Month: March 2018

Larkhall Thistle 0 Irvine Meadow 4 – 31st March 2018

On: By: ian

Gasworks Park, Larkhall
Larkhall Thistle v Irvine Meadow
West of Scotland Cup

 

With Thistle and Irvine Meadow in the same league this season, the teams found themselves in the unusual position of meeting each other for the first time at the end of March with the two league games also still left to play. The Jags went into the game on the back of two consecutive home wins for the first time this season while Irvine Meadow went into the game high on confidence after an excellent result last week, a 2-0 win against high-flying Cambuslang Rangers.

 

The Jags were still missing Graham Gracie, Ryan Innes and Craig Forbes, while Declan Doyle who came on as a sub last week kept his place at right back.

 

Thistle were first to threaten after seven minutes when David Reid broke down the left side and whipped in a cross that Johnny McStay just failed to connect with, Irvine Meadow’s first attempt came five minutes later when a cross was cushioned into the path of their number 8 who half-volleyed over the bar from 25 yards.

 

Larkhall keeper Johnny Duncan was called into his first serious action midway through the half when he got down well to save a shot from the right after Niall Reynolds had been caught out of position. Minutes later another cross from the right found the Meadow number 9 isolated in the middle of the box and Duncan did well to come out and block what would have been a certain goal. Reid burst forward in reply and kept going down the left, getting a decent shot away that cleared the far post.

 

Both teams were going for it in an open cup tie and the game flowed from side to side with not much let up throughout the first half. The referee however was coming under fire from the home contingent for a series of questionable decisions, most notably failing to book an Irvine player for grabbing Reid round the throat and throwing him down just minutes after he’d booked Doyle for a softer foul the other way and a couple of bad advantage decisions that he failed to let go.

 

Johnny McStay had possibly Thistle’s best chance of the half to take the lead with a header from six yards, in fairness to him it had taken a touch off a defender before it reached him and he got slightly underneath it. Meadow’s centre half rounded off the half with a shot again from the right that flew just over the bar.

 

Half time: Larkhall Thistle 0 Irvine Meadow 0

 

Thistle got off to a bit of a flyer in the second half with Mark KcKeever bringing out a good save after he had been put in by Brian Jack, that was followed by a Reid shot that was heading for the roof of the net but was again saved well. Another run by Reid ended when he was fouled twenty yards out and took the free kick himself, this time straight at the keeper.

 

Seventy minutes into the game the tide started to turn the way of Irvine who brought out another two good saves from Duncan in quick succession. The first half had been even with both teams making chances but neither being able to take them and the game was crying out for somebody with a bit of spark who was going to make the difference. Why Eddie McTernan only came on as a substitute was a bit of a mystery as he was by far the visitors best player on the day and single handedly changed the game.

 

Meadow took the lead with 16 minutes left just as the game looked to be heading for a stalemate. A ball in from the left was missed by Liam Mushett in the middle and the ball fell perfectly for McTernan who slotted it across Duncan into the far corner.

 

The goal signalled a collase in the home defence and a further three goals in an eight minute spell gave the game a somewhat surreal final score line. McTernan got his second with the goal of the game, cutting across the edge of the area before curling a shot into the top corner then set up the third when he took the ball wide after the Jags defence had failed to deal with a long ball, squaring across the six yard box for a back post tap in for Boyd. The scoring was completed by Carson who finished a cross from the right with a scuffed shot that squeezed just inside the post.

 

David Reid picked up a second yellow card minutes before the end.

 

It was a day to forget for Thistle but although Irvine Meadow were the better team on the day and deserved the win, it should never have been a four goal defeat on the balance of play and chances created. Hopefully some lessons to be learned ahead of the teams meeting in the league in a couple of weeks.

 

Full time: Larkhall Thistle 0 Irvine Meadow 4

 

Larkhall Thistle:
Duncan 64; Doyle (Robb 73), Brown, Mushett, Reynolds; Canning; McKeever (Payne 66) Jack, Reid; G McStay (Clarke 66), J McStay. Subs: Thomson (GK), Cuthbertson

 

Booked: Doyle, Mushett

 

Sent off: Reid

 

MoM:
The defence is clearly a problem for the Jags with Andy Brown the only one who looks able to compete with the better teams at this level and he did his best to mount a one-man resistance today with a great performance, just shading it from Johnny Duncan who had several very good saves and not much chance with the goals.

 

 

Forthcoming fixtures

On: By: ian

The Fixtures page has been updated with all the forthcoming fixtures through to the third week in April, including the start of the midweek games.

 

Thanks to Hugh for the information

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Larkhall Thistle tiles – be a permanent part of the club

On: By: ian

We are planning a tile tribute in the tunnel area of the pavilion leading onto the ground for anyone who wants to have an everlasting message for a loved one or a supporter who wants there name on the wall. As you will see from this picture the tile has the club badge and is in our famous colours.

 

Tiles are approximately 8 inches (200mm) square and your wording goes in place of “BE PART OF HISTORY”

 

Cost is £25 per tile and anyone who wishes to purchase one please contact Hugh Kerr on 07746875347 to discuss wording and payment.

 

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Darvel video

On: By: ian

The Darvel video is now uploaded, apologies for the first goal especially to Div whose part in the build-up is missing (blame Levi!)

 

 

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Larkhall Thistle 3 Darvel 0 – 24th March 2018

On: By: ian

Gasworks Park, Larkhall
Larkhall Thistle v Darvel
McBookie.com Super First Division

 

What appeared to be the first day of spring brought a sharp change from the first game of the season, where Thistle had gone to Ayrshire in a chilly downpour with the only thing more miserable than the weather being the football itself. On that day the Jags had been given a harsh reality check on the back of their tournament win at Kilbirnie and quickly realised that anything won in this league was going to have to be fought for all the way.

 

So to today and after a good showing where they were unlucky to lose at leaders Petershill and a first win since September in the previous game against Cumbernauld, Larkhall went into today’s game in as confident a mood as they’ve been all season. Graham Gracie was still injured and missed the game along with Ryan Innes who was serving the first game of his two match suspension. Josh Payne who had done so well as a sub in the last home game was also missing.

 

 

Thistle suffered an early disruption to their plans when Billy Robb pulled up with what looked like a hamstring injury and was replaced by Declan Doyle at right back, the youngster making what was a rare appearance and consequently making a bit of a nervy start until he got into the game and went on to perform very well.

 

After a dour opening half hour with neither team playing much football or creating chances worthy of note other than a very early effort from the visitors which went close, the Jags took the lead in the 32nd minute. Good build up work from David Reid got the ball forward and into the box where Gary McStay was quickest to react and swept the ball low into the corner of the net.

 

Just on half time it was 2-0 with a goal that was completely out of character with the game so far and was one of the best goals seen at Gasworks Park this season. Again it was Gary McStay finishing off the move after a brilliant run from fellow veteran Mark McKeever who flicked the ball past one defender then played a one-two with Ryan Jack before shimmying another defender, leaving him flat-footed and cutting back for McStay to pass the ball in from 15 yards.

 

Half time: Larkhall Thistle 2 Darvel 0

 

With the next goal in the game being vital, both teams came flying out of the traps for the start of the second half and while the tempo was raised, real chances were still at a premium – the best of them falling to Liam Mushett in the first couple of minutes of the half but the big centre half couldn’t squeeze it over the line from close range.

 

Thistle were hit by a further injury blow in the 64th minute when keeper Stewart Thomson went down holding the ball in what seemed to be a routine catch but didn’t get back up. The decision being made right away to replace him with Johnny Duncan indicated that it might have been a bit more serious than it looked. Tommo had had a fine game before he went off with a couple of good saves and excellent handling from crosses and corners.

 

 

The third goal came ten minutes from time and if the last goal was good, this was possibly even better. Johnny McStay was heavily involved in the build-up which was a passing move of the highest quality. He initially won the ball on the left wing and played a one-two with Mark Canning then another with Brian Jack out wide on the right before picking out Gary McStay in the box who supplied his third deadly finish of the afternoon.

 

The Jags did come under a bit of pressure in the closing stages of the game in terms of possession but all of the players on the park knew in their hearts that the third goal was the winner and there was no way back for Darvel.

 

Full time: Larkhall Thistle 3 Darvel 0

 

A great all round team performance today with no weaknesses – good running and effort from the forward players, tenacity and strong tackling in midfield and a defence that held together as well as they have done for a long while and kept up their concentration levels throughout.

 

With Cumbernauld, Kello Rovers, Kilsyth Rangers, Maryhill and Shettleston all losing today it turned out to be an even better day for Thistle as they gained ground on all their relegation rivals.

 

Larkhall Thistle:
Thomson (Duncan 64); Robb (Doyle 13), Brown, Mushett, Reynolds; Canning; McKeever, Jack, Reid; G McStay, J McStay. Subs: Cuthbertson, Trialist

 

Booked: Reid

 

MoM:
If it hadn’t been for Gary McStay’s hat-trick it could have been almost anybody but his goals made the difference.

 

*** Video uploading and will be available in the morning

Petershill v Larkhall Thistle

On: By: hugh

Ian was not at the game today so a very much shortened summary of the game as quite  honestly to cold for me to watch the whole game. Thistle like last week were badly hit with injuries and work commitments meant that Mark McKeever, Declan Doyle, Craig Forbes,Graham Gracie, Matty Clarke were all missing and Billy Robb started although he was suffering from the effects of tonsillitis with young George Cuthbertson from the U19’s on the bench.

Thistle started brightly and little had been seen of the league leaders in the early stages and the Jags if they had taken their  chances could have been at least 3 up by the interval with an effort from Billy Robb coming off the inside of the post and much to the relief of the home team the ball spun outwards when it look liked it was going to cross the line . Petershill were reduced to ten when their no. 2 Kettering received a straight red at a last man tackle on Gary McStay. Moments later they could have been reduced to nine when a similar tackle by their no. 3 resulted in only a yellow card. On the occasion that Petershill did get forward Stewart Thomson had two fine stops from well hit shots.

As it was to turn out the missed chances in the first half were ultimately going to cost them dear.

Half Time 0-0.

Brian Jack replaced Billy Robb at the start of the second half  facing an ever increasing chilly wind and within a couple of minutes Jonny McStay outstripped the keeper only to push the ball wide of the post. The home team got what proved to be the winner when Hall nipped in at the back post and netted leaving Stuart Thomson helpless. For a spell after this goal Petershill pressed the visitors and Tommo proved his worth with two excellent stops . Thistle continued to push forward and thought they had equalised when Div. Reid netted from a quick free kick from Mark Canning only for the referee to give offside after the flag was raised by his assistant. This was at best a very tight decision as from where the writer was watching it looked as if Div.ran onto the ball from an onside position but to be fair sometimes you get these decisions sometimes you don’t but was just in keeping with our luck on the day. Hugh Kelly then replaced Gary McStay with Josh Payne moving into the centre to support Jonny McStay.

The game petered out with the Jags regretting the missed chances especially in the first half.

 

Team; Thomson, Robb (Jack),Brown, Mushett  ,Reynolds, Payne, Canning , Innes ,Reid J. McStay , G. McStay(Kelly)

Subs. not used, Duncan , Cuthbertson.

On a day when a combination of missed chances and bad luck were in the end our downfall once again the players worked hard with Liam Mushett , Mark Canning having good afternoons but Man of the Match today goes to Stewart Thomson who had some outstanding stops at crucial times and was helpless at the goal.

Most Thistle supporters feared the worst at the home of the runaway league leaders but ended up a bit disappointed with the result when you look at the ninety minutes played.

Cumbernauld video

On: By: ian

The video of yesterday’s game is available now:

 

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Larkhall Thistle 2 Cumbernauld United 1 – 10th March 2018

On: By: ian

Gasworks Park, Larkhall
Larkhall Thistle v Cumbernauld United
McBookie.com Super First Division

 

After an early pitch inspection due to the heavy rain the game went ahead as planned, however if the rain had come a couple of hours earlier it would probably have been enough to have seen the match postponed. As it was the park cut up badly and got worse as the game went on, for those of us old eough to remember Match of the Day with the likes of Derby at the Baseball Ground this was reminiscent of times gone by.

 

The game being on brought some much needed revenue for Thistle but the downside was several first team picks missing including Graham Gracie, David Reid and Craig Forbes. Josh Payne started on the bench.

 

The football itself in the first half wasn’t enough to warm up what was a decent crowd considering the conditions with neither side creating many chances. Cumbernauld went close with a long range chip and Thistle might have taken the lead just before the half hour mark but Mark Canning’s drive from the edge of the box crashed off the top corner of the woodwork. It was the kind of break Thistle had become used to getting but they say these things even themselves out and they did in the second half.

 

 

Minutes later Cumbernauld’s busy number 8 hit a good drive that Thomson got down to save but the pressure stayed on the Jags goal and it led to a Cumbernauld corner on the left. The ball was swung in to the back post and their big centre half Ross McCabe rose unchallenged to head in and give the visitors a half-time lead.

 

 

 

Half time: Larkhall Thistle 0 Cumbernauld United 1

 

The second half saw more slogging away from both sides in a game that was becoming increasingly bogged down by the weather and heavy underfoot conditions and neither team troubled the opposition goal much in the first part of it. The game was crying out for a change, Thistle’s new four at the back formation meant they were short in midfield but before the manager could make the substitution, they drew level in the 67th minute with a well constructed goal. A high ball into the box from Andy Brown was cushioned by Gary McStay and knocked down into the path of Canning who slotted it first time into the corner of the net.

 

 

Gary McStay had shown some great touches up to and including the goal and so there was surprise all round when it was him who made way for Josh Payne straight after the goal. Young Josh made an immediate impact with his pace down the left and was to have a big say in the outcome of the game.

 

Three minutes later Larkhall turned the game around altogether with what turned out to be the winning goal and this time it was down to a double slice of good fortune. Payne drove down the left and cut inside leaving the Cumbernauld defence floundering, The Cumbernauld defender swiped at his cross to try and clear but only managed to trickle the ball as far as Billy Robb. Billy’s shot was on target but took a massive deflection that lifted it up and the opposite way from where the keeper was moving giving him no chance.

 

 

The Jags players and supporters were jubillant in a way that hasn’t been seen since the St Roch’s game as a wave of relief swept around the ground, the job now was to hold the lead and see out the game for a vital win.

 

To be honest as the game went into its closing stages and the conditions got worse anything could have happened as the game descended almost into farce, the ball was sticking and players were falling over in the mud. Thistle defended well though and held out for the win that gets them back into contention for avoiding the drop.

 

Full time: Larkhall Thistle 2 Cumbernauld United 1

 

Larkhall Thistle:
Thomson; Robb (Kelly 82), Brown, Mushett, Reynolds; McKeever (Jack 88), Canning, Innes, Clarke; G McStay (Payne 67), J McStay. Subs: Doyle, Duncan (GK)

 

Booked: Johnny McStay, Mushett

 

Cumbernauld United:
Murphy; Higgins, McCabe, Murphy, Stevenson, McMenamin; Winters, McLaughlin, McCabe; Malone, Lennon

 

MoM:
It’s getting to be a familiar theme again this season but Ryan Innes was everywhere in the midfieldand did more than anybody to keep the momentum going.

 

*** Video uploading, available in the morning

 

Game on

On: By: ian

Today’s game at home to Cumbernauld is on

Kick off 2pm

 

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Sportsman dinner

On: By: hugh

The club are 140 years old this year and as part of their celebrations are holding a dinner in club lounge on Saturday 17th. March with ex Kilmarnock, Rangers, Manchester City player and now journalist, broadcaster on BBC Sport Scotland. Gordon was also Chief Executive of the S.F.A. being replaced by the recently resigned Stewart Regan. Gordon was also director of football at Rangers with Ally M cCoist as manager during the infamous Craig Whyte’s disastrous reign at Ibrox. Must be some good stories to be told.  

The other speaker on the night is ex referee and policeman John McKelvie a very hilarious speaker with many great stories from his working life. The perfect double referee/policeman !!!. John also played with Jags so knows our history.

Tickets priced £30 includes 3 course meal with choice of main course can be booked by calling Hugh Kerr on 07746875347 with numbers limited please don’t leave it too late to help the Jags raise some much needed funds and celebrate there achievement as Scotland’s oldest junior club especially with the lack of home games making the club’s financial position difficult.  

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