Glenafton Athletic are delighted to announce the signing of goalkeeper Michael McKinven. He leaves Linlithgow Rose of the EOSFL to return west where he previously played with Kirkintilloch Rob Roy and Pollok.
Welcome to Loch Park, Michael.
Glenafton Athletic are delighted to announce that we have agreed a deal to sign former Troon player 21 year old midfielder Evan Maley for next season. Evan came through the youth system at Kilmarnock before joining Stranraer as a 17 year-old. While at Stair Park he had two loan periods at Troon before signing for Seasiders in July 2017 where he has enjoyed a goal or two against the Glens.
Welcome to Loch Park, Evan.
Glenafton Athletic are delighted to announce that Anthony McParland has joined the club as player/coach.
Tony has senior experience with Celtic, Barnsley, Wycombe, Livingston, QOS and Queen’s Park and has had spells at Arthurlie and Irvine Meadow.
Welcome to Loch Park, Anthony
Glenafton hosted Largs Thistle in a league fixture six weeks (and 2 games) since the two sides last met at Loch Park in the West of Scotland Cup tie. On that occasion Thistle scored what proved to be the winner 5 minutes after the restart through former Glens striker Scott Adam before repelling wave after wave of Glens attack to secure their passage to the 3rd round of the competition. Today Adam was missing from the visitors’ line-up due to suspension and Thistle’s goal when it came 5 minutes from time proved to be a consolation as Glens had netted no fewer than 5 times in a 35 minute spell. The score did not reflect Largs’ contribution to the game as under difficult conditions they played some neat passing football from box to box, only for their touch in either box to let them down while Glens were clinical in their finishing.
The gusting wind caused problems for both sides on a difficult surface as well as in the air. Nevertheless, played raged from end to end as possession often came and went before any decent chances, including from corner kicks, could be fashioned. On 10 minutes Craig Pettigrew, from deep on the right flank, picked out Joe Andrew in a busy box to turn a hit a low diagonal shot that was well held by keeper Jamie McGowan as the lively Lee Gallacher waited to pounce on any loose ball. George Sewell was at the heart of a number of Thistle’s breaks and on 18 minutes he struck the ball sweetly from 25 yards out that sailed high over the bar.
At the other end Pettigrew clipped a ball high into the box for Gallacher that George Sewell headed clear only for Kyle McAusland to meet the ball on the drop and thunder a shot from 22 yards that pulled off a great save from McGowan who pushed the ball over the bar.
Gallacher delivered the corner kick high into the heart of the box where Ross Love’s attempt to clear Dan Orsi’s downward header rebounded off Ryan McChesney and the ball fell for Dale Moore to guide home from 3 yards out to break the deadlock on 23 minutes.
Largs responded with a couple of breakaways the best of which saw Kane O’Neill cut in from the left and slip a forward pass to George Sewell on the 18 yard line who did well under pressure from Alan Cairns to curl a shot that keeper David Wilson pushed high into the air from under the bar before safely clasping the ball on its descent. The same player from the right flank then whipped a ball into the box that was cleared by Craig Menzies who then blocked O’Neill’s attempt to fire home the loose ball from 18 yards.
Glens broke up the right through Orsi to win a throw. Pettigrew picked out McAusland who quickly returned the ball for his teammate to float into the box only for Stuart Faulds to head it clear as far as McAusland who opted to keep the ball on the ground. Although his attempted pass to Andrew in the box was cut out by Darren Hynes the ball bobbled up into the air where Dale Moore controlled it brilliantly before holding off Stuart Faulds and cutting inside the unfortunate Hynes to lash an unstoppable shot into the net from 18 yards. Glens 2-0 up on 30 minutes.
As before the visitors enjoyed a good spell of pressure after conceding a goal with Ben Black and then William Sewell menacing down the right, the latter then crashing a shot against the outside of the post from the tightest of angles. Blair McIntyre’s low shot from the edge of the box was comfortably held by Wilson but soon after he unleashed a more powerful dipping one from 25 yards out that battered of the top of the bar and the ball eventually cleared by McChesney.
McIntyre then fired a low ball into the six-yard box looking for William Sewell to get a touch only for Wilson to block and then gather it safely. The keeper then launched a long ball upfield where the bounce was misjudged by Hynes allowing Joe Andrew to give chase and drive into the box drawing the keeper from his line before slotting the ball through his legs and into the net to make it 3-0 on 38 minutes.
On cue Largs pushed forward and an excellent run from McIntyre ended with a ferocious shot from 20 yards that Wilson, at full stretch, pushed away with both hands only for George Sewell to recover the ball on the left hand side of the box and curl a vicious shot that beat Wilson but whizzed inches wide of the back post. Thistle continued to press and Ben Eardley lofted a free kick int0 a packed post where a brave Wilson jumped high above a mass of attackers and defenders to punch the ball away; McChesney picking up an injury in the process.
At the other end his counterpart McGowan tipped an Andrew shot over the bar before Gallacher’s corner-kick picked out Moore at the near post only for his header to flash over the bar.
HT Glens 3 Largs 0
The injured McChesney was replaced by Ally Park and Glens reshuffled with McAusland filling the centre back role. Park was soon in the thick of action and after gathering a ball from Orsi deep down the right he whipped it high into the box where although it was missed by attacker and defender alike it was retrieved by the alert Gallacher at the junction of the bye-line and the penalty box. As Eardley closed in, he calmly chipped a low ball to the near post for Joe Andrew, where with Hynes marking him tightly and the keeper tighter on his post, he lifted his left foot to cutely back-heel the ball with the deftest of touches to roll itunimpeded into the net for 4-0 on 48 minutes.
Largs’ heads remained aloft as they quickly earned a corner-kick that was comfortably defended and soon after a Glens corner suffered the same fate.
Largs made their first change and brought on Kieran Brophy for Kane O’Neill
On 57 minutes Wilson did well to get down low and stop William Sewell’s close-range glancing header with a strong hand at the base of the post.
In a flash Glens carried the ball from box to box beginning with Cairns deep on the left playing it forward to Andrew to lay off to McAusland on the half way line. From here he played it infield to Frye who switched play to Park wide on the right where the midfielder threaded a superb long forward pass for Moore to chase down before clipping the ball into the box and although Eardley prevented it reaching the incoming Orsi the ball fell for Lee Gallacher to take a touch before blasting it home from 10 yards. Glens now 5-0 up with 58 minutes on the clock.
On the hour mark Mick McCann replaced Joe Andrew who had taken a knock.
Soon after Dan Orsi made way for young Gabe Skeoch recently signed from Ayr United on a loan deal while Largs also brought on Simon McBryde for Ben Black.
The rain came on for a spell and conditions underfoot worsened as the temp of the game dropped during a scrappy period of play.
On 77 minutes Brophy did well to strike a sweet shot from 18 yards under pressure from Pettigrew only for the ball to fly wide of the target. Glens responded with a quick break down the right through McAusland who picked out Frye at the edge of the box to lay off to Skeoch who smacked a left-footed shot that McGowan tipped over the bar to deny him a goal on his debut.
Gallacher whipped another dangerous corner kick which was met at the near post by the head of Eardley sending the ball over his keeper and heading for the far corner only for Brophy to head it clear; Glens claims the ball had crossed the line dismissed.
Back came Glens and Skeoch evaded McBryde’s tackle before slipping the ball forward for McCann to break into the box and get his shot away as back-tracking defenders chased him down only for the advancing keeper to get a foot to it before the ball was mopped up.
With 5 minutes to go William Sewell’s persistence earned him a corner-kick that was brilliantly trapped by Ross Love before he turned to leather home a well struck angled shot for a worthy consolation goal for a side that never gave up.
The day however belonged to Glenafton who defended stoutly, controlled the midfield and finished clinically.
FT Glens 5 Largs 1
Glenafton Athletic: 1. David Wilson 2. Craig Pettigrew 3. Alan Cairns 4. Craig Menzies 5. Ryan McChesney (14. Ally Park), 6. Kyle McAusland 7. Dan Orsi (17. Gabe Skeoch) 8. Findlay Frye 9. Joe Andrew (12. Mick McCann), 10. Dale Moore 11. Lee Gallacher. Subs Not Used: 15. Cameron Marlow 16. Matthew Reilly
Largs Thistle: 1. Jamie McGowan 2. Ben Eardley 3. Laurie McMaster 4. Darren Hynes 5. Ross Love 6. Stuart Faulds 7. George Sewell 8. Blair McIntyre 9. William Sewell 10. Kane O’Neill (12. Kieran Brophy) 11. Ben Black (14. Simon McBryde) Subs Not Used: 15. Ross Lundy 16. Stuart Davidson
The home side got off to a flyer with Liam Miller scoring in the opening minute and Eddie McTernan doubling their lead five minutes later with a tap in. Glens fought back and midway through the half Findlay Frye halved the deficit from close range after a goalmouth scramble. On 57 minutes the visitors drew level after Kyle McAusland outjumped the Meadow defence to head home from 8 yards Lee Gallacher’s pinpoint free kick. With 9 minutes to go Dale Moore burst into the right hand side of the box at speed, with a Meadow defender on his heels, before slipping the ball under the keeper who had advanced to the corner of the six yard box to complete an impressive fight back.
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC: 1. David Wilson 2. Craig Pettigrew 3. Alan Cairns 4. Craig Menzies 5. Ryan McChesney (12. Cameron Marlow) 6. Kyle McAusland 7. Dale Moore 8. Findlay Frye 9. Joe Andrew (14. Mick McCann) 10. Dan Orsi 11. Lee Gallacher (15. Ryan Nisbet) Subs. 16. Ally Park 17. Craig Potter 18. Craig Burns (gk)
Glens took the field on Burns Day clad in all blue but there was to be no sweet ending for the Afton. The home side crashed out the of West of Scotland Cup following a smash and grab raid by the Viking-boat-badged Largs Thistle who sunk their only real chance of the game while repelling wave after wave of attacks by their opponents.
The home side’s first chance fell on four minutes after good work by Ally Park saw him set up Joe Andrew for a shot from the left-hand side the box that was deflected wide for a corner kick. The kick was cleared and soon after Park, who had picked up an injury, was replaced by Dan Orsi.
On 10 minutes Alan Cairns floated a free-kick into the box which saw Ryan McChesney get the better of three black and gold strips only for his header to drift wide of the post. Two minutes later Mick McCann won a corner kick which was scrambled clear by a well drilled defence.
At the other end Paul Harkins’ free kick into the box was won in the air by McChesney and the loose ball snapped up by Kane O’Neill to fire a low angled shot from the outskirts of the box only for the big Glens defender to block that too. Although Thistle enjoyed a decent spell of pressure with Scott Adam holding the ball up well, albeit without creating an effort on goal.
Back game Glens and midway through the half Andrew hooked a ball from the edge of the box wide of the post and two minutes later Lee Gllacher laid of the ball to Dale Moore to clip a shot from 25 yards that beat airborne keeper Jamie McGowan only to skim off to the top of the crossbar.
Orsi from wide on the right chipped a dangerous ball into the six-yard box for the incoming Gallacher only for Craig Forbes to keep his cool and head the ball towards his keeper to kill it with his chest before clutching it to the aforesaid torso.
The home side continued to press and Findlay Frye forced his way to the bye-line only for his cutback to be cut-out by McGowan.
The visitors countered occasionally but again without penetrating the Glens box or engineering any shots at goal. In stark contrast the Glens turned the screw in the closing 10 minutes of the half and forced no fewer than four corner kicks the most threatening of which saw McChesney outleap Adam on the six-yard line and power a header that appeared to rebound of the keeper, rather than be saved by him.
The loose ball was recovered by Glens and following a patient build up Frye picked out Moore on the corner of the box to lash a ferocious shot that beat McGowan at full stretch but zipped inches wide of the post. The last action of the half saw the last corner-kick of the four headed clear by centre half Ross Love, having a tremendous game at the heart of the Largs defence.
HT Glens 0 Largs 0
The home side picked up from where they left off as Mick McCann held off Harkins at the bye-line to roll the back for Andrew only for Love to clear before the Glens recovered and the busy Gallacher mounted another attack down the left before George Sewell robbed him off the ball.
On 50 minutes Blair MacIntrye released Simon McBryde to break down the left before squaring the ball along the 18 yard line where Kane O’Neill met hit first time to hook a low drive that although keeper Davie Wilson got down low to stop with one hand former Glens striker Scott Adam pounced to tap home the loose ball from two yards out.
The Glens responded well and dominated the remainder of the half with Largs content, on occasion, to give away free kicks in their own half which they defended resolutely.
Gradually the Glens turned up the heat and on 63 minutes Orsi and McCann combined in the box to set up Moore to fire a shot across the face of goal that Gallacher came within a whisker of getting a touch before the ball flew inches wide of the back post.
Gallacher then switched play from left to right and from the bye-line McAusland chipped the ball into the heart of box where Andrew’s shot from 10 yards was blocked by George Sewell while Harkins blocked Frye’s attempt to bury the rebound before the keeper could get back on his feet.
There was little respite for Largs as back came Glens with McAusland slipping a ball through to McCann on the penalty spot who although was quickly closed down by Forbes and the outrushing keeper managed to guide the ball past them only for Sewell to scoop the ball off the line which then fell to Orsi to blast an angled shot that was blocked and cleared at the expense of a corner-kick.
Gallacher’s kick was knocked on by Moore in a packed box and although Orsi won the ball his shot sailed high and wide of target.
The visitors who had earlier brought on Ben Black for O’Neill did occasionally venture upfield but often too short in numbers to mount any serious attacks.
On 75 minutes keeper Wilson from deep in his own half lined up to launch a free kick into the Largs’ box but instead slipped the ball wide to Craig Menzies to move forward before whipping the ball into the box for Moore to power a header from 15 yards screaming wide of the post.
At the other end another tussle between Adam and McChesney ended with a yellow card for the defender, as is often the case in these encounters, and a free kick from the edge of the box. The visitors frittered the chance away before Frye mopped up the danger.
With numbers still upfield Thistle mounted a break down the left through Black only for his cross to be headed clear by Menzies at the near post. The visitors recovered the ball and fed Black down the left again only for his cross to suffer the same fate as before with Menzies clearing. Although the ball fell for McBryde to crack a shot it was blocked by Frye.
On 77 minutes Glens brought on Ryan Nisbet for Mick McCann.
Moore’s free kick deep into the Largs box was headed over the bar by Harkins and although Gallacher delivered a peach of a corner-kick into the heart of the six-yard box there were no takers from either side and the ball rolled aimlessly on for a goal kick.
Nevertheless Glens kept the pressure on. Although Gallacher’s free kick into the box was headed clear the midfielder recovered the ball to feed Moore to clip it high into the box where McChesney beat Adam in the air again and Andrew pounced on the ball before lashing a shot from the corner of the six yard box only for McGowan to pull off a great point blank save to turn the ball round the post.
The keeper punched clear the corner kick that followed but back came Glens through Gallacher on the left and his ball into the box was headed clear by the towering Love.
Largs countered through Adam and MacIntyre who combined to drive forward to the left-hand side corner of the penalty box where the latter curled a shot that sailed high over the bar.
Into added time and Glens pushed to try and take the tie to a penalty shoot-out. Frye slipped the ball to Moore on the corner of the penalty box to whip into the box where Harkin’s headed clearance sent the ball high into the air forcing the keeper to rush from his line to punch it clear from the head of Andrew only for it to be met by Frye to thunder a shot that whizzed inches wide.
Gallacher then won a corner kick, Glens 10th of the match, that was frantically cleared upfield where Largs gave away what proved to be the last free-kick of the game. Keeper Wilson came forward to take it, as every other player packed the box, but his counter-part had the last say as he leapt high to clutch the ball safely.
FT Glens 0 Largs 1
Glenafton Athletic: 1. David Wilson 2. Kyle McAusland 3. Alan Cairns 4. Craig Menzies 5. Ryan McChesney 6. Ally Park (15. Dan Orsi) 7. Lee Gallacher 8. Findlay Frye 9. Mick McCann (16. Ryan Nisbet) 10. Joe Andrew 11. Dale Moore. Not Use 17. Cameron Marlow 18. Craig Burns
Largs Thistle: 1. Jamie McGowan 2. Craig Forbes 3. Paul Harkins 4. George Sewell 5. Ross Love 6. Stuart Faulds 7. Simon McBryde 8. Blair MacIntyre 9. Scott Adam 10. Kane O’Neill (12. Ben Black) 11. Laurie McMaster Subs not used. 14. Ross George 15. Kieran Brophy 16. Ross Lundy
Glens unbeaten six match league run (5 wins, 1 draw) came crashing to an end at Portland Park as home side Troon game from a goal down to win by four goals to one.
The visitors opened the scoring on 15 minutes after Kyle McAusland’s throw-in picked out Joe Andrew and his deft touch took 3 defenders out of play as he guided the ball into the path of former Troon midfielder Dale Moore to hold off another defender before picking his spot from 6 yards out.
Dale Moore
On 26 minutes the home side drew level after Dean Fulton chased down John Gemmell’s flick into the box and held off Craig Menzies before slotting the ball from a narrow angle.
HT Troon 1 Glens 1
Just after the hour mark the home side were forced to make a substitution after Ray Montgomerie suffered a bad injury and was replaced by Evan Maley, while Dylan Pooler replaced Ben Reilly soon after. The substitutes were soon in the thick of the action. A corner-kick eventually fell for Pooler in the box to take a touch and set up John Gemmel to slam home from close range and put Troon ahead on 73 minutes.
On 80 minutes the home side doubled their lead after Glens’ keeper David Wilson misjudged his throw-out and the ball was snapped up by Fulton to instantly square the ball for Maley to thunder home a shot from 25 yards out. Four minutes later after some terrific build up play Maley ran on to a cute back heeler and although Ally Park got a touch the ball bounced up to a perfect height for the substitute to unleash a ferocious shot into the top corner of the net.
FT Troon 4 Glens 1
Glenafton Athletic: 1. David Wilson 2. Kyle McAusland 3. Edward Campbell 4. Craig Menzies 5. Ryan McChesney 6. Ally Park 7. Dale Moore 8. Lee Gallacher 9. Joe Andrew 10. Dan Orsi 11. Matthew Reilly Subs. used: 12.Mick McCann 14. Findlay Frye. Subs not used 15. Craig Potter 19. Craig Burns
Troon: 1. Scott Johnstone 2. Mark Morrison 3. Jack Sherrie 4. Dean Keenan 5. Andy Strachan 6. Ross Barbour 7. Ben Reilly (14. Dylan Pooler) 8. Ray Montgomerie (14. Evan Maley) 22. John Gemmell (12. Todd Henderson) 10. Scott Chatham 11. Dean Fulton
Glenafton would like wish Ray Montgomerie a speedy recovery after suffering a double break to his collar bone.
Glenafton finished the decade with a 2-1 win over league leaders Kilwinning Rangers at Loch Park. Joe Andrew opened the scoring from close range in the first half.
Photo courtesy of Ross McKenzie
Matthew Reilly doubled the lead in the second half with a wonderful run through before weaving his way through defenders in the box and although the keeper advance to block his shot from 12 yards the young striker reacted quickly to bury the rebound.
Photo courtesy of Ross McKenzie
The Buffs halved the deficit through Ben Lewis and in the closing minutes substitute and former Buffs striker Ryan Nisbet received his marching orders as Glens held on for the three points.
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC: 1. David Wilson 2. Kyle McAusland 3. Alan Cairns 4 . Craig Menzies 5. Craig Pettigrew 6. Cameron Marlow (14. Dan Orsi) 7. Ally Park 8. Findlay Frye 9. Joe Andrew (12. Mick McCann) 10. Matthew Reilly 11. Lee Gallacher (15. Ryan Nisbet) Subs Not Used. 16. Ryan McChesney 17. Craig Burns(gk)
Prior to kick-off a minute’s silence was observed in memory of Jean McCulloch who passed away recently. Jean was the daughter of Haddow Nisbet the Glens trainer in the late 50’s and early 60’s and in 1960 she married Glenafton’s legendary forward Danny McCulloch who would later play in the Scottish Junior Cup final against today’s visitors Irvine Meadow XI.
Glenafton Mascots
Meadow kicked off as the rain lashed down on an overcast Loch Park but play was quickly halted as a playful dog entered the field of play to spend the next 5 minutes chasing its own leash up and down the park evading any attempts of capture before succumbing and returning its frisbee, now clenched in its jaws, to its exasperated owner.
Play resumed and both sides had bounded up and down park unleashed before the first decent chance fell to the visitors on 8 minutes after Lee McCrae floated a freekick into a packed Glens box and Calum Gow leapt to flash a header inches wide of the post. Meadow continued to press and following some neat build up play the ball was played over the top into the right-hand side of the box for Eddie McTernan to chase down with Glens captain Craig Menzies in pursuit. However, keeper Davie Wilson had already rushed from his line to dive low and get both hands on the ball before the attacker and defender tumbled over his body; the former forlornly appealing foul play to the well-placed assistant referee.
The home side then enjoyed a good spell of pressure creating a hatful of half chances beginning on 14 minutes with Ally Park at the left-hand corner of the penalty box whipping the ball into the centre for Dale Moore on the penalty spot to bullet a net bound header only for keeper Paddy O’Neil to get down and at full stretch push the ball away.
Jarred Willet’s clearance was quickly recovered by the Glens and Findlay Frye floated the ball back into the danger area where the incoming Mick McCann got between two defenders but his header looped high over the bar. Soon after Matthew Reilly picked up the ball in the centre circle and progressed to the edge of the box where with his route blocked, he cut the ball back for Park to fire a shot from 30 yards out that flew high over the bar.
On 20 minutes Glens broke down a Meadow attack on the left and in a flash, Moore picked out Andrew to release Reilly through the middle with defender James Latta back tracking. On reaching the box the young midfielder cut inside, leaving Latta wrong-footed, and after creating space he miscued his shot sending the ball drifting well off target. Menzies from just inside his own half clipped a high ball to the edge of the box for Andrew to gather and drive into box with defenders Calum Gow & Neil Slooves in pursuit; the former doing enough to prevent any power in the striker’s shot and the latter mopping up the loose ball.
On 26 minutes Meadow created a great chance after McLennan collected the ball in the centre circle and quickly despatched a forward pass for McTernan to chase down the right flank and as defenders Alan Cairns and Menzies closed in he cut the ball back from the bye-line to the heart of the box for the incoming Willet only for Frye’s presence to ensure his shot from 8 yards out to lack the power to test Wilson as he got down low to hold cleanly.
The rain relented slightly and play raged from end to end keeping both keepers on their toes. On 31 minutes the visitors came close to opening the scoring in spectacular fashion. Slooves cut out a defensive clearance in the centre circle then took a touch before setting his sights for goal and although his smoothly struck shot beat the outstretched arm of Wilson the ball crashed off the crossbar with force that the ball rebounded clear of the penalty box.
Back came Glens and Cairns’ long free kick deep into the box was punched clear from the head of Kyle McAusland by O’Neil. The home sided recovered the ball and McAusland tight on the right touch line drilled a low diagonal ball into the box where Park got the jump on the Meadow defence only for O’Neil to dive bravely at his feet and hold the ball tightly in difficult conditions.
At the other end Wilson had to be alert to rush from his line to try and beat Brendan Sharpe in the chase for Willet’s well directed header into the box. Although the keeper got to the ball first it slipped through his hands and the big striker unable to apply the brakes continued his run and tumbled over Wilson before he recovered the ball. Penalty appeals from his team-mates were waved away.
Play was frantic as both sides endeavoured to fashion a lead before the break. The home side’s best remaining chances came from set pieces. The first a Reilly free-kick from the left-hand side of the box to the back where although McAusland won the aerial battle his header dipped over the bar. The second came from a corner kick in added time that was met on the drop at the penalty spot by Craig Pettigrew only for his hooked shot to slip just wide of the post.
The final chance of the half fell to Meadow from open play after Sharpe broke into the left hand side of the box and whipped a great ball for McTernan to bullet a glancing header high over the bar.
HT Glens 0 Meadow 0
The visitors began the new half in determined fashion and forced three corner kicks in quick succession without however testing the keeper. On 52 minutes Glens responded through fine work from Pettigrew to set himself up for a shot from 18 yards which although it beat the keeper the ball slipped just wide of target.
Three minutes later the home side was forced to make a change with Dan Orsi replacing the injured Dale Moore.
On 59 minutes the Meadow took the lead after Lee McCrae’s short throw in from deep on the left was returned from McTernan before he curled a ball to the back post where Wilson leapt to grab the ball with two outstretched arms only to lose possession under pressure from Willet’s challenge. The ball fell kindly for McLennan to poke the ball home from 5 yards and spark off Meadow celebrations in contrast to the shunned appeals from the Glens that the keeper had been impeded.
The home side recovered well through Frye and Orsi combining down the right before the latter fired a cross to the back post which was headed down by Slooves and fell for McAusland to blast a shot from 18 yards that O’Neil pushed over the bar with two firm hands and the corner that followed was cleared.
Back came Meadow to win their fourth corner of the match that eventually fell for lly McLaughlin at the left hand corner of the box to curl a ball to the back post which comfortably clutched by Wilson.
On 69 minutes Glens brought on Ryan Nisbet to replace Matthew Reilly. A minute later keeper Wilson launched at clearance to the edge of the Meadow box where it is was headed clear and the ball gathered by Frye to push it wide to Cairns on the left to float a ball into the box that was met on the drop by Kyle McAusland to guide the ball home in some style. Cup tie all square on 70 minutes.
The home side’s tails were up and Orsi progressed down the right to the bye-line before clipping a ball to the back post for the incoming Frye to guide a header goalward only for O’Neil to rise and clutch the ball under the bar. At the other end McLaughlin header from a cross from the left flew just wide of the back post. Back came Glens and Orsi won a corner-kick that was played to the same player but his effort from inside the box sailed over the bar.
On 78 minutes the visitors replaced Colin Spence with Darren Jones.
Glens then enjoyed a sustained period of pressure with chances coming and going. Nisbet gathered the ball wide on the left and cut aside at pace before rocketing a low shot that was deflected wide for a corner. The kick skimmed off the top of Slooves head before falling for Nisbet at the back post to bullet a header that O’Neil stopped on his line with a strong hand while Glens hands raised in unison to claim the ball ground had crossed the line as it dropped to the grounded.
The now grounded goalie managed to push the ball a few yards out only for Nisbet to pounce for a second bite that O’Neil blocked and juggled on the line before getting both hands on it and initiating further claims from the home side that the ball had again crossed the line. O’Neil’s goal remained intact.
Glens continued to press and won another corner kick which O’Neil pushed over the bar for and the corner that followed was finally cleared after a stramash deep in the box. Soon after Nisbet cut in from the left again to blast a low ball from 25 yards that the keeper got down well and hold firmly in the fading light.
Some brief respite for Meadow as a break down the left concluded with a good ball into the box only for Wilson to smother the ball between a pack of two attackers and two defenders.
Back came Glens and Andrew trapped the ball on the outskirts of before turning his marker only to drill his low angled shot wide of the post. The home side continued to press with Orsi exploiting space down the right flank. First on the overlap through picking up a great ball from Andrew only for his angled shot to be held cleanly by the keeper. Next, Frye’s ball from the centre circle released him in acres of space free to run into the edge of the box and square it for the inrushing Frye only for his shot, under pressure from Slooves, to fly over the bar.
On 89 minutes O’Neil’s heroics kept the Meadow in the tie with a fantastic exhibition of goalkeeping. Menzies launched a ball up the left for Nisbet who cut inside and unleashed a thunderbolt of a shot that had the keeper diving to his left to block the ball away before getting of the ground far enough in order to block McCann’s attempt to bury the rebound and finally drag himself into a position to stop Frye’s effort to fire home that rebound from 8 yards out, sending the ball high over the bar.
O’Neil enjoyed a touch of good fortune from the corner that followed with a bit of juggling before the ball was hooked cleared of the box only to be recovered by the Glens leading to Pettigrew’s shot from the edge of the box that drifted wide of the post.
Two minutes into added time Glens earned their seventh corner kick of the match which was punched clear to create a Meadow counter attack that eventually petered out. In the last action of the match Wilson launched a free kick from just inside Glens half which was headed out the box but immediately hooked back into the danger area by Pettigrew to set up a header for McCann that dropped into the hands of O’Neil.
FT Glens 1 Meadow 1
O’Neil with momentum on his side saved the Glens two first spot kicks from Frye and then McCann and although McAusland and Andrew converted their kicks Meadow with all four of their attempts to win the shoot 4-2. So for the second successive season Glens crashed out the 4th Scottish Junior Cup on penalties, after 0-0 and 1-1 draws
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC: 1. David Wilson 2: Kyle McAusland 3. Alan Cairns 4. Craig Menzies 5. Craig Pettigrew 6. Ally Park 7. Dale Moore (14. Dan Orsi) 8. FindlayFrye 9. Mick McCann 10. Joe Andrew 11. Matthew Reilly (16. Ryan Nisbet). Subs: 12. Cameron Marlow 15. Lee Gallacher /17. Craig Burns (gk)
IRVINE MEADOW XI: 1. Patrick O’Neil 2. Mark McLennan 3. James Latta 4. Calum Gow 5. Neil Slooves 6. Jarred Willet 7. Colin Spence (12. Darren Jones) 8. Ally McLaughlin 9. Eddie McTernan 10. Brendan Sharpe 11. Lee McCrae Subs: 14. Ryan Carnwarth 15. Reece Pearson 16. Patrick Woods 18. Adam McLean (gk)
Glenafton made one change from the eleven that started in the league victory over Auchinleck Talbot last Saturday with Cameron Marlow replacing the injured Ryan McChesney. Incredibly today was only the third meeting between the Glens and Irvine Meadow in the Scottish Junior Cup. The first of which was in the final at Hampden 1962/63 when Meadow defeated the Glens 2-1 and then again in 2001/02 when Glens won 2-0 at Meadow Park in the 5th round. The Meadow currently sit 3rd in the Premiership with Glenafton three points behind in 6th place.
The visitors forced a corner kick on 3 minutes that was cleanly punched clear by keeper Patrick O’Neil. Matthew Reilly was looking lively down the left with two good runs, one ending with a cross field pass that was cleared and another ending with James Latta ushering the ball out for a goal kick.
Latta’s header then cut out a long ball up the wing from former Talbot team-mate Craig Pettigrew and the ball gathered by Andy McLaughlin to break down the right before cutting inside to pick out Brendan Sharpe on the edge of the box who was forced wide before firing a low angled shot that slipped beyond the far post.
On 13 minutes Colin Spence lobbed a ball into a busy box where Pettigrew and Sharpe challenged for the ball and as it ran free in one direction the Meadow striker ran into Pettigrew and tumbled to the ground, too theatrically for the close by referee’s liking an earned a yellow card.
Back came Glens and O’Brien was alert to rush far from his line to beat Reilly to Menzies’ long ball into the box. Played continued at a frantic level with each side quickly closing down their opponents in a packed midfield as possession changed hands regularly and often through some petty free kicks.
On 18 minutes Lee Gallacher was bundled off the ball by Neil Slooves and although the midfielder’s free kick from 28 yards beat the wall it sailed well over the bar. Soon after the Glens broke down a Meadow attack allowing Dale Moore to release Reilly to race down the left before cutting into the box where he gave Latta the slip and as Callum Gow closed in got a shot away from the edge of the six-yard box that was comfortably held by the keeper.
Play continued to get bogged down and scrappy in the midfield for long spells and the best of the half chances on offer fell to the visitors.
On 28 minutes Pettigrew attempted to break the deadlock in style by launching a high ball from the centre circle that had O’Neil backtracking anxiously to his goal-line in time for him to see it dip over the bar. The centre back then initiated the next Glens attack by threading a ball through the middle for Moore to gather and drive into the box before firing a low shot that the keeper pushed round the post. The corner kick was headed clear out the box and fell for Frye only for his shot to sail high and wide of target.
Glens continued to press and on 31 minutes had strong appeals for a penalty kick turned down. Gallacher’s lob high into the box saw Slooves choose to duck out the header and leave the ball for his keeper only for Reilly to get between them both before Slooves realised his predicament and barged the Glens man from behind allowing the ball to fall freely into the hands of a grateful O’Neill.
Meadow then enjoyed a good spell of pressure after a peach of a ball over the top from Spence picked out Jared Willet deep and wide on the left to whip a ball to the near post for Sharpe only for Menzies to make a brilliant block at the expense of a corner-kick; Meadow’s claims that a hand was used werewaved away. The kick was played short and after being cleared once it was switched from left to right where Mark McLellan’s ball into the box for Sharpe was overhit and collected by Wilson. Soon after Sharpe stripped Menzies of the ball to race into the box with the Glens captain in pursuit, however the striker’s touch was poor and the ball run safely into the hands of Wilson before he tumbled to the ground again much to the anger of the Glens defence.
At the other end Gallacher’s header from the centre circle was hooked forward into the air by Moore but as the ball dropped Slooves mistimed his attempted clearance allowing Reilly to chest the ball and drive into the box with the defender giving chase where he recovered the ball at the goal-line; Glens half-hearted appeals that the big centre back had again pushed the Glens man off the ball were not entertained.
Reilly then made a lightning break down the right to the bye-line outstripping Lee McCrea to cut the ball into the box before being caught late on the ankle by the defender. Play continued and Moore recovered the ball to try and pick out Gallacher at the back post, but the offside flag brought the move to an end.
HT Meadow 0 Glens 0
Glens mopped up an early Meadow attack before mounting one of their own after Gallacher nicked the ball from Meadow’s short throw-in and held off Spence to set up a shot from distance that O’Neil did well to get down low and hold. Shortly after the visitors won three corner-kicks in quick succession the third being comfortably plucked from the air by the keeper.
Meadow responded with a good break down the right where McLaughlin gathered a short throw-in from near the flag to whip the ball high into the goalmouth which Wilson clutched cleanly under the bar as Sharpe challenged
The second half soon assumed the format of the first with plenty of effort and commitment exhibited by both sides that continued to effectively cancel each other out in the midfield battles which generated a couple of yellow cards for good measure.
McCrea launched a free kick into the box and although Gow won the aerial battle his header dropped harmlessly into the arms of Wilson
On 57 minutes Glens brought on Dan Orsi for Lee Gallacher.
Meadow pushed forward again trough Sharpe picking out Spence but the former Talbot player was robbed on the outskirts of the box by Reilly who in trademark style burst down the left leaving some blue shirts puffing their cheeks in his wake and others on his tail before Gow halted him on his tracks six yards from the by-line; the defender then clearing the free-kick that followed.
On 65 minutes Meadow replaced Colin Spence with Reece Pearson.
Willard broke down a Glens move on the left deep in his own half before setting off on a long diagonal lung bursting run at pace before feeding McLaughlin tight on the right wing on the outskirts of box only for Alan Cairns to seemingly win the ball but to receive a yellow card for his robust challenge instead. The free-kick saw Wilson rise unchallenged to collect the ball with ease.
On 71 minutes Glens brought on Joe Andrew for Cameron Marlow and Meadow replaced Brendan Sharpe with Eddie McTernan.
A sustained period of pressure from the visitors began with Frye winning a corner-kick on the right which fell for Mick McCann only for his shot from 10 yards to be deflected wide for another corner which eventually arrived at the feet of Orsi only for his shot from the corner of the box to also be deflected wide. It was almost third corner lucky as Frye’s late run into the box caught the Meadow defence cold but his powerful diving header whizzed inches over the bar. The game remained deadlock with 15 minutes to go.
On 76 minutes Meadow made their final substitution with Darren Jones coming on for Lee McCrea.
Reilly then weaved into the box before unleashing a shot that deflected off Latta and was saved on the bye-line by O’Neill to prevent another corner. Menzies then took matters into his own hands, with a break through the middle ended by a trip from an exasperated McLaughlin. The overhit free-kick was collected easily by O’Neil.
Another break down the left by Reilly saw him skip past Latta only for Slooves to cut out his cut-back across goal to earn Glens their ninth corner of the match which was powerfully headed clear by Slooves.
In the closing minutes the game raged back and forth as both sides went in chase of a winning goal. McLellan did well to cut in from the right and fashion a shot from the edge of the box, however it lacked the power or direction to test Wilson.
At the other end Reilly cut in from the left to flick the ball into the box for Andrew to trap before cracking an angled shot from 8 yards that O’Neill held tight as McCann waited to pounce on any loss ball. The keeper then dealt with Frye’s low trundling shot from 20 yards with the same ease.
Three minutes into added time and his counterpart David Wilson, the less busy of both keepers throughout regulation time, pulled off the save of match to ensure the game went to a replay. The Glens were hemmed in at the right-hand corner flag from where a throw in was intercepted by the head of Latta to knock it deftly to the feet of McLaughlin on the 18 yard line to square it to McLellan who quickly thread it through between Glens defenders to Jones who completed the one-two with a delicate touch to set up McLellan who seemed to have picked his spot from 14 yards out only for Wilson to dive low and push it round the post with a strong hand. In stark contrast the Meadow’ hands that had been raised prematurely in celebration dropped quickly to hold their heads in disbelief.
Still a final chance remained for the home side as McLaughlin delivered a perfect corner-kick to the heart of the six-yard box only for Pettigrew to beat Slooves to the jump and head the ball clear with the last touch of the game.
FT Meadow 0 Glens 0
GLENAFTON ATHLETIC: 1. David Wilson 2. Ally Park 3. Alan Cairns 4. Craig Menzies 5. Craig Pettigrew 6. Cameron Marlow (12. Joe Andrew) 7. Findlay Frye 8. Dale Moore 9. Mick McCann 10. Lee Gallacher (14. Dan Orsi) 11. Matthew Reilly Subs 15. Ryan Nisbet 16. Ryan McChesney 17. Craig Burns (gk)
IRVINE MEADOW XI: 1. Patrick O’Neil 2. James Latta 3. Lee McCrea (12. Darren Jones) 4. Neil Slooves 5. Callum Gow 6. Ryan Carnwarth 7. Mark McLellan 8. Colin Spence (14. Reece Pearson) 9. Brendan Sharpe (16. Eddie McTernan) 10. Andy McLaughlin 11. Jared Willet 15. Patrick Woods 21. Adam McLean (gk)
Glenafton Athletic 