Kilwinning 1 Glenafton 0

Posted on January 21, 2012 by flowgently

Emirates Scottish Junior Cup 4th Round

Sat 21st January, Abbey Park, Kilwinning, KO 1:45pm

KILWINNING RANGERS 1 (1) GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 0 (0)

Glenafton legend Danny McCulloch (he also had a short spell at the Buffs) scored the Glens opener in the 3-2 Scottish Junior Cup 2nd round win over the Buffs in season 1960/61 at Kilwinning.

With both sides chasing promotion from their respective league, Kilwinning handily positioned third-top of the Ayrshire District League and Glenafton sitting top of the Super League 1st Division, the scene was set for an intriguing all Ayrshire Emirates Scottish Junior Cup 4th round tie at Abbey Park.

Glenafton kicked off in the bright sunshine against a cold cutting wind that blasted from the shed end goal-mouth to the one guarding the Garnock Water gushing its way to the Irvine Bay well fed by the heavy rain that fell overnight.  Neither team could master elements in the opening encounters. The Buffs won two corners in five minutes but both times the ball was more likely to end up in the Garnock rather than in Glenafton’s net. Meanwhile the visitors had little time to dwell on the ball having to rush their clearances from defence and their progress upfield was very much three steps forward and two back at times. A couple of free kicks from 20 yards out came and went without keeper Fraser Stewart being tested.

In stark contrast Kilwinning’s attacks were often at break-neck speed with the pace of Ben Lewis, doubly dangerous when wind assisted, down the right flank keeping the Glenafton rear guard on their toes. On 15 minutes he combined well with the equally impressive David Smith but the attacking wing back’s shot from an acute angle was blocked by Robbie Henderson at the expense of another corner kick. Now having the measure of the wind the kick found the head of former Glenafton striker Michael Hart but the close attention of Richie McKillen forced his header well wide of target. Three minutes later Andy Bell’s perseverance down the left earned the Glens their first corner kick but it too suffered from their previous set piece malaise and lacked threat.

Midway through the half the Buffs made good effect of the left wing with a run by Barry Fleeting ending in a shot that was deflected narrowly wide of Semple’s far post with the keeper stranded. The resultant corner caused panic with Neil Shearer’s header falling for Lewis but his attempt to fire home was blocked by John Dempster and then Barry Russell blasted the loose ball wide.

The sunshine gave way to thick heavy cloud and the heavens opened for seven minutes filling the shed with supporters of both sides in jig time while no doubt at the other end the Garnock swelled further. Not for the feint hearted .This proved to be the visitors’ best spell in terms of possession at least and the Buffs box was the busier of the two. With 33 minutes gone the Glens seriously tested Stewart for the first time and the keeper was up to challenge coming off his line to dive at the feet of Dempster after the big striker had bustled past Shearer and Lee Grant to break into the box.

As the sun made a welcome return, but clearly with the threat of a further deluge, the Buffs emerged reenergised. Lewis won another corner on the right and former Glenafton defender Roland Fabiani won the header at the near post with the loose ball falling to Russell at the edge of the box, his sweetly struck shot stinging Semple’s hands before the keeper gathered the ball at the second attempt.  The Glens responded with a break of their own but with little support Gareth Campbell was forced into a speculative shot from 25 yards out which ended high and wide of target. Two minutes before the break the home side produced the move of the match. Hart picked up the ball in the centre circle and switched to Lewis on the right who released Smith in the box who slipped the ball beyond the outrushing Semple but with too much pace for the incoming Hart to collect and slide into the empty net. Again Afton responded well and Paul McKenzie broke free down the left only for Fleeting to push out him out of play. With what looked to be last chance of the half the Glens launched the free kick into the box which was only partially cleared and headed back into the danger area by Henderson where Stuart Hannah gathered for the Buffs and set Ben Lewis flying down the right wing with McKillen and Craig Potter in pursuit and on entering the box he drilled a the ball home low and hard beyond the advancing Semple into the far corner. Glenafton kicked off and the referee blew to bring the half to a close. H/T Kilwinning 1 Glenafton 0

Buffs defend a Glens corner

The Buffs almost doubled their lead from a Bruce McMaster free kick ten minutes into the new half. Semple at full stretch punched the ball from under the bar as Fabiani looked certain to head home and then Dempster blocked Lewis’ attempt to slot home from close range allowing Semple gather. Three minutes later Henderson headed a McKenzie corner wide of targets as the game entered a period of chances being swapped at either end. Indeed three minutes after that Henderson, in his more natural defensive role slid into prevent Hart and Lewis connecting with another  killer cross from McMaster on the left. The Glens countered with a couple of corners but again the Buffs defence was not to be breached.   On 69 minutes  keeper Stewart looked flustered for the first time as McKenzie wriggled his way through a packed box before Bell picked up the cudgel  but his attempt to scissors kick the ball home went wide.

Another seven minute squall descended upon Abbey Park and both sets of players deserve great credit for continuing to make a contest of it as supporters dived for cover.  Thankfully it cleared and in the closing ten minutes the visitors gained the upper hand as they sought to salvage a replay. With 8 minutes to go former Buffs striker Gareth Armstrong  broke the middle and with Fabiani closing in attempted to toe-poke the ball home form the 18 yard line but Stewart read the situation well and  gathered the ball comfortably. Four minutes later Campbell fired in a free kick from the left touchline but although it beat the keeper at full stretch it whizzed past the post. Two minutes on and a McKenzie corner wasn’t fully cleared and the ball lobbed high into the goal for Stewart to pull of the save of the match rising from his goal line to palm the ball over the bar with Armstrong at his side. The visitors went on to win four or five more corners Stewart clutching the last of these to his chest deep into the four minutes of added on time to end the Glens cup run put the Buffs into the hat for the fifth round. F/T Kilwinning 1 Glenafton 0

Kilwinning: Stewart, Smith, Fleeting, Grant, Shearer, Fabiani, Hannah, Russell, Hart, Lewis, McMaster. Subs McCreadie, Frye, Ferris, Robertson, Deeney, McDowall and Lundy

Glenafton: Semple; McEwan (Cashmore), Murphy, Henderson, McKillen; McKenzie, Armstrong, Potter, Bell (Menzies); Dempster & Armstrong Subs not used. Dunsmuir (gk), McChesney, Hay

Photos here

Posted in GAFC Match Report | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Kilwinning 1 Glenafton 0

Kilwinning v Glenafton

Posted on January 18, 2012 by flowgently

Emirates Scottish Junior Cup 4th Round

Sat 21st January, Abbey Park, Kilwinning, KO 1:45pm

KILWINNING RANGERS v GLENAFTON ATHLETIC

Glenafton Athletic travel to face Kilwinning Rangers on Saturday in the 4th round of the Emirates Scottish Junior Cup . The sides have faced each other five times in Junior football’s ‘Holy Grail’, three times at the 4th round stage.

Mud and Glory

In this season’s competition both clubs received a bye into the second round where the Glens were drawn away to Newmains United. Due to concerns over the Newmains pitch being playable the tie was switched to Loch Park where the Glens eventually proved too strong for a stuffy hardworking United and ran out 5-0 winners with goals from former Buffs striker Ian Cashmore (2), Lewis Sloan, Craig McEwan and Gareth Campbell.  The Buffs travelled to New Elgin and the match ended in a 2-2 draw with the visitors’ goals from former Glens players Michael Hart and Roland Fabiani. The pair each scored in the 3-1 replay with Ben Lewis scoring in between times.

Defence into Attack - Fabi & Neil

The Glens were drawn away to North Premier Division leaders Hermes in the 3rd round and took an early lead through Gareth Armstrong before the home side levelled from the spot soon after the break. An unfortunate own goal put the Glens ahead and then goals from Andy Bell and Paul Murphy sealed the tie. After three postponements Kilwinning’s 3rd round tie with Blantyre Vics got the go ahead. Experienced defender Neil Shearer put the Buffs two up at Abbey Park before Vics put a fly in the ointment and halved the deficit with twenty minutes to go. Any fears of a Blantyre fight back vanished after the visitors were reduced to 10 men and Roland Fabiani ‘steadied the Buffs’ with a killer third goal.

Glens and Buffs Head to Head in the Scottish

Kilwinning Rangers hold the honour of being the first Ayrshire side to win the Scottish Junior Cup when in season 1908/09 they defeated Strathclyde 1-0 at Rugby Park after a goal-less draw at Shawfield; Dickson (no not Bobby!) scoring the winner for the Buffs.  The parish of Kilwinning had two entrants that season the other being Kilwinning Eglinton, similarly the parish of New Cumnock had two entrants in the shape of Craigbank and Afton Thistle.

Buffs vs Glens 1934/35 courtesy Cumnock Chronicle

Glenafton Athletic, formed in 1930, first met Kilwinning Rangers in the Scottish Cup in a 4th round tie at Kilwinning on New Year’s Day  1935, when both teams were  strongly positioned in the race for the league championship with the New Cumnock side sitting top.  The home side raced to a 3-0 lead with a double from Jamieson and another from the deadly Dale. The dependable Brown reduced the deficit from m the penalty spot before Thomson restored the Buffs’ three goal advantage.  Irvine and Miller countered for the Glens to ensure a tense finish. The Buffs held on and marched on to be Ayrshire’s only representative in the 5th round but lost out to Brechin Victoria, while the Glens went on to win the league (with the Buffs 5 points behind in second place) to become the first ‘south Ayrshire side’ to win the Western League.

More than a quarter of century passed before the two met again in the Scottish Junior Cup in season 1960/61 at Kilwinning. Glenafton had thrashed Auchinleck Talbot 6-1 in the 1st round in their first Scottish tie at their new home of Loch Park to set up the 2nd round clash with the Buffs. The Kilwinning side had home advantage but the visitors came out on top in a five goal thriller with McCulloch, Moffat and Wallace scoring the Glenafton goals.

The clubs met in the Scottish no fewer than three times in the 1980s with the first at the 4th round stage in 1982/83 ending in a 5-3 win for the Glens at Kilwinning. In 1987/88, in the most one-sided of the encounters, the Glens triumphed in the 4th round, goals from Mauchlen, McCutcheon, Adams, Gardiner and Morgan returning a 5-1 victory at Loch Park, with Clinton scoring the visitors’ consolation.  The following season the Glens hosted the Buffs in the 1st round and late goals from McGeachie and Billy Dalziel killed off Kilwinning.

The 1990’s of course was a landmark decade for Glenafton in the Scottish Junior Cup reaching three finals in a row and lifting the ‘holy grail’ for the first time in the club’s history in 1993 at Firhill. A landmark decade for Kilwinning Rangers too, winning the Scottish (and almost everything else) in their centenary year of 1999, under the management of New Cumnockian and former Glenafton player Bobby Dickson – his father ‘Kilt’ on the Glens coaching staff that had taken the New Cumnock side to their first Scottish Junior Cup Final in 1963.

Posted in GAFC Fixture | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Kilwinning v Glenafton

Glenafton 3 Pollok 0

Posted on January 14, 2012 by flowgently

New Coin Automatics West of Scotland Cup 2nd round

Sat 14th January, Loch Park, New Cumnock

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 3 (3)

POLLOK  0 (0)

Taz and Gaz

FAN-TAZ-TIC AFTON KO LOK

Premier Division Pollok were all but polished off in the opening quarter of the game after Glenafton struck three times with a double from Paul ‘Taz’ McKenzie followed by a single from Gareth Campbell. The Glasgow giants were later reduced to 9 men when Iain Diack (straight red) and Darren Brady (2 yellows) were ordered off.

The Glens now go into the hat for the third round having claimed two Premier scalps, that off Clydebank’s collected in the 1st round.

Steven McGregor with his MOTM award 2006

John Paul Boyle, last week’s match winner over Rutherglen, was unavailable for selection and Glenafton started with top goalscorer Gareth Armstrong, returning from injury, partnering John Dempster up front, while Paul Murphy teamed up with captain Robbie Henderson at the centre of defence. Pollok introduced three new signings including former Glens’ defender Steven McGregor, who won the man-of-the-match award for the New Cumnock side when they last lifted the West of Scotland Cup back in 2006 on Pollok’s Newlandsfield Park.

The Glasgow giants, runners-up in last season’s competition, started brightly and Brian McGintry flashed a shot across Ally Semple’s goal in the opening minute. Six minutes later Tom Hanlon hammered a free-kick from the edge of the box off the post as the visitors looked to put their league malaise behind them and stamp their authority on this cup tie.

The home side, however, had other ideas and sprang into action to take the game by the scruff of the neck with devastating consequences for their Premier Division opponents. The visitors’ back three was run ragged as Glenafton broke forward in waves and made the breakthrough on 10 minutes when Armstrong beat McGregor to the ball to head it into the path of Paul McKenzie and in typical fashion he turned and fired an unstoppable volley beyond debutant goalkeeper JC Hutchison. While the home support debated whether or not Taz’s goal topped his strike at Clydebank in the previous round the magical midfielder put the Glens two up five minutes later. Dempster breezed his way in from the right leaving a line of ‘Lok defenders in his wake and cut the ball back for McKenzie to drill home a daisy cutter. The vulnerability of a shell-shocked Pollok defence was further exposed on 21 minutes when a deftly struck Gareth Campbell corner-kick soared unimpeded into the roof of the hapless Hutchison’s net.

Pollok manager John Richardson shuffled the pack and the back three morphed to a back four in the hope of salvaging something from the tie which had still almost three-quarters of its course to run. The emphasis however was on damaged limitations and on this count Pollok enjoyed some success as they brought a halt to the Glens’ goal spree with Huthchison & Co repelling a series of corner kicks. As an attacking force the visitors seldom posed a potent goal threat and were snuffed out by a Glens defence on top of its game. Meanwhile McKenzie’s menacing runs continued to cause chaos and Darren Brady was shown a yellow card for bringing one of them to a premature end in an unsavoury manner.  H/T Glenafton 3 Pollok 0

Robbie Henderson

As in the first half Pollok started the second purposefully and fashioned a clear cut chance to reduce the deficit but striker Ian Diack headed well wide of target from point blank range. A minute later and a frustrated Diack’s day was over when a two-footed challenge on Henderson earned him a red card. Henderson, once on Pollok’s books, on the other hand went on to inspire the home guard to stand firm and against the beleaguered ten men.

Normal service was resumed and Glenafton gained the upper hand and passed the ball around the heavy pitch with some style. Former ‘Lok favourite Craig McEwan unleashed a thunderbolt only for Hutchison to pull off  a brilliant save and the former Clyde keeper then kept out an  Andy Bell shot from 25 yards.

In the closing minutes Brady collected his second yellow card for tripping the tireless Craig Potter and yet soon after the nine men almost grabbed a consolation but Semple denied substitute Barry Tulloch with a finger-tip save. The home side almost had the last say but Hanlon was on hand to head an effort from the impressive Richie McKillen off the line. F/T Glenafton 3 Pollok 0

Glenafton: Semple; McEwan, Henderson, Murphy, McKillen; McKenzie, Potter, Campbell, Bell; Armstrong, Dempster. Subs Cashmore, McChesney, Menzie, Hay, Dunsmuir (gk).

Pollok:  Hutchison  Hanlon  Ramsay  McLaren  McGregor  Aitchison  Bradley  Brady  Diack McGinty  Nichol  subs  Essler  Tulloch  Carberry  McMahon  Kinney

 In today’s Super League 1st Division games

East Kilbride 1 Girvan 0; Renfrew 2 Whitletts 1; Thorniewood 4 Hurlford 3

Posted in GAFC Match Report | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Glenafton 3 Pollok 0

John Garroch appointed manager of Ardrossan Winton Rovers

Posted on January 8, 2012 by flowgently

Glenafton Athletic assistant manager John Garroch has today been appointed the new manager of Ardrossan Winton Rovers. The Glenafton committee and management team wish him all the best with his new post and we cannot thank him enough for his work and commitment he has given to the team, I would like to make it clear that John took the job after a discussion with our manager Darren Henderson first.

John Stewart, Club Secretary

As John Stewart’s post says, I have now left the club to take over as manager at Ardrossan Winton Rovers. Quite simply I wanted to be a manager again and just feel this is too good an opportunity to let go as Ardrossan are an excellent club. I want to make it 100% clear that I only left to be a manager. Darren took me to Glenafton and I will always be thankful to him for the chance to work at such a great junior club. I leave on perfect terms with Darren, Kegs and the committee. Obviously my loyalties will now lie with the Winton but I can sincerely say I hope the Glens go up, its where you belong. You have a fantastic manager and coaching staff with an excellent and hard working committee. The players are tremendous and I have to say thank you to them for all of their messages of support on this news. Maybe there just glad to get rid of me!!!!! The fans were magnificent to me when I was there and deserve as much success as possible. Top of the league and still in both of the major cups, the future of the Glens looks good. Long may it continue. As I say my loyalties are now with the Winton but I will always look back at my time at Glenafton Athletic with proud memories. I will always be friends with Darren and his family and hope I will always have friends at Loch Park. Thanks again.

John Garroch


Posted in GAFC Club | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on John Garroch appointed manager of Ardrossan Winton Rovers

Glenafton 1 Rutherglen 0

Posted on January 7, 2012 by flowgently

Super League 1st Division

Sat 7th January , Loch Park, New Cumnock KO 1:45pm

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 1 (0) v RUTHERGLEN GLENCAIRN 0 (0)

With neither side having played a competitive match since November there was a sense of relief that today’s game went ahead despite a heavy pitch and strong wind welcoming in the New Year at Loch Park. Glenafton debutant John Dempster partnered Gareth Campbell up front, while John Paul Boyle made his home debut for the club.

The game was played at a break neck pace populated with good spells of passing play. Although chances fell at either end those fashioned by the home side, playing into the teeth of the wind, were more frequent and exhibited a greater bite. On 15 minutes following a neat piece of interplay between Boyle and Dempster the latter lobbed the ball over keeper Alan ‘The Cat’ Colquhoun but defender George Moore was on hand to claw the ball clear. Ten minutes later ‘The Cat’ used up another life as he struggled to deal with a pass back allowing Dempster to gather the ball and shoot for goal but again Moore saved the day with an excellent goal line clearance.

Tempers flared on 27 minutes after Paul McKenzie in full flight was floored by Willie McCulloch, earning the young defender a yellow card from the referee, while others considered red as a more appropriate colour. Five minutes before the break Boyle was felled by McCulloch and the defender was taken aside and issued a final warning by the official. In between times chances continue to be created those of the visitors rarely troubling Ally Semple in the home goal while at the other end Colquhoun blocked a shot from McKenzie but could only look on as Dempster’s scissors-kick finished a thread’s width over the bar.

Before the break keeper Colquhoun fumbled as the wind tormented the ball’s flight but the Glencairn rear guard valiantly stood firm as the home guard fought to force home the opener.  H/T Glens 0 Rutherglen 0

JP opens his Glens account

Glenafton didn’t dwell too long on missed opportunities and took a deserved lead five minutes after the break when John Paul Boyle sprung Rutherglen’s offside trap and calmly side footed the ball home at the back post. Rutherglen responded well to the set back and like their opponents in the first half their play soon prospered against the strong wind as they kept the ball on the deck and the passing crisp and effective. Despite the good build up play, Joe McAlpine, Brett Agnew and Mark Scott all catching the eye, the visitors struggled to find a killer touch to evade the sound Simple. Wind-assisted found a second wind but Colquhoun was more than a measure for efforts from Dempster and Campbell. With just less than 20 minutes to go Glencairn’s goal celebrations were muted by an offside flag raised before Joe Andrew’s lob over Semple nestled in the Glenafton net.

The number of yellow cards flashed was almost matching the number of substitutions as the heavy surface took its toll on tackles and tired legs in equal measure. The visitors pegged Glenafton back in the closing stages as they looked to salvage a point. Glencairn forced a collection of corners kick but try as they might the home side stood firm and both Paul Murphy and Richie McKillen were in the right place at the right time to clear the ball off the line. Loud appeals that substitute Ross McNeil’s effort had been stopped by a Glenafton hand were waved away causing both relief and anguish simultaneously in the Glens’ ranks…of either persuasion. F/T Glens 1 Glens 0

Glenafton: Semple, McEwan, Murphy, Henderson, McKillen; McKenzie, Potter, Bell, Boyle (Amstrong) Campbell & Dempster (Cashmore) Subs: McChesney, Hay, Menzies and Dunsmuir (GK)

Rutherglen: Colquhoun, McCulloch (Eadie), Moore, Bennett, Neil, Welsh, Scott (Hamilton), Flynn, Agnew, Andrew (McNeil), McAlpine. Subs: Connolly, Ward, Esplin and Roper (GK)

Glenafton’s first league victory over Rutherglen secured three points to leapfrog the idle Kilsyth Rangers and Shotts to go top of the league.

Other league scores: Ardrossan 1 Whitletts 0; Dalry 0 Thorniewood 3

Posted in GAFC Match Report | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Glenafton 1 Rutherglen 0

Glenafton v Rutherglen

Posted on January 4, 2012 by flowgently

Super League 1st Division

Sat 7th January , Loch Park, New Cumnock KO 1:45pm

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC v RUTHERGLEN GLENCAIRN

Hopefully, weather permitting, Glenafton will host Rutherglen Glencairn at Loch Park on league business this Saturday. Neither side have played a competitive match since November. Indeed since the sides last met at the Gateway Stadium on 22nd October the Glens have only played four games, while Rutherglen have managed only two.

The game at the Gateway was far from a classic the home side having to play for almost an hour with 10 men after the dismissal of Mark McCurry following a two-footed tackle on Paul McKenzie.  Almost on the hour mark Glenafton were awarded a penalty but keeper Alan Colquhoun pulled off a great save and pushed Gareth Armstrong’s spot kick round the post. The draw not only ended Glenafton’s 100% winning away league record but earned Rutherglen their first home point of the season.

Paul McKenzie with Joe Andrew looking on

Since then both sides have picked up only one point in the league with Glenafton’s earned at Lanark  in a game sandwiched between two defeats away at Girvan (0-5) and then at home to Cumberbauld (1-2) .  Rutherglen lost at home to Whitletts (2-3), their cause not helped with Alan Colquhoun being carried off when they were up 2-0,  and then drew at home with Girvan (0-0).

John Paul Boyle

Glenafton put their 4 match win-less run to an end with a confidence boosting 4-1 victory over North Premier Division leaders Hermes at the Bridge of Don. New signing John Paul Boyle (from Arthurlie) set up Gareth Armstrong to head home the opener with the other goals coming courtesy of an own goal, Andy Bell and Paul Murphy. The Glens have strengthened their squad further with the signing of former Cowdenbeath and Cumnock Juniors striker John Dempster who impressed greatly in a friendlies against Stranraer (2-0) and Irvine Meadow (2-2).

Rutherglen too have added to their squad with signing of Brian Eadie (defender, Neilston), Paul Roper (goalkeeper, Blantyre Vics) and forward John Connolly (Vale of Clyde). Of course also in the Rutherglen squad is former Glens’ defender Andy Ward – welcome back to Loch Park, Andy.

Glenafton at Rutherglen Old and New

Glenafton at Rutherglen Old and New

Do you recognise the kirk steeple in the top left hand corner of the Glenafton team photo?

Can you name any of that Glens team and the result of the game?

Posted in GAFC Fixture | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Glenafton v Rutherglen

2011 Review November & December: Ready for the New Year

Posted on January 3, 2012 by flowgently

November

There were fireworks at Hamilton Park on the 5th November as Girvan banged in five goals to repeat the 5-0 drubbing they handed out to the Glens the season before. A first half double from former Arthurlie forward John Bradford had the home side going in 4-0 at the break. To add to the Glens’ woes top goalscorer Gareth Armstrong hobbled off injury. Bradford missed out on his hat-trick when he blazed a second half penalty over the bar but a minute later Sean McKenna fired in the fifth to complete the rout and bring to an end the Glens unbeaten league run.

Glenafton’s trip to Lanark saw former Glenafton striker Stuart Tullis give the Yowes the lead with a sensational strike just before the hour mark.  The home side passed up chances to kill off the game before the Glens grabbed an equaliser on 82 minutes when Paul McKenzie run in at the back post to slot home the ball whipped across the goalmouth by Craig Potter. The home side lost their discipline in the closing minutes and were reduced to 9 men, in between the ordering offs the Glens came close to nicking all three points but Gareth Campbell’s courageous header crashed off the post.

Craig Potter sets up the equaliser

Gareth Armstrong returned from injury to open the scoring in a 3-0 win over Kello Rovers in a friendly at Cumnock but failed a late fitness test before the league match against Cumbernauld United at Loch Park, as second top hosted second bottom in the league. Johnny Boyle headed home a corner kick in two minutes to put the visitors ahead. Glenafton responded well and on 18 minutes their pressure paid off when Gareth Campbell rifled home the equaliser. However, the home side couldn’t capitalise and Cumbernauld fought their way back into the game and took the lead when James Steele slotted home a controversial spot kick. After a spell of end to end play the game deteriorated and was littered with free-kicks with Cumbernauld looking comfortably in control of the match with a Paul McKenzie header that bounced of the bar the nearest the home side came to salvaging a point.

Cumbernauld clear Glenafton clear

The league malaise of having garnered two points from their last four games was put to one side as the Glens travelled to the Bridge of Don to face Hermes in the Emirates Scottish Junior Cup 3rd Round.  The Glens gave a start to new signing John Paul Boyle from Arthurlie and he was instrumental in setting up Gareth Armstrong to head home the opener in 13 minutes. The home side levelled the tie on the hour mark when Craig Macklin slotted home a spot kick but three minutes later Steven Wilson put through his own goal to give the Glens the lead. Andy Bell and Paul Murphy added to the visitors tally to put the Glens in the hat for the 3rd round.  The match proved to be Lewis Sloan’s last for the club and he joined his home town team Dalbeattie Star.

Celebrations at Hermes

Three days later the Glens faced a strong Stranraer squad in a friendly at the Toryglen Regional Football Centre. In a hugely entertaining game the plastic pitch brought out the best in the Glens passing game and saw them runny out worthy 2-0 winners with goals from trialist John Dempster and Paul McKenzie.

 December

Bad weather all but decimated the Junior card during December with only a handful of league and cup games going ahead. The Glens home league game against Hurlford United and the home West of Scotland Cup 2nd Round tie against Pollok were both victims of the call-offs.

A friendly match with Premier Division side Irvime Meadow XI ended in a 2-2 draw with Glenafton goals scored by Ian Cashmore and Gareth Campbell. Once again former St.Mirren, Stranraer, Cowdenbeath, Stenhousemuir and Cumnock striker John Dempster turned out for the Glens and signed for the club later that month.

The year drew to a close with Glenafton sitting third in the league with a record of PL12 W5 D5 L2 F22 A20 Pts20, two points behind league leaders Kilsyth Rangers, who have played a game less.

In the Cup competitions , the Glens topped the Ardagh Cup Section before going out to Girvan in the Quarter-Final after a penalty shoot-out and have progressed to the West of Scotland Cup 2nd Round where host Pollok and to the Emirates Scottish Junior Cup 4th Round where they will travel to face Kilwinning Rangers.

Well done Glenafton, let’s push on in 2012.

Posted in GAFC Feature | Tagged , , | Comments Off on 2011 Review November & December: Ready for the New Year

2011 Review September & October : Steady progress

Posted on January 2, 2012 by flowgently

September

The month began with the visit of newly promoted Thorniewood United for a league match at Loch Park.  Wood’s top goalscorer Stevie Mullen took only two minutes to add to his season’s tally and on 15 minutes Robert Allan fired home a fantastic free-kick to put the visitors in control, however several other chances went a-begging that possibly could have killed the game off.  Just after the hour mark Gareth Armstrong slotted home a spot-kick to put the Glens back in the game. With 10 minutes to go the home side were awarded another penalty but on this occasion keeper John Connolly denied Armstrong a double with a stunning save. However, Glens top goalscorer had the last say when he headed home a late equaliser.

Glens travelled to league leaders Ardrossan Winton Rovers and retuned with all three points in a seven goal thriller. Rovers took the lead twice in the first half only for Gareth Armstrong to draw the Glens level on both occasions, including one from the penalty spot. Gareth Campbell passed up a chance to put the visitors ahead before the break when his spot-kick crashed off the post.  The Glens took the lead after a fine passage of passing play was finished off by a stunning strike from Craig McEwan. The visitors doubled their lead when new signing Ian Cashmore (from Girvan) fired homed the Glens’ third penalty of the match.  Deep into injury time Stephen Reid pulled one back for the home side, but it was too late for a Rovers’ Return.

Leaving the Loch Park club were striker Jim Wilson who moved on to Whitletts Victoria and defender Cammy McKinnell who joined his home town team Troon, while the Glens signed midfielder Paul Murphy on a month’s loan from Stranraer.

Glenafton maintained their 100% away league record with a 1-0 win away at Hurlford United. Top goalscorer Gareth ‘Bo’ Armstrong bagged the vital goal in the first half and Ally Semple saved a last minute penalty from ‘Ford’s Robert McPhee.  The drama not yet over for in injury time Gareth Campbell received a second yellow card for late late early bath

The Glens finished the month in second place in the league, two points behind leaders Ardrossan with a game in hand.

Big Hand for Ally Semple after saving a last minute penalty

October

Although the Glens had won all three of their away league games they had drawn all of their home games and so when Shotts came calling there was a feeling of inevitably as the match ended all square. After a goal-less first half Gordon McKenna put the visitors ahead only for Gareth Armstrong to fire home the equaliser.

The following week Glenafton entertained Girvan and again the match was goal-less at the break. However a second half goal half blitz of three goals (Armstrong 2, Murphy) in 9 minutes put the Glens in control. Alan Love scored a late consolation for Girvan, but the points were safe and the unbeaten Glens recorded their first home league win of the season to go top of the league.

Craig Potter, Scott McQuade, Gareth Armstong and Stuart Peacock

A trip to Clydebank in the 1st Round of the West of Scotland Cup provided the Glens the opportunity to test themselves against Premier Division opposition. The First Division side started brightly and had their hosts on the back foot in the early stages only for the Bankies to come more into the game as the half progressed. The dynamic Stevie Dymock headed the home side ahead on 58 minutes but the Glens drew level four minutes later with a looping header from Gareth Armstrong. With 8 minutes to go the Glens won the tie with a stunning goal from Paul McKenzie, weaving his through the Bankies defence before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the top corner.

Celebrations at Cup win over Clydebank

The trip to Rutheglen Glencairn in the league saw the Glens lose their 100% away league record  but maintain their unbeaten league record run in a goal-less draw. The home side were reduced to 10 men in the first half and keeper Allan Colquhoun saved a second half penalty from Gareth Armstrong, bring his terrific run of scoring in seven consecutive games to an end and yet his season’s tally stood at an impressive 12 goals in 12 appearances.

Although the Glens were drawn away to Newmains United in the Emirates Scottish Junior Cup 2nd round the Central 2nd Division club agreed to swap the tie to Loch Park, with concerns of their pitch being playable. With Gareth Armstrong rested on the bench the Glens started the game with Ian Cashmore and Gareth Campbell up front. Cashy opened the scoring in the 5th minute and Lewis Sloan added a second some ninety-seconds later. To their credit Newmains knuckled down and kept the home side at bay until deep into the second half when a Craig McEwan free-kick put the home side three up. Gareth Campbell and Ian Cashmore completed the scoring with two late strikes.

Mud and Glory

The month drew at conclusion with Glenafton top of the league having collected 19 points from 9 games with Ardrossan two points behind having played two games less.

Posted in GAFC Feature | Tagged , , | Comments Off on 2011 Review September & October : Steady progress

Troon v Glenafton Athletic

Posted on January 2, 2012 by flowgently

Troon and Glenafton Athletic will meet on  Thursday 5th January at Greenwood Academy, Irvine with a 6:30pm kick off.  Of course there are more than a few familiar former Glenafton faces in the Troon team – Dougie Ramsay, Jonathan Baillie, Cammy McKinnell, Tony Murphy as well as Dale Moore of the Glenafton Boys Club.

The Seasiders are pushing for promotion from the Ayrshire District League and boast an excellent record of PL9 W7 D2 L2 F36 A 12 Pts23. They are also enjoying good cup runs in both the West of Scotland and Scottish Cups, where they have displayed their penalty taking prowess by winning no fewer than three shoot-outs. Indeed Troon’s last defeat was way back in early September when Kello Rovers left Portland Park with the points.

Glenafton and Troon last met back in July in the pre-season Joe Meldrum Tournament at Loch Park. A double from Paul McKenzie and a single from Gareth Armstrong put the home side in control before Dale Moore scored a late consolation for Troon, as the Glens went on to retain the trophy.

Dale Moore and Tony Murphy to the left and Cammy McKinnnell to the right.

Posted in GAFC Fixture | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Troon v Glenafton Athletic

2011 Review July and August: A Promising Start

Posted on January 1, 2012 by flowgently

July

New faces continued to arrive at Loch Park with the signing of Craig Potter (Dalry), Lewis Sloan (Stenhousemuir), Kris Mitchell (Kilwinining Rangers), Gareth Campbell (Cumnock Juniors) and young New Cumnock goalkeeper Ryan Dunsmuir (Cumnock Juniors U16s). Meanwhile Loch Park leavers were Paul McInnes (Kilbirnie Ladeside) and Kevin McBride (Kirkintilloch Rob Roy).

Pre-season friendlies began with a 4-2 home win over Annbank, where Gareth Campbell bagged a brace, and a 2-0 defeat away to an Airdrie United XI. After a goal-less draw with St. Cuthbert Wanderers the Glens defeated Troon 3-1, with goals from Paul McKenzie (2) and Gareth Armstrong, to retain the annual pre-season Joe Meldrum Trophy.

Glenafton with the Joe Meldrum Trophy

The Ardagh Sectional Cup matches began with a comfortable 6-1 win at Muirkirk with captain Robbie Henderson topping the goal scoring charts with a pair of headers. The derby match against Cumnock at Townhead ended goal-less. The Glens came close to opening the scoring in the first half but Craig McEwan’s shot crashed off the bar. In the second half Glens Cammy McKinnell was sent off for preventing a goal scoring opportunity but former Glens favourite Chic Connolly blasted the resultant free kick over the bar.

A close call at Cumnock

August

The Glens completed the Ardagh Sectional Cup matches in style with three consecutive wins to top the section. Lugar Boswell Thistle (4-0) and Kello Rovers (3-1) were both defeated at Loch Park but it was the game sandwiched between these two that caught the eye, the 4-1 taming of the Talbot at Beechwood. Young Lewis Sloan, who proved to be a thorn in the Talbot’s side all match opened the scoring in 12 minutes and Craig McEwan doubled the visitors advantage two minutes later. The home side halved the deficit 10 minutes from the break when with Robbie Henderson off receiving treatment, David Gillies headed home from close range. Unruffled the Glens restored the two goal cushion when Gareth Armstrong bulleted home a header on 41 minutes from 8 yards out. Midway through the second half the striker lashed a 25 yard free-kick into the Tabot’s top corner to end the scoring and to the cries of EEKA PEEKA PUKA BO!

The Glens got off to an extraordinary start at Renfrew. The visitors took the lead through an own goal but were then reduced to 10 men after a Craig McEwan trip in the box only for Ally Semple saved the resultant spot kick.  A Gareth Armstrong header put the 10 men two up, however before the break Frew were back on level terms and the Glens down to 9 men following the dismissal of Gareth Campbell. In the opening minute of the second half Cammy McKinnel headed the Glens ahead again and the visitors to a man held firm for the ensuing 44 minutes and Frew’s misery compounded when they were reduced to 10 men in injury time.

Girvan took the lead at Loch Park in the Ardagh Sectional Cup Quarter Final only for the Glens to draw level through a stunning free kick from Gareth Armstrong. The Seasiders however came out on top in the penalty shoot-out only to lose out to eventual cup winner Talbot in the semi-final.

Kris Mitchell with Graeme Barbour at Dalry

The first home league match of the season ended in a frustrating 2-2 draw with Whitletts. Paul McKenzie put the Glens ahead early in the second half but the visiting Vics survived a period of intense pressure before hitting back twice to take the lead before Jim Wilson headed home an equaliser. Darren Henderson enjoyed a winning return to Merksworth Park as the Glens proved too strong for Dalry Thistle. Goals from Lewis Sloan (2) and Gareth Armstrong put the visitors 3-0 up at the break. Richie McKillen made it 4-0 before former Glens striker Graeme Barbour fired home a free kick for a late consolation goal. The three points saw the Glens climb to second place in the league two points behind leaders Ardrossan Winton Rovers sitting atop with a 100% record.

Posted in GAFC Feature | Tagged , , | Comments Off on 2011 Review July and August: A Promising Start