping pass several defenders and rounding the goalie only for his shot from an acute angle finding the side net.

HT Glens 2 Glens U19s 1

Glens were caught cold from the kick and with 20 seconds of the re-start the match was all square Connolly and Kinney combining to set up Cammy Marlow to jink into the box and clip the ball beyond the reach of Brian McGarrity.

GlenaftonvGlensU19_F_H1314On 55 minutes Stevie Miller picked out Jamie McKernon on the 18 yard line who gave a couple of defenders the slip before placing ball home from 8 yards out.  Ten minutes later the U19s were back on level terms when the ‘old heads’ of Connolly and Marlow combined to release Alain Kinney who powered into the box before driving the ball low and hard  from 12 yards out past the outstretched McGarrity.

The game appeared destined to end in stalemate only for Stevie Miller, with all but the last kick of the ball finally get the better of Rush, chipping the ball over the grounded keeper from 6 yards to completed the scoring. F/T Glens 4 Glens U19s 3

GlenaftonvGlensU19_F_H1314

more photos here

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Barr Scottish Junior Cup Final : SJFA Communication

Posted on May 21, 2014 by flowgently

Glens_ScottishBarrBARR SCOTTISH JUNIOR CUP FINAL

Rugby Park, Kilmarnock

Sunday 1st June, KO 4:05pm

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC v HURLFORD UNITED

 

Communication from Tom Johnston, Secretary, SJFA
1. Please impress on your support the need to arrive early.

2. Rugby Park is a designated ground – therefore compliance with local bye-laws is important. NO drinking in street. NO drinking in the ground. NO smoking in ground.

3. Banners must be fire retardant.

4. Anyone letting off flares or smoke bombs will be arrested.

5. Bottles and cans of water, juice, etc. are not allowed in the stadium.

6. Turnstiles open 3.05pm.

Finally, I would remind you that the club are responsible or the conduct of their supporters and I would urge you to encourage them to arrive early at the stadium.
SJFA00Yours faithfully

T.A. Johnston
SECRETARY

DISABLED CAR PARKING and ACCESS

Could anyone requiring Disabled Car Parking and Access forward their names and those of their carer to John Stewart, Club Secretary, Glenafton Athletic as these details require to be registered with the SJFA

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Clydebank 1 Glenafton 3

Posted on May 18, 2014 by flowgently

West Region Premier Division : Match 22
Satruday 17th May, Holm Park, Clydebank

CLYDEBANK 1 (1)

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 3 (1)

Glenafton put thoughts of their forthcoming Scottish Junior Cup final appearance to complete their league campaign with a convincing 3-1 win at Clydebank .

The Bankies began brightly on the rain-soaked Holm Park and Alan Cairns had to be alert to make a fine block on Ciaran McElroy deep in the box. On 4 minutes the same player killed a long ball lofted into the box before turning and firing a shot wide of target. The visitors responded after defender Andy Paterson had painted himself in at the corner flag and was robbed off the ball by Alain Kinney who headed goal-ward before driving a low hard shot that was well held by keeper Liam Campbell.

On 11 minutes a Clydebank corner kick created a game of head tennis in the box before the ball fell kindly for Ross McPherson but the striker couldn’t fully connect and his weak shot was deflected wide. A long throw from the left was headed on by Ian Gold for McPherson at the back post only for Craig Menzies to win the aerial duel and head the ball to safety.

At the other end Kinney’s knock down was gathered by Michael Reilly who forced the ball back to Findlay Frye and his drive from the 18 yard line was deflected wide by Michael Morris. From the resultant corner-kick Campbell made a brave save at the near post as Reilly pressured.

Glenafton made the breakthrough on 26 minutes following a passage of fine passing play. Craig McEwan tight on the right touchline picked out Jamie McKernon in the centre circle who quickly rolled the ball forward to Kinney and after holding off defender Scott Walker returned it to McKernon . The Afton midfielder then split the Bankies defence with a perfectly timed pass issuing the ball deep into the box to be gathered by Darren McGill, after outpacing Andy Paterson, he struck a first time ball across the face of the goal for the in-rushing Cameron Marlow to slot home at the back post.

Cameron Marlow puts the Glens in front

Cameron Marlow puts the Glens in front

Within two minutes the home side were back on level terms. A long throw from the left flank was headed clear by the Glens defence and gathered by Tommy Martin and some determined running down the right took him past a couple of red shirts before firing the ball back into the box where it was killed dead by Jamie Campbell and then fed back to Ian Gold who from the corner of the box drilled a low hard daisy-cutter to beat keeper Brian McGarrity at his near post.

Jamie McKernon and Micheal Reilly team up

Jamie McKernon and Micheal Reilly team up

On 33 minutes the visitors won a free-kick on the outskirts of the box and although McKernon’s thunderbolt beat the wall Campbell, in difficult conditions, did well to save and hold the ball. Minutes before the break the midfielder then powered his way through the middle of the park only for shot form the edge of the box swerve well wide of target. McGill then tried his luck from 22 yards out but his left footed drive sailed over the bar. H/T Bankies 1 Glens 1

Within 30 seconds of the re-start Cairns, Reilly and Marlow combined well down the left before the latter lofted the ball to the back post where although Kinney won the aerial battle against Paterson his header went wide of target.

On 49 minutes the visitors regained their lead with some excellent build up play and quick-thinking. Jamie McGeoghegan picked out McEwan wide on the right on the half way who instantly dispatched the ball upfield where Kinney flicked it on for McGill on the overlap down the right touchline only for his run to end on the outskirts of the box after a foul by Paterson. As McGill set himself to take the kick , McEwan tapped the ball to McKernon who quickly clipped the ball into the box where Michael Reilly coolly wrong-footed Campbell on his line to guide his header home from 8 yards out.

Michael Reilly heads Glens ahead

Michael Reilly heads Glens ahead

Bankies tried to respond through Gold but pressure from Cairns allowed McGarrity to come from his line and grab the ball bravely at the feet of attacker and defender alike. On 57 minutes McEwan whipped the ball into a packed penalty box from wide on the right for McGill to trap before his close control shook off the attention of three defenders only to end with his angled shot going beyond Campbell’s far post.

The home side enjoyed some sustained pressure with three corner kicks in a row, which eventually fizzled out with that common sight of a short corner coming to nothing. MacPherson surrounded by defenders and with his back to goal still managed to engineer a shot, albeit it soared well over the bar.

Midway through the half Kinney cracked a shot from 30 yards which cannoned off the chest of the diving Campbell and Craig McCready was on hand to prevent Reilly from burying the rebound. Minutes later McElroy manufactured a way into the box only for his well struck shot to whizz wide of the far post.

On 72 minutes Craig McEwan pulled up and was replaced by Stevie Miller, with Southy leaving to a great reception from the travelling support. Tommy Martin made a terrific run from deep in his own half into the Glens box and retained the ball after it had bounced off the shins of two defenders before picking out Gold who in turn found McPherson but his shot failed to find its target.

Glenafton doubled their lead on 74 minutes with McGill again at the heart of it. McGeoghegan picked Macpherson’s pocket on the half way line and McKernon picked up the scraps before playing the ball forward to Kinney who squared it to McGill wide on the right flank. He drove up the right wing and with defender Paterson backing off as he entered the box he chipped a delightful ball to the back post where Cameron Marlow got between McCready and Campbell to tap the ball home.

Cammy clips home the Glens third goal

Cammy clips home the Glens third goal

Glenafton brought off Jamie McKernon to a rousing reception from the Afton followers and brought on Craig Brown, while soon after the home side replaced Craig McCready with Reece Pearson.

There were few clear cut chances in the closing stages with a Kinney header from a free-kick just off target while the Bankies conjured up a number of corners but couldn’t find the magic touch to finish them off. F/T Clydebank 1 Glenafton 3

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Clydebank: L.Campbell; McCready (Pearson), Walker, Morris, Paterson; Gold, Martin Berry, McElroy, J.Campbell & Ross Macpherson

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Glenafton Athletic: McGarrity; McEwan (Miller), McGeoghegan, Menzies, Cairns; McGill, Frye, McKernon (Brown), Marlow; Kinney & Reilly.

More photos here

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Glenafton 1 Arthurlie 0

Posted on May 10, 2014 by flowgently

West Region Premier Division : Match 21

Saturday 10th May, Loch Park, New Cumnock

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 1 (0)

ARTHURLIE 0 (0)

Fully recovered from a recent knock club captain Craig Menzies made a return to the Glens starting line-up while top scorer Aaron Connolly remained side-lined and Ryan McChesney began his two match suspension. In Arthurlie’s starting line-up was former Glenafton striker Graeme Barbour.

The home side enjoyed the bulk of possession in the first half with persistent passages of fine passing played at high tempo. However clear cut chances were scarce and the best of these were engineered by striker Alain Kinney. In the opening minutes his low angled shot from outside of the box whizzed past keeper’s Patrick Doherty’s right hand post. On 12 minutes the self-same post came to the visitors rescue after Findlay Frye and Jamie McKernon combined to pick out Kinney in the box who slipped past Kevin Green before stroking the ball beyond the reach of the on-rushing Doherty only for it crash off the base of the woodwork.

Alain Kinney's effort hits the post

Alain Kinney’s effort hits the post

There were only glimpses of the Barrhead side as an attacking force with Ryan McArdle often the architect; however they too struggled to test the keeper.

Glenafton continued to press with McKernon and Frye controlling the midfield and full backs Craig McEwan and Alan Cairns pushing forward to support Stevie Miller and Cameron Marlow on the flanks. On 18 minutes Kinney made good progress deep into the box on the left hand side before cutting back for Marlow only for Green to get an outstretched leg to the ball. Marlow then turned provider and his cross into the box saw Michael Reilly put Doherty under pressure and although the keeper flapped the ball away, Mark Blakey was on hand to boot the ball clear.

Stevie Millar - you can take the man out of Barrhead ..

Stevie Millar – you can take the man out of Barrhead ..

Arthurlie enjoyed their best spell of the half in the closing ten minutes. McKernon headed clear a corner kick and soon after a good run down the right by McArdle ended with keeper Brian McGarrity comfortably collecting his cut-back at the near post. McArdle then tried his luck with a shot from 20 yards but again McGarrity was more than a match and held the ball cleanly. HT Glens 0 Lie 0

The ‘game of two halves’ took shape immediately from the restart as Arthurlie came flying out the blocks. A quick break down the left by Eddie McTernan ended with ball being flashed across the face of the goalmouth with a touch from McGarrity taking it away from Barbour and Cairns clearing the danger.

A switch of flanks and McArdle’s floated ball to the back post was headed behind by McEwan as Kyle Rafferty threatened and from the resultant corner kick Ryan McGregor’s flick-on was mopped up with another timely clearance from Cairns. On 55 minutes another Arthurlie corner was met at the back post by a tremendous leap from McGregor and his header looked goal-bound only for McGarrity to pull off a magnificent save to stretch and punch the ball away for Frye to mop up.

Brian McGarrity super save

Brian McGarrity super save

Straight after the visitors made a double substitution with the Graemes, Barbour and Ramage, making way for Stevie Dymock and Paul Stewart

Some respite for Glenafton on 63 minutes when Cairns cut-back from the bye-line was met by Marlow deep in the box and although the midfielder met it sweetly his shot was pushed over the bar in some style by Doherty. The resultant corner saw Kinney win the aerial battle against no fewer than three ‘Lie defenders but nonetheless the visitors successfully cleared the danger.

The home side brought on the fresh legs of Darren McGill for Stevie Miller but it was the visitors that were soon back on the front foot. McTernan menaced his way down the left wing before firing the ball across the goalmouth which eventually fell for McCardle in space and although his shot beat the keeper, Cairns was again in the right place at the right time to pull off a goal saving block. The defender then double-teamed with Frye to repel Dymock’s near post header from the corner-kick that followed.

McGill’s ball into the box for Kinney was headed clear by Mark Blakey only for it to be snapped up by McKernon on the outskirts of the box and as he drove forward Rafferty took the feet from him; outside the box deemed the referee. McKernon took the free kick and although it beat the wall it zoomed past Doherty’s right hand post.

Darren McGill breaks free

Darren McGill breaks free

The game was now more evenly balanced as chances came and went. At one end ‘Lie won a corner-kick which was headed clear by Jamie McGeoghegan, while at the other McGill slipped the ball to Frye in the box and his run brought to and with a brave dive by Doherty at the feet of the Glens’ midfielder. Back up-field and Dymock’s cross intended for Stewart was cut out by the outstretched leg of McGeoghegan, the defender and his keeper relieved to see the ball sail over the bar. Glens responded through a break by Reilly, only for his shot from 22 yards to be comfortably clutched by keeper Doherty.

Penalty kick

Penalty kick

On 77 minutes Glenafton brought on a trialist for Michael Reilly and soon after his pace took him beyond Green to gather the ball in the box only for the chasing defender to pull him to the ground. Green earned a red card and on 81 minutes Alain Kinney slammed the spot-kick home to out the Glens ahead.

Alain Kinney picks his spot

Alain Kinney picks his spot

The home side took advantage of a shell-shocked Arthurlie and Doherty had to be alert to save a shot from Marlow and then a close range header from McGill. Back came ’Lie and a free kick floated into the box for McCardle was headed clear by Menzies and then McGarrity saved well from Jamie Lyden as he attempted to head home a corner kick.

With two minutes to go Glenafton appeared to have doubled their lead after a great run into the box by McEwan that took him behind the ‘Lie defence and with the keeper to beat tapped the ball back for Kinney to blast into vacant net. However, celebrations were cut short by an offside flag, although it looked liked mistaken identity, as Marlow was in the offside position.

Kinney left to a great reception to be replaced by Craig Brown and the Glens held on to their slender lead and secure all three points. FT Glens 1 ‘Lie 0

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Glenafton Athletic: McGarrity; McEwan, McGeoghegan, Menzies, Cairns; Miller (McGill), Frye, McKernon, Marlow; Kinney (Brown) & Reilly (trialist)

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Arthurlie: Doherty; McKeown, Lyden, Green, Blakey; McArdle, Rafferty, McGregor, McTernan; Barbour (Dymock) & Ramage (Stewart). Subs Macklin, Ardallany, Smith

The win has Glenafton jump Arthurlie and climb to 7th place in the Premier Division with one league game remaining. A fantastic achievement for the club and great credit goes to Tommy, Cherk and the players. Well done Glenafton!

more photos here

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Glenafton 0 Cumnock 1

Posted on May 3, 2014 by flowgently

West Region Premier Division : Match 20

Saturday 3rd May, Loch Park, New Cumnock

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 0 (0)

CUMNOCK JUNIORS 1 (1)

Glenafton’s top goal scorer Aaron Connolly remained side-lined through injury while captain Craig Menzies recovering from injury had a place on the bench.

Cumnock enjoyed the early chances and in the opening 10 minutes a game of head tennis in the Glens’ box ended with John Bradford’s header in the safe clutches of keeper Brian McGarrity whilst both Chris Robertson and John Johnston had shots at goal that went wide of target.

On 13 minutes the home side responded through Michael Reilly only for his shot from the outskirts of the box go over the bar. Three minutes later a Craig McEwan free kick was won deep in the box by the head of Cameron Marlow but Stevie Crawford was well placed to clear the ball from the feet of Reilly.

'Nock ' Nock! Who's there ....Jamie McKernon

‘Nock ‘ Nock! Who’s there ….Jamie McKernon

The game became scrappy and neither side had seriously tested their opponent’s keeper before the visitors took the lead on 30 minutes with a touch of quality from Chris Robertson. James Lundie lumped a long ball up-field that deceived the home defence and Robertson on the edge of the box let the ball take a bounce before elegantly hooking it high in the air to descend into the postage stamp.

Four minutes later a Chris McKnight free kick floated to the back post found the unmarked Kieran Wood but the defender guided his free header wide of target. Soon after Wood blocked Alain Kinney’s attempt at goal and although the loose ball was gathered by Stevie Miller his cross from wide on the right was picked out the air by former Glenafton goalie Ally Semple. Five minutes from the break Cammy Marlow hobbled off to be replaced by former Cumnock player Darren McGill. HT Glens 0 Cumnock 1

Minutes into the new half McGill fired a shot from distance wide of the post. On 51 minutes the woodwork came to the Glens rescue when substitute Richard Hanvey’s free kick driven through a ruck of players beat McGarrity before crashing off the post. Just before the hour mark the Glens keeper brought off a stunning point blank save from substitute Gavin Brown. Two minutes later Wood with another free header just failed to hit the target.

Ryan McChesney and Chris Robertson with Craig McEwan

Ryan McChesney and Chris Robertson with Craig McEwan

Midway through the half Semple was quick off his line to deny Reilly a shot at goal after the Glens’ striker beat the ‘Nock defence to a through ball into the box.

With 20 minutes to go Jamie McKernon, after another tireless shift, was replaced by Craig Menzies , who slotted back into the centre of defence and Jamie McGeoghegan pushed forward into midfield. Two minutes later, in the best move of the game, Findlay Frye in the middle of the park picked out McGill who then fed Reilly on the right to lay the ball into the path of the over-lapping McEwan. The defender drove into the box before blasting an angled shot for goal, only for Semple at full stretch to push the ball away and then look on as Stevie Miller’s attempt to slot home was blocked by Brown and McKnight then clear that rebound from the feet of McEwan.

Southy shoots for goal

Southy shoots for goal

Glens brought on the fresh legs of Craig Brown for Stevie Miller as the home side pressed for the equaliser. With 10 minutes to go McEwan, from also the same spot in the box as before,  sent a shot whizzing past Semple’s near post. Kinney then fashioned a shot from outside the box that zipped wide of the other post.

A McEwan cross from deep on the right was headed clear at the back post by Gavin Brown as his name-sake Craig looked to head home and nothing came of the resultant corner. Semple then tipped a shot from distance round the post and although this corner was better executed Semple, sandwiched between Reilly and Kinney, did enough to punch the ball clear. It proved to be too little too late for the home side and the’ Nock earned their first victory over the Glens in five attempts this season to secure all three points. FT Glens 0 Cumnock 1

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Glenafton Athletic: McGarrity; McEwan, McChesney, McGeoghegan, Cairns; Miller (Brown), Frye, McKernon (Menzies), Marlow (McGill); Kinney & Reilly.

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Cumnock Juniors: Semple; Lundie, Wood, O’Donnel, Crawford; Johnston, McKnight, Montgomerie, Maguire (Hanvey); Robertson, Bradford (Brown)

more photos here

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Hurlford 2 Glenafton 0

Posted on April 30, 2014 by flowgently

West Region Premier Division : Match 19

Wednesday 30 th April, Blair Park, Hurlford

HURLFORD UNITED 2 (1)

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 0 (0)

East Ayrshire’s two Scottish Junior Cup finalists lined up in a league encounter at Blair Park, a month before the final that will take place away a few miles away at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock.

For the Glens former ‘Ford forward Aaron Connolly joined Craig Menzies on the injury list after suffering a knock in the Monday night victory over Pollok. Cameron Marlow was rested with a place on the bench. In Hurlford’s starting line-up were four former Glenafton players – Glen Mitchell, Jack Steele, Paul McKenzie and Ross Robertson, while John Dempster was on the bench.

Ford came flying out the blocks and had the Glens defence at sixes and sevens in the early encounters and with 3 minutes gone Robertson missed a great chance to open the scoring after his free header from close range sailed over the bar. Undeterred the breakthrough came two minutes later as the visitors struggled to clear their lines and after blocking two attempts the ball fell kindly for Callum Watt in space to power the ball home from close range.

Stevie Miller

Stevie Miller

Glens rallied and earned a corner and although Ryan McChesney won the header Hurlford hoofed the ball clear. At the other Craig McEwan won the aerial battle with Stewart Kean as they challenged for the ball under the Glens’ bar. Another Glen’s corner ended with Alain Kinney with his back to goal hooking the ball over the bar. On 12 minutes Stevie Millier made good progress down the right and although Michael Reilly beat Mitchell to the cut back his shot from the edge of the six yard box was blocked well.

The storm clouds opened over Blair Park and the hosts looked the more likely to add to their tally as they spread ball with some style from flank to flank and yet although the defending could be frantic at times in the Glens box, keeper Brian McGarrity wasn’t severely tested as chances went a-begging. Meanwhile the Glens were restricted to a few half chances and Ford’s keeper Alistair Brown mopped these up comfortably. HT Hurlford 1 Glens 0

Hurlford won an early corner and McGarrity got a vital hand to the ball as Robertson rose to head at the back post . On 48 minutes the home side were reduced to 10 men when Steel was shown a straight red card for a studs-showing challenge on Miller at the centre circle. McKenzie’s name went in the book soon after for a late challenge on McGarrity. Reilly tried his luck from distance only for Brown to clutch the ball safely in difficult conditions.

Another fine punch on 58 minutes from McGarrity prevented the ball reaching Kean crouching at the back post, lining up his header. Three minutes later a long ball released Robertson through on goal, forcing McGarrity to run to the outskirts of his box only for the ‘Ford striker to use a hand to guide the ball away from the keeper. A yellow card, was swiftly followed by a red (perhaps he had been booked previously or protested inappropriately).

Nevertheless it was the 9 men that fashioned the next goal. A Glens attack was broken down on the edge of the ‘Ford box and Watt launched the ball upfield for Kean to chase. The striker fended off the back-tracking McChesney and after a touch or two in the box he gave McGarrity no chance and with dogged determination bulged the net from six yards out and doubled the host’s lead on 69 minutes. Six minutes later McGarrity dived bravely at the feet of Watt as ‘Ford pushed for another.

Darren McGill beats Paal McKenzie to the ball

Darren McGill beats Paal McKenzie to the ball

Understandably the Glens began to enjoy much more possession but much of that in their own half and just beyond as they struggled to penetrate a well drilled defence. Fresh legs of a trialist for Reilly and Marlow for Darren McGill were added and later on Craig Brown but to no avail and Hurlford held on comfortably to secure all the points.

FT Hurlford 2 Glens 0

Glenafton Atheltic: McGarrity; McEwan, McChesney, McGeoghegan, Cairns (Brown); Miller (Brown), McKernon, Frye, McGill (Marlow); Kinney & Reilly (trialist).

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