Will Irvine Meadow XI Keep Going To Title?

On the eve of Saturday the 14th April, Irvine Meadow XI sat in 4th place in the Stagecoach West of Scotland Super League Premier Division a full 12 points behind the league leaders, Petershill. The Peasy would complete their campaign at home to Ashfield while Medda faced an incredible 8 more league games. Yet tomorrow the 'Dow have the chance to win the title with a home game against relegated Largs.

That weekend Ashfield held their north Glasgow rivals to a 1-1 draw and Petershill finished with 43 points  - a real turn around by the team who avoided relegation via the play off last year. At Meadow Park the home side thumped Kirkintilloch Rob Roy 6-1.

It would be a week until Irvine Meadow’s next match – which must seem like a distant dream to the Medda players who have since played at least 3 games a week. However it was Ashfield again playing a part in this title’s destination with a 3-1 home win against the Ayrshire challengers.

The first midweek game in this gruelling run of fixtures was a 2-1 home win against struggling Pollok on Wednesday 25th April. Three days later (Saturday 28th) and it was the New Coin Automatics Cup quarter final at home to Shotts Bon Accord – themselves victims of their cup success this year with a fierce run of league fixtures to make up. A 2-1 win saw another fixture added to Medda’s calendar.

Monday 30th April – and making a mockery of football fitness expert Raymond Verheijen’s call for longer rest periods (http://www.footyplace.com/news/verheijen-calls-for-longer-rest-periods/) - and it was back to league duty with a 4-2 home win over Kilbirnie Ladeside followed by one day off then a 2-0 win on the Wednesday over Ashfield at Meadow Park in the league. Medda were now only 1 point behind Petershill with 3 games to play.

Saturday 5th May – a merciful 2 days rest – and it was the semi-final of the New Coins Automatic cup away to Glenafton who were flying in the Super League First. A hard thought 4-3 win and Meadow were in the final.

No time to celebrate though as Monday 7th brought tough clash at Holm Park to a Clydebank side who had won their last 7 league games. Their 8th win in a row came courtesy of a 3-1 victory. Irvine Meadow XI picked themselves up and on Wednesday beat Maybole away 2-1 in the Ayrshire Weekly Press Cup.

Their seventh game of the fortnight was the final of the New Coins Automatic Cup at Newlandsfield – home of Pollok FC - on Saturday 12th May. Ashfield were the beaten finalists as Medda lifted the trophy following a 2-0 win.

Game number eleven in this sequence was the quarter final of the Ayrshire Weekly Press Cup on Wednesday 16th May against Kilwinning Rangers. Meadow Park bore witness to a 1-0 win for the ‘Dow to take the team into a semi final with Emirates Junior Cup finalists, Auchinleck Talbot.

And so Irvine Meadow XI face their 12th game in 36 days having reduced the gap in the league from 12 points to 1, won one trophy and reached the semi-finals of another. Saturday 19th May 2012 brings a home tie against Largs who are already relegated. If they don’t win or draw (Irvine’s goal difference is 5 better than Petershill) this game there will be the daunting prospect of going to Beechwood looking for something. Talbot might have the Junior Cup final on their minds but are unlikely to roll over for their fierce rivals. There is also the unscheduled semi-final also against Auchinleck to be fitted in so respite is unlikely.

The toll of a game every 3 days on average at the end of a long season must be hard on the players but will the glory of retaining their league championship be enough to drive Irvine Meadow XI on to be the best Junior team in the West of Scotland?

We All Dream of a Team of Ross McCabes

Petershill FC 3 – 1 Kirkintilloch Rob Roy

Saturday 12th November 2011 Stagecoach WOS League Super Premier Division

A strong winter sun burned low in the sky over this top of the table clash between second-placed Petershill and league leaders Kirkintilloch Rob Roy at Petershill Park. With only one point between them at the start of the match it would be the Peasy to comeback from a goal down to leapfrog the Rabs and take top spot in the Stagecoach WOS League Super Premier Division.

This game was an interesting match-up of two differing philosophies. Both teams had struggled in the league last season with the Peasy needing to win a play-off to avoid relegation. Rob Roy changed their management team and the new boss, Jimmy Lindsay (an ex-Petershill player in their successful 1980s team), overhauled the team in the summer to the extent that only 1 player in their starting lineup today was a regular in the team last season. Petershill chose the different route and kept faith with their management duo of Willie Paterson and Scott Smith who in turn have kept their squad of players together with the heart of the team remaining unchanged. However they have managed it both teams have surprised many with their great start to the season.

Petershill were coming off the back of a bitter-sweet week having been knocked-out of the Emirates Cup on the Saturday then winning the Sectional League Cup two days later on the Monday. Such an effort from the players meant that their squad was being tested to the full and six changes had been made from the team that started the cup final. The Rabs also had selection troubles of their own as injuries meant they could only name two substitutes. 

The game started tentatively with Petershill lined up in a 4-4-2 with a diamond shaped midfield – Murch (6) dropping deeper and Green (8) sitting more advanced ahead of him. Up front McGregor (10) would drop deeper while top scorer McGladrigan (9) would make runs off the last defender. Rob Roy started with a 3-3-2-2 shape with their captain, former Rangers star, Marvin Andrews (4) sitting in the middle of 3 centre backs. Midfielder Cairney (5) dropped back to sit in front of the defence in the same line as wing backs McAleenan (3) and McLachlan (7). Two advanced midfielders and the strike pair formed two attacking lines up front. The result was that Petershill’s full backs had a lot of space and time to advance with the ball but the crowded Rabs defence limited their options.

The first half had a few half chances with shots over from Rob Roy’s strikers Mackie(10) and Gormley(9) but McNeill was not tested. Petershill had a lot of the possession but limited opportunities until 26 minutes in and McGladrigan and Andrews chased a through pass down the right hand channel. The Rob Roy defender appeared to clip the Peasy man who went down inside the box right in front of the linesman who flagged for a penalty. The referee agreed and Peasy had a chance to open the scoring. McGregor took responsibility to score at the opposite end from where he’d finished so well from the spot against Beith a fortnight prior. Unfortunately for the home fans his penalty kick was poorly hit and the Rabs goalie, Robertson, guessed the right way to save well - he even held onto the ball.

Spurred on by their keeper’s save Rob Roy duly opened the scoring eight minutes later. Chris Mackie received a pass just inside the Peasy penalty box on the left hand side of the ‘D’. With his back to goal he feigned to his right then twisted back to the left and fired a low drive with his right foot which beat the diving McNeil at his near post.

GOAL Petershill 0 Rob Roy 1 (Mackie 34)

Petershill had just the one chance to respond before half-time when Murch, Green and Palmer (3) combined well in a free-flowing passing move that resulted in Finnigan(11) getting the ball in some space 20 yards out before drilling the shot just wide of the Rab’s left hand post.

HALF-TIME Petershill 0 Rob Roy 1

The crowd was the biggest I have witnessed at Petershill Park with the stand full and plenty of fans from both sides also taking up standing positions around the pitch. The Peasy Ultras were out in force again and were in good voice. I had the opportunity to witness a “noise-off” across the years as the modern Ultras with drums, conductor and singing were pitched against one the Rabs fan’s 1920s style wooden rattler. For sheer noise the rattler was loudest although for longevity the sans-Megaphone Peasy Ultras were much more persistent. They also had added to their repertoire since the Beith game. My favourite was to the tune of The Beatle’s Yellow Submarine:

“We all dream of a team of Ross McCabes,

A team of Ross McCabes, a team of Ross McCabes”

With the verses going like “Number 1 is Ross McCabe, Number 2 is Ross McCabe, Number 3 is Ross McCabe” and so on.

Both teams emerged from the dressing rooms unchanged and would serve up a cracking second half. Rob Roy’s formation was different however. Their right wingback McLachlan now dropped back to be a more orthodox full back with Donnelly (6) moving to left back. Cairney and McAleenan still maintained a line just in front of the defence while Fulton (8) and Easton (11) shifted more to the right than in the first half. It gave the team a strange tilted feel and unfortunately for the Rabs it left McLachlan overly exposed to the Peasy attacks.

Six minutes into the half and McGregor burst through a tackle before a rush of blood to his head made his lash wildly from 35 yards sending the ball high, wide and handsome. However it was a statement of intent from the home side. Although it would be McGregor’s last involvement as he and Green were replaced 2 minutes later by Woods (15) and Dickson (14) respectively.  A switch  of wings for Burke and Finnigan and Petershill started to look much more dangerous. Demonstrated on 56 minutes when Richie Burke showed lovely touch as he dribbled past a few Rob Roy men down the left wing before hitting the by-line. His cross caused a scramble in the box which ended with a the ball being smashed off Dickson’s face from a few yards. The Peasy midfielder was down for a minute before being able to resume.

Rob Roy could have a penalty of their own as a corner on 58 minutes was drifted in from the right there was claims of a push on one of the Rabs’ strikers in the box. The ref waved claims away but Mackie complained too much and found his name being taken for a yellow card. Two minutes later and it was Peasy captain Ryan Jordan who was booked for mouthing off to the ref too.

The game was getting hotter as the air was getting chillier and on 62 minutes Mackie took the ball towards the right hand corner flag with Murch and McCabe following close behind. The striker jumped up in the air with a scream but it didn’t look like any tackle had been made. The linesman was right beside the incident and didn’t see anything wrong as Murch drove on with the ball. Mackie remained off the pitch while the physio looked at him for a couple of minutes. Immediately after however Fulton looked to take retribution himself with a wild tackle on Murch that could have easily been more than the yellow he received.

Sixty-seven minutes into the game and Petershill were level. Burke again dribbled down the left wing and found himself one-on-one with McLachlan on the left edge of the penalty box. The tall winger glided effortlessly round the full back and slid the ball into for McGladrigan to score his 18th goal in only 19 appearances this season. The Peasy striker looks set to break the 20 goal mark that has evaded him in previous seasons.

GOAL Petershill 1 (McGladrigan 67) Rob Roy 1

The home side were now well on top of the game and continued to cause Rob Roy’s defence problems. McGladrigan almost doubled his tally on 71 minutes when his low drive from the right beat the goalie before rebounding off the far post to be cleared by defender.

The second did come 32 minutes into the second half and it will be one that right back McLachlan will want to forget. Finnigan was released in space down the right wing but his deep cross missed both strikers. The Rob Roy man failed to clear at the back post and the ball ended up at the feet of the Peasy number 9 who’s shot was saved well by Robertson but it fell to Woods on the goalline to poke it home.

GOAL Petershill 2 (Woods 77) Rob Roy 1

Three minutes later and Petershill had wrapped the game up as a contest. A high ball upfield was allowed to bounce by Andrews who then failed to deal with it properly allowing McGladrigan to cut across him and advance into the box. He looked up and slipped the ball into the path of the supporting Dickson who swept the ball into the net for Petershill’s third goal.

GOAL Petershill 3 (Dickson 80) Rob Roy  1

Rob Roy were rattled by how quickly the game had turned in the home side’s favour and it could have been worse. McGladrigan again latched onto a mistake in the Rob Roy defence but Robertson saved his left foot volley from point-blank range. Woods then hit the post before Andrews was mugged by McGladrigan who shot when he should have passed. There was just time for Rob Roy almost to get one back in the last minutes when McNeil fumbled a through ball at the feet of Mackie. The Rab’s striker was harried out of the box by McNeil and lack of support meant the danger passed.

Full-Time Petershill 3 Rob Roy 1

The win took Petershill to the top of the league and having played 9 games we are nearly at the half way stage of the Stagecoach West Region Super Premier season. Results went their way with Irvine Meadow XI losing away to Pollok but the Ayrshire team still have 2 games in hand and are still able to go ahead of the Peasy if they win both of those.

With both Petershill and Rob Roy out of the Emirates and WoS Cups earlier than they’d have liked both teams can now concentrate on the league and who knows if they can keep their early form going. One thing is certain that both teams will continue to entertain.

I’ll even stick my neck out and say Stephen McGladrigan will break the 20 goal barrier and the Peasy Ultras will need to write a new song.

Petershill:

McNeil, Hadden, Palmer, McCabe, Jordan, Murch, Burke, Green, McGladrigan, McGregor, Finnigan

Subs: Black (GK), Turnbull, Dickson, Woods, McArdle, Barr, Maxwell

Rob Roy:

Robertson, Carter, McAleenan, Andrews, Cairney, Donnelly, McLachlan, Fulton, Gormley, Mackie, Easton

Subs: J. Lindsay, Lochhead

Petershill FC Turnaround Delights The Peasy Ultras

Two teams in form served up a five-goal feast in Springburn, Glasgow. This West Super Premier League tie was eagerly anticipated and well attended as both sides’ fans turned up in good voice and numbers.

Despite the cold and windy weather (with rain clouds threatening) the stand at Petershill was already home to a noisy bunch of young lads aka the Peasy Ultras. Taking up several rows of seats and accompanied by a drum, megaphone and plenty of flags the boys were already building the atmosphere when I arrived 30 minutes before KO. It was a great positive I took from this game that both teams had a good number of school-age fans and it was brilliant to see so many of the young Beith fans in replica tops. In the words of Whitney Houston – “I believe the children are the future of junior football”.

The visitors lined up in a standard 4-4-2 formation with 3 distinct lines of players. The Peasy also went 4-4-2 but with a few variations to the Cabes. Ryan McGregor, their No10, dropped back into the space between the Beith midfield and defence while both wingers Ryan McArdle (7) and Paul Woods (11) pushed further up the pitch. The central midfield pairing of Jordan Murch(6) and David Dickson(8) would take it in turns to drop back to gather the ball off the defence.

The mismatch in lines meant that Petershill central midfielders were getting more time on the ball and this was demonstrated only 3 minutes in when Jordan Murch dropped into space to collect a pass from his right back. His clipped ball down the inside right channel evaded the head of Beith centre back Mark Staunton(4) and Peasy striker Stephen McGladrigan(9) was clear through on goal. The home team were denied an early opener though as onrushing Beith goalie did enough to force the striker to clip his shot over the bar.

One minute later McGladrigan had a half chance to make amends when he latched onto a loose ball in the box but his shot was blocked.

Petershill’s domination of the early part of this game continued and captain Ryan Jordan (5) could have given his side the goal their play deserved but instead hit the post twice in five minutes. The first was a looping header from a crossed ball from the right that evaded the keeper but not the left hand post before bouncing clear. A second header from a corner by Dickson was more powerful but again the post denied Jordan.

Beith were forced into an early substitution as injury to summer buy from Clydebank, Paul McMenamin (3), meant the left back was replaced by John Craig(19).

The breakthrough arrived on 17 minutes and it was no surprise that the Peasy scored the opener with a very well worked goal. McCardle dribbled with the ball on a diagonal from the right flank across the pitch before his short pass wrong footed the defenders to send Woods to the by-line down the left wing. The winger kept his composure and picked out the run of Dickson who arrived unmarked in the six-yard box to connect with the cross and put his team one-nil up.

Goal Petershill 1 (Dickson) Beith 0

Whether by design or not Petershill changed their shape with McGregor no longer dropping deep but instead they tried repeatedly to hit the ball down the right channel for him to chase. The pass that had set McGladrigan free so early in the game wasn’t working now and for the remainder of the half the play was rather disjointed.

The failure of Petershill to capitalise on their lead was matched by Beith being unable to create any sort of meaningful attacks on their opponents goal.

Or so it seemed until four minuts before half time when Beith launched a dangerous attack with the ball being pinged about in the box a few times before it landed at the feet of substitute Craig who’s fierce drive was blocked by McCardle illegally according to the referee who blew for a penalty kick.

The pressure was on  Kenny McLean(10) who was up to the challenge as he sent keeper McNeill the wrong way to equalise.

Goal Petershill 1 Beith 1 (McLean)

And so having been hardly in the game for most of it Beith went in at half time level and as they were to prove in the second half the wind was in their sails.

Half-Time Petershill 1 Beith 1

Some of my favourite chants from the Peasy Ultras during this half:

“Send your daddy over here” and

“Stevie McNeill shags ten burds a night”

The Cabes came out at half time with a second substitution made – Robert Downs(16) on for Tony Fraser(11). They lined up in a different 3-4-3 formation with right-back Ross Dunlop (2) moving into the middle of John Sheridan(5) and Staunton to make three central defenders. Two wing-backs ran the flanks with a central midfield pairing behind a withdrawn centre forward with two runners up front.

The tactical change coupled with their late equaliser in the first half spurred Beith onto a quick start in the second half as they pinned Petershill back in their own half. And after only five minutes the visitors were 2-1 up.

A free kick from left, just inside their opponents half was launched with purpose into the penalty box. Centre half Sheridan rose well to meet the ball and his controlled header beat McNeill (possibly tired given his heavy nocturnal schedule) and nestled into the bottom right corner. A finish that any centre-forward would have been happy with.

Goal Petershill 1 Beith 2 (Sheridan)

Momentum was very much with the Cabes now and one minute after their goal McLean had a dangerous looking overhead kick deflected to safety. Five minutes later his strike partner Reid (9) almost took advantage of a poor, looped backpass from the peasy left back Stewart Maxwell that had his goalie in trouble. Reid met the ball slightly before McNeil but his headed contact was easily swept away by the covering centre-half, Jordan.

At this point it looked like a third was coming from Beith and they nearly had it on 61 minutes when a cross from the left wing was met at the back post by Calum Hardie(7) who could only look on as his headed attempt met the right hand post.

The game’s fourth goal did come but it wasn’t Beith extending their lead but Petershill who dragged themselves back into the game with a penalty equaliser. Woods took the ball for a dribble down the left wing before feigning to drive inside before cutting outside the Beith defender who’s swinging tackle caught the winger for a clear cut penalty.

McGregor was given the chance to match the feat of his opposite number and he duly sent the keeper the wrong way to score. If he was nervous he didn’t show it.

Goal Petershill 2 (McGregor) Beith 2

It is an old adage that a team is never at its most vulnerable after they’ve scored and so it almost proved to be the case as Beith tore up the pitch immediately after the Peasy’s goal. This time it was McLean who’s sharp turn wasn’t matched by his stinging drive which went over without troubling the goal.

The rest of the second half becamse more frantic as both teams looked to prevent the other from scoring a winner. Substitutions, yellow cards and plenty of free kicks made this period very stop-start.

One of these substitutions was Richie Burke coming on for Woods for Petershill. Whenever Burke received the ball he looked to beat a man and was often successful or brought down. With a slow and easy style of dribbling, the time Burke seemed to have on the ball was a stark contrast to a lot of the frenetic action about him. A strange yet enjoyable aspect to what had become rather stunted period of play.

However there was action and drama still to come in this match as the lead changed for the third time in the game.

Only two minutes from time being called upon this tough encounter Petershill broke down the left hand side on a make-or-break attack. A lofted ball forward found McGladrigan who’s header touched it on to his strike partner McGregor in the centre of the pitch about 25 yards out. Surrounded by Beith strikers the No10 was able to touch the ball through the gap for overlapping substitute Liam Finnigan(17). The sub had made a great surge to support his strikers and was rewarded when he broke through a challenge into the penalty area where he was one-on-one with the Cabe’s goalie. He calmed himself, lifted his head and then drilled the ball past the keeper into the net.

Goal Petershill 3 (Finnigan) Beith 2

The winner – as it turned out to be – was too much for one member of the Beith support who must have said something too strong for the stand-side linesman. The referee was called over but the supporter was leaving anyway.

The game resumed and Petershill weren’t troubled in the final minutes although the same linesman was involved again in injury time when Beith’s Stuart Callaghan(8) was upset by his decision to give a throw in. A few strong words from the Cabes man earned him a yellow card.

Full-time Petershill 3 Beith 2

With this win the Peasy showed that they are a team not to be taken lightly. It is a great turnaround for a team that were last season’s relegation strugglers. The crowds are buzzing, the team is playing well and things are looking up for Petershill.

Petershill

McNeill, Hadden, Maxwell, McCabe, Jordan, Murch, McArdle, Dickson, McGladrigan, McGregor, Woods.

Subs: Black (GK), Burke, Palmer, Barr, Green, Finnigan, Bonar

Beith

O’Neill, Dunlop, McMenamin, Staunton, Sheridan, Hughes, Hardie, Callaghan, Reid, McLean, Fraser

Subs: Robertson (GK), McGrath, Kisuka, O’Keane, Downs, McCulloch, Craig

Contributors Request

Dear Reader,

It has been a few weeks since I have been able to watch live football for one reason and another. However I do hope to catch some live juniors games soon. In the meantime I thought I'd write to assure you, our fine reader, that I am not dead!

However if you are sick of seeing blank pages on this blog over the past few weeks then now is your chance to do something about it. If you follow the junior or amateur game on a regular basis and you'd like to share your experiences and opinions then you can use this blog as a vehicle. Also if you have any events at your club then let me know and I'll post them on here.

Please contact us via twitter, facebook page or email and we'll publish your stories and articles.

Cheers,

Stuart

Great Game Shadowed By Shame

The excitement of the new league season starting was made all the more so by the fixtures computer when it scheduled Rob Roy versus Clydebank for the opening day. Newly promoted Bankies against a new look Rabs served up a five-goal thriller but the whole game was overshadowed for me by the casual racism of a group of home fans stood beside me at one of their own players.

I set off early today in the car knowing that the car park had been sold by the club and that street parking is scarcely available. Roadworks across from the ground didn’t help matters and as I parked about four streets away I couldn’t help but feel sorry for the local residents on match days.

Upon entering Adamslie the first thing I noticed was a burger van – Dannys Snacks – which I’ve never seen inside the ground before. I tentatively made my way around to the usual kitchen and to my relief the lovely ladies were still open. Apparently Clydebank were bringing 600 fans with them so the van had been brought in to meet demand. There’s probably a weight based joke in there but I’d never stoop so low.

I’m not sure if there was as many as 600 fans but the crowd was certainly one of the biggest I’ve seen at Adamslie and the majority were Bankies who were in good voice on both sides of the pitch. Although I heard one fan complain that he couldn’t sing about “Kirky scum” because apparently “there’s nane. Ye need a 60 fit gairden to live here!”

The club may be well established but this was a very new team for the Rabs with new manager Jimmy Lindsay making rafts of changes over the summer break. The starting eleven only contained two regulars from last season’s line-up. Clydebank also started with a couple of their new signings but the majority of Budgie McGhie’s side were the stars who had helped them gain promotion last year.

It was the league new boys who shot out the traps with striker Hobbs being put clear on goal after only 2 minutes. A last ditch sliding tackle from right back Cairney saved Rob Roy from an embarrassing start.

Five minutes later and a Rabs attack resulted in the first corner kick of the game. The dead ball was put to the back post tempting goalie Hamilton out to try to clear it. He missed his punch but the Rab’s centre half Keenan could only direct his header over the bar.

It was then the Bankies turn to attack with two chances in quick succession. The first was a looping volley from 25 yards saved well by new keeper Connolly, the second was a free kick in a dangerous area won with more than the suspicion of a dive from Hobbs. However the free kick came to nothing in the end.

After the bankies having the best of the game Rob Roy showed they were still a threat when centre forward Gormley dragged a shot wide of goal after some great hold up play by his strike partner Coakley.

This warning was followed up less than a minute later when Rob Roy were awarded a penalty after goalkeeper Hamilton brought down a Rabs striker. As last man Hamilton was also shown the red card and the game was held up for a few minutes while substitute goalie Gonnet prepared to come on as striker McPherson was sacrificed for the team.

With the pressure cranked up by the delay the responsibility fell to captain, Gormley, to open the scoring. His spot kick sent the keeper the wrong way and Rob Roy were 1-nil and 1-man up.

GOAL Kirkintilloch Rob Roy 1-0 Clydebank (Gormley(10), 20mins)

The home side continued to press after the opener to try to take advantage of the numerical superiority. Gormley was put clean through on 27 minutes by a long free kick but could only put his shot wide under pressure from the defence. Then a minute later and it was left-winger, Easton’s turn to have a dig go wide after some intricate build up play by Lindsay and Coakley.

At a time when it seemed like nothing was going right for the Bankies their centre forward Hobbs managed to talk himself into the referee’s book. On 30 minutes Hobbs received the yellow card for persistent whingeing and swearing at the ref and linesman.

Having been quiet for much of the match Clydebank’s playmaker, Darian McKinnon, started to see more of the ball. In 38 minutes the Bankies’ number 8 set up Hobbs with a square ball from the left hand side but the forward mis-controlled instead of shooting first time from 8 yards out. Then four minutes later McKinnon went on an unchecked dribble down the inside right channel but his neat pass inside just evaded his team-mate.

The ten men of Clydebank were on the forward foot now and causing the home side problems. It was no surprise on 43 minutes when they got the equaliser. The goal came from a free kick floated in deep from the right wing. A poor headed clearance at the back post actually went back across the face of the goal straight to Hobbs who had all the time in the world to volley home from 4 yards out. It was difficult to see where the Rabs defence disappeared to.

GOAL Kirkintilloch Rob Roy 1-1 Clydebank (Hobbs(9), 43mins)

Things could have been worse for the home side when Clydebank number 7, Martin, fired a low volley straight from a corner towards the goal. With the goalie beaten on his left side it was upto the defender on the line to clear the danger.
Half Time Kirkintilloch Rob Roy 1-1 Clydebank

As half-time came I was given the chance to reflect on the surprising array of colours on display by the Clydebank team’s boots. I first noticed it with striker Hobbs who sported a pair in the colour known to the B&Q paint aisle as “shocking pink” but he wasn’t alone. His right midfielder Martin had the same pink boots on as did centre half Campbell! The big defender’s partner didn’t fare much better with a lovely “canary yellow” pair on – a style he shared with McPherson up front. Ah, remember the days of a simple pair of black and white striped Copas?

Playing-wise, the half time break couldn’t come soon enough for Rob Roy who looked dazed by the visitors. However their manager must have calmed his team down with soothing words because they came back out looking more like a team with a man advantage.

After 55 minutes right full back Cairney pushed forward and found striker Gormley in space in the centre. The number 9 flicked a lovely ball through the Clydebank defence finding the run from centre midfielder Fulton. He chested the ball down to simultaneously control it and take the covering centre half out the picture before smashing home with a cool finish.

GOAL Kirkintilloch Rob Roy 2-1 Clydebank (Fulton(8), 55mins)

Both teams had players booked for rather innocuous looking fouls – Lindsay for Rob Roy after 59 minutes and McKinnon for Clydebank 2 minutes later.

Clydebank made a substitution after 64 minutes when goal scorer Hobbs was withdrawn for No.14 Dymock. The striker was immediately involved in the action when he latched onto a through ball and a slip by the Rabs defence but Dymock could only watch as his fierce drive flashed over the bar from 12 yards out.

A minute later and the game looked like it was beyond the visitors when Fulton scored his second of the game to put Rob Roy 3-1 up. With the Bankies defence under pressure a poor clearance only reached Coakley in space 25 yards out. He slipped Fulton through who kept calm and diverted the ball low past the onrushing goalie.

GOAL Kirkintilloch Rob Roy 3-1 Clydebank (Fulton(8), 65mins)

The game was almost dead and buried 3 minutes later when Fulton was clean through again. He rounded the keeper but his shot was partially blocked by a defender and was slowly bobbling wide but when his team-mate, substitute striker, Mackie put the ball in the net he was flagged offside. As a former Clydebank player he was denied the chance to score against his old team.

It was when Mackie came on as a substitute for Coakley that the game was overshadowed by the group of Rob Roy fans beside me. There were four of them all aged between 50 and 60 at a guess and all looked very respectable. For those readers who don’t know him, Chris Mackie is black. That should not be an issue in 2011 but I was disgusted to hear one of the group calling him “Jungle Ted”. This must have been thought of as hilarious because the term was used continually throughout the rest of the game along with other offensive utterances including “Tell him man of the match prize is a spear”.

There are no stewards or police at this level – only at the high profile games where violence is likely. However I expect you can report these things to the home team’s committee. Unfortunately an official of Rob Roy did come over and proceeded to have a good old chin-wag with these guys like they were old friends so what can you do? My response is to write about it here and I encourage you to share this with your friends. Maybe shame will have an effect.

Back to the football and the game looked to be winding down with the only action being a diving header chance from Mackie after good work by McKay on the right wing and a yellow card shown to Cairney for a clumsy tackle on McKinnon.

However Clydebank set up a nervous last five minutes when they got back into the game in bizarre circumstances. Their players were looking tired after all the extra effort being put in from being a man down. However left winger Berry received the ball on the left wing and sent in a looping cross to the back post. The cross evaded everyone including a back-peddling Connolly in goals and dropped inside the back post for a second Bankies goal.

GOAL Kirkintilloch Rob Roy 3-2 Clydebank (Berry(11), 85mins)

With new hope Clydebank pushed hard for the equaliser and they nearly got one a minute after the goal. Darian McKinnon found space in the Rabs’ penalty box and was about to pull the trigger when a great sliding challenge from centre half Keenan kept the score line in Rob Roy’s favour.

Full Time Kirkintilloch Rob Roy 3-2 Clydebank

(Gormley, Fulton 2; Hobbs, Berry)

Clydebank should take great heart from their performance even if they came away from Adamslie without any points. If they continue to play as well they definitely have the quality to trouble teams in the Super Premier league.

Kirkintilloch Rob Roy’s new manager must be pleased with the contribution shown by his team today. There were weaknesses which I am sure will be worked upon in training and as the team gel over time they could go on to have a good season. They showed they are still an attacking threat.

Kirkintilloch Rob Roy:

Starting 11: Connolly, Cairney, McBride, Carter, Lindsay, Keenan, McKay, Fulton, Gormley, Coakley, Easton. Subs: Robertson, Thomas, McAleenan, Mackie.

Clydebank:

Starting 11: Hamilton, Allum, Paterson, McAdam, Campbell, Bell, Martin, McKinnon, Hobbs, McPherson, Berry. Subs: Gonnet, Stones, Dymock, McComish, Thompson, Crawford, Gold.

The reason I started coming to Junior games was to watch live football without any of the baggage that comes with it – especially in the west of Scotland. I go to games and am heartened by the passion of the fans for their teams, the number of woman and wee kids in the terraces, a real family atmosphere. It should never be marred by racism. There is no place for racism in our football grounds in 2011. There is no place for racism in our society in 2011. We should have progressed a bit further than that in the past hundred years. Don’t you think?

There’s no “Kirky Scum”? I found some.

The Best Deal in Football?

On the 2nd of August 2011 the BBC Sport released a report on the cost of going to see live football across the Scottish Premier League and the four English leagues. They found that only 11 out of 104 clubs offered a day out for less than £20. One of the attractions to me of Junior Football in Scotland was the low cost and this survey made me want to look in more detail to see if junior fans are getting best value for money.

How do you measure value for money though? It is a vague term with many aspects. To measure value I need to set some criteria. BBS Sport’s Price of Football survey looked at prices of an adult league match ticket; programme; pie; and tea. This seems like a good place to start. There are criteria that are measured numerically (quantitative) and those that are based on opinion (subjective).

The quantitative criteria are:

• Entrance Fee – the cost of an adult league match ticket.
• Food – the cost of a pie (or equivalent savoury, pastry based snack if pie not available).
• Drink – as well as mid-game beverage such as tea, coffee or can of juice I will include the prospective pre-/post-game pint of lager.
• Programme – where one is available.
• Other Miscellaneous Items – for example half-time raffle tickets etc

The subjective criteria are:

• Entertainment value – could include the quality of the match, skill level of the players
• Comfort of facilities – takes in all surroundings when watching the game including stadium, toilets etc.

What is the “Price of Football” for the Juniors?

I can only use my own experience of pricing from going to games – in particular Adamslie and Holm Park - and I want to make it clear that these are by no means definitive list of costs across all Junior clubs. Some clubs may charge more, some less but I think these values will be fairly common across the Junior Level. (Although it would be very interesting to hear your own experiences of what you pay – use the comments sections below this article).

Item	Cost in £s
Entry fee	5.00
Programme	1.00
Pie	1.00
Drink	0.80
Half-time Raffle	1.00
IN-GAME COST	8.80
Pre-game Pint	2.50
TOTAL COST	11.30

Table 1 Average Costs at Adamslie Park/Holm Park

The total cost of our quantitative criteria (Table 1) for the day out is nearly a fiver less than the cheapest ticket price on offer by the SPL (£16.00 at Inverness Caledonian Thistle). According to BBC Sport’s survey ICT offer the cheapest day out at £21.90 which compared to my experience of a Junior Game (without pintage) is nearly 2 and half times more expensive. But is the football 2.5 times better?

Subjective criteria I set out earlier for this comparison is likely to divide opinion by its nature. With this in mind I will try to remain impartial.

Entertainment Value can be broken down into parts which combine to give the fan an overall level of satisfaction that her day has not been wasted and her time has been spent well. Of course this is down to personal taste – some fans love a goals-fest, others want to see a 22-man brawl whilst most simply want to see their own team playing well – preferably winning.

The skill level of players at the Junior Level must be lower than that of the SPL otherwise they’d be playing professionally. Some have personal/professional reasons they play at Junior level and there are examples of players making the step up but these are in the minority. But how big is the gap? Look at some of the recent performances in the Scottish Cup of Beith in 2010/11 or Irvine Meadow XI in 2009/10 season which suggest its closer than some people might like to believe.

Regardless of the skill level, two teams of evenly matched players pitted against each other cranks up the entertainment value – such is the beautiful essence of football. Last season one of the best games for entertainment I watched was Petershill draw at home to Kilbirnie Ladeside – two relegation threatened teams shared 4 goals between them to make me forget the heavy rain and ice-cold wind. It was a hundred times more entertaining than some of the games from 2010 World Cup – the pinnacle of player skill level.

Where the SPL obviously rules is in comfort stakes. The facilities of the top teams in Scotland will trump their Junior counterparts. Hardly surprising for the amount of investment that has been spent though. Many Junior grounds are old with the result that the facilities are “spartan” especially the toilets (God knows what its like for female fans). There are exceptions of course – Petershill’s redeveloped sports complex has first rate facilities easily comparable in class with Hamilton Accies’ ground if not in size. For what its worth I personally find plastic seats at stadiums very uncomfortable due to my height and I prefer the freedom of standing that I get watching the Juniors. I also like the charm of the old school grounds.

Value for Money

Entertainment	Cost in £s
Cinema (ticket, popcorn & drink)	15.00
Rugby (cheapest ticket for Scotland v Ireland)	10.00
Gig (Shed Seven at Barrowlands, ticket only)	21.50
Comedy (Jason Byrne at Fringe, ticket only)	15.50

Table 2 Other Entertainment Costs

A day out watching the Juniors costs two and a half times less than the cheapest SPL equivalent but it is very debatable whether the difference in comfort is enough to merit this. I would even argue that the entertainment value is not diminished by the difference in skill level. The more comfort and skill level on offer the more you will pay (around £29 for the Old Firm who come in at 2nd and 3rd most expensive SPL days out curiously behind Hibernian!).

It is my opinion that Junior Football offers more value for money especially for families (concession tickets are available). I would urge all football fans to go along to watch their local junior team and find out for themselves. You might prefer your usual seniors game but at least the change in your pocket will more than cover a consoling pint.

 

Related Links

• BBC Sports Price of Football Survey

Junior Football Legends Abbreviated List by Club

Below is an abbreviated list of all the Legends of Scottish Junior Football as suggested by the fans themselves. Over the coming weeks/months/years(!) I will research and gather more information to build up profiles for each Legend.

If your team isn't listed then get in touch with your Legend nomination.

Ardeer Thistle –

Tommy Duffy

Auchinleck Talbot –

Willie Knox (Manager)

Tommy Sloan (Manager)

Beith –

John McNeill

George Coll

Benburb –

Tommy Douglas

Cambuslang –

John Cummings

Clydebank –

Mark Hailstones

Dalry –

Billy Walker

Dyce Juniors / Mugiemoss –

Norman MacKay

Greenock –

Tam Docherty

Hill of Beath Hawthorn –

Bobby Wilson

Davie Baillie (Chairman)

Kilbirnie Ladeside –

Sconie Davidson (Manager)

Jim Marner

Davie Anderson

Kilsyth –

Alex Querrie

Kilwinning –

Gerry Peline

Paul Mullin

Danny Sloan

Norman Montgomery

Kirkintilloch Rob Roy

Tommy Loughran

Franny Loughran ( no relation )

Gary Carberry

Chic Charnley

Larkhall Thistle –

Martin Mulhearn

Lesmahagow –

Rocky Crichton

Chris Wilson

McCarrison

Eddie McGuinness

Billy Melvin

Alan Shields

Linlithgow Rose –

Brian Carrigan

Jimmy Creaney

Mark Whyte

Kevin Donnolly

Ian Gallagher (also Kilwinning)

Gordon Herd

Danny Smith

Steven Pinkowski

Petershill –

Bert McNab

Port Glasgow –

Billy Gray

Billy Gibson

John Cummings (Also Cambuslang)

Mick Conroy

Gordon Greer

Ricky Cabrie

Ian King

Joe Ohagan

Paul Coyle

St Anthony’s –

Joe Mulheron

Scottish Junior Legends

As the close season is upon us and there is very little football to write about except transfer rumours and other gossip I'd like to fill the time by compiling profiles on the legends of the Junior game past and present.

I need the fans of all teams in Scottish Junior football to contact us with their suggestions of who should be their team's Legend. You can supply as little or as much information as you can but at the very least I need the player's full name, team, position and when he played (even roughly if actual years not known i.e. mid-60s is enough). This basic information along with why you think he's a legend.

As all fans know legendary status is not about the stats but can be (and usually is) based on the most ludicrous stories which is part of the fun.

The best profiles will be completed and posted here (with accreditation where due as always). Ideally we can get at least one for every team in Scottish Junior Football.

So please get in touch via this website, facebook or twitter and I'll get back to you asap.

Your suggestions are very welcome.

Pain, Rain and Penalties

Ardrossan Winton Rovers’ Graeme Hamilton went from hero to villain as Yoker Athletic progressed through to the next round of the Evening Times Cup Winners Cup after a nail biting penalty shoot out followed an entertaining draw in monsoon like conditions.

Holm Park was the venue for this cup game and I was keen to visit the ground when the Whe Ho's tenants, Clydebank FC, weren't playing. The first difference was the entrance fee - a pound cheaper at £4, second change I noticed was that the food van wasn't in the ground, and the third was I was able to get into the social club bar before the game and get a seat!

Maybe the pre-game can of TL wasnt such a good idea because as I made my way into the enclosed stand I took a tumble and skinned my knee. I maintain it was the uneven concrete terracing that caused it though. Thankfully it was early and only two witnesses were present. My ego and knee bruised I took position ready and keen to see the champions of their respective leagues in action.

The game was delayed because the referee was stuck in traffic not that he looked old enough to drive though.

Both sets of managers set their teams out in the traditional four-four-two formation but it was the Whe Ho who had the best of the opening play especially down the left wing with full back, John Harvey (No.3) and winger, Mark McManus, (No.11) combining well to cause the Winton defence problems.

This was exemplified when Yoker opened the scoring only 5 minutes into the game. Harvey sent McManus clear down the left to set up a deep cross that was met by right midfielder, Jamie Carson (No.7) at the back post. He showed composure to cut back the ball to onrushing right back, Gary Vickers (No.2), who finished the move with a fierce drive.

Yoker 1 – 0 Ardrossan Winton Rovers (Vickers, 5mins)

Winton fought back and seven minutes later it took a fantastic save from Yoker goalie, Ross Clark, to keep the lead for his team. Some good passing play found Ardrossan with the ball down the left wing. A good centre was met by striker, Graeme Hamilton (No.10), who had got free of his marker in the 6 yard box. He connected well but Clark was equal to the shot.

However Hamilton only had to wait less than ten minutes to get the equaliser. A cross from the left hand side was well met by the Winton striker who’s header was placed into the bottom left hand corner of the net from 6 yards. It was the Ayrshire team’s reward for their pressure.

Yoker 1 – 1 Ardrossan Winton Rovers (Hamilton, 19mins)

Five minutes later and the Winton took the lead and Hamilton had his second goal of the game. If the first goal was well worked this was anything but. A huge punt up the field was chased by Ardrossan attackers who put the Yoker goalie under enough pressure that his attempted punch clear landed at the feet of the No.10 who did well to deftly touch the ball over the heads of the scrambling defence into the empty net.

Yoker 1 – 2 Ardrossan Winton Rovers (Hamilton, 24mins)

It was Yoker’s turn to pressure the Winton defence and they thought they had an immediate equaliser less than a minute after conceding. Some great play down the right wing opened up the Rovers’ defence before the ball was turned in by the Whe Ho’s number 9, Ally Murray. However the big striker had thrown himself at the ball and in his desperation to make connection had used his hand to score. The referee had spotted it and booked Murray for the offence.

As Yoker pushed for the breakthrough some of the challenges were getting meatier and the home team had McManus and Carson booked for fouls and centre midfielder, Gary Bissland, was booked for something he said to the referee after his own team had won the free kick. His gaffer, John Brogan, let him know in no uncertain terms what he though of the booking.

Bissland was involved in a more positive move for Yoker on 31 minutes when they won a corner on the left side. The corner was drilled in low through the wet and found its way via a few pinball deflections to the No.10 at the back post. His strike was clean but it managed to squirm inches past the right hand post with a clutch of players including the goalie, defenders and attackers scrambling desperately to make a telling touch.

Half Time Yoker 1 – 2 Ardrossan Winton Rovers

The rain had come in short, sharp bursts but when it did fall it was torrential leading to the playing conditions to deteriorate rapidly. Whenever the rain started the enclosure suddenly was flooded by about 150 fans escaping the downpour. Thankfully it also brought in a fan of comedy gold. His first beauty was his random shout of "Come on Renfrew!"cried with a blatant disregard to which game he'd turned up at. Then in response to some Winton fans mocking this shout he retaliated with "You're so sexy when you're angry" much to the hilarity of the Rovers fans' pals and the rest of us in the stand.

The second half was slow to get started with the players probably rather being in the warmth of the dressing room.

The first action of note was a booking for the Rovers’ No.5, Barry Jones for a foul don substitute striker, Nicolson after only 3 minutes.

63 minutes into the game and Ardrossan should have been reduced down to ten men. Their central midfielder (No.8) had been booked for a pull back at the end of the first half committed a bad foul on Yoker’s central midfielder, Harry McLachlan. The referee decided that a talking to was enough much to the protestations from the home fans and management team.

Four minutes later and Yoker were level. This time Ally Murray didn’t need his hand to score as he put away a fine headed lay off from McManus. A crossed ball from the right hand side was met on the back post by the left winger who’s header was despatched with composure by the No.9 from 8 yards out.

Yoker 2 – 2 Ardrossan Winton Rovers (Murray, 67mins)

The goal seemed to ignite the game into a flurry of action again as both teams pushed to find a winner. Yoker were first to try their luck on 70 minutes when Bissland controlled a bouncing ball well on the edge of the box before his drive went just over the Winton goal.

Seventy-four minutes and Ardrossan Winton should have scored when their striker Paul Stewart (No.9) broke through the centre of the Yoker defence latching on to a long through ball. He unselfishly centred to his strike partner Hamilton taking Clark out of the game but a fantastic saving lunge from right back Vickers blocked Hamilton from claiming his hat-trick.

It was end to end stuff now as Yoker’s Carson had a half-chance in the box but his shot under pressure was screwed wide of the left hand post without troubling the keeper. A minute later and the Winton’s left winger, No.11, curled a shot past the left hand post from 20 yards out after some great work down the left.

With three minutes to play the Winton almost won it after the Whe Ho’s centre half, Ross Matthew, sold his left back short with a poor pass only 25 yards from his own goal that was quickly latched onto by the opposition. A break down the right hand side led to Hamilton meeting the cross with a good header that the goalie did very well to save and preserve his team’s chances of winning the tie in the last action of the ninety minutes.

Full Time: Yoker 2 – 2 Ardrossan Winton Rovers

And so on to penalties. With both teams given five minutes to gather their spot-kick takers and take a well earned rest of the legs finally the referee was ready to start the lottery. Ardrossan were first up and each player stepped up to score confidently their first 5 allocated penalties. The Yoker players matched their counterparts without exception and it was sudden death. The first four penalties were put away until the Winton’s two-goal hero, Hamilton, had his kick saved by Clark with a diving save to his left. Yoker scored their eight penalty to spark the celebrations with a 8-7 victory.

Full Time: Yoker 2 – 2 Ardrossan Winton Rovers (Yoker win 8-7 on pens)

Another penalty shoot out at Holm Park but this time it was the Whe Ho who kept their nerve to win. The delayed kick off and penalties meant that I missed my train so I decided to jump on the number 11 Firstbus. What a mistake that was as the bus proceeded to show me parts of Glasgow I didnt know existed. Forty minutes and a panic, sprint, and subway ride later I was on my way home on the same train that I should have waited for in the first place. Thank god for a Zonecard.

Auchinleck Talbot Scottish Cup Winners Parade

Auchinleck Talbot open top bus celebrations following their 2-1 win AET against Musselburgh Athletic at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock on Sunday, 29/05/2011 .

Thanks to @jbee1978 for sending me this video.


Congratulations to all at Auchinleck Talbot from Mud, Sweat & Fitba.

Auchinleck Talbot 1 - 3 Petershill (21st May 2011)

Match report contributed by murray from the Auchinleck Talbot Forum

With next week’s Scottish final in mind Tucker opted to rest a few first team regulars so the Talbot defence and midfield had an unfamiliar look to it. Talbot had nothing to play for and Petershill had their league survival at stake, and it certainly showed as the Peasies ran out comfortable winners at a rain soaked Beechwood.

The game had a nondescript opening with the strong wind hampering any attempt to play football, and neither side creating anything.

The visitors took the lead in the 9th minute, due to a mis-judgement from Leishman. A long ball down the right wing found MCLAUGHLIN running into space but he was only a few yards in from the touchline and there seemed no imminent danger. However Leishman had come racing out of goals to beat him to the ball, in a contest he was never likely to win, allowing the Peasies striker to knock it past him and tuck the ball away into the far corner of the net from an acute angle.

A minute later and hesitancy in the Bot defence between McCulloch and McGoldrick allowed McLaughlin to nip in and steal the ball just outside the area, and McGoldrick then brought him crashing down, earning himself a yellow card and the Peasies a free kick just left of centre.

McLaughlin hit it himself and drove a shot just over Leishman’s bar but to the surprise of Leishman and the Bot support, the officials said that he’d tipped it over and awarded Petershill a corner out on the right. The ball was whipped over and MCLAUGHLIN was there to meet it, unimpeded, to bullet a header home and make it 2-0.

There wasn’t much happening at the other end and it took Talbot until the 13th minute to force their 1st corner, won by Gillies out on the left. It was taken short to Boyle who played it back to Young and he swung a good cross over to the far corner of the 6 yard box but it was well headed clear, and Petershill then launched a counter-attack of their own. McArdle raced clear on the right and had McGladrigan free in the centre but he over-hit his cross and it went out for a goal kick.

Nothing was going right for Talbot and the malaise seemed to spread throughout the team. With 19 mins gone Collins lost the ball in a dangerous area and McArdle took advantage of the slip to cut in from the left into the area and Robb had to get across swiftly to make the clearance.

Incidents were few and far between and the next attack of any note came on the half hour mark when Robb fired a free kick into the box from the left. The ball was just too high for Collins and briefly it looked as though Davidson was going to get on the end of it beyond the back post but the ball took a surprisingly high bounce considering the heavy conditions, and went over him and out for a goal kick.

Jordan was fortunate to escape a caution on 36 mins for a heavy challenge on Davidson just outside the area. Boyle opted to go for goal but whilst he got his shot up and over the wall, it was an easy take for Black at his left hand post.

A wind assisted Leishman clearance then caught the Peasies defence flat footed and the ball skated off the top of McCabe’s head and went behind for a corner kick out on the right. The delivery was spot on and looked as though it was going straight in but Black did well to fling out an arm to touch it over the bar. The second corner was aimed at the back post and the Peasies defence did well to head it clear.

Two minutes before the break McLaughlin had a chance to make it three and complete his hat-trick. A ball over the top of the defence picked him out in space just inside the area but he took a poor 1st touch and it broke away from him and straight through to Leishman.

The referee was in a lenient mood and having failed to book Jordan earlier, he then let Davidson off the hook when he clipped McLaughlin’s heels.

Talbot ended the half on the attack but had nothing to show for it but two corners in quick succession, neither of which resulted in the Peasie’s keeper being tested, and so the sides trooped off at half time with Petershill two goals to the good.

Tucker opted to make an immediate change at the start of the 2nd half with Mallan coming on for Davidson, and Gillies shifting out to the right.

Talbot came out for the 2nd half with a greater sense of urgency and took the game to the visitors. Within a minute of the re-start Talbot had won a free kick in a good area out on the right but Boyle’s delivery was a poor one and didn’t clear the 1st defender.

A few minutes later and Gillies tried a speculative effort from distance which flew over the bar.

Talbot were presented with another set piece on 50 mins after Jordan had impeded the progress of Boyle. O’Neill took it and fired his shot a couple of yards wide of Black’s left hand post.

Petershill then came close to extending their lead when McGladrigan’s wind assisted shot for the top corner had to be tipped over his bar by Leishman. Petershill whipped the corner into the back post area but there were no players there to take advantage.

With 58 mins gone Talbot made a double substitution with O’Neill and Young leaving the field to make way for McCann and the trialist, McLean.

McLean had an opportunity to make an early impact on the hour mark. Mallan got free down the left and swung over an inviting ball across the face of goal. McLean looked set to meet it at the back post but mis-timed it and dived full length but failed to connect with the header.

Talbot were pressing hard but without really threatening goal and this continued a minute later when the Bot were awarded a free kick just left of centre, outside the area. Boyle curled it into the danger area and the Peasie’s defence could only partially clear it, with the ball breaking for Mallan but he dragged his shot well wide of the right hand post.

Having evaded a caution for an earlier challenge, Jordan now found himself in the book for dissent.

He was soon joined in the book by McCulloch who was shown yellow for a trip on Burke.

Petershill were content to sit on their lead and with Talbot unable to find a cutting age, it was making for a poor spectacle, as Talbot were dominating territorially but nothing much was happening.

With quarter of an hour remaining Talbot forced a series of corners which ended with Collins sliding a shot wide of the right hand post. Petershill now made their 1st change of the afternoon with their goal scorer, McLaughlin, making way for McLeod.

Talbot finally made the breakthrough on 77 mins and it came from a corner on the left. The ball was whipped over to the back post and Gillies was unlucky not to score in his own right, but his header came back off the bar with the keeper well beaten, however ROBB reacted quickest when the ball came back into play to prod it home and make it 2-1.

Petershill now began to wobble a bit and conceded a needless corner on 79 mins when McVittie didn’t receive a shout to leave it, and knocked the ball out for a corner when it was going for a goal kick anyway. The corner was delivered into the near post but was well dealt with by the defence and headed clear of danger.

Gillies then won Talbot another corner with 10 mins remaining, when his shot from 20 yards was deflected wide of target but Boyle’s attempted in swinger was just slightly over hit and no one could get on it, before it sped out for a goal kick.

Petershill now made their 2nd switch with Lindsay coming on in place of Burke who had been struggling with an injury.

The pressure was still firmly on the visitors and Barr had to concede a corner to block McCann’s ball in from the right. Petershill couldn’t cope with the 1st corner and were forced to put it behind again, and when the 2nd corner came over it broke out to Boyle who went for a low drive into the crowded box but it was blocked away off a defender.

With 6 mins remaining Petershill made their final change when Anson came on for McGladrigan.

It was game over after 85 mins when Talbot gifted Petershill a cheap 3rd goal to kill off the game. There seemed no danger as McCulloch went to bring the ball down but he mis-controlled it and it fell into the path of MCLEOD who didn’t spurn the opportunity, racing clean through on goal before slotting it past Leishman to complete the scoring.

As a precautionary move Talbot played the last 5 mins down to 10 men as McGoldrick went off rather than risk aggravating a knock he’d picked up.

With a couple of minutes remaining Talbot nearly fluked a 2nd goal. Connolly fired a cross over from the right and got too much on it and this nearly caught out Black, who had to back pedal and tip the ball to safety.

The closing stages were uneventful and the final whistle must have come as a relief to the soaked Talbot players and fans alike.

Next up it is the Scottish final against Musselburgh at Rugby Park and hopefully Talbot can click back into top gear for it and justify their billing as favourites and bring the cup back to Auchinleck.

Talbot – Leishman, McGoldrick, Robb, McCulloch, Collins, Davidson, Young, O’Neill, Gillies, Boyle, Connolly

Subs – McCann, Mallan, McLean (trialist), Latta, McVey, White, Spence

Petershill – Black, Barr, McVittie, McCabe, Jordan, Dixon, McArdle, Murch, McLaughlin, McGladrigan, Burke

Subs – McLeod, Bonar, Anson, Wallace, Lindsay, McAleenan, McIntyre

Match report contributed by murray from the Auchinleck Talbot Forum

Drumchapel Utd v Thorn Athletic : West of Scotland Amateur Cup Final

Giants of the amateur game, Drumchapel United won the WoS Amateur Cup with a controversial 3-1 win over Thorn Athletic in a game full of spills, thrills and refereeing mistakes.

The final was played at Hamilton Accies’ home ground, New Douglas Park. The first task was trying to find the ground. After following my google map towards the racecourse I found a bright yellow “Football Traffic” sign. Handy, I thought until they disappeared and I was in the car park of the Mecca Bingo. I retraced my route and chanced upon the smallest of blue signs for Hamilton Academical that seemed to come straight out a bygone era. Directed by these along with faith in my heart I finally arrived at the ground via two more wrong turns and a couple of high-vis stewards flying me in.

Although I was late, thankfully so too it seems was someone else arguably more important because kick off had been delayed. I got my souvenir programme (£1) from a lovely old dear and took my seat ready for the team line-ups. Sadly from where I was sat the might as well not have been a tannoy as I only managed to pick out one member of the Drum line up (10 McKay) from the garbled mess. On top of this the Black and White striped shirts of Drumchapel had gold numbers on the back which were damn near impossible to read (a sponsors name across the shoulders, also in gold, made every number look like a 7). Therefore – and my apologies – this could be the least accurate/informative of all match reports. If you are a statistician you may want to switch off now.

As the game kicked off the weather conditions were very poor. A worst trio since Right Said Fred reformed:

1. Smirring rain that soaks you through
2. Wind from the Arctic
3. Baltic Temperatures

It was bad enough sitting in the stand so it must have been worse for the players. When you watch fitba on the telly you think these conditions shouldn’t matter – they’re paid professionals, get on with it. However watching Amateurs and Juniors games it feels that you have a greater connection with the players on a human level. That could be what makes it special and more enjoyable than Seniors.

The first half kicked off with both teams lining up in 4-4-2 formations and within 3 minutes Thorn No.10, Craig McGlone, had a low drive from 25 yards which had the Drum goalie scrambling as the ball skidded past the left hand post. This settled the nerves of the underdogs and Thorn were more than matching their more illustrious opponents.

11 minutes in and Thorn’s left winger, Andrew Parker (No.11), was forced off the field to have some treatment to a nasty looking head cut above his left eye. The injury seemed to come from an innocuous looking challenge and even surprised the Thorn player even though he looked like Carrie at the end of the bloodbath in her self-titled film. Vaseline and a sponge were applied and Parker was able to continue.

Three minutes later and Thorn’s No.6, Stuart Robertson, put a header wide from 6 yards out after a dangerous free kick in. However the chance wouldn’t have counted as the referee had already blown for a push by the right midfielder.

The Drum started to get more into the match and had a great chance on 19 minutes when after some good work from their left winger, Thomas Murray (No.6), had his shot well saved by the Thorn goalie before the rebound was cleared by the left back as attackers rushed in.

The Central League team pushed on and had a half shout for a penalty on 22 minutes when two Thorn defenders closed down the Murray who went down under the challenge in the box. The ref judged the tackle fair and waved play on.

The game started to ebb and flow with both teams swapping attacking moves. 25 minutes in Thorn midfielder Mark Campbell broke through a few challenges into the penalty box but the ball refused to sit up for him and the closing defenders cleared well. Drumchapel then swept up field and their centre forward, David McKay (No.10), had a looping header just past the left hand post. Almost immediately after, Parker skipped away from his marker on the left wing and put in a dangerous cross that was well cleared by Drum defence. Less than a minute later, Parker and McGlone combined well on the left wing. This time Thorn midfielder Campbell was able to shoot but it was blocked well by a defender.

However it was the Drum who came closest to opening the scoring when McKay found space in the Thorn penalty area on 36 minutes. His close range shot was saved brilliantly by Liam McWilliams in goal. The rebound was then headed back at goal by No.9, Paul Wilson, and the defence couldn’t only watch as it looped onto the top of the bar and out for a goal kick.

McWilliams was the busiest keeper in the last ten minutes of the first half and he bettered his earlier save when the Drum’s danger man, McKay, broke clean through with a suspicion of offside. The Drumchapel striker had scored 49 goals prior to encounter but his strike was blocked by the Thorn goalie when it looked a certain goal.

Drumchapel finished strongly but couldn’t find a way past a stubborn Thorn defence.

Half Time 0-0

Half time gave a welcome chance for some heat in the form of food and drinks. I was disappointed to see Accies still charging SPL prices - £3.50 for a pie and coffee! The pie wasn’t that good and the coffee was ganting. This lack of taste savouring gave me a chance to reflect on my favourite chant from the first half and I went for one from a young Thorn fan (looked no more than 11 years old and 1 metre tall) directed at the Drum’s Murray: “Take that wee pie oot!”

Drumchapel started the second half as the finished the first and within 2 minutes had produced a good save from McWilliams from 25 yards followed by an outrageous dive from Murray in the left hand corner which included the arching out of the chest while arms are thrust back in a beautiful swan-like shape. The comedy of such a blatant dive would not seem so funny to Thorn fans later.

Seven minutes into the second half and the Drum should have scored if it wasn’t for a desperate diving block from left back Paul Young which saved Thorn. Good work from the Drum attack found McKay free inside who fired at goal from 6 yards which Young blocked well with his chest with the keeper beaten.

53 minutes into the game and Drumchapel finally breached the Thorn defence but it took a controversial penalty decision. Drum striker McKay did well to get free of his marker and dribbled into the penalty box, he rounded the diving goalie but, with his touch was too heavy to gather, the striker went to ground when it appeared there was negligible contact. The Drum No.10 picked himself up and kept composure to slot home the kick with a fine finish. Drum 1 – 0 Thorn (McKay, 53)

Such a hard fought lead lasted only five minutes as Thorn rallied well from the disappointment to equalise after 58 minutes. A low free kick from Young on the left hand wing was tucked away into the far post leaving Drum goalie, McGall, with no chance of saving. A fine finish from Thorn No.9, Gordon Smith. Drum 1 – 1 Thorn (McKay, 53; Smith, 58)

With passions running high and both sets of players committed in their tackle, the game threatened to spill over with Drum’s Murray receiving a talking to from the ref and the two No.7s - McDevitt and Taylor - squaring up to each other after a brief tussle for the ball.

Thorn created a few chances to get a second. Seventy minutes gone a great ball floated into the path of McGlone (No.10) from left back Young. However Drums goalie was quick off his line to clear just in time to deny the Thorn striker a goal scoring chance. Six minutes later a corner from the left was flicked on by Robertson and landed at the feet of McGlone who could only dig it out of his feet and over the bar from 10 yards.

Two minutes later and another controversial decision by the referee when Drumchapel substitute McGroggan (No.16 on for No.9 Wilson) dived in with a reckless challenge on Robertson near the half way line. With his studs showing this was a dangerous tackle yet the referee only showed the yellow card when it could have easily been red.

With 88 minutes on the clock Drumchapel broke Thorn hearts with a second goal following a lightning fast counter attack. A Thorn attack was broken up and the Drum attacked down the left hand side. Although McWilliams did well to save the first shot the rebound fell straight to the feet of Drum attacker Chris Craig who made no mistake and slotted home.
Drum 2 – 1 Thorn (McKay, 53, Craig 88; Smith, 58)

Thorn tried to get back into the game but as they pressed forward gaps were found by the Drumchapel front line. First McKay dribbled into the penalty area on the left wing and slid an inviting cross over but Craig (No.11) was only able to shoot just past the left hand post from 8 yards out.

A third did arrive this time 2 minutes into injury time when after some great interplay down the right wing from the Drum, McKay found space and time to fire home the goal to put the game beyond doubt. Drum 3 – 1 Thorn (McKay, 53 & 90+2, Craig 88; Smith, 58)

Full Time Drumchapel Utd 3 – 1 Thorn Athletic

A well contested final saw the Drum lift the WoS Amateur Cup and over the course of the game the Central League side probably deserved the win. Thorn Athletic can be proud of their display as they went toe-to-toe with one of the Amateur game’s heavyweights who still have the chance of a clean sweep of trophies this season. However the controversy surrounding the penalty award for the opener and the challenge from McGroggan took some of the shine off Drumchapel’s win.

Squad Lists

Drumchapel United

Starting: Jamie McGall; Michael Kennedy; Andrew Patterson; James Mulvay; Jamie Caldwell; Thomas Murray; Stephen McDevitt(C); Alex Clearie; Paul Wilson; David McKay; Chris Craig

Subs Used: Anthony McGrogan.

Squad Members Unused: Threlfall; Crawford; Brown; Hardie; King; McKellar; Friel; Jones; Reilly; Dalzell; Smith.

Thorn Athletic

Starting: Liam McWilliams; Brian Robertson; Paul Young; David Gallagher(C); Jason Henderson; Stuart Robertson; John Paul Taylor; Mark Campbell; Gordon Smith; Craig McGlone; Andrew Parker;

Subs Used: David Elliot.

Squad Members Unused: Watson; Morrison; McKeown; S. Graham; T. Graham; Goodwin; Malcolmson; Forsyth; Haughie.

Poise, Purpose and Passion

There were many lessons to be learnt from my latest Junior Fitba experience. 1. Never trust the MET office - it never rains on Rob Roy; 2. Beware children of Irvine; 3. Old school footballers are the best; 4. Always give time minus ten to the missus when arranging anything. 5. Medda are deserved champions.

On the morning of the game I checked with the MET Office forecast which predicted heavy rain followed by electrical storms for the Glasgow area. Rather than take a brolly to the game - I saw what happened to Steve McLaren when he took one - I decided to wear my parka as its one of the few jackets I have with a hood. Besides the pockets on it will be perfect for my notepad, camera, pie, juice, money and everything else I cart along to these games. Sure enough the skies were dark across Adamslie park when I was dropped off via Matalan by my good lady. Although it was still warm - summer day warm but I was sure that would pass when the rain came.

I paid in, duked the halt-time draw boy after my bitter previous experiences, and headed over to the stand and its shelter. First though I had to visit the gents which I had seen before but never had to use. The gents is basically a long wall and two short side walls and no roof. The long wall in front has a gap on the left side that you walk through, turn to your right, take a step forward, turn to your right again and go against the wall. There are the remnants of porcelain that presumably once formed a gleaming wall of white in its heyday.

In the stand the majority of fans were Irvine Meadow who were there to celebrate their team's league win. A few even had T-shirts printed with "Champions 2010/11" printed on them. They were in good cheer although one wee boy clearly wasn't happy. The 4 foot ball of anger strode up to a guy (turned out to be his dad) in front of me and without saying anything lashed out with his fist with a straight jab to his dad's right arm. Hardly a Haye-maker but the boys dad was holding a full cup of coffee at the time which ended up all over him. Credit to his dad he didn't retaliate but later on I did see him walk away from his son's request for money with a fed-up mutter of "fuck off".

The league champions were given a warm reception as Irvine Meadow players ran on to the pitch with a guard of honour given by Kirkintilloch Rob Roy players and staff before kick-off at Adamslie Park. However the home side's hospitality didn't end there as The Rabs went on to gift three goals to The Medda.

It was The Rabs who started the game the better and had a few chances in the opening few minutes with McQuilken coming close with a strike just past the post from ten yards out. Rob Roy's attacking 4-3-3 formation was causing Medda some defensive headaches as Gow and Zok both looked to pull wide and take on the full backs. This pressure led indirectly to the first booking of the game on 7 minutes when Medda left back, Dillon, was booked for swearing at the referee following his conceded free kick.

Irvine Meadow started the game with a 4-1-2-3 formation with Strain dropping into the space between defence and midfield. However they struggled to get any sort of rhythm in their passing with Rob Roy enjoying most of the possession in the first half. On 13 minutes The Rabs had a glorious chance to open the scoring. A deep free kick from McQuilken on the right hand side was met by fellow central midfielder, Sinclair, with a free header. However from 8 yards Sinclair was only able to put it past the right hand post much to the relief of the Medda defence who had allowed him so much time and room.

The breakthrough came on 17 minutes when Rob Roy captain Feroz chased down an innocent looking backpass. He got the reward for perseverance as he charged down the Medda goalie's kick before a scramble left the big No.9 with the ball at his feet and the goal at his mercy. He duly slipped it in from a tight angle. Rob Roy one-nil.

Things could have got worse for the Medda five minutes later when their centre half, Robertson sold his goalie short with a bad back pass which Hewitt managed to just get a toe to as Gow was rushing in. There was a tension beginning to bubble up amongst some of the players and the referee had to give a talking to Irvine's Adams and Kirkintilloch's Zok on separate occasions both for challenges that could be euphemistically called over-zealous.

On 29 minutes Rob Roy made a substitution by bringing off centre half Carter and bringing on attacker McKay. This meant a reshuffle of the team with right back, Dunlop, coming into cover centre half; right midfielder, Muir dropping back into right back position and winger Gow dropping back into midfield. This change would have a huge impact on the game as the dominant Rob Roy side were suddenly on the back foot.

A minute after the substitution and Irvine Meadow were level. The goal came from an aimless long ball down the right which Rob Roy centre half, McGregor, had covered well but as he turned inside he fell under pressure from a Medda striker and the ball broke to the oncoming Adams who sent a delightful chipped shot over the Rab's keeper to score from 25 yards out. Without taking away from the finish it was a soft goal to lose from Rob Roy's point of view.

On 33 minutes it could have been worse for Rob Roy as Medda's McGinty and McGeown combined well on the edge of the box but goalie McNeil saved well to keep his team level at the break.

Half Time: Kirkintilloch 1 – 1 Irvine Meadow

Another half time at Adamslie and another fine Rob Roy pie - I must ask who the supplier is to give them their due. As I was tucking into my lunch at the back of the stand, down the front to my shock walked the half-time draw boy actually displaying the winning numbers. Finally that particular mystery could be put to rest.

As in the first half the heavy rain that had been predicted was still only threatening and I was now roasting in my big jacket. But the dark skies weren't dampening the spirits of the travelling away fans who were here to celebrate the Medda's triumph in the league. One younger fan in particular seemed to have started his celebrations early - perhaps Wednesday. He was stocious. Clutching a can of TL he shuffled up to some old guys in front of me asking for a light as he'd lost his own. Unaware of personal space boundaries he was inches away from the old guy's right ear when the Medda fans shouted for an incident on the pitch. As this wave of grumbles died down to silence the boy shouted "That woman's a whore!" causing an entire stand to stop and stare at him before having a good laugh.

Barely 9 minutes into the second half and the Medda fans had another goal to celebrate. A penalty conceded by Sheridan for a pull back on the Medda striker meant a booking for the left back and the chance for McGinty to put the away team ahead for the first time in the game. Keeper went left and well struck shot went right. 2-1 to Irvine Meadow.

Rob Roy tried to immediately hit back when two minutes after the penalty Feroz headed over from a good cross by left back, Sheridan. The pace of the game seemed to drop somewhat as Irvine Meadow made a few substitutions: Wingate came on for McLean on 55 minutes; Quinn on for Strain on 66 minutes; both in addition to Fleming replacing Adams at the end of the first half.

Gow was unlucky not to equalise for Rob Roy when his fierce strike following an inviting lay off from McKay was beaten away by Medda keeper Hewitt. That was as close as Kirkintilloch came to getting anything from this game and 31 minutes into the second half Medda killed it off. This time it was the Rabs keeper who was put under pressure from a back pass. His clearance was very poor and rolled into the path of McGeown about 30 yards out. The Medda midfielder lofted the ball over the heads of the covering defenders into the empty net. 3-1 Medda.

The game rolled on but without any further incidents as both teams seemed resigned to 3-1 being the final score. Rob Roy could feel aggrieved at not getting something from a game that they had looked so comfortable in until the substitution of their centre half caused their team's reshuffle. However it was individual errors that gifted the goals to Irvine Meadow. The Medda showed a ruthlessness in their punishment of these errors and that is often the mark of worthy champions.

Full Time: Kirkintilloch 1 – 3 Irvine Meadow

After the game I realised I'd made a mistake saying to my wife to pick me up at 4pm. As the game had kicked off the second half bang on time at 3, then finished equally bang on 45 minutes later. Caught between staying at the park or heading to a pub I decided that I should wait as she was likely to be there any minute. I stood out the front as the last of the fans left - the Irvine Meadow supporters bus taking fourteen attempts at getting out the tight car park. I don't mind being the last supporter to leave but then the players started to come out too. I was getting strange looks too. Maybe they thought I was hanging back to remonstrate with them over the loss or even worse they thought I was an autograph hunter. Embarrassing but at least the rain had started.

Squad Lists

Kirkintilloch Rob Roy: McNeil; Dunlop; Sheridan; Carter; McGregor; Sinclair; Muir; McQuilken; Feroz; Gow; Zok. Subs: Wilson(Gk); Palmer; Martin; McCue; McMenamin; Craig; McKay.

Irvine Meadow: Hewitt; Swift; Dillon; McDonald; Robertson; Strain; Adams; McGeown; McGinty; Milliken; McLean. Subs: Wardrope(Gk); Quinn; Turner; Wingate; Barr; Ryan; Fleming.

Cumnock 3 Talbot 6 (7th May 2011)

Match report contributed by murray from the Auchinleck Talbot Forum

Talbot made a welcome return to form to blow Cumnock away and advance into the quarter-finals of the West of Scotland cup.

The early exchanges were fairly even with neither side dominating proceedings or testing either keeper but the 1st controversial moment wasn’t long in coming.

The referee, who was to have a poor afternoon, made his 1st contentious decision in the 7th minute. Spence played a good ball up the left wing for Boyle, who knocked the ball past Wild, and was brought down just inside the area. It looked a stonewall penalty but to the amazement of the Bot support the ref drew out a yellow card, and booked Boyle for diving.

One minute later and Boyle was bowled over again, though this time the referee did award Talbot a free kick. Young whipped it over beyond the far post for Boyle but the defence managed to knock it behind for a corner. When the corner came over, McCulloch rose to meet it at the back post but his header ended safely in Fahey’s arms.

The referee had the Bot fans up in arms again in the 9th minute when he over-ruled his linesman to give Cumnock a very soft corner kick out on the left. When the ball came over into the centre, Collins rose highest to head clear.

Talbot opened up the Nock defence in the 13th minute with a simple ball down the centre. McCulloch’s free kick up the middle was headed on by McCann into the path of Boyle out on the left and his low drive was turned round his right hand post by Fahey. The corner was whipped over to the far post where Slavin headed it back across, but Fahey came off his line to gather.

A slick passing move involving White and McCann ended with Young sliding a good ball into the Cumnock box but no Bot player had gambled, and the ball went to waste.

Cumnock were under increasing pressure and the opening goal came in the 15th minute. Boyle slipped the ball through to YOUNG on the left of the box and he drilled a superb left foot shot past Fahey and into the far corner.

Cumnock suffered a further blow two minutes after falling behind when Moore went over awkwardly following an aerial challenge and had to be stretchered from the field, with Stewart coming on for Cumnock.

Talbot had a half chance to extend their lead in the 20th minute. Slavin’s early ball in, found McCann in space but he didn’t connect properly and his shot went straight at Fahey.

Young then out-stripped Connolly on the left wing, only to see his cross deflected off a defender’s head and just over the waiting Bot players in the centre.

The 2nd goal was always going to be crucial and Talbot’s incessant pressure told, as Talbot extended their lead in the 25th minute.

The move started out on the right with Latta passing it back for Boyle. He crossed it beyond the far post and the ball broke into the path of Spence. Talbot now enjoyed a large slice of luck as Spence mis-hit his shot across the face of goal, and with the Nock defence standing like statues, LATTA raced in to finish past the helpless Fahey.

The home side needed a quick response and nearly got one when Connolly picked out Friels in the box but from a good position he hit his shot straight at Leishman.

Cumnock were now pushing forward at every opportunity but weren’t having any joy, as Talbot’s defence stood firm.

They did manage a shot on target in the 39th minute when Talbot were caught sleeping at a Cumnock throw in. Connolly’s shy found Friels and he passed it into the feet of Wilson who fired a decent strike on target but Leishman made a comfortable stop.

The game could have been all over a minute later as Talbot came close to grabbing a 3-0 lead. Young played a great pass down the right channel for Latta and his shot was heading into the net until Wild made a last gasp clearance from near the goal line.

Talbot had a strong penalty shout turned down in the 42nd minute. Slavin won the ball in the centre and knocked it wide to Young, whose cross appeared to be blocked by Wild’s hand but despite a strong appeal from Young, the ref waved play on.

Right on the stroke of half-time Latta was penalised for a trip on McMenamin just outside the box. MCMENAMIN took it himself, and gave Leishman no chance, finding the top right postage stamp corner to pull the score back to 2-1, and bring Cumnock back into the game with a fighting chance.

Cumnock came out strongly at the start of the 2nd half and had an early chance when McMenamin beat Slavin out wide and played a dangerous ball into the near post for Friels who met it but hit his shot at Leishman.

Down the other end Talbot had a half chance when Young cut in from the left and squared it for McCann but he didn’t react quickly enough and the defence were able to clear.

Any thoughts of a Cumnock fight back were ended on 52 minutes when Talbot restored their 2 goal cushion. Latta lobbed a good ball into the area, tempting Fahey off his line to gather, but he was never getting there, and MCCANN did well to nip in front of McDonald to steer a header into the net.

There was still a little fight left in Cumnock and Campbell came close to pulling one back for the home side. He brought the ball down well, turned and hit a dipping shot from 20 yards, which only just cleared Leishman’s crossbar.

It was game over on 55 minutes when Talbot surged into a 4-1 lead. Latta whipped a good ball into the near post which Cumnock failed to clear. The ball spun up into the air and firstly Young had a go at goal, then Spence, both of which were blocked but it came to MCCANN on the right of the area and he lashed a shot past Fahey at his left hand post.

Cumnock were shell shocked and things went from bad to worse for them when Talbot made it 5 in the 57th minute. Latta released Boyle down the right and he played the perfect ball in for MCCANN to sweep it home and complete his quick-fire hat-trick.

Cumnock made their 2nd change of the afternoon on 59 mins when Friels left the field to be replaced by Tyler. The sub’s 1st involvement came a minute later when he had his name taken for a cynical challenge on White.

In the 61st minute Cumnock made their final change when Williams made way for Love.

The game may have been as good as over but Cumnock kept plugging away and managed to grab a consolation effort in the 63rd minute. McMenamin made the goal, beating Slavin on the outside for pace before hitting a good early cross over which STEWART headed home to make it 5-2.

McMenamin should have found his way into the book after 65 mins for a poor challenge on Slavin but the referee contented himself with lecturing the Nock winger. From the resultant free kick, Talbot worked the ball down the right and Latta played Boyle in on goal. Boyle went for a shot inside the right post but Fahey made a good stop, and Wild reacted 1st to the loose ball to head it behind for a corner kick, which Talbot could make nothing of.

Cumnock’s defence were then opened up by a great diagonal pass from left to right which found Latta racing through on Fahey. The keeper did well to come out and make the block but Boyle won the loose ball and raced through for what looked like a tap in, only for play to be pulled back for a free kick to Cumnock for an offence that only the officials saw.

McCann was brimming with confidence following his hat-trick and he nearly added a 4th on 69 mins when he hit an early shot which Fahey did well to save at his right post.

However, there was nothing the Cumnock keeper could do to prevent Talbot’s 6th a minute later. Young won the ball outside the box and played it into JOHN BOYLE who slotted a low shot under Fahey to make it 6-2 to Talbot.

Tucker made a double substitution on 72 mins with O’Neill and Smith coming on for Spence and Latta.

Fahey had been kept busy all afternoon and he had to look lively on 73 mins to get down at his left post to smother Boyle’s drive, after John had been sent through by O’Neill.

With quarter of an hour remaining Cumnock caught the Talbot defence napping. A ball over the top found Campbell bearing down on goal and as he knocked it past the advancing Leishman and went to go past him, the Bot keeper impeded him. The ball seemed to be heading straight for the net but the referee had blown quickly and so it was a penalty to Cumnock and a straight red for Leishman for denying a goal scoring opportunity.

McCulloch took over in nets but there was little Del could do as CONNOLLY confidently stroked the penalty home to make it 6-3.

That might have been the end of the scoring but the game was far from over as a talking point. Campbell had been fortunate to escape the referee’s book up to this point for his continual dissent but paid the penalty in the 78th minute, when he was called over for kicking the ball away and squaring up to Young. The referee had booked Young but as Campbell continued to mouth off at him, the referee produced the 2nd red card of the day, and it was back to ten a side.

With 5 minutes remaining Wilson also found himself cautioned for a foul on Boyle.

In the 88th minute McCann again got the better of McDonald who had a torrid time of it all afternoon, but as McCann broke into the area, the referee astonished the Bot support by awarding Cumnock a free kick, for what, no one seemed sure.

The referee didn’t add any time on at the end and the final whistle came as a relief to the Cumnock players. This was a very impressive display by the Bot who never looked in any danger of losing out, and strolled to their 5th win of the season over Cumnock.

Next up in the West is an away day at Pollok, with a place in the last four at stake, so good luck to Tucker and the team for that one.

Talbot – Leishman, Latta, McVey, McCulloch, Collins, Spence, Young, White, Slavin, McCann, Boyle

Subs – Smith, Sloan, O’Neill, McGoldrick

Cumnock – Fahey, Wild, Williams, McDonald, Moore, Connolly, Campbell, McKnight, Friels, Wilson, McMenamin

Subs – Love, Stewart, Kennedy, Tyler

Match report contributed by murray from the Auchinleck Talbot Forum