Saltcoats 0 Glenafton 4

Posted on April 14, 2012 by flowgently

Ayrshire Weekly Press Cup Quarter-final

Sat 14th April, Campbell Park, Saltcoats

SALTCOATS VICTORIA 0 (0)

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 4 (2)

Glenafton progressed to their second cup semi-final on successive Saturdays with a 4-0 victory over Saltcoats in the Ayrshire Weekly Press Cup.  A Gareth Armstrong brace in the opening 10 minutes and a goal a-piece from Paul McKenzie and John Dempster in the last 15 minutes may tell the story of the goals but gives little insight to the home side’s contribution to the contest.

Gareth Armstrong heads home

The visitors started brightly and on two minutes a Gareth Campbell header released John Dempster down the right who launched a ball to the far side of the penalty box for the incoming Gareth Armstrong but the striker’s well struck first time efforts sailed over the bar.  Five minutes later Craig McEwan played a perfect one-two with Dempster before making for the bye-line from where his high cross evaded the gallant leap of Warren Gordon and in ghosted Gareth Armstrong to bullet a net-bulging header past keeper Chris Lamb .  From the kick-off the Vics went straight up the park and good work by Paul Monan down the right ended with his cut-back into the box being drilled low and hard toward goal by Tam McClelland only for keeper Ally Semple to smother the ball at his near post.

Bo celebrates his brace

A minute later Robbie Henderson ended another Vics attack and his clearance downfield saw Gareth Armstrong show Greg Paterson a clean pair of heels before lofting the ball over Lamb’s head from 25 yards out. Once again the home side rallied quickly and a neat ball from Sean Quinn played the tricky Lee Munro behind the Glens defence and once again Semple came out on top, pushing the striker’s shot behind for a corner which was eventually scrambled clear. Back came Glenafton with a fine flowing move that took the ball from box to bow and ended with a Paul Murphy shot from 15 yards crashing off the cross bar.

The pattern of end to end play continued but with neither keeper being seriously tested. Mid-way through the half another slick move from the visitors saw Cashmore and Dempster switch the ball across the park from left to right to set up Armstrong in the box but the striker’s  header lacked the potency of the one that delivered the opener. Ten minutes later the Seasiders passed up a great chance to halve the deficit.  Joe McLauchlan broke down a Glens’ attack at the centre circle and chipped a cute ball to the right corner of the penalty box for Munro who took a great first touch before shooting for goal only for Semple to block, the nippy front man gathered the rebound and avoided the outstretched arm of the ground goalie but his valiant attempt to guide the ball between defenders Ryan McChesney and Richie McKillen was forced clear for a corner. H/T Vics 0 Glens 2

Glenafton made two changes at the break with Craig Menzies coming on for McChesney while Campbell , who had suffered a head-knock late in the half, was replaced by Gus Cochrane who almost made an instant impact but his close range effort went wide of target. Ten minutes later a period of sustained Glenafton pressure culminated with Cashmore firing over the bar from 12 yards out.  Saltcoats enjoyed a second wind and had the visitors pegged back winning a couple of corners in the process. With 65 minutes gone McEwan blocked a low drive in the box from Quinn and then Menzies brought a fine run by Jordan Stewart to an end with a tenacious tackle on the bye-line only for the ball to break to Munro but his shot cannoned off the cross-bar.

Taz celebrations

Five minutes later Glenafton introduced the fresh legs of Paul McKenzie for Ian Cashmore as the Vics continued to press in search of a goal. Half-hearted claims for a penalty after Monan lost his footing in a race for the ball with McKillen were waved away and as the Glens broke upfield Dempster was fouled as he entered the Vics half. McEwan floated the free-kick deep into the box where Armstrong killed the ball on the six yard line and in a flash Paul McKenzie pounced and wheeled to whip the ball home on 74 minutes.

John Dempster to the fore

To their credit the Seasiders continued to look to salvage something from the game but the Glens’ defence stood firm conceding a corner kick here and there. Two minutes from time John Dempster’s tireless display was rewarded with a cracking goal. Cochrane from tight on the right touchline picked out the big striker on the six yard line (with his back to goal and Paterson at his back) who then swivelled and lashed a left footed strike into the roof of the net. Fittingly the final whistle went at the conclusion of another Saltcoats corner-kick as the home side refused to give up the ghost. F/T Vics 0 Glens 4

Saltcoats: Lamb; Ford, Gordon, Paterson; Lindsay; Monan, McLauchlan J., Stewart, Quinn; Munro L, McClelland. Subs. McLauchlan c., Gibb, Reid, Walsh

Glenafton:  Semple; McEwan, McChesney (Menzies), Henderson, McKillen;  Campbell (Cochrane), Potter, Murphy, Cashmore (McKenzie); Armstrong, Dempster Subs. Boyle, Dunsmuir (gk)

Monty Campbell Park

It was a pleasure to meet up with Saltcoats Victoria chairman and Killie legend Raymond Montgomerie at Campbell Park yesterday.  Like me, Monty nowadays tries to strike the right balance in following the senior and junior sides he has supported all his days through their respective ups and downs. It is 15 years ago that he lifted the Scottish Cup as Kilmarnock captain and since that glorious day it is fair to say that Killie have enjoyed a fair measure of success including being ever present in the Premier League and of course more recently their defeat of red-hot favourites Celtic in the final of this season’s Scottish Communities League Cup.

Ray is now the Public Relations and Matchday Manager at Rugby Park but with Killie having no fixture yesterday he was at Campbell Park to cheer on the Vics and to help an energetic and welcoming committee and of course took time out to talk to the travelling supporters.

There was little doubt that the Vics were delighted to be back at Campbell Park after three seasons ground sharing with next door neighbours Ardeer Thistle.  That scourge of Junior football, mindless vandalism, has been no stranger to the old ground and today a neat row of ‘metal vandal -proof container units’ make up the committee room, tea room, home and away dressing rooms and the referee’s room.

After the game Monty invited the Glenafton players, management and committee to his pub in the town, ‘The Vic’ – of course – for a bite to eat and to watch the Grand National. Here again Monty and me were on common ground wiyh only one horse for us – Killyglen!

Thank you to Ray and all at Campbell Park for a great day.

more photos

Siney’s Video highlights

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Saltcoats v Glenafton

Posted on April 13, 2012 by flowgently

Ayrshire Weekly Press Cup Quarter-final

Sat 14th April, Campbell Park, Saltcoats

SALTCOATS VICTORIA v GLENAFTON ATHLETIC

Glenafton play their second quarter-final on successive Saturdays tomorrow when they travel to face Saltcoats Victoria in the Ayrshire Weekly Press Cup. The ‘Seasiders’ complete a hat-trick of Ayrshire District sides the Glens have met in the competition having defeated Irvine Vics (2-1) and Craigmark (5-1) in the earlier rounds. Bobby Colligan, who scored Irvine Vics goal against the Glens, is of course cup-tied.

Happy Returns (I)

Saltcoats returned to Campbell Park at the beginning of the season after a spell of ground sharing with Stevenston neighbours Ardeer Thistle. It proved to be happy returns as the Vics enjoyed a decent run in their Ardagh Cup Section defeating all three of their fellow Ayrshire District sides Irvine Vics, Darvel and Ardeer while  losing narrowly to Hurlford and Irvine Meadow. The good form continued into the league campaign with Saltcoats winning three of their first four games including an 11-2 win at Darvel ( James Callaghan, Paul Monan and Gavin Sim all hitting hat-tricks) and securing a share of the points in the trip doon the water to Troon. Since those summer days league wins have proved to be thinner on the ground but the Vics recently returned to winning ways with a 3-2 home win over Lugar.

Cup football has kept the Campbell Park faithful entertained throughout the season. Although a narrow 1-0 home defeat to the Buffs brought an early end to their West of Scotland Cup  campaign the Vics enjoyed a good run in the Scottish. In the 1st round Alistair Ross bagged a brace as Super 1st Division side East Kilbride Thistle were stung 4-1 before Darvel were dumped 8-0 in the next round (Lee Munro the hat-trick man on this occasion) to set up a third round trip to the mighty Bo’ness. It took the East Region giants almost an hour to open their account and only settled the tie in injury time, by which time the Seasiders were down to 10 men. In the Ayrshire Weekly Cup, the Vics defeated Darvel for the third time in the season before enjoying a famous victory at Winton Park, goals from Paul Monan and Jordan Stewart doing the damage against John Garroch’s Rovers.

Happy Returns (II)

Saltcoats Victoria were formed in the 1880’s and were one of the founder members of the Ayrshire Junior Football Association.  The Vics later joined the senior ranks and records show that in 1886/87 Lanemark, the senior side from New Cumnock, defeated Saltcoats 17-2 in the 1st round of the Ayrshire Cup. Whether or not this was Victoria, or another Saltcoats side, is unclear. However, the two sides did meet in the 1st round of the Scottish Cup at Saltcoats in 1890/91, the home side winning by the odd goal in five.  In 1911/12 Saltcoats returned to the Junior ranks and so this season effectively marks their ‘Centenary Season’  in the Juniors – so happy returns Saltcoats.

Saltcoats and Glens in the Ayrshire Junior Cup

Glenafton 1958-59

The two sides first met in the Ayrshire Junior Cup in Season 1958/59 with the Glens winning 4-1 in the 3rd round at Connel Park but went on to lose 3-1 to Largs Thistle in the final with the more than ample consolation of claiming the treble of Western League Championship, the Western League Cup and the Vernon Trophy. The following season Vics turned the tables and thrashed the Glens 5-2 in the semi-final at Stevenston, but they too lost in the final going down 6-3 to Ardeer Thistle. The season after that, in the first meeting of the two sides at Loch Park, the home side came out on top winning 4-0 in the 1st round.

Over 30 years would pass before the Glens and Vics met again in the Ayrshire Cup, in

Gary Matthews

Season 1992/93,  – a memorable one for both clubs. The Glens won 2-0 in the 2nd round at Loch Park and went on to beat Cumnock at Townhead in the final to add to the Scottish Junior Cup  and Ayrshire 1st Division title, while Saltcoats claimed the Ayrshire 2nd Division title. Three seasons later the Glens trounced the Vics 6-0 in the 1st round at Loch Park but things were a lot closer in the same round in Season 2000/01 at the same venue with the Glens winning by the odd goal in five on way to beating the Buffs in the final.

Glenafton and Saltcoats last met in the competition five years ago, again in the 1st round and again at Loch Park. In goal for Glenafton was the legendary Gary Matthews, who had been the Saltcoats keeper when the two clubs clashed back in 1992/93. Goals from Gavin Brown and Paul Cassidy gave the Glens a 2-0 victory

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Glenafton 1 Ardrossan 0

Posted on April 11, 2012 by flowgently

West Region Super League 1st Division

Wed 11th April , Loch Park, New Cumnock, KO 6:30pm

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 1 (0)

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 0 (0)

Ian Cashes in and Ally Saves

Cashy and Ally

April showers morphed into downpours as the first card of midweek fixtures was greeted with woeful weather in the West of Scotland as witnessed by the short notice postponements of the Super League 1st Division match between East Kilbride Thistle and Renfrew and the Central 1st Division encounter between Neilston and Vale of Clyde due to a carpet of hailstones at Brig O’ Lea.

The rain lashed down from the low cloud that hung over Loch Park for most of the match as Glenafton hosted Ardrossan Winton Rovers with both teams desperate for points to sustain their challenge for promotion to the Premier Division. Glenafton made one change from the side that knocked Premier side Beith out of the West of Scotland Cup at the week-end with the then cup-tied Bobby Colligan, making his first start for the club, replacing the injured Gus Cochrane. Rovers too introduced a debutant in the shape of Andy Bell making his first appearance for the club since his move from Glenafton two weeks ago. Also in the Rovers starting eleven was former Glens’ defender Bob Hay and of course in the AWAY dugout was former Glenafton assistant manager John Garroch, with another former Afton lad John McMillan on the bench.

The visitors made all (or most of) the running in the first half with Glenafton’s central defensive pairing of Robbie Henderson and Ryan McChesney at the heart of a concerted rearguard action by the home side.  Rovers threatened to run riot as chances came and went the best of which fell on fifteen minutes after a fine passing move ended with Andy Boyle cutting the ball back from the bye-line for striker Scott Adam in the six yard box but his shot crashed off the inside of the post.  Glenafton’s respite came in glimpses with Colligan’s pace catching the eye now and again but Winton’s keeper Kenny Pollock was seldom tested.  His counterpart Ally Semple played his part in keeping Ardrossan at bay as shots, like the heavens, rained in on Glenafton’s goal. Seven minutes before the break the expected breakthrough arrived but from an unexpected source.  An exquisite piece of play by John Dempster made space for Ian Cashmore to glide into the box and guide the ball past Pollock at the near post. H/T Glens 1 Winton Rovers 0

The Glens came much more into the game in the second half with Paul McKenzie motoring about the park which was beginning to cut up badly as conditions worsened. As the light faded fast it was difficult to see where the next goal was going to come from as the contest was now much more even in terms of possession and chances created ( albeit a few each).  But, as in the first half, with seven minutes of this half remaining drama descended on the Loch Park stage. Glens’ captain scuppered Scott Adam, as he stole into the penalty area, earning himself a red-card and Rovers a spot kick. Adam, who bagged a brace of penalties at Thorniewood on Saturday to bring his season tally to five from 12 yards out, stepped up to try and make it six. Instead, Ally Semple saved his fifth penalty in three games (four in penalty shoot-outs) and was grateful to see the rebound blasted over the bar.  The wind had been taken out of Winton’s sails momentarily and back they came in search of a share of the points but once again fortune in front of goal deserted them as substitute Stuart Wilson’s shot from the edge of the box rattled the woodwork. F/T Glens 1 Ardrossan 0

Glenafton: Semple; Menzies, McChesney, Henderson, McKillen; McKenzie, Potter, Murphy, Colligan; Cashmore, Dempster. Subs, Armstrong, Boyle, Campbell, Cochrane, McEwan, Dunsmuir

Ardrossan: Pollock, Hay, Fisher, Faulds, Bell, Frye, Boyle, Gilmour, Adam, Hamilton, Muir. Subs McMillan, Reid, Wilson, Young

Other Scores

East Kilbride P Renfrew P, Girvan 1 Whitletts 1, Hurlford 3 Dalry 2, Kilsyth 0 Cumbernauld 2, Rutherglen 2 Lanark 3

updated league table

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Glenafton 0 Beith 0

Posted on April 7, 2012 by flowgently

New Coin Automatics West of Scotland Cup Quarter-final

Sat 7th April Loch Park, New Cumnock

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 0 (0)

BEITH JUNIORS 0 (0)

Glenafton win 5-4 penalties

Glenafton claimed a hat-trick of Premier Division scalps in this season’s West of Scotland cup with a penalty shoot-out win over Beith after a goal-less draw at Loch Park. As in the previous round keeper Ally Semple shone in the shoot-out saving two of the visitors spot-kicks.

The first half offered up little in the way of clear cut chances as both sides struggled to stamp their authority on the game. The visitors squandered an  early free kick from just outside the box and fifteen minutes would pass before they threatened again when Kenny McLean pounced to steal the ball from keeper Ally Semple’s attempt to clear a pass back but the striker could not pick out Calum Hardie in the box and the chance was gone. Five minutes later Beith won a couple of corners kicks but these were quickly mopped up by a well marshalled Glenafton defence.

On 25 minutes the home side were rather more inventive with a corner kick that caught the visitors’ cold and fell for Paul Murphy on the edge of the box but his volley whizzed wide of keeper Neil Greenwood’s goal. A minute later Craig Potter played the ball into the box for Paul McKenzie to give chase but the impressive Ross Dunlop matched his run allowing Greenwood to race from his line and gather the ball.

Greenwood and Dunlop block out McKenzie

Although the endeavours of Glenafton’s strike partnership of John Dempster and Ian Cashmore kept the Beith’s defence on their toes the pair rarely got a chance to test Greenwood. Similarly at the other end Andy Reid’s good work on the right flank often fizzled out to nothing as the home side’s rear guard marked his partner McLean out of the game. Ten minutes from the break Tony Fraser made excellent progress down the left wing but an equally excellent executed timed tackle in the box from Craig Menzies prevented the cut-back across the face of the Glenafton goal. H/T Glens 0 Beith 0

Beith introduced striker Christiano Kisuka at the interval and Henderson and Potter were forced to combine to bring the youngster’s determined first foray upfield to an end. At the other end the home side won two corners in quick succession with Gus Cochrane’s deliveries causing a stir as the temp of the game improved markedly. On 57 minutes the Mighty looked certain to take the lead when Stuart Callaghan was through on goal but Semple dived bravely and with both fists punched the ball to safety.

As the half progressed the industrious Glens began to edge the midfield battle with Murphy pulling the strings and McKenzie in a menacing mood the Beith goal was seeing most of the action. On the outskirts of the box and with his back to goal McKenzie hooked a wicked shot that had Greenwood scurrying across his line and relieved to see the ball sneak past the post. A minute later Cashmore left John Sheridan for dead and as Mark Staunton closed in he lashed the ball from 20 yards out but too high to threaten the goal, which in any case Peat had covered. On 67 minutes Cashmore from the right touchline chipped a cute ball into the box and despite the close attention of Dunlop his strike partner Dempster met the ball on the drop but his stunning volley went wide of target with Greenwood a stunned spectator. Five minutes later the fresh legged Gareth Armstrong replaced Cashmore who left a well-earned roar from the home support appreciative of his efforts.

Beith too had freshened things up and Ryan Holmes looked lively on the ball but again there was too be no end product from the visitors’ inventive play as his good worked ended with a rushed shot sailing a high and wide of target. At the other end Staunton came to the rescue as Dempster got on the end of a long ball into the box and forced the Glens’ striker away from goal allowing black and white strips to flood into the box; nevertheless Dempster’s perseverance won his side a corner, which in turn would lead to another. Cochrane’s delivery picked out Armstrong who rose unchallenged to head the ball into the six yard box where Dempster with his back to goal tried to valiantly to guide it home but Hardie and Greenwood shoulder to shoulder combined to eventually scramble the ball clear. In a flash Reid played a quick one two taking him the length of the park where his run was ended by Richie McKillen, however the resultant free-kick came to nothing as Menzies outleapt McLean at the back post.

Greenwood and Hardie block out Dempster

With 10 minutes to go another Glens attack came to an end courtesy of Sheridan. The counter attack had Reid and McLean fly up the right flank in unison leaving the home defence back-tracking and Kisuka in the middle calling for the ball but instead McLean shot tamely for goal and Semple saved with ease. The home side responded with a couple of consecutive corners which concluded with McKenzie volleying the ball over the bar from 25 yards out. End to end play as both sides went all out to avoid the penalty shoot-out. McChesney doing his bit for the home side with a last ditch tackle on Holmes before with the last touch of the ball Hardie’s header sailed over Semple’s bar. F/T Glens 0 Beith 0

The penalty shoot-out began and ended with a touch of class. Glenafton’s youngest player Gus Cochrane had the courage to step up to take the first penalty for the home side while Beith’s goalkeeper Neil Greenwood was first act at the conclusion of the contest was to seek out and congratulate his counter-part Ally Semple, whose double save effectively won the tie.

Ally saves in sudden-death

Gus Cochrane opened the scoring for Glenafton before Ally Semple saved from Andy Reid. Paul Murphy and John Dempster added to the Glens tally before Mark Peat saved from Richie McKillen. Gareth Armstrong scored for the Glens before the shoot-out went into sudden-death with the sides tied at 4-4; Paul McKenzie scored the Glens and Ally Semple saved from Christiano Kisuka.

Glenafton: Semple; Menzies, McChesney, Henderson, McKillen; McKenzie, Potter, Murphy, Cochrane; Cashmore (Armstrong), Dempster. Subs- McEwan, Boyle,Dunsmuir

Beith: Greenwood; Dunlop, Staunton, Sheridan, McMenamin; Hardie, Callaghan, O’Keane, Fraser; McLean, Reid. Subs – Hughes, Holmes, Kisuka, Wilson, Peat

The Goalie's Union

Glenafton will now host the Irvine Meadow or Shotts Bon Accord in the semi-final.

more photos here

Siney’s Video Highlights: Penalty Shoot-Out

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Super League standings

Posted on March 31, 2012 by flowgently

Although Glenafton had a day off with no fixture there were no off days for several of the clubs chasing promotion with Thorniewood, Renfrew and East Kilbride all adding three points to their tallies. Thorniewood remain in 2nd place after a fine 4-1 win away at Whitletts while Renfrew climb to third place following a 1-0 win at Winton Rovers, resulting in the Glens slipping to 4th place.  East Kilbride’s 3-0 win at the Showpark  over bottom placed Dalry leaves them level on 26 points level with 5th placed Ardrossan, having played two games less.

League leaders Kilsyth Rangers were on cup duty but remain on pole postion with a three point lead over Thorniewood and eight points ahead of Glenafton.  Although Shotts Bon Accord currently lie in 11th place, just above the four relegation spots, the league table on this occasion does lie.  A combination of postponed weather-affected fixtures and the Hannah Park club’s  renowned cup pedigree has meant no league fixtures since they thrashed Winton Rovers 7-0 at Ardrossan back in November and with two-legged Scottish Junior Cup semi-finals looming over the next two week-ends, Shotts won’t be in league action for some time.

Once again in the most dynamic league in the West Region, where possibly a total seven clubs (half of the league) could be promoted / relegated at the season’s end, is shaping up for a thrilling run in, with plenty of twists and turns to come guaranteed.

Pos Super League Pld GD Pts
1 Kilsyth 16 18 35
2 Thorniewood 18 9 32
3 Renfrew 15 10 28
4 Glenafton 16 5 27
5 Ardrossan 17 8 26
6 East Kilbride 15 1 26
7 Whitletts 17 -2 23
8 Hurlford 18 -3 22
9 Cumbernauld 16 -10 21
10 Shotts 11 13 20
11 Rutherglen 16 -6 17
12 Girvan 16 -8 17
13 Lanark 17 -6 15
14 Dalry 16 -29 7

Next Saturday the Glens host Beith in the West of Scotland Cup Quarter-Final while the stand-out fixtures in league have leaders Kilsyth travel to Whitletts and Thorniewood entertain Ardrossan.

Midweek fixtures kick-off on Wednesday 11th April with Glenafton welcoming back former assistant manager John Garroch and his Ardrossan side to Loch Park.

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Andy’s off to Rovers

Posted on March 28, 2012 by flowgently

Andy in control at Auchinleck

Andy Bell has teamed up with former Glenafton assistant manager John Garroch and signed for Ardrossan Winton Rovers. The tenacious midfielder  joined the Glens in the summer from Dalry Thistle and made 27 appearances for the club, scoring one goal – in the 4-1 victory over Hermes in the Scottish Junior Cup. Glenafton would like to thank Andy and wish him all the best for the future.

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West of Scotland Cup draw

Posted on March 25, 2012 by flowgently

New Coin Automatics West of Scotland Cup

  • Revised Quarter-Finals and Semi-Finals draw

Having defeated Premier sides Clydebank and Pollok in earlier rounds and fellow Super League 1st Division Lanark United in a penalty shoot-out in the 3rd round Glenafton will now host Premier side Beith in the Quarter Final at Loch Park.

Winning goal celebrations at Clydebank

West of Scotland Cup Quarter-Finals
Cumbernauld v Auchinleck
Glenafton v Beith
St. Roch's v Ashfield
Yoker or Irvine Meadow v Shotts or Renfrew
West of Scotland Cup Semi-Finals
Cumbernauld or Auchinleck v St. Roch's v Ashfield
Glenafton or Beith v Yoker / Meadow or Shotts/Renfrew

 

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Glenafton 0 Lanark 0 (4-2 pens)

Posted on March 24, 2012 by flowgently

New Coin Automatics West of Scotland Cup 3rd round

Sat 24th March, Loch Park, New Cumnock

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 0 (0)

LANARK UNITED 0 (0)

Glenafton win 4-2 on penalties

‘Semple Shines in Shoot-Out’

Super Ally

After a hard-fought goal-less draw in Glenafton emerged victorious from the penalty shoot out thanks to four perfect spot kicks and two super saves from keeper Ally Semple. The home side’s spot kick winners were Gus Cochrane, Ian Cashmore, Paul Murpy and Richie McKillen. For the visitors Liam Mushett and Chris McDougall were successful from the spot while Stuart Tullis and John Renwick were denied by brilliant saves from Ally Semple.

Ryan McChesney returned to the starting line up to partner captain Robbie Henderson in the heart of Glenafton’s defence whilst up front John Dempster paired up with Gareth Armstrong. Leading the Lanark line was former Glenafton player Stuart Tullis, who scored a strong contender for goal of the season when the two sides shared the league points in a 1-1 draw at Moor Park in November.

In a fast moving encounter Tullis was first to threaten but he skied the ball over the bar with 6 minutes gone.  Dempster then forced a good save from former Cumnock keeper Derek Barnes but soon after had to limp off to be replaced with Ian Cashmore.  Paul McKenzie went close for the home side before the visitors applied pressure before the break only to find keeper Ally Semple in fine form. H/T Glenafton 0 Lanark 0

Just after the break the impressive Ryan McChesney was on the receiving end of a scything tackle from Alan McCrum and had to hobble off, with Craig Potter joining the fray as play raged on.  Good build up play from the Glens ended with Cashmore cutting a perfect ball along the goal line but with Barnes beaten there were no takers.

The game erupted on 75 minutes after a lunging tackle by Henderson earned him a yellow card and then another for talking back to the official, reducing the hosts to 10 men. Several other cards followed as the referee flashed cards like confetti.   No argument however when substitute Andy Bell received a straight red card after whacking McCrum; Lanark duo Chris Walker and Ryan Docherty fortunate to escape similar punishment the referee’s attention. The fast flowing hard fought battle drew to a conclusion with clean sheets in tack.  F/T Glenafton 0 Lanark 0

Glenafton:  Semple  Menzies  Henderson  McChesney  McKillen  Murphy  McKenzie  Cochrane Dempster  Armstrong  Boyle.  Subs Potter  Cashmore  Bell  McEwan  Dunsmuir  ( gk )

Lanark:  Barnes  Renwick  Gow  Mushett  Walker  Rankin  Marriott  McCrum  Seenan  Tullis McFadden.  Subs  Cuthill  McDougal  Docherty  Fletcher  Collins  Ronald  Hyslop ( gk )

Glenafton will now face Premier side Beith in the Quarter-Final at Loch Park.

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Glenafton 1 Renfrew 2

Posted on March 17, 2012 by flowgently

West Region Super League 1st Division

Sat 17th March , Loch Park, New Cumnock, KO 2:00pm

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 1 (0)

RENFREW 2  (1)

Bright sunshine bathed Loch Park as Glenafton threatened to get off to a dazzling start when they caught Renfrew cold in the opening minutes. Gareth Armstrong rolled the ball wide right for Gareth Campbell to gather and in a flash he whipped the ball across the face of the ‘Frew goal where John Paul Boyle, having left Anton Heffron chasing shadows, came within a whisker of tapping in the opener. The visitors didn’t take long to heat up however and on 6 minutes David Gordon picked out Willie Sawyers in the box and the big striker held off Craig Menzies as he made his way to the bye-line from where, as other Glens’ defenders congregated, he cut back the ball into the six yard box and before the cries of hand-ball had subsided Colin Forbes pounced to poke the ball in at keeper Ally Semple’s near post.

Renfrew seized the initiative and moved the ball from box to box with some fine passing play much of which was orchestrated by Scott Upton in the middle of the park.  On 15 minutes from the centre circle he released former Glens’ front man Chris Zok wide on the left who teamed up with Gordon to find Forbes in the box who looked certain to slam in his second but for the timely intervention of Paul McKenzie. Two minutes later Forbes turned provider and chipped the ball into the box where Robbie Henderson and Semple combined to stem the threat of Sawyers at the expense of a corner.  With 28 minutes on the clock Sawyers rolled the ball back from the edge of the box for Gordon who thundered the ball inches over the bar with Semple at full stretch.

Glenafton had often struggled to clear their lines allowing their opponents to keep them pegged back in their own half for long.  Some 30 minutes had passed before they were awarded their first corner kick of the game and although it came to nothing it heralded a period of play that was more balanced in terms of possession and chances.  Up the other end Zok went down in the box in a challenge with Henderson but the referee saw nothing untoward. Two minutes later Boyle showed Ross Currie a clean pair of heels as he headed for the ‘Frew box but the backtracking Anton Smith kept his cool and dispossessed the Glens’ striker before he could test goalkeeper Danny McLeay. The home side continued to push but their only reward was a handful of set-pieces that each in turn was found lacking. H/T Glens 0 Renfrew 1

Glenafton replaced defender Craig Potter and midfielder Paul Murphy with attacking midfielder Bobby Colligan and striker John Dempster at the break and changed from a back four to three at the back as they went in search of an equaliser and they nearly found it six minutes into the new half. Gareth Armstrong , lurking with intent at the edge of the ‘D’ of Frew’s penalty box met the ball on the drop and thundered it beyond McLeay who could only stare in hope as it cracked off the junction of post and bar.

Five minutes later a neat one two at the edge of the box finished with Sawyers firing wide of target thanks to Semple rushing off his line.  Play was now end to end and Boyle and Armstrong were foiled before Frew broke upfield and Sawyers muscled his way through the heart of the Glens on this occasion Semple could do nothing to prevent the striker picking his spot and doubling the visitors lead on 57 minutes. Three minutes later Sawyers had his head in his hands after placing a free header wide of target from close range.

Back came Glenafton and Boyle tested McLeay from both outside and inside the box the keeper coming out on top on both occasions; the latter at the expense of a corner which the keeper  raised above defenders and attackers alike to punch clear with great vigour. On 73 minutes Colligan danced his way down the right flank but his cross for Armstrong in the box was cleared by Heffron straight back to the midfielder – his shot for goal then saved well by McLeay. Three minutes later another burst by Colligan saw him sail past Smith and Currie only to be blocked by Heffron before he entered the box, cried for obstruction waved away.  The home side’s pressure paid off in spectacular fashion on 81 minutes when Gareth Campbell killed the ball dead some 30 yard out, took one look up, and blasted the ball into net beyond the diving McLeay, the rigging still bulging as the keeper fell forlornly to the ground.

Glenafton broke forward in waves in search of the equaliser but McLeay showed a safe pair of hands time and again while on 87 minutes Heffron timed his tackle perfectly at the edge of the box as Armstrong threatened in on goal.  In the first minute of added on time substitute Andy Bell picked out Colligan who fed Dempster on the 18 yard line and the striker’s volley appeared net bound before McLeay dived low to his left to push the ball round the post for the first of three corners in quick succession for the home side, the last one ending with Armstrong’s acrobatic attempt from 6 yards out drifting over the bar. F/T Glens 1 Renfrew 2

Glenafton: Semple; Potter (Dempster), Menzies, Henderson, McKillen; Campbell, Cochrane (Bell), Murphy (Colligan), McKenzie; Armstrong, Boyle.  Subs: McChesney, Cashmore, McEwan, Dunsmuir

Renfrew: McLeay, Nicolson, Smith, Currie, Heffron, Prentice, Forbes, Upton, Sawyers, Zok, Gordon Subs: Maxwell, Crowhurst, Moore, Campbell, Mort, McGregor, Wilson

More photos here

 

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Thorniewood 1 Glenafton 1

Posted on March 11, 2012 by flowgently

West Region Super League 1st Division

Sat 10th March , Robertson Park, Uddingston, KO 2:00pm

THORNIEWOOD UNITED 1 (0)

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 1  (0)

‘TOUCH WOOD’ at THORNIEWOOD – but No Luck for GLENAFTON

A late close range header from substitute Chris Faulds earned a share of the points for ten man Thorniewood after the hosts had survived a second half pummelling from Glenafton who took the lead through a 25 yard stunning strike from Gareth Armstrong but were also denied by the woodwork on at least three occasions.

In what proved to be a scrappy first half clear cut chances were thin on the Robertson Park ground.  The visitors began brightly enough and with four minutes gone Gareth Campbell from the corner of the penalty area picked out Gareth Armstrong on the outskirts of the six yard box but his attempt to prod the ball home was thwarted by keeper Jon Connolly. Ten more minutes passed before his counterpart Ally  Semple was called into action of any note.  A slick passing move by Thorniewood ended with Barry McGowan releasing Matthew Bennett through on Semple and although the keeper came out on top he was left stranded to look on as the ball rebounded across the face of the goal and fell to Steven Maguire but the striker fired wide of the wide target.

As the half drew to a close Glenafton gained the upper hand and forced a series of corner kicks one of which was earned when a John Paul Boyle flick into the box was headed onto his own crossbar by defender Steven Low, with Connolly glad to see the ball bounce wide. The visitors continued to push for the opener and with a minute of the half remaining came close to achieving that goal. Richie McKillen fed Gus Cochrane down the left flank and the youngster’s cross saw Paul McKenzie out jump three ‘Wood defenders and head the ball on for Armstrong to gather and blast the ball goalward from 10 yards out only for Connolly to pull off a stunning save. The two adversaries enjoyed a sporting handshake of mutual admiration before the resultant corner was kicked.

H/T Thorniewood 0 Glenafton 0

Glenafton corner

The hosts were first to threaten and in the opening minute substitute Steven Mullen caused a stir in the Glens’ box, however the Craigs , Menzies and Potter, teamed up to block his path to goal.  A minute later at the other end McKillen towered above his markers to head the ball from Campbell’s corner into the six yard box where Boyle was first to react but his header skimmed off the top of the bar. Five minutes later Boyle and Armstrong joined forces to set up McKenzie and although his snap shot from 12 yards beat Connolly the ball struck the inside of the post allowing the keeper  the split second needed to smother it safely to his chest.  A minute after that, on 53 minutes, Armstrong headed on and Boyle beat the offside trap set by Low and Jamie Brophy, while the former lumbered the latter gave chase and did enough to put the Glens man off his stride and the chance was gone.   Before the second half was ten minutes old the woodwork came to ‘Wood’s rescue again. Campbell fired in a vicious corner kick that left Connolly swinging from his cross bar but neither Campbell or Paul Murphy could connect and the ball crashed off the inside of the post and the rebound cleared.

Thorniewood fashioned some respite and forced a corner that came to nothing. Back came Glenafton and Low, who was finding Boyle a handful , conceded another free kick which was lofted into the box and won by Robbie Henderson but gathered safely by Connolly. Back upfield and a Thorniewood corner caused more of a stir than had its predecessor. However, the ball didn’t fall kindly for Bennett and his shot was blocked and mopped up by Menzies who set livewire Boyle off on his merry way leaving one defender in his wake before threading the ball between two others into the box for Campbell to chase, but the alert Connolly raced from his line to dive at the attacker’s feet and gather the ball.

John Dempster celebrates Glenafton's Gloal

On 65 minutes the visitors’ pressure paid off with an exquisite goal. Potter broke down a Thorniewood move in the centre circle and laid the ball off to Cochrane who took a touch before hitting an inch perfect pass to Boyle who squared it to Gareth Armstrong and BANG! – the Glens ‘ top goal scorer thundered the ball from 25 yards out past the flying Connolly at full stretch and into the top right hand corner of the keeper’s net.  The leap of joy in celebration was equally impressive.

Gareth Armstrong's leap of joy

Seven minutes later Connolly came to the rescue with a miraculous double save. Henderson’s header from a Campbell corner seemed to be sailing into the corner of the net before the keeper pushed it onto the post and then pulled himself back off the ground and outstretch an arm to claw the ball off the line after Boyle had tried to bury the rebound; the Glens’ striker’s second bite at the cherry was blocked by a bunch of red shirted defenders.  A minute later  ‘Wood substitute Chris Faulds’ long pass back from deep in the Glens’ half  caught out his team mates and Armstrong nicked the ball leaving Low in his wake as he charged  to goal but blasted over from 15 yards out.

Jon Connolly saves the day

The home side rallied briefly but struggled to create any openings that would deliver an equaliser. With ten minutes to go the visitors brought on the fresh legs of John Dempster, to replace goal hero Armstrong, and within a minute he and Campbell beat the offside trap but the latter’s shot from the corner of the box went wide of target. A minute later Thorniewood were pruned to 10 men when substitute David Campbell earned a second yellow card for clumsily chopping down McKenzie, and hopes of the home side salvaging a point appeared to have with withered on the vine.

However, Thorniewood reacted well to the loss and on 86 minutes a good run and cross down the left by Mark Daly was rewarded with a corner kick. Scott Murphy whipped a wicked ball across the face of the goal eluding the jump of Semple and Chris Faulds was on hand to head home from a yard out.

The Faulds Guy

Back came Glenafton and Boyle left Low for dead but the advancing Connolly forced the striker to shoot wide of target.  With two minutes of normal time remaining the visitors replaced Cochrane with new signing Bobby Colligan who made an instant impact skipping past player after player down the right flank only for his cut back to be punched out for a corner which ended with a Henderson header being held by Connolly. In the dying embers of time added on Semple had to be alert to deny the home side a win, but left nevertheless left them delighted with the draw – under the circumstances. F/T Thorniewood 1 Glenafton 1

Thorniewood United:  Connolly, Brophy, Daly, Easton, Low, Murphy, Queen, McGowan, Maguire, Livingstone and Bennett.  Subs Mullen, Campbell, Faulds

Glenafton Athletic: Semple; Potter, Menzies, Henderson & McKillen; Campbell, Murphy, Cochrane (Colligan)  & McKenzie; Armstrong (Dempster) & Boyle

More Photos here

Siney Productions   Video highlights 1st half    Video highlights 2nd half

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