Striped for Action – New tops on Sale

Posted on November 3, 2014 by flowgently

JBV_GlensTeam01The club is now taking orders for the Red and White striped shirts similar to those worn by the Glens in the recent Ardagh Cup Final victory.

aa_a_HomeKit_20141500

  • The shirts will be short sleeved.
  • Prices are £30 for adults and £25 for children .
  • Place you order on the Glenafton Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/glenaftonathletic
  • or phone Ian Young on 07761 60041
  • or Tarzan on 07882 136734 with your details.
  • If there is anyone outwith the district wants to order one and can pay by bank transfer that should be fine – recorded delivery cost will be £5 pm for transfer details.
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Glenafton 5 Kilbirnie 0

Posted on November 1, 2014 by flowgently

Stagecoach Western Super League Premier Division : Match 6

  • Saturday 1st November, Loch Park, New Cumnock

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 5 (1)

KILBIRNIE LADESIDE 0  (0)

Squad: Craig Menzies

Craig Menzies

Glens welcomed back club captain Craig Menzies (to the starting eleven following his return from injury with Dan Orsi moving forward to right midfield to replace the rested Mick Wardrope. Kilbirnie’s new signing and ex Cumnock striker Richie Barr could only settle for a place on the bench for the visitors. Glens went into the match on the back of a four game winning run, and having already defeated Kilbirnie earlier on in the season; in the semi final of the Ardagh Glass Cup.

Aaron Connolly

Aaron Connolly

The home side started brightly and opened the scoring after only three minutes through striker Aaron Connolly. Following a neat one -two in the centre of the pitch involving Adam Strachan and Jamie McKernon, Strachan then released Alain Kinney whose weak shot was fumbled by ex Glens keeper Chris Fahey into the path of Connolly who made no mistake with a close range finish.

In a lively opening to the match, Kilbirnie almost equalised shortly afterwards after a mishit cross ended up striking the crossbar. Glens keeper Brian McGarrity was then forced to make a double save as Kilbirnie threatened once more.

Glens left midfielder Adam Strachan was causing all sorts of problems for the visitors going past defenders at will at times. It was from a foul of him that Glens almost doubled their advantage. From the resulting free kick, McKernon picked out Daniel Orsi who had a free header however his header drifted narrowly wide.

Ex Kilbirnie striker Alain Kinney was then unlucky not to score against his old side. Good pressing from the home team resulted in a misplaced pass by the Kilbirnie defender with the ball falling to Connolly who picked out his strike partner Kinney with a fine floated cross, however his looping close range header was well saved by Fahey

Kilbirnie continued to look dangerous and they created a few great chances shortly before the interval. Following a neat move, McGarrity was forced into making a fine stop with his legs from a close range effort. Shortly afterwards,  a slack pass by Strachan created an opening for Kilbirnie and with the chipped finish going over McGarrity, Glens defender Ryan McChesney made a vital goal-line clearance to head the ball over the bar to ensure that the Glens went in front at the interval. H/T Glens 1 Kilbirnie 0

Squad: Daniel Orsi

Daniel Orsi

Glens doubled their lead at the start of the 2nd half through the energetic Daniel Orsi. A neat pass by McKernon released Orsi on the right hand side, after driving forward with the ball, he cut inside the defender and from the edge of the box unleashed a powerful shot with his weaker left foot to give the goalkeeper no chance, a superb finish.

The game was soon over as a contest following a devastating passage of play for the visitors which saw them reduced to ten men and fall three goals behind. Following a neat move involving Connolly, McKernon

Alain Kinney

Alain Kinney

and Strachan, the well placed Strachan cut the ball back for Kinney and as the striker attempted to round the goalkeeper he was clearly brought down by Fahey who was shown a straight red card, much of the delight of the home fans to compound a miserable afternoon for the visiting goalkeeper. Kilbirnie had no goalkeeper on the bench, which meant that striker Ian Diack had to go between the posts. Kinney made no mistake from the spot-kick sending Diack the wrong way.

Adam Strachan

Adam Strachan

Adam Strachan was to make it four shortly afterwards following one of his trademark mazy runs. Collecting the ball on the left hand side, he cut infield, dribbled past two Kilbirnie players before rifling the ball past the goalkeeper from the edge of the box.

Although the game was finished as a contest, Kilbirnie continued to push forward, and from a breakaway they were unlucky not to grab a consolation as the sub striker shot against McGarritys near hand post.

The game became less of a spectacle towards the end of the match with the Glens happy to retain possession as Kilbirnie defended in numbers to prevent any further scoring. A good afternoon for the home side was complete as Adam Strachan scored his second of the afternoon to put the icing on top of the cake. A long through ball was dummied by Kinney which was well anticipated by Strachan and he finished coolly, drilling the ball past Diack at his near post to make it 5-0.

Glens next game will see them travel to Portland Park when they visit Troon as they look to continue this impressive winning run.

Glenafton Athletic : McGarrity, Menzies (Reilly), Cairns, McChesney, Mcgeoghegan, Orsi, Strachan, Marlow (Mcgill), McKernon, Kinney, Connolly (Walker)

  • Thank you to STEVEN KERR for the match report
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Glenafton 1 Broxburn 0

Posted on October 25, 2014 by flowgently

Scottish Junior Cup 2nd round

  • Saturday 25th October, Loch Park, New Cumnock

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 1 (1)

BROXBURN ATHLETIC 0 (0)

Last season’s finalists Glenafton faced a tough test in the 2nd round of the Scottish Junior Cup as they welcomed East Superleague outfit Broxburn Athletic to a cold and windy Loch Park.

JBV_Cammycolour

Cameron Marlow (photo John B. Vass)

Early in the game, Glens enjoyed the majority of possession without ever really threatening the Broxburn goal, however this was to change in the 19th minute when they opened the scoring through midfielder Cammy Marlow after a superb assist by Dan Orsi.

Full back Orsi picking the ball up in the right back position, went on a powerful driving run to take him past three Broxburn players before playing the ball through to midfielder Marlow who finished from the edge of the penalty box with a powerful left foot drive giving the goalkeeper no chance.

The Glens were unlucky not to double the lead soon afterwards following a quick change of speed by Adam Strachan to evade his marker before hitting the bye line and producing a cross which was agonisingly just too high for Connolly. Alain Kinney was next to threaten for the Glens with a powerful shot from outside the area however this drifted narrowly past the post.

Although Broxburn had a few opportunities in the first half, they were often let down by a poor final pass or a poor finish which meant that Brian McGarrity in the Glens goal didn’t really have a save of note to make.

HT Glens 1 Broxburn 0

After the interval, Broxburn looked a more energised side as they looked to score the goal which would see them bring the tie level. Indeed they would have equalised early on in the half if not for the heroics of keeper Mcgarrity. A neat move involving the Broxburn right back and right midfielder, created a close range opening for the Broxburn striker however keeper McGarrity made an outstanding double save to keep the tie level. Broxburn continued to control possession with the main threat coming from the pacey and skilful left midfielder. McGarrity then produced another good save shortly afterwards to push a long range effort over the bar.

The home team looked most dangerous in the second half through the speed of their counter attacks, and it was from one of those attacks that they almost doubled their lead. Aaron Connolly released Strachan, who outpaced the Broxburn centre half before squaring the ball to the front post which was crucially intercepted by the Broxburn defender with two Glens players behind him ready to knock the ball home.

Glens had a let-off shortly afterwards, when a mis-hit clearance by McGarrity landed at the feet of the Broxburn striker, however with the goal at his mercy he screwed his shot well wide of the target.

The home side then had a great chance to get the goal that would have sealed the tie. Jamie Mcgeoghegan bringing the ball out of defence, found Strachan who in turn laid the ball into the path of the overlapping Orsi. His cutback found Kinney, and as the big striker was about to shoot he appeared to be clipped from behind by the Broxburn defender however the ball was only half cleared and landed at the feet of Marlow who picked out Connolly with a neat pass but his close range effort was well saved by the Broxburn goalkeeper.

Broxburn continued to threaten up until the final whistle however the Glens defence marshalled superbly by Jamie McGeoghegan defended resolutely to ensure that the home side enter the hat for the third round which will be drawn on the 4th of November.

FT Glenafton 1 Broxburn 0

Glenafton Athletic : McGarrity; Orsi, McChesney, McGeoghegan, Cairns; Marlow (Menzies) Wardrope, McKernon, Strachan; Connolly (Walker) & Kinney (Reilly)

Broxburn Athletic: Malley, Roycroft, Mooney, Rarity,J. Millar, Manson, Keast, Young, Donaldson, Fairbairn, Locke, Easton Subs, M. Millar, Gray, Clark, Flochart (gk)

Thank You to STEVEN KERR for the Match Report

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St. Roch’s 1 Glenafton 4

Posted on October 18, 2014 by flowgently

New Coin Holdings West of Scotland Cup 1st round

  • Saturday 18th October, James McGrory Park, Provanmill, Glasgow

ST. ROCH’S 1 (1)

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 4  (3)

St. Roch's and Glenafton Athletic

St. Roch’s and Glenafton Athletic – Showing Racism the Red Card (courtesy Glenafton TV)

On a windy day at James McGrory Park, the newly crowned Ardagh Glass Cup winners Glenafton were sportingly clapped onto the park by opponents St Roch’s. The only change in the starting XI from the previous two games saw local lad Derek Rush replacing Brian McGarrity as the regular goalkeeper was unavailable due to the birth of his first child.

The first chance of the game fell to the visitors with Mick Wardrope volleying narrowly wide following an impressive cross by the overlapping Alan Cairns.

Alain Kinney

Hat-Trick Hero Alain Kinney

Glens eventually opened the scoring against their Central Divsion 2 opponents after a period of sustained pressure. Following a neat pass from Adam Strachan, midfielder Cammy Marlow drove at the heart of the St Roch’s defence dribbling past two players before sliding the ball into the path of AlainKinney who slotted into the corner with a great first time finish.

Glens remained on the front foot and were unfortunate not to take a two goal lead with midfielders Wardrope and Strachan seeing efforts drift closely over the bar. St Roch’s created their first chance of the half following a neat one-two between their Daniel Hazlett and Thomas McLuskey, ending with latter through one on one with stand-in keeper Rush, however his finish lacked conviction and drifted harmlessly by the post.

The visitors doubled the advantage shortly after. Wardrope picking out Strachan with a delightful cross-field pass who then showed a great turn of pace to go past the defender to hit the byeline, before picking out Kinney who poked the ball home.

Glens continued to dominate possession although St Roch’s always looked dangerous on the counter attack with attractive passing play that caught the eye. It was from one of these attacks that they grabbed a goal back through former on-loan Albion Rovers striker TJ McLuskey slotting the ball past Rush.

Any hopes St Roch’s had of grabbing an equaliser were soon to be dashed.  The industrious Wardrobe was again involved, picking out Kinney with a neat pass, who turned nicely before finishing low past the goalkeeper to complete his hat-trick, one that the prolific Jimmy McGrory would have been proud of , and which gave the Glens a 3-1 lead at the interval. H/T St. Roch’s 1 Glens 3

Glenafton were unfortunate not to increase their lead at the start of the second half, following good link up play by strikers Kinney and Connolly, with the latter producing a good save by the goalkeeper at his near post. Marlow was next to go close with his powerful shot from outside the area hitting the post with the goalkeeper beaten.

Aaron Connolly

Aaron Connolly

However, the Glens were not to be denied a fourth goal. Marlow picked out Aaron Connolly with a clever through pass, and after taking a touch to settle himself the striker finished the powerfully with his weaker left foot.

St Roch’s were unlucky not to pull a goal back late on but keeper Rush produced a fine stop acrobatically saving with his legs forcing the ball to hit the bar with the ball then being cleared to safety. F/T St. Rochs 1 Glens 4

 

St. Roch’s: Brian Haynes; Liam McMahon, Mark Mathieson, Graeme Highlands, James McKnight, Sean McLean, Jordan Logan, Paul Roans, Thomas McCluskey,Dominic Febers, Daniel Hazlett. Subs – Mark McDonnell, Martin Shiels, Chris McFadyen, Kieran Martin, John Connor

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Glenafton Athletic: Rush ; McChesney, McGeoghegan, Meikle; Orsi,Strachan, McKernon, Wardrop , Marlow; Kinney & Connolly. Subs. Used: Menzies, McGill & Walker; sub not used – Reilly

Thank you to Stephen Kerr for the match report.

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Home Kit Sponsor 2014-15

Posted on October 16, 2014 by flowgently

Taa_a_glenbuild01he draw for the sponsorship of our new home kit was made at half time of the Glenafton v Shotts league match by the Shotts Bon Accord  Secretary and  was won by Glenbuild Contracts Ltd.

We would like to thank all the following who participated in the draw,

HomeStripSponsor

 

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Glens on the (weather) map

Posted on October 14, 2014 by flowgently

Glenafton’s storming win over raining Premier Division Champions Auchinleck Talbot in the Ardagh Cup final (when many never gave the Glens a snowball’s chance in h*ll) ,  in the glorious sunshine at Troon on Sun-day has been hailed by BBC Weather celebrity Judith Ralston. Posing with our lightning quick defender Jamie McGeoghegan, Judith tweeted –

  • Judith@weather @JudithRalston 
    @GlenaftonAJFC good win boys. I’m now your official fan club! Here’s a pic to prove it. Me with Jamie M

aa_judy_jamie

 Thank you, Judith ….and Jamie M!

 

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Auchinleck 0 Glenafton 2

Posted on October 12, 2014 by flowgently

Ardagh Cup Ayrshire League Cup Final

Sunday 12th October, Portland Park, Troon

AUCHINLECK TALBOT 0 (0)

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 2 (1)

JAMBO UNCHAINED AS GLENAFTON ENJOY CUP GLORY

Glenafton Athletic Ardagh Cup Winner 2014/15

Glenafton Athletic Ardagh Cup Winner 2014/15

Jamie McKernon won the man-of-the-match award after his freedom of Portland Park display orchestrated Glenafton’s convincing victory over Auchinleck Talbot in the Ardagh Cup final at Troon today. If truth be told, all those that run him close to the award played in either in red and white stripes or in the case of keeper Brian McGarrity all blue, who produced a faultless display against his former club.

Having said that Talbot were quick-off the mark and forced a corner-kick in the opening minute which was clutched cleanly under his bar by McGarrity and soon after the alert keeper foiled Graham Wilson’s attempt to clip the ball home from close range. Glenafton gained the initiative with McKernon pulling the strings in midfield and had Talbot on the back foot on all fronts particularly down the left flank where Adam Strachan and Aaron Connolly combined well, ably supported by with full back Alan Cairns.

On 10 minutes Andy Leishman did well to get down low and parry a 25 yard shot from Michael Wardrope and spring to his feet and make an excellent save from Connolly in his attempt to drill the loose ball home from a tight angle.A minute later Jamie McGeoghegan stroked the ball into the box for Alain Kinney to give chase and although he muscled his way to the corner of the six yard box defender Craig McCracken blocked the shot at goal.

Alain Kinney goes close

Alain Kinney goes close

Talbot cleared the resultant corner-kick and indeed defender Martin McGoldrick made excellent progress down the left wing before the ball was then delivered to David Gormley at the back post but the striker couldn’t pick out a team-mate to put the finishing touch to counter-attack.

Glens responded in lethal fashion and took the lead on 15 minutes. McKernon picked out Strachan in the centre circle and a twist and turn later he finds Cameron Marlow in space who feeds the ball immediately to Kinney. The bustling striker, head down heads for goal accompanied by a squadron of red and white shirts and slips the ball to Connolly who is tackled at the edge of the box and the ball instantly recaptured by Cameron Marlow to drive forward before clipping the ball beyond the advancing Leishman and into the corner of the net.

Cammy cool, calm and classy finish

Cammy cool, calm and classy finish

At the other end McGarrity made light work of a near post header from Gormley before Glenafton were back to breaking forward in waves with some classy passing and yet converting this possession into a second goal was proving to be more of a challenge.
Midway through the half Talbot enjoyed a good ten minute spell. In a rare attack through the middle Gormley was brought down at the edge of the box by Ryan McChesney, earning the Glens captain a yellow card. Wilson’s free kick was driven into the wall and only partially cleared before being returned to the near post where Gormley’s header was clutched by ease by the Glens keeper. Five minutes later another ball whipped in from the left was met by the leaping Wilson and his powerful header was pushed on to the bar by McGarrity before being mopped up.

Adam Strachan on the move again

Adam Strachan on the move again

On the half hour mark Strachan menaced his way down the left and his cut-back created havoc in the Talbot box with Leishman saving one attempt to bury the ball before Connolly pounced on the rebound and time appeared to stand still as his shot headed for the gaping net only for it to crack of the crossbar. Five minutes later Connolly cruised down the left before firing the ball across the face of goal only for the safe hands of Leishman to grab the ball a Kinney waited to pounce. H/T Auchinleck 0 Glenafton 1

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Glens came within a whisker of doubling their lead within minutes of the restart after McKernon released Wardrope down the right and his cut back intended for the incoming Connolly and Marlow saw the ball loop over the bar with Leishman grounded.

Alain doubles the Glens lead

Alain doubles the Glens lead

On 53 minutes the long awaited second goal arrived after Alain Kinney caught the Talbot defence flat-footed and left himself with a free run on goal before nut-megging the out-rushing Leishman to stroke the ball into net.

With their tails up and Talbot’s heads down the New Cumnock side now pressed for a third and they were enjoying more success down the right flank with the tireless Daniel Orsi pushing forward in support while Strachan cutting inside from the left was also causing problems for the Talbot defence.

Aaron in charge

Aaron in charge

On the hour mark Marlow’s shot from 22 yards was held well by Leishmann and two minutes later Connolly’s volley from the same distance whizzed just wide of target.
Just after the hour mark the big keeper made a stunning save from Kinney’ vicious volley as the Glens pushed for a third. There was to be no more scoring and the Glens ran out comfortable winners. On 72 minutes Kinney gave the Talbot defence the slip again and from the outskirts of the box met the ball sweetly to thunder a shot that would surely have bulged the net if not for a stunning airborne save from Leishman; the bigger keeper then rising to clutch the corner-kick for seconds.

Jambo unchained

Jambo unchained

Two minutes later Gormley played a cute ball into the box for substitute Keir Milliken to chase but McGeoghan’s pace saw him intercept the ball and Milliken tumble in the box, earning the striker a yellow card. Glenafton brought on the fresh legs of Darren McGill for Cameron Marlow who left to rapturous applause for from the #AftonArmy!

Brian waits to pounce

Brian waits to pounce

Talbot had a claim for hand-ball in the box waved away the referee considering Alan Cairns could do little to avoid the contact. With 10 minutes to go the Beechwood Park side won a free-kick at the edge of the box and although Colin Spence curled the ball beyond the Glens wall, McGarrity plucked the ball out the air at the near post. At the other end another fine passing move ended with Wardrope’s shot whizzing wide of the post.

The final whistle sparked of great scenes of celebration within the Glenafton support and to their credit an acknowledgement from many of the Talbot supporters that on the day the better team had won. F/T Auchinleck 0 Glenafton 2

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Glenafton Athletic: McGarrity; Orsi, McChesney, McGeoghegan, Cairns; Wardrope, Marlow (McGill), McKernon, Strachan; Connolly & Kinney. Subs – Menzies, Adam, Reilly,Walker.

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Auchinleck Talbot: Leishman; McCracken, Lyle Mcgoldrick, Park; Young, White, Hyslop, Boyd; Wilson & Gormley. Subs used – Milliken, Spence, Latta. Not used – Shankland, Kerr.

more photos here

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Southy heads back up north!

Posted on October 5, 2014 by flowgently
Squad: Craig McEwan

Craig ‘Southy’ McEwan

Craig McEwan has left the club to take up the vacant managerial position at fellow Premier Division side Arthurlie.

Glenafton’s  management team, committee , players and supporters would like to thank Craig for his four fantastic seasons at the Loch Park.

Southy was signed by Mark Shanks in November 2010 and made 124 appearance and scored 4 goals for the club, the most memorable that thunderbolt against Musselburgh in the Scottish Junior Cup 4th round tie last season.

His experience in the game shone through on the park, always giving his all and supporting the younger players in the team. Defeat was painful and victory joyous – no one quite can celebrate goals like Southy, the club’s own cheerleader.  A huge favourite with the supporters, always time for a laugh and a joke and easily the best singer in the team!

During his spell with at Loch Park the Glens won the Super League 1st Division title (2011/12) and West of Scotland Cup (2012/13) and were Scottish Junior Cup finalists (2013/14).

Catch me if you can, Southy celebrares

Catch me if you can, Southy celebrares

Everyone at the club wishes Craig all the best in his new  management role at Arthurlie where he will team up with former Glenafton assistant manager Stevie Kerrigan and former Glens team-mate Craig Potter.  Thank you and good luck from Glenafton Athletic.

p.s. a special fond farewell from Maggie

Southy photos

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Glenafton 6 Shotts 0

Posted on October 4, 2014 by flowgently

Stagecoach Western Super League Premier Division : Match 5

  • Saturday 4th October, Loch Park, New Cumnock

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 6 (3)

SHOTTS BON ACCORD 0  (0)

GlenaftonvShotts_LGE_H1415_aaron

Aaron Connolly claimed a classy hat-trick as Glenafton hit Shotts for six on a day the home side team impressed all over the park during the spells of bright sunshine and torrential rain that visited Loch Park over the 90 minutes.

The visitors were first to threaten and a cross into the box from deep on the right cannoned off Jamie McGeoghegan before being headed clear from the face of the goal by Ryan McChesney. Glens replied quickly through Aaron Connolly who out ran a defender to chase down an Adam Strachan ball into the box only for the advancing keeper Gary Whyte to block his shot at goal.

Shotts struggled to handle Strachan’s pace and his surging run down the left earned the hosts a corner-kick on 10 minutes. He rolled a short kick to Jamie McKernon who lofted the ball to the back post where it was headed clear to the outskirts of the box and there met by Ryan McChesney who instantly leathered a low flying screamer beyond the bewildered Whyte into the net.

Where did that come from ?

Where did that come from ?

Five minutes later a determined run down the right by Daniel Orsi secured another corner-kick for the Glens and this too was partially cleared only for the ball to be fired back in by McKernon where a McChesney header from the six yard line whizzed wide of the post with the keeper still scurrying across his line. Another corner-kick, won by Alain Kinney, picked out Cameron Marlow at the back post only for Whyte to push his header onto the post and out for yet another corner which was duly cleared.

Chessy's header inches wide

Chessy’s header inches wide

Shotts battled their way back into the game and created a few chances of their own. Midway through the half a cross from the right required McGeoghegan and McChesney to double team and clear the danger. Four minutes later a fine passage of passing play initiated by Gary McStay ended with keeper Brian McGarrity getting down low at his near post to stop a low angled drive from the left of the box. On 33 minutes another ball from deep in the left was played across the face of goal which Jordan White came within the length of a stud from guiding the ball into the empty net.

Ten minutes before the break McGarrity launched a goal kick up the right which was headed on by Orsi and gathered by Aaron Connolly at the corner of the box, where he turned Peter McMahon before cutting across the outskirts of the box before firing a fierce shot from 20 yards that took a deflection before nestling in the net.

Aaron doubles Glens lead

Aaron doubles Glens lead

The game opened out again with chances created at either end. A slick passing move from Shotts ended with Mcgarrity bringing McStay’s run to an end at the near post; while McGeoghegan then broke down another attack spearheaded by the same player with a timely tackle at the edge of the box. In between times Connolly’s cut-back for Kinney in the box was cleared and so too the cut-back when the roles were reversed minutes later.

Alain heads home 3-0

Alain heads home 3-0

In the closing minute of the half Marlow released Connolly down the left wing and his perseverance warded off a defender before clipping the ball to the back post where Alain Kinney had the freedom to rise unmarked and head the Glens into a three goal lead.

H/T Glens 3 Shotts 0

Shotts started the half in fine fashion and McGarrity had to be alert on a couple of occasions to keep the sheet clean. On 53 minutes another Shotts attack saw McChesney win the aerial battle in the six yard box and the loose ball cannon off Chris Meikle; the visitors appealing in vain that the defender had used an arm to control the ball.

Just before the hour mark the heavens opened and the rain fell heavily from the darkened sky. Still Glens lightened up the park with some silky touches that would have had the Shotts defence chasing shadows if the sun had still been shining. Another fine passing movement had the home support applauding loudly. Tight on the right Strachan rolled the ball back to Orsi who picked out Connolly infield and a magical side foot found Strachan advancing down the flank to fire the ball across the face of goal where the in-rushing Marlow was only undone by the bravery of firstly defender Gary Campbell and then that of keeper Whyte.

It's 4-0!

It’s 4-0!

A minute later the applause turned to thunderous cheers that threatened to take the roof off the Mick Morran stand. McKernon from the centre-circle slipped the ball down the left to Michael Wardrope , who then guided it skilfully inside to Aaron Connolly and with his back to goal, the striker turned his marker before in the torrential rain lashed the ball from 30 yards out to loop over the head of Whyte at full stretch and shake every last clinging rain drop off the net.

The Aaron Merry

The Aaron Merry

Glenafton now four up with an hour gone controlled the remainder of the game while a higher authority controlled the weather, rain replaced with hail before a rainbow heralded the return of the October sun.

The tireless Orsi wide on the right flashed the ball across the face of goal where the in-sliding Kinney missed his connection by inches and the grounded keeper got enough of a touch to divert the ball from the path of Marlow arriving at the back post. McKernon then menaced his way forward before his thumping shot from 22 yards dipped over the bar. Whyte then made an excellent double save from Kinney. On 75 minutes Marlow curled the ball beyond the reach of Whyte only for a defender to be in the right place to clear the ball over his own bar.

Aaron completes his hat-trick

Aaron completes his hat-trick

The goal that was coming arrived on 78 minutes courtesy of another touch of class from Aaron Connolly. Quick-thinking Orsi’s short throw-in caught one defender napping allowing Connolly to nip between him and his colleague close to the dead-ball line before cutting back into the box and whipping the ball past the keeper into the inside of the far side-netting. The hat-trick hero left to a rousing reception minutes later to be replaced by Patrick Walker.

Alain and Jamie get a hand from Danny

Alain and Jamie get a hand from Danny

In the closing minute Marlow on the left clipped a peach of a cross-field pass to pick out the menacing McKernon who burst into the box before drilling a low drive which slipped through the keeper’s hands and legs allowing Alain Kinney to close in and blast the ball into the empty net from a yard. F/T Glens 6 Shotts 0

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Glenafton Athletic: McGarrity; Orsi, McChesney, McGeoghegan, Meikle; Strachan (Cainrs) , McKernon, Wardope (McGill), Marlow; Connolly (Walker) & Kinney

more photos here

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Beith 1 Glenafton 0

Posted on September 27, 2014 by flowgently

Stagecoach Western Super League Premier Division : Match 4

  • Saturday 27th September, Bellsdale Park, Beith

BEITH JUNIORS 1 (1)

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 0 (0)

Aaron Connolly, having recovered from injury, returned to the starting line-up and partnered Alain Kinney up front while in an attack minded side Glens played with three at the back.

The visitors started brightly in the sunshine at Beith and a Connolly cross from the right cut out by John Sheridan in the opening minute earned a corner which was duly cleared by the home defence. Two minutes later Kinney’s angled drive from was deflected by the outstretched leg of Kevin McDonald deep in the six yard box and Sheridan on hand to lash the loose ball to safety.

Alain Kinney with Stuart McDonald and Paul Frize

Alain Kinney with Stuart McDonald and Paul Frize

Adam Strachan kept the pressure on as he gathered the ball at the centre circle and skipped past one opponent and wrong footed another for a free run down the left flank only for Stuart McDonald to cut out his square ball into the box as Kinney and Connolly waited to pounce. Strachan returned for seconds with a more direct route into the left hand side of the box and although his cut-back was beyond Connolly at the near post, Michael Wardrope at the back post was poised to connect only for Gary Wilson to get a timely contact on the ball. It would be a similar outcome when Jamie McKernon released Daniel Orsi down the right and his cut-back fell betwixt and between Connolly and Cameron Marlow at the either posts.

Adam Strachan on the move

Adam Strachan on the move

On the quarter hour mark the visitors were awarded a free kick tight on the left touchline which was only partially cleared by the Glens defence before the ball fell to Sheridan and although the defender did well to engineer a shot at goal the ball flew just wide of target. Three minutes later an incisive run inside by Connolly ended with a clip from Stuart McDonald and keeper Strain saved McKernon’s 30 yard free kick comfortably. Connolly then ghosted past the other McDonald before lashing the face of goal but just beyond the reach of strike partner Kinney.

Midway through the half Darren Christie’s knock-on header set up Andy Reid to run in on goal only for Chris Meikle to knock the ball from the striker’s feet with a goal saving tackle. The visitors defended Beith’s back-to-back corner kicks before breaking up field with a slick passage of passing play. McKernon picked out Strachan In the centre circle and a surging run took him to the outskirts of the box before slipping the ball to Orsi on the right wing who immediately knocked it down the line to Kinney only for both his first and second attempts to pick out teammates blocked by outstretched legs of defenders and the ball eventually sailing across the face of goal with Strain stranded on the ground.

Jamie McKernon takes control

Jamie McKernon takes control

On 25 minutes Strachan’s free kick from wide on the left saw the ball headed clear to the edge of the box and met by McKernon and his thunderous shot whizzed inches wide of the post and boomed off the advertising hoarding. Glens continued to press and another assault on the Beith box was defended well and the ball gathered by Paul Frize who picked out Reid wide on the right, the striker then launching the ball up the wing for Christie, before continuing his climb up the Bellsdale slope. Christie, now boxed in at the corner by Jamie McGeoghegan, managed to whip the ball into the box where a touch by David McGowan took the sting out of it before it fell for Andy Reid who lashed a low angled drive into the corner of the net beyond keeper Brian McGarrity at full stretch to put the home side ahead on 28 minutes.

Andy Reid leads the charge for the opening goal

Andy Reid leads the charge for the opening goal

Shell-shocked Glens had to be on their toes as Frize combined well with McGowan and then later Christie as the home side looked to double their advantage.

On 37 minutes Kinney’s determination won the ball in the middle of the park and a defence splitting pass picked out Marlow and with only the keeper to beat the Glens top scorer appeared caught in two minds and fired wide of target. The visitors forced a couple of corners that came nothing while at the other end McGarrity comfortably held a Reid free kick and an Christie’s effort from outside the box sailed over the bar. H/T Beith 1 Glens 0

The visitors again started brightly as the sunshine continued to bathe Bellsdale. Orsi made excellent progress up the right flank twice while there were no takers for his first cut-back he found Connolly with his second but the striker’s attempt from 8 yards skewed wide of target. At the other end Christie’s powerful shot from the of the box was blocked by McGeoghegan.

Aaron Connolly and John Sheridan

Aaron Connolly and John Sheridan

On 55 minutes a clever ball from Marlow found Wardrope in the corner of the box who in turn tried to pick out Kinney only for McShane to slide in and clear the ball. A minute later the striker gave McShane the slip to get a shot away from 15 yards out and although it beat the advancing Strain the ball slipped wide of target.

On the hour mark the impressive Sheridan broke down another Glenafton attack and the ball quickly dispatched down the left flank where an excellent pass by Christie took out three defenders and found Joe Bradley with time and space in the box but with the keeper to beat he sliced his shot wide.

Both sides made changes but further clear cut chances were thin on the ground. A free-kick from substitute Darren McGill sailed over the bar at one end while Reid blasted wide at the other.

With 15 minutes to go Strachan released Orsi in the box only for his square ball for Kinney to be cut out by Frize and from the resultant corner Meikle’s header looped over Strain’s bar. Five minutes later the keeper flapped at a Strachan corner-kick but the loose ball fell kindly for the home defence and Nicky Docherty and Wilson combined to clear the danger.

Daniel Orsi

Daniel Orsi

As the visitors pressed for the equaliser Beith broke at pace down the right through McGowan who then played the ball infield for Docherty in turn to release Frize for a run into the box only for Ryan McChesney to time his tackle to perfection and keep the visitors hopes alive.

However, the Glens couldn’t penetrate the Beith box and a couple of late chances from free-kicks at the edge of the box didn’t test the keeper. F/T Beith 1 Glens 0

Beith Juniors: Strain, McShane, Wilson, K. McDonald, Sheridan, S. McDonald, Bradley, Frize, Christie,. Reid, McGowan Subs: McKeown, Docherty, McKay, Ryan, Calder (GK)

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Glenafton Athletic: McGarrity; McChesney, McGeoghegan, Meikle; Orsi (Reilly), Strachan, McKernon, Wardrop (McGill), Marlow; Kinney & Connolly. Subs. McEwan, Menzies, Adam

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