Cumnock 2 Glenafton 2

Posted on March 15, 2014 by flowgently

Scottish Junior Cup Quarter-final

Saturday 15th March  2014, Townhead Park, Cumnock

CUMNOCK JUNIORS 2 (0)

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 2 (1)

GLENS ROCKED BY LATE ‘NOCK

The home side enjoyed much of the early pressure without seriously testing Brian McGarrity in the Glens’ goal. On 8 minutes a quickly taken throw from the right picked out John Johnston’s run into the box but his first time volley went wide of target. Five minutes later Ryan McChesney headed clear a Cumnock corner-kick and soon after McGarrity comfortably clutched a ball under his bar as Chris Robertson challenged.

Glenafton gradually worked their way into the game with Aaron Connolly’s movement causing concern in the home defence.  On 25 minutes a cross field ball from Jamie McGeoghan on the right flank picked out Findlay Frye deep in the left hand side of the box, where he quickly skinned Gavin Brown and then outfoxed James Lundie before cutting the ball back across the box for the incoming McGeoghan only for his shot to sail well over the bar.

Townhead line out

Townhead line out

Two minutes later Cumnock were reduced to ten men when Steven Crawford was shown a straight red after a rash tackle that saw him win the ball with one foot and pole-axe Craig McEwan with the other. Soon after Brown was fortunate not to follow his team-mate following what looked a blatant kick at McChesney, a yellow card sufficing on this occasion.

Glens made the breakthrough on 37 minutes following Ray Montgomerie’s foul on Cameron Marlow wide on the left. Jamie McKernon whipped the free-kick into the box and a glancing header by Ryan McChesney from 15 yards out  beat keeper Willie Muir at full stretch and the ball nestled in the far corner of the net..

Chessy celebrates the opener

Local Hero Chessy celebrates the opener

Clear cut chances remained thin on the ground and Glenafton went in at the break a goal to the good. H/T Cumnock 0 Glens 1

The new half began brightly with end to end play resulting in chances for both sides.  On 47 minutes a Glens’ corner was only partially cleared and the ball played back into the box and although McKernon met it sweetly his volley was well held by Muir.  Cumnock forced a couple of corners of their own, one of which  ended with a Steven McGuire header back across the face of goal sneaking inches wide of McGarrity’s far post.

On 51 minutes the visitors let slip the chance to double their lead. Frye picked up a headed clearance and shrugged off former Glens player Paul McInnes before feeding Alain Kinney in the box who squared the ball across the six yard line where a combination of Frye and Connolly tried to force the ball beyond the reach of the grounded Muir but the keeper made a fine block and then another to foil Marlow.

Glens go close

Glens go close

Back up the park and a Cumnock free kick from the corner of the box saw McGarrity in the right place to gather MacGuire’s close range header. Glens replied on the hour mark with a clever ball from Kinney that released Marlow for a run in on goal only for the irrepressible Robertson to recover the situation with a well timed tackle in the box and although McChesney won the header from the resultant corner it too was cleared by the ‘Nock defence. Two minutes later Marlow was the Glens architect again his run taking him all the way to the six yard box only for Muir’s shins to block his shot at goal and although fighter Frye won the race for the loose ball it cannoned off the keeper high into the air, then off the bar and Montgomery kept his cool to clear the ball off the line.

Glens go close again

Glens go close again

Instead of being two ahead the visitors found themselves pegged back as Cumnock broke upfield and won another free kick at the right hand corner of the box. Mongtomerie’s free kick found its target and Chris Robertson powered home a header to square the cup-tie with 62 minutes gone.

Chris Robertson heads home equaliser

Chris Robertson heads home equaliser

Both sides introduced fresh legs and with 15 minutes to go Stevie Miller, on for Marlow, engineered a shot at goal from the corner of the six yard box from which Muir pulled off a fine save to parry the ball on to the post, before any notice of an offside flag had been taken. Five minutes later Kinney sandwiched between Brown and Johnston on the six yard line powered a header goal-ward only for Muir to clutch safely.

McGarrity matched his counter-part with another goal-line save from another header by Robertson from another Cumnock free-kick.  Glens quickly broke down the right flank and substitute Michael Reilly’s cut back into the box was partially cleared by Lundie and the ball gathered for Frye , his shot from the 18 yard line was blocked by Colin Williamson, with Glens appeal for hand-ball waved away.

Michael Reilly puts the Glens ahead

Michael Reilly puts the Glens ahead

On 83 minutes Glenafton regained the lead after Alan Cairns and Miller combined well down the left before the latter’s cross picked out McGeoghan in the six yard box and although Muir parried the resultant header Michael Reilly was first to react to force the ball home from two yards out and score his first goal for the club.

Cumnock regrouped and substitute John Bradford made good progress down the right flank only for McEwan to bring the run to the end in the box with a fine tackle, the grounded Cumnock striker’s appeal for a penalty waved away. At the other end substitute and former Cumnock midfielder Darren McGill’s effort from the edge of the box beat Muir before sailing over the keeper’s cross bar.

The home side won a corner kick two minutes into time added on and their last hopes of an equaliser appeared to have vanished as the ball was fired well beyond the back post. However as McChesney with Robertson all over his back raced to where they both expected the ball to land it struck the Glens defender’s arm and a spot-kick was awarded. The referee’s interpretation of a deliberate hand-ball under such circumstances left the visiting side bemused and the home side hopeful of a late late reprieve.

Chris Robertson sinks the spot kick

Chris Robertson sinks the spot kick

On 93 minutes Chris Robertson stepped up and slotted the ball home despite McGarrity’s gallant attempt to prevent the replay. FT Cumnock 2 Glens 2

 Cumnock Juniors: Muir; Brown, Crawford, Robertson, Lundie; Montgomerie, Johnston, Williamson, McInnes, Maguire & Love. McInnes. Subs. McKnight,Bradford, Wood,  Hanvey,  Kinnaird.

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

More photos here

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Largs 3 Glenafton 0

Posted on March 8, 2014 by flowgently

West Region Stagecoach Premier Division : Match 15

Saturday 8th March  2014, Barrfield Park, Largs

LARGS THISTLE 3 (1)

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 0  (0)

The Glens suffered their heaviest league defeat of the season after going down 3-0 at Largs Thistle. Graham Muir opened the scoring in 7 minutes slotting home from close range after a determined run down the right flank and a deadly cut back from the dead ball-line by Willie McLure. The visitors did create a number of chances but struggled to severely test keeper Grant Weir while the home side always looked dangerous as the stroked the ball about the Barrfields surface.

Largs doubled their lead three minutes into the new half with McLure the architect once again.  Breaking into the Glens half he played the ball back to Glen Thomson who completed a slick one-two with a deft chip over the visitors’ defence for McLure to gather and cut-back from the bye-line only for Euan Lindsay’s pop at goal to crash off the near post and the ball then fall kindly for Dylan McLaughlin to take a touch and pick his spot at the back post.

Just beyond the hour mark Lindsay burst through the Glens half unchallenged and fed Nicky Little wide right on the box who slotted the ball between Alan Cairns and keeper Brian McGarrity from the narrowest of angles.

A clash between Michael Reilly and Euan Lindsay ended with both players receiving their matching orders along with Barri Stanton who rushed from the dug-out to join the melee that ensued.

Largs Thistle: Weir, Thomson, Fisher, Walton, Gilbride, Muir, N. Little, Struthers, McLure (Keogh), Lindsay, D. McLaughlin (B. McLaughlin) subs: Stanton, C. Little, McWilliams (GK)

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

Video Highlights Courtesy of Largs Thistle here

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Glenafton 0 Auchinleck 1

Posted on March 1, 2014 by flowgently

West Region Stagecoach Premier Division : Match 14

Saturday 1st March  2014, Loch Park, New Cumnock

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 0 (0)

AUCHINLECK TALBOT  1  (1)

Glenafton began with the same starting eleven that knocked Shotts Bon Accord out the Scottish Junior Cup in a pulsating match at Loch Park last Saturday for the visit of league leaders Auchinleck Talbot. 

The home side made a nervy start and in the opening minutes keeper Brian McGarrity had to deal with a pass back hit with some pace and then rush to the edge of the box to deny Keir Milliken a sniff at goal.  With less than three minutes of the game gone the Talbot striker was heading back to the pavilion after a reckless challenge on Craig Menzies, catching the Glen’s captain with a high flying boot as he tried to head the ball back upfield.

Those coming late into Loch Park would have been hard pushed to recognise the Glens had a man advantage as the 10 men of Talbot knuckled down and were quick to hustle their opponents off the ball.  The visitors were creating the few openings of any note, Gormley and Colin Spence combining well, but without testing the keeper.

On 20 minutes Glens broke down the right flank with Aaron Connolly getting the better of Ally Park before cutting the ball into the box for Cameron Marlow only for Martin McGoldrick to cut out the danger at the corner of the six yard box.  Andy Leishman then rushed from his line to beat Marlow to a ball into the box and soon after the Glens midfielder’s good work down the left ended with Craig Pettigrew cutting out his cross at the near post.

Just as Glenafton had started to show their teeth back came Auchinleck to bite them on the ‘bot.  Gormley engineered his way into the box and with his way to goal blocked by a host of red shirts he touched the ball to James Latta, seemingly placing his team-mate in the same predicament.  A tangle of legs followed ending with Latta on the ground, Jamie McGeoghan penalised and a spot-kick awarded which was leathered home by David Gormley with 27 minutes gone.

David Gormley scores from the spot

David Gormley scores from the spot

Glenafton rallied and a neat one two by Kinney and Marlow by-passed Pettigrew only for Willie Lyle with a timely tackle rob Marlow in the box. Soon after, ten minutes from the break,  Marlow skipped past John White and drove into the box before drilling a low shot from 8 yards out which although went through Leishman’s legs, the ball’s pace had been killed giving the big keeper time to swivel and smother the ball.

No luck for Cammy

No luck for Cammy

Five minutes later the home side won a free kick short of 30 yards from goal and although Connolly’s effort beat the Talbot wall the ball sailed over the bar. At the other end Gormley’s shot from open play at the corner of the penalty box suffered the same fate. The half ended with Talbot on the front foot but following a short game of head tennis in the Glens box, the defence cleared their lines. HT Glens 0 Auchinleck 1

The Glens were first to press and although their play earned a number of set pieces they struggled to convert these into any serious efforts on target; a malaise endured equally by their opponents.

Indeed, it was defender Craig Pettigrew that had the travelling support cooing as he gathered the ball deep in his own half and plundered his way upfield, brushing red shirts aside one by one to arrive at edge of the Glens’ box but the final pass failed to find a Talbot forward and McGarrity mopped it up.  The keeper later comfortably clutched a Spence shot from the edge of the box.

Aaron loses out to Andy

Aaron loses out to Andy

At the other end, a Craig McEwan cross into the box was miscued by Latta and flew over Leishman’s head and the bar but again the resultant corner-kick came to nothing.  A high ball into the box saw Connolly get the jump on McGoldrick and Pettigrew but the alert Leishman was already well placed to collect the ball comfortably.

Talbot responded with a slick passing move that ended with Gormley feeding McGoldrick wide on the right and although the latter’s cross was blocked, the former’s run into the box was impeded by Frye, earning Talbot a free kick 20 yards outs. Although Gormley’s effort beat the ball it lacked any power to concern McGarrity.

Brian ready for Davie's free kick

Brian ready for Davie’s free kick

Leishman was back in action having to desert his box to close down Connolly on the right flank. With 10 minutes to go Connolly made good progress down the other flank leaving Pettigrew in his wake but he couldn’t shake off man-of-the-match McGoldrick and the Glens man subsequent tumble in the box was adjudged to be a dive, earning him a yellow-card – one of five flashed to the home team during the second half.

At the other end, a cross from the right from the unusually quiet Bryan Young was only partially cleared by Ryan McChesney as Latta waited to pounce and the loose ball then punched out by McGarrity as substitute Graham Wilson threatened. McGarrity mopped up the corner-kick unchallenged at the back post.

Michael outdone by Andy

Michael outdone by Andy

Straight up the park and the tireless Connolly slipped a neat ball for Reilly to get behind the Talbot defence but yet again Leishman’s positional play was exemplary as he rushed to bravely dive at the feet of his former team-mate and push the ball to safety. FT Glens 0 Auchinleck 1

Glenafton: McGarrity; McEwan, McChesney, Menzies, McGeoghan; Reilly, McKernon, Frye, Marlow (Brown); Connolly & Kinney (McGill). Subs : Hart (gk). Cairns

Auchinleck: Leishman; Lyle, Pettigrew, McGoldrick, Park; Young, Spence, White, Latta; Milliken & Gormley (Wilson)

More photos here

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John moves on

Posted on February 26, 2014 by flowgently

GlenaftonSquad_JohnCraigBy mutual agreement midfielder John Craig has left the club. John made 20 appearances since making the move to Loch Park in the close season.

All at Glenafton Athletic would like to thank John and wish him all the best in the future.

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Glenafton 3 Shotts 2

Posted on February 23, 2014 by flowgently

Scottish Junior Cup 5th round

Saturday 22nd February, Loch Park, New Cumnock

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 3 (3)

SHOTTS BON ACCORD 2 (2)

Aaron Connolly scores what proves to be the winner.

Aaron Connolly scores what proves to be the winner.

The Glens marched into the Scottish Junior Cup Quarter-finals after a 3-2 win over a slick Shotts side in a pulsating encounter at Loch Park. All the goals came in the opening half with the lead changing back and forth. Both sides deserve great credit for serving up an excellent cup tie.

Glenafton got off to a dream start with Michael Reilly earning two corners in quick succession. Chris Walker headed the first of Findlay Frye’s kicks clear but his second fell at the feet of Ryan McChesney , who took a touch with his left before hooking it with his right through a ruck of defenders in the six yard box and sweetly into the net.

Ryan McChesney opens the scoring

Ryan McChesney opens the scoring

A minute later Aaron Connolly evaded Bryan Wharton to engineer a lob from the left corner of the penalty box to send Gary Whyte scurrying back to his line and watch the ball skim inches wide of the post.

Shotts soon found their feet, stroking the ball about with some style and Gary McStay served noticed when his drive cracked off the base of the post. On 15 minutes the visitors were back on level terms.  Steven Canning threaded a ball into the box and as a line of Glens defenders stood motionless with arms aloft claiming offside Jack Marriot continued his run undaunted and forced a brave save from the outrushing Brian McGarrity but the keeper could do nothing to prevent the alert Sean McKenna from keeping his nerve and placing the ball into the far corner of the net – memories of his four goals for Bellshill in a Scottish Junior Cup tie three season ago now engulfing Loch Park.

Sean McKenna equalises

Sean McKenna equalises

Glens responded with a corner kick and a shot from the edge of the box both of which Whyte clutched cleanly.

Mid-way through the half McKenna released Tom Hanlon in acres of space in the right hand side of the box but the midfielder skewed his effort well wide of target. On 33 minutes McKenna menaced his way past two defenders into the right hand corner of the six yard box and with McGarrity guarding his near post tried to guide the ball in at the other, only for it to roll inches wide of the post and the sole of the boot of the incoming Andy Cross.

Four minutes later McKenna left white shirts in his wake as he weaved his way into the box but his finish failed to match the quality of the build up and his shot from a narrow angle found the side netting.  A minute later the striker was deep in the box again and with Craig Menzies blocking his way to goal he delicately chipped the ball into the six yard box for Andy Cross to glance a header beyond the reach of McGarrity.

Andy Cross puts Shotts ahead

Andy Cross puts Shotts ahead

The home side surrendered possession from the kick-off and McKenna, back in the box, forced a decent save from the Glens goalie.

Shell-shocked Glens were unfortunate not to equalise on 42 minutes when Connolly left Walker in his wake and blasted into the box to clip the ball beyond Whyte only for the back tracking Wharton to clear the ball off the line at the expense of a corner-kick. This was only partially cleared and a Connolly cross from the right saw Cameron Marlow nick between Marriot and Whyte to rise and guide his header into the net.

Cammy Marlow heads home the equaliser

Cammy Marlow heads home the equaliser

In time added on Glenafton won a free kick on outskirts of the right hand corner of the penalty box. The expected pop at goal did not materialise and Connolly squared the ball for Alain Kinney to shoot only for the referee call play back for early movement In the Shotts wall.

Aaron Connolly's free kick finds the net

Aaron Connolly’s free kick finds the net

Once bitten, twice shy and Aaron Connolly curled a beauty which took a slight deflection before crashing into the net at Whyte’s near post.  HT Glens 3 Shotts 2

Glens replaced Michael Reilly with Alan Cairns who slotted in at left back with Jamie McGeoghan switching to the right and Craig McEwan in right midfield. The reshuffle was soon put to the test as Shotts came out with all guns firing and controlled the match for long periods with only glimpses of the Glens as an attacking force.

McGarrity was quickly in the thick of it and on 48 minutes got down well to grab the ball as Cross threatened in the six yard box.  The pressure began to mount and McChesney and Menzies marshalled the defence to repel attack after attack. Just before the hour mark a couple of corners were cleared off the line. The first saw Cairns and McGarrity double-team to prevent McStay’s effort and then McEwan blocked Cross’s near post header.

Gary McStay foiled by Brian McGarrity and Alan Cairns

Gary McStay foiled by Brian McGarrity and Alan Cairns

Some respite for the home side after Kinney picked out Frye only for his run into the box to be ended by substitute Paul Burns. Back came Shotts and a free-kick into the box was won by the head of Walker and as McGarrity dived bravely at the feet of McStay to gather the ball he took a knock on the face that required a few minutes treatment.

Brian Mcgarrity saves from Gary McStay

Brian Mcgarrity saves from Gary McStay

With 15 minutes to go the Glens twice almost caught Shotts in the break. McGeoghan released Connolly wide on the right and his run from the half way light saw him skip past Burns before Cross forced him wide in the penalty box and his low drilled angled shot was well save by Whyte. A minute later Frye sent Connolly flying down the right flank and on this occasion the Glens’ striker had a free run into the box but again Whyte came out on top as he rushed from his line to narrow the angle and block the shot with his shins.

Back came Shotts and substitute Clark Rankin’s delicate flick in the box picked out fellow sub Jordan White in space but with only the keeper to beat he miscued his effort well wide of target. Soon after it was Rankin that had the Glens’ goal in sight only for Menzies to quickly close in and deflect this effort inches wide for a corner, which too was bundled clear at the same near post.

Glenafton's defence stands firm

Glenafton’s defence stands firm

With five minutes to go Glens almost stunned Shotts with a sucker punch. Marlow outwitted two defenders at the edge of the box before lashing an angled shot that was pushed away by Whyte at full stretch, Connolly gathered the loose ball and fed it back into the danger area where Frye fired for goal but Whyte again came to the rescue and smothered the ball safely.

In the dying minutes Glens introduced midweek signing Darren McGill for Alain Kinney as they tried to see out the game. Shotts found a final wind and yet they could not break down a determined home rear guard.  A great run down the left by Cross was ended with a gritty tackle by McEwan at the expense of a corner, which uncharacteristically was fired into the side netting. On 95 minutes a Shotts throw in from the right, deep into the box, was headed clear by Cairns and mopped up by McChesney prior to the arms being raised aloft to welcome the final whistle. FT Glens 3 Shotts 2

Glenafton Athletic:  McGarrity; McEwan. McChesney, Menzies, McGeoghan; Reilly (Cairns), Frye, McKernon, Marlow; Connolly & Kinney (McGill). Subs Craig, Brown

Shotts Bon Accord: Whyte; Finnigan (Rankin); Walker, Wharton (Burns), Summers; Hanlon, J.Marriot, Canning, Cross; McKenna & McStay (White)

More photo here

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Honest Man, Darren’s an Afton Lad

Posted on February 20, 2014 by flowgently
Photo courtesy of Cumnock Chronicle

Photo courtesy of Cumnock Chronicle

Glenafton Athletic are delighted to announce the signing of 18 year old midfielder Darren McGill from Ayr United on loan  until the end of the season. Cumnock-lad Darren joined Ayr United’s youth academy from Rangers youth set up in January 2012 and made four first team appearances for the Honest Men. He was loaned out to Cumnock Juniors at the start of this season and featured against the Glens in the goal-less Ardagh Cup section match at Townhead.

Darren has not played for Cumnock in any of their Scottish Junior Cup ties and is therefore available for selection for  this Saturday’s 5th round match at home to Shotts Bon Accord.

Welcome to Loch Park, Darren

 

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Trying time for Ryan

Posted on February 18, 2014 by flowgently
Ryan Dunsmuir

Ryan Dunsmuir

Glenafton’s stand-in goalkeeper Ryan Dunsmuir was badly injured during the Glens U19 match away to Bellsfield at the week-end. The game was abandoned on 55 minutes and a ambulance called to the ground.

The latest news we have is that Ryan will spend 5 days in hospital until they operate and assess the damage to his ligaments. It is expected he will be out for up to 6 months.

Everyone at Glenafton Athletic send their best wishes to the big man and hope for a speedy recovery.

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Kilbirnie 2 Glenafton 1

Posted on February 1, 2014 by flowgently

West Region Stagecoach Premier Division : Match 13

Saturday 1st February 2014, Valefield Park, Kilbirnie

KILBIRNIE LADESIDE 2 (1)

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC  1  (0)

JP opens his Glens account

JP Boyle

Former Glenafton forward John-Paul Boyle hit a first half double to put Kilbirnie two ahead at the break. On 13 minutes a long punt up field by keeper Daniel McLeay was headed on high into the box and Boyle nipped in between defender and keeper to steal the ball and stroke it into the empty net.

JP struck again after the Glens failed to clear their lines at a corner kick. In between times Cameron Marlow looked to have drawn the sides level only for an offside flag to keep the Blasties ahead. H/T Kilbirnie 2 Glens 0

Aaron Connolly

Aaron Connolly

The visitors halved the deficit after a good run down the left ended with Aaron Connolly being tripped on the box and the striker slamming home the resultant spot kick.

Glens hopes of salvaging a point were dented when former Kilbirnie favourite Stevie Miller received his marching orders after a tackle on Chris Malone.  F/T  Kilbirnie 2 Glens 1

Kilbirnie Ladeside: McLeay, Mullin,MacDonald, Gair, Malone; McLean, Coleman, McGuinness, Boyle; Moore & Craig. Subs Strain, Hamilton, Blair, Pierce,   McKerracher

Glenafton Athletic: McGarrity; McGeoghan, McChesney, Menzies, McEwan;    Miller, Frye, McKernon, Marlow ; Connolly & Reilly Subs. Craig, Kinney, Brown

Video Highlights courtesy of Kilbirnie Ladeside

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Scottish Junior Cup 5th Round draw

Posted on January 26, 2014 by flowgently

Scottish Junior CupThe Scottish Junior Cup 5th round draw was made at Cumnock Juniors Social Club today and the Glens were first out the hat .

  • Glenafton v Dunbar or Shotts
  • Dundonald or Dalry v Cumbernauld
  • Whitletts v Yoker
  • Camelon v Sauchie
  • Penicuik or Pollok v Irvine Meadow
  • Kilsyth v Cumnock
  • Tayport v Hurlford
  • Girvan or Rutherglen v Bo’ness

There will be no all-Ayrshire ties , with an Ayrshire side featuring in each but all of one of the ties.

  • Ties to be played Saturday 15th February KO 2:15pm

The Glens have faced Dunbar in the competition twice before. Famously back in 1960/61 when the sides met in the Quarter-Final with Dunbar coming out in top winning a second replay 2-1 after two 1-1 draws. The East coast side  went on to lift the trophy after beating Cambuslang Rangers in the final.  Dunbar ran out winners again in season 1988/89 when they defeated the Glens 2-1 in trhe 3rd round at Loch Park

Glenafton at Dunbar 1960/61

Glenafton at Dunbar 1960/61

Glenafton and Shotts have never faced each other in the competition. Shotts won the trophy two seasons ago, the Super League 1st Division side beating Premier side Auchinleck in the  final, and finishing runners-up to the Glens in the league.

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Musselburgh 1 Glenafton 4

Posted on January 18, 2014 by flowgently

Scottish Junior Cup 4th roud

Saturday 18th January, Olivebank Stadium, Musselburgh.

MUSSELBURGH ATHELTIC 1 (1)

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC   4  (1)

Burgh started the brighter, enjoying the best of the passing play, and took the lead on 10 minutes after Alan Cairns’ attempt to cut out a dangerous cross from the left ended with the defender heading the ball into his own net.  Although the visitors, in their first competitive game in four weeks, were struggling to get into their stride the home side couldn’t capitalise on their possession and clear cut chances were thin on the ground.

Musselburgh take the lead

Musselburgh take the lead

Indeed on 18 minutes it was the Glens that came close to levelling the tie after clever work by Michael Reilly and Findlay Frye on the edge of the box saw the ball take a bounce off a defender and fall well for Cameron Marlow, only for his attempt to lob the ball over advancing keeper Ally Adams sail over the bar. Despite the lost chance , the Glens took heart and the game was now more evenly balanced.

Cammy Marlow goes close

Cammy Marlow goes close

On 25 minutes, Burgh won possession in the middle of the park after a fine tackle by Steven Thomson and from there the lively Jackie Myles and Michael McKenna combined to set up striker Matti King and although his angled shot from inside the box fizzed past keeper Brian McGarrity it skimmed inches wide of the far post.  Two minutes later Reilly’s flick on was gathered by Aaron Connolly who turned one defender before losing out to a timely tackle by another at the edge of the box and as Marlow collected the loose ball he was tripped In the box by Murray Christie. Up stepped Aaron Connolly to lash the ball home from the spot to draw the sides level with 29 minutes gone.

Aaron Connolly levels from the spot

Aaron Connolly levels from the spot

In the dying minutes of the half a slick move saw King switch the ball from left to right in the box to set up Michael McKenna only for his low angled shot to be blocked by McGarrity at the near post.  The keeper punched the resultant corner-kick from the head of King and as the defenders raced out Myles met the ball first time and let fly from 18 yards out and it seemed destined to rupture the net only for the fearless Frye to stand his ground and head the thunderball high over the bar.

Findlay Frye heads clear

Findlay Frye heads clear

Myles had a second bite at the cherry from the corner that followed, but on this occasion his thunderbolt from the edge of the box was well off target, much to relief of the still stunned Frye and the imaginary bluebirds tweeting around his head!  HT Burgh 1 Glens 1

Stunning could also be used to describe the goal that put the Glens ahead in spectacular fashion five minutes after the break. A cross into the box from Cairns on the left was partially cleared and defender Craig McEwan on the opposite flank, sprang into action to meet the ball perfectly and from 20 yards out thundered a ferocious shot that arced high over the keeper in full flight and into the far corner of the net to spark of equally exhilarating celebrations.

Catch me if you can, Southy celebrares

Catch me if you can, Southy celebrares

With their tails up the visitors continued to press and on 57 minutes Connolly forced his way along the outskirts of the box before laying the ball off for Reilly, whose goal bound shot from the edge of the ’D’ was deflected over the bar for a corner kick. A minute later the striker tried his luck from 25 yards out but the alert Adams rose well to clutch the ball at the junction of post and bar.

The home side rallied and forced a corner kick only for Jamie McGeoghan’s headed clearance to be snapped up by the tireless Reilly, who quickly turned defence into attack and put Burgh back on the back foot. On 65 minutes the New Cumnock side extended their lead through another sweet Afton strike.  Telling tackles by McEwan and then Reilly prevented Burgh from clearing the ball and it fell to Jamie McKernon almost 20 yards from goal with only one thing on his mind, a Jambo special, and in in a split second he unleashed a low flying missile that exploded into the net … perhaps not the most popular Jambo east of Edinburgh!

Jambo special

Jambo special

A minute later Reilly flashed a shot from the edge of the box and to the relief of Adams it went just wide. The hosts regrouped and secured a corner kick that was punched away by McGarrity only to be re-gathered by the blue shirts but try as they might they could not shake off the attention of centre backs Craig Menzies and Ryan McChesney and engineer a clear shot at goal.

With 10 minutes to go a poorly taken free kick from within the Burgh half was chested down by Reilly and instantly dispatched to Aaron Connolly who gathered the ball at the half way line and forged his way to the edge of the box where he skipped past the defender to create space and drill a low angled shot into the far corner beyond the reach of Adams.

Aaron bags his brace

Aaron bags his brace

The Glens comfortably saw the game to its conclusion with the fresh legs of Alain Kinney, John Craig and Craig Brown all making an appearance in the closing minutes. FT Burgh 1 Glens 4

Come Awa' the Afton

Come Awa’ the Afton

Mussleburgh Athletic: Adams; Russell (McDiarmid), Christie (C.Thomson), S.Thomson, Moffat, Hamilton , McKenna, Hunter, King, Myles, Martin (Sinclair)

Glenafton Athletic: McGarrity; McEwan, McChesney, Menzies, Cairns; McGeoghan (Brown), Frye, McKernon, Marlow (Craig); Connolly (Kinney), Reilly

More photos here

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