Life With The 'Lie

lack of updates

2005-03-26T14:31:00.000+01:00

just to offer my apologies for the lack of entries over the last few games. while i have been at the games in question (the lochee fixtures) life in between times has been taken over by the frantic combination of preparations for moving house and trying to up the ante on my sponsorship for maggies centres

needless to say we all know the scores and reports are available at www.arthurlie.com

12.03 - lochee united 1 arthurlie 1 - martin mcgarvey
19.03 - arthurlie 4 lochee united 4 - alan waddell 2, robert downs, brian mckeown
**lost 3-4 on pens

over all cant argue, we were in my own opinion the better team over the two games but we didnt take the chances and lochee did. time to pick ourselves up and move on. bring on the west!

stats section will be updated shortly.

arthurlie 2 maryhill 0 - premier league

2005-03-06T19:14:00.000+01:00

arthurlie avenged their defeat earlier in the season with a hard fought victory over maryhill at dunterlie. two goals late in the game settled the fixture with xander ryan and charlie hobbs on the scoresheet. full report to follow once i get it.

arthurlie 4 arthurlie utd 1 - friendly @ woodfarm

2005-03-03T10:35:00.000+01:00

comprehensive win over the local amateurs (featuring former 'lie star tony mccann) on the woodfarm astroturf with goals from steven brown (*trialist), martin mcgarvey, marc ross and an OG.

game was organised to help souness regain match fitness and he was fielded for 45 minutes.

two trialists on the pitch from hillwood were right back gary carroll and centre back steven brown, both of whom had solid matches.

team - sexton, carroll, travers, brown, allison (mcshane 45), ross, ryan, mcgarvey (rae 45), rhoddan (waddell 65), mckeown, hobbs (downs 65)

*thanks to ed @ arthurlie.com and downsys stalker for the game stats.

glenafton 0 arthurlie 3 - west premier 25.02.05

2005-03-03T10:30:00.000+01:00

It was a Martin McGarvey masterclass as the midfield playmaker led Arthurlie to a second consecutive 3-0 in Ayshire. Both teams came out determined to make an early impact on the scoreline and Alan Waddell had two chances which should have been converted in the opening minutes while Boyd sent an effort spinning wide. Kris Robertson produced a candidate for save of the season, palming away a Dale Beattie thunderbolt as the visitors appeared to be under the cosh.The game turned on its head with two goals in four minutes from McGarvey, who struck his first goal of the season in the 27th minute. Glens ‘keeper Gary Mathews, playing with a groin injury, fluffed a passback from Carruth, allowing Robert Downs to take possession on the bye line.

From there the goal was only a simple cutback away, allowing McGarvey to duly oblige when the ball landed at his feet twelve yards out. The second came on the half hour mark and again it was ‘Garv’ who did the damage, this time with a curling effort from twenty yards which left Mathews with no chance. As the half drew to a close Stevie Mallan went to ground contentiously under a challenge from Robertson in the ‘Lie goal, allowing referee O’Reilly to point to spot. Amid the houls of disbelief from the visiting support, Robertson picked himself up to save the spotkick from the same player ensuring a two goal advantage at the break.

Robert Downs ran the show on the right wing in the second period and was rewarded for his efforts with a well taken downward header from McGarvey’s free kick in the 66th minute, having been unlucky to see his long range lob saved earlier in the half. Charlie Hobbs entered the fray alongside Bryan Smith and the returning Derek Rhoddan, and made an impact with his running at the back line. Gary Wilson was called into action to head the ball off his goal line with Robertson beaten before the game ended with ‘Deeko’ Rhoddan blasting wide from two yards with the goal at his mercy.

Arthurlie – K Robertson, McKeown, Wilson, Jack (Smith), McShane, Ross, Ryan, McGarvey, Waddell (Hobbs), Rae, Downs (Rhoddan)

Ref - Mr Stephen O’Reilly

Goals – Martin McGarvey 27, 30 Robert Downs 66

Man of the Match – has to go to Martin, tireless in the middle, two cracking goals and the best performance he has put in all season.

kilwinning rangers 0 arthurlie 3

2005-02-22T20:51:00.000+01:00

super premier champs torn apart at abbey park with goals from mckenzie, hobbs and ryan from the spot.

full report to follow.

k robertson, mckeown, wilson, jack, mcshane, ross (c robertson), ryan, smith (mcgarvey), mckenzie (hobbs), rae, waddell
subs - rhodden, travers

arthurlie 6 thorniewood 1

2005-02-19T00:07:00.000+01:00

arthurlie strolled into the quarter final draw of the scottish junior cup with a comprehensive mauiling of lower league thorniewood at dunterlie.

i missed the game due to being in norway but the scorers (despite there being some confusion) were:

xander ryan 2, alan waddell & bryan smith in the first half and robert downs and bonner mckenzie in the second.

full report will follow and stats will be updated when i obtain them.

auchinleck talbot 1 arthurlie 0

2005-02-06T10:58:00.000+01:00

a day on and i am still totally stunned, perhaps fully unable to comment on this game without landing myself in hot water with one faction or another.

one thing goes without saying, we should have buried talbot in the first half thus negating all the final minutes equlaiser theatrics. short story is we didnt and a late penalty secured the points for talbot, hauling themselves out of the relegation zone.

the game from the outset was one which referee mr mckendrick had no control over - bookings were flashed for innocuous challenges while ludicrous tackles went unpunished (this works both ways by the way, i still don't know how aldo escaped punishment for his high tackle). while the game seemed to peter out slightly following the hospitalisation of two players, things soon returned to what would be the norm for this match.

the main talking point of course is the 'equaliser that never was'. now i for one dont dispute the goal being chalked off. having talked it over with one of the 'lie bench in the aftermath it appears that johnny did strike the ball before it went out. fair do's. what isnt fair is that the linesman (mr sandy miller for the record - no relation for the further record) waited several minutes before raising his flag for the indiscretion. it would appear he was only going to give the foul if we scored. we did, so he did.

and it was this decision, not johnny's to kick the ball that led to the melee at the end which saw martin mcgarvey, charlie hobbs and millar all sent off. one wonders what a referees supervisor would have made of it if they ever thought to send one down to beechwood.

mr mckendrick in the middle, having lost control from the outset, was in no postion to control events at the end and yet (apparently in a rare show of knowing - or not knowing - the rules) was able to decide that in all the fights, all the abuse being hurled by both benches not one auchinleck representative was guilty of anything worth so much as a booking.

now i am aware of stories circulating of events after the match but i don't wish to comment on them as events will no doubt unfold in the coming days.

all i can say is we perhaps had the better of the game, but if you dont take chances you dont win games. we had the chances. end of story.

talbot - mcintosh, henry, traynor, anderson, collins, george, latta, davidson, wallace, gilmour, slaven

subs - gilles, spence, leitch, houston, philips

lie - k robertson, mcshane, wilson , jack, c robertson, mckeown, ryan, mcgarvey, waddell (mckenzie83), rae (smith30), downs (hobbs)

*millar sent to stand

the man in black - mr john mckendrick - remember his name!

from this morning's sunday mail ....

2005-02-06T10:15:00.000+01:00

http://www.sundaymail.co.uk/sport/tm_objectid=15158974%26method=full%26siteid=86024%26headline=football%2d%2djuniors%2d%2dropey%2dref%2dfaced%2dlynch%2dmob-name_page.html

arthurlie 3 musselburgh 0

2005-01-29T21:55:00.001+01:00

3-0 in the OVD 4th today

fullreport to follow

rae 21, waddell 42, smith 79

thorniewood in the next round

arthurlie 3 musselburgh 0

2005-01-29T21:55:00.000+01:00

**full report to follow**

alan rae and martin mcgarvey led arthurlie to a comfortable victory over lothian side musselburgh as we entered the fifth round at the third time of asking. alan rae opened te scoring with a low deflected shot in 21 mins before alan waddell doubled the scoring on half time with a driven shot across the front of the helpless keeper.

with numerous chances falling to the home side, bryan smith settled the game within two minutes of entering play as a substitute with a headed goal from xander ryan's cross. jackie miles saw red for a foul which ended garv's interest in the game as the matc slipped out of the visitor's reach.

k robertson, mcshane, wilson, jack, allison, mckeown, ryan, mcgarvey(smith) waddell (hobbs), rae, downs (mckenzie)
unused - c robertson, sexton

arthurlie 3 clydebank 0

2005-01-26T22:26:00.000+01:00

friendly result as above.

goalscorers - robert downs 21, derek rhoddan 69, charlie hobbs 77

downs opened the scoring early on after his close range shot was deflected past scott mcnab, making his debut after moving between the teams last week. derek rhoddan netted his first goal in arthurlie colours in some three years when he smashed the ball home after charlie hobbs struck the underside of the crossbar and hobbs finished off the scoring in the 77th minute after deeko returned the favour, squaring the ball for an easy tap in.

team - k robertson (sexton64), mcshane, c robertson, jack, allison (mckeown68), mckeown (travers45), ryan, mcgarvey (smith45), waddell (mckenzie45), rae (rhoddan64), downs (hobbs45)

and yes sniffer did go off then return to the pitch following an injury to souness.

friendly tonight/miller moves on

2005-01-26T13:53:00.000+01:00

with the recent call offs causing a lack of football, we have arranged a game against Clydebank tonight (wednesday 26th) @ woodfarm astroturf - kick off 7.30pm.

the game gives an early return to action for the team against recently sold players Scott McNab and Ryan Scobie, so lets hope they dont make us pay.

best of luck to stevie miller who has moved on to johnstone burgh, thanks for your time @ dunterlie.

game off

2005-01-22T11:33:00.000+01:00

the match with musselburgh has been postponed once again due to the drainage issues on the pitch. next week is critical - if the games off then its three strikes and out and the game is moved to a neutral venue.

as a point of interest, pollok rejected our request to play the game there.

players move on

2005-01-19T10:20:00.000+01:00

it has been confirmed that both Scott McNab and Ryan Scobie have both signed for Clydebank as the first movements in the transfer window.

i think its safe to say that both players never really got their chance at Dunterlie - Scott having been struck by injury early in his career and Ryan having been prevented from playing by the form of the other forwards at the club.

lifewiththelie wishes Scott and Ryan all the best for their time and every sucess at Glenhead Park and in the future.

hamilton accies 5 arthurlie 0 - closed doors friendly

2005-01-10T23:57:00.000+01:00

**full report to follow**

arthurlie crashed tonight to a hamilton accies side @ new douglas park featuring a mix of first team and youth players. led by former lie star james ward, the accies side effectively controlled the ninety minutes, scoring some brilliant goals and denying the lie strikeforce when shots were rained in.

a better second half display which saw bryan smith have a header ruled out for offside and returning forward derek rhoddan linking well with steven miller was not enough to salvage anything from the game.

mark travers left the field early in the first half, being supported by billy henderson but i'm told it was a precautionary move and that the ice pack on his knee was doing its job well.

team - sexton (mcnab45), ryan, robertson, miller, allison (mcgarvey55), travers (wilson16), hobbs (rhoddan64), smith, mckenzie, rae, waddell (downs45)

unused - mcshane

hamilton accies friendly

2005-01-09T11:12:00.000+01:00

arthurlie travel to lanarkshire on monday night to take on hamilton accies for the second time this season in a friendly. kick off @ new douglas park is 7.30pm.

accies of course feature former players stevie convery and mark mclaughlin in their line up as well as jimmy mcquade and jim ward on their coaching staff - lets hope that we can show them what they've missed since leaving dunterlie!!

bellshill athletic 0 arthurlie 1 - league report

2005-01-08T19:35:00.000+01:00

On a day where the wind and rain swept junior pitches of Scotland caused wholesale postponements, Mark Travers settled a poor match at New Brandon Park with a crashing right foot shot in the second half.

Early pressure came from the home side as the wind dominated much of the proceedings and Anton Franchetti was looking dangerous through the middle, his one clear shot sailing high. Grant was played through only to be beaten to the bye line by the ball before Kris Robertson needed treatment after saving bravely at the feet of the onrushing forward. Robertson then made a terrific save, hurling himself high to his right to palm away a thunderous drive from Rennicks. Alan Rae, making his comeback after missing the last few games, then played a shaky passback leaving his ‘keeper to rush out and scramble clear from Rodden.

O’Donoghue fired high over the bar from a good position as the first half petered out with Bellshill looking the more likely to score, Arthurlie’s only chance having been spurned by Waddell.

The second period started more positively as the wind died down slightly, with Xander Ryan sending two long range efforts in on the shaky looking Lamb. Martin McGarvey saw his shot from a rebound curl over before the scoring was opened just before the hour. Gary Wilson played McGarvey through the middle, who in turn fed the ball wide to McKeown. Sniffer’s ball into the middle fell at the far post to Mark Travers who placed an unstoppable shot beyond the ‘keeper.

Ryan entered the book for a late challenge on Rodden, who subsequently left the pitch before Allison cleared off the line from a McKinnon header. Waddell was played through on the right side of the box only to hit a weak shot and was replaced soon after by McKenzie. McGarvey should have done better when he blazed over as both McKenzie and Downs were screaming for the ball on the edge of the box.

Charlie Hobbs replaced Downs for the closing seven minutes and caused problems for the defence while McKenzie saw a speculative shot from the right touchline almost fumbled into the net by Lamb. Smith came on for McKeown as the clock ran down and Arthurlie gained a valuable three points on the league

leaders.

Bellshill – Lamb, O’Neil, Rennicks, Murray, McKinnon,

Smith, O’Donoghue, Rodden, Scott, Franchetti, Grant
Subs – McDonald, Callaghan, Watson, Barr, Currie

Arthurlie – K Robertson, McKeown (Smith86), Wilson, Jack, Allison, Travers, Ryan, McGarvey, Waddell (McKenzie68), Rae, Downs (Hobbs83)
Subs – C Robertson, Miller

Scorer – Mark Travers 59
Referee – Steven O’Reilly

Man of the Match – Kris Robertson for several outstanding saves that kept us in the game and ultimately won the match.

BELLSHILL GAME IS...

2005-01-08T10:55:00.000+01:00

ON ON ON.

confirmed by both clubs - the match is on and is in no doubt.

neilston friendly announced

2004-12-24T11:44:00.000+01:00

monday 3rd january 2005 - arthurlie first foot @ brig o' lea- 1.45 kick off

arthurlie 1 troon 2 - league

2004-12-18T21:17:00.000+01:00

full report to follow

arthurlie stumbled to defeat at home to troon today in what can only be described as a dismal performance. i missed the second half (dashing off to watch thistle lose to jimmy mcquade's accies team @ firhill) but by all accounts missed nothing except for an apparent fight in at the troon dug out between fans and players.

bryan smith netted the consolation as 'lie finished the game with ten men, mark travers stretchered off with all 3 subs utilised already.

fixture 8th january/troon update

2004-12-17T11:35:00.000+01:00

08.01.05 - super premier league fixture (west)

bellshill athletic vs arthurlie

im also hearing from various sources that the arthurlie vs troon fixture tomorrow (18.12) is in doubt because of water problems on carlibar road

ovd cup draw

2004-12-14T20:44:00.000+01:00

the draw for the 4th round of the OVD cup took place this morning at the evening times offices and paired us with Musselburgh of the Lothian League Division 1 which they currently top winning a maximum 3 out of 3 matches.

cup record so far this season shows them having triumphed in both matches away from home - larkhall and vale of leven.

"musselburgh have already accounted for larkhall and vale of leven in these parts, so we'll need to be on our guard against them making it a hat trick. they were beaten quarter-finalists last season and as such deserve our utmost respect"
---Frank Lynch on the draw

other plum ties saw 97 winners pollok drawn at home to 2000 champs whitburn, SLC holders maryhill face troubled west premier champs kilwinning. neighbours neilston await the visit of remaining north representatives glentanner thistle while this weekends opponents troon host port glasgow.

cumnock 0 arthurlie 2 - league report

2004-12-12T01:28:00.000+01:00

Roadworks coming through Mauchline managed to hold up a large proportion of the visiting support for the visit to Townhead Park including your reporter who arrived just in time to see Robert Downs being denied a penalty for what looked like a blatant trip in the box. The first half saw both teams playing to their strengths, Cumnock were not a team to be lightly dismissed after their recent 6-1 win over Renfrew and Marc McShane and Steven Jack both entered the book as pressure mounted during the half. Home number 7 Walker was skating on thin ice throughout the half and was lucky not to be carded on several occasions while Cumnock’s Jack was being given a torrid time by the enigmatic Downs.

The breakthrough came four minutes before the end of the half as Alan Waddell’s trickery on the right wing saw him create space to cross the ball. Xander Ryan came ghosting into the box where he sent a glancing header into the far corner with Potter seemingly mesmerised. Before the whistle blew superb interplay from McKeown, Wilson, Travers and Ryan saw a chance created in the middle with the ball being hacked clear without the score increasing.

The second half began with Ryan striking the cross bar with a speculative ‘cross’ and Brian McKeown seeing his goalbound effort cleared from the line by Downs before the forward marked the game with a superb strike. Taking the ball from Martin McGarvey, Downs curled an exquisite shot into the net at Potter’s top right corner, leaving the Cumnock ‘keeper helpless. McShane intercepted an attack with the goal looking vulnerable before Travers played Waddell through only to see the striker’s low angled drive somehow palmed away for a corner at the last minute.

Ryan dashed in to steal the ball just outside the box and Downs’ header was blocked by the diving Potter before McKenzie replaced Waddell. Walker finally entered the book for taking out Gary Wilson with the visiting fans baying for a red card. Then, with eight minutes remaining, it was very much game on again.

Prolific front man Paul Boyle found space on the edge of the box and hit a looping effort over a stranded Kris Robertson in the ‘Lie goals. Bonner saw a low shot as Arthurlie tried to prevent a scramble at their end of the park, while Charlie Hobbs was brought on to run at the Cumnock defence and keep them occupied. Hobbs then had a superb chance to wrap up the game after being played through by a sublime chip from Ryan only to run into the ‘keeper.

Overall, a tremendous result that hoists us into second place with a game in hand over leaders Pollok. A touch disappointed at the officials, who somehow deemed it possible to be offside when in your own teams half, but couldn’t help laughing at the linesman blowing kisses to the fans shouting abuse at him at full time.

Man of the Match – Xander Ryan without a shadow of a doubt – tremendous shift over ninety minutes and a goal to boot.

Cumnock – Potter, Jack, McQuade, McGowan, Coulter, Muir, Walker, Marshall, Dempster, Boyle, McCulloch
Subs – Collins, Lynch, Black, Kerr

Arthurlie – K Robertson, McShane, Wilson, Jack, Allison, Travers, Ryan, McGarvey, Waddell(McKenzie 74), McKeown, Downs (Hobbs87)
Subs – Smith, Ross, C Robertson

Goals – Ryan41, Downs 54

arthurlie 5 drumchapel amateurs 1 - friendly @ woodfarm

2004-12-07T11:02:00.001+01:00

**thanks to frank cassidy once again for keeping me posted on this match**

arthurlie defeated drumchapel amateurs 5-1 on monday night after original opponents clydebank pulled out due to injury worries.

TEAM - Sexton, Miller, Robertson, Jack (Ryan45), McShane(Wilson45), Ross, Hobbs(Waddell60), Smith, Scobie, McKeown, McKenzie.

.GOALS - Hobbs(2), McKenzie, Smith, Wilson.

arthurlie 5 drumchapel amateurs 1 - friendly @ woodfarm

2004-12-07T11:02:00.000+01:00

arthurlie defeated drumchapel amateurs 5-1 on monday night after original opponents clydebank pulled out due to injury worries.

TEAM - Sexton, Miller, Robertson, Jack (Ryan45), McShane(Wilson45), Ross, Hobbs(Waddell60), Smith, Scobie, McKeown, McKenzie.

.GOALS - Hobbs(2), McKenzie, Smith, Wilson.

salcoats vics 0 arthurlie 2 - ovd cup round 3

2004-12-06T13:15:00.000+01:00

*thanks to frank cassidy for reporting on the match for me*

ARTHURLIE progressed to the last 32 of the OVD Scottish Cup in a match which they dominated from start to finish. First division Saltcoats Victoria had only one corner in the entire 90 minutes and only about two or three shots on target.

McKeown left two defenders helpless in the 11th minute ,then passed to Downs, who beat his marker and slipped the ball to Waddell, whose shot just went over.Stevie Jack retaliated to a challenge and was booked along with Saltcoats winger Frye after the scuffle in 18 minutes.On the 20 minute mark, Marc McShane sent in a cross/shot which almost caught out a relieved keeper, who tipped it over the bar.`Lie looked to have scored when Allison powered a Ryan corner goalwards in 32 minutes, but a defender on the line headed clear.Five minutes before the break, Downs set up Waddell, who missed the target from a position which looked easier to score.

Five minutes after the break Waddell set off on a run,leaving several defenders in his wake, but shot just over.The breakthrough came in 61 minutes with a Zander Ryan inch-perfect corner being met perfectly by McShane and we were finally on our way.Four minutes later Travers was floored by Nolan, who up till then had been the home side`s best player.He blotted his copybook, though, and referee Mr MacKay booked him, much to the disgust of the away fans, who demanded a straight red.Arthurlie then had a strong penalty claim turned down when a defender clearly hit the ball with both hands, but as often happens, a far softer claim was given in the 85th minute and Zander slotted the kick home and secured a safe passage into Round Four.

Just on full-time `Lie had a double chance, but both Bonar and Charlie missed the chance to make the final score 3-0.The draw for the 4th Round will take place in the Evening Times offices next Tuesday,December 14.Possible opponents include Pollok, Neilston, Renfrew, Glenafton, Linlithgow, Tayport and Arniston Rangers.

ARTHURLIE -K Robertson, McShane, Wilson, Jack, Allison, Travers, Ryan, McGarvey (Smith 86), Waddell (McKenzie 82), McKeown, Downs (Hobbs 86)Unused subs- Ross, Sexton(G/K)

SALTCOATS - Kennedy, Dunlop, Murray, Lynch, Wraith, Gordon, Frye, Nolan, Slythe, McClelland, Lyons. subs - Smith, Montgomery, Syme(G/K)Referee - G.MacKay. Assistant refs - C.Dundas & S.Park.

arthurlie 5 kilwinning rangers 1 - league

2004-11-30T11:51:00.000+01:00

im having a few problems accessing the site from my own computer at the moment so the full report will follow shortly as its saved on my laptop. in the meantime my report can be viewed at www.arthurlie.com

suffice to that arthurlie revenged last seasons home and away defeats with a resounding victory over reigning champions Kilwinning. alan rae opened the scoring with a powerful downward header from a corner before alan waddell played a one-two with robert downs, cutting through the buff's defence and rattling the ball home off the crossbar.

ian cashmore pulled a goal back following a sliding cross from gareth armstrong but the game was never really in doubt as currie slipped to allow robert downs the chance to fire home from ten yards. waddell netted his second within a minute, coming across the keeper to smash home a cross ball from downs and the scoring was completed by sub bryan smith who clipped the ball past wardrope from a one-on-0ne position minutes after entering the fray.

outstanding performances from several players - marc mcshane continues to go from strength to strength as each game goes by, kris robertson pulled off several crucial saves in the game, notably from a piledriver from joe geoghan at 0-0 and from an alan rae header later in the match.

team - k robertson, mcshane, wilson, jack, allison,travers, ryan, mcgarvey (smith), waddell (mckenzie), rae, downs (scobie)
unused - c robertson, mckeown

update

2004-11-20T13:14:00.000+01:00

**CUMNOCK GAME OFF**

scott mcnab made his comeback last monday night in a friendly against largs thistle playing as a second half sub. 2-2 draw - mckenzie and ?? on the scoresheet

largs result/ashfield charity game

2004-11-17T20:07:00.001+01:00

arthurlie 2 largs thistle 2 - friendly @ eastwood astroturf (cheers to buffer)

details sketchy but plus points - second half for scott mcnab and another goal for bonner

21.11.04 - for those not wanting to travel through to watch downsy play for scotland in camelon, i'd recommend taking in glenafton vs ashfield in a charity match for the saracen park side after their ground was victim to an arson attack. tickets available if you contact our very own frank cassidy.

largs result/ashfield charity game

2004-11-17T20:07:00.000+01:00

arthurlie 4 johnstone burgh 1 - league report

2004-11-14T14:55:00.000+01:00

Arthurlie stormed to a second consecutive 4-1 victory, albeit following an early scare from the visitors. Early pressure was with Burgh who seemed determined to make up for their OVD exit the week before at our neighbours Neilston and only a defensive scramble kept us from going a goal down. Alan Waddell showed the confidence he is developing from recent strikes only to see his shot saved well at the near post by Donohoe. Mark Travers fluffed a chance from a Ryan header before Marc McShane headed narrowly over and then entered the book for a needless kick. 17minutes in and Burgh took the lead with former ‘Lie player Gary Madden doing the damage. Burgh earned a free kick on the right side of the ‘D’ and Madders stepped up to curl the ball past Robertson.

Arthurlie began to apply pressure and only a brave dive at the feet of McGarvey from Donohoe prevented the midfielder netting. Zander put in a perfectly timed tackle to prevent the score deteriorating before both Downs and Waddell had chances to net. Mark Travers continued his goal scoring form (that’s two in three games now) with a scorching strike from the right hand side leaving Donohoe with no chance of saving and already we had two contenders for goal of the month.

The cards were flashing with Madden and Creaney entering the book. Both Xander and Gary Wilson saw shots flashing so high they would have been better suited to McDiarmid Park before the former netted the goal that would put as ahead at the interval. Robert Downs played the ball into the box and Ryan tucked it away with a deft lob off the outside of his right foot.

The second half opened with Waddell turning over a McShane header that looked as if it was troubling Donohoe before Rae entered the book and McShane was lucky to remain on the pitch after another none too subtle foul. Waddell had the ball in the net with a curling shot from the edge of the box but was penalised for a foul only the referee spotted. Travers was booked although the resultant free kick caused no danger. McGarvey missed a good chance before Ross replaced Travers and a minute later Downs put the game beyond Burgh’s reach with a well placed shot from Waddell’s pass. Waddell was withdrawn to allow the ‘dream team’ of McKenzie and Downs to be reunited and the sub netted a superb goal to make it four.

With thirteen minutes remaining the sub burst into the box on the right side and drove the ball across the helpless keeper to net the final goal of the match. Kris Robertson pulled off a stunning double save from Sherry and Carberry and again from the latter a few minutes later to maintain the three goal lead before Rae struck the post and Stuart Allison’s dive header struck the bar. ‘Souness’ was withdrawn with an injury at this stage leaving the game to peter out with ten blue and white shirts on the field.

‘Lie – Robertson, McShane, Wilson, Jack, Allison, Travers (Ross65), Ryan, McGarvey (Smith 78), Waddell (McKenzie68), Rae, Downs
Subs – Scobie, Miller

Burgh – Donohoe, Wozencroft, Madden, B Smith, McHugh, McShane, Carberry, Taggart, Sherry, Creaney, Friels
Subs – A Smith, McLaren, McKelvie, Graham, Traynor (GK)

Ref – John McKendrick
Goals – Travers27, Ryan41, Downs66, McKenzie77 – Madden17

OVD CUP Draw

2004-11-14T13:32:00.000+01:00

3rd round draw at the Arthurlie Social Club pits us against ayshire side Saltcoats away from home.
tie to be played on 04.12.04

downsy

2004-11-12T11:36:00.000+01:00

congrats to robert downs for making the scotland junior squad for the game on 21 november - a richly deserved selection for one of the hardest working and most skillful players in our squad.

re: tonights barrhead news

2004-11-10T20:13:00.000+01:00

im pissing myself laughing.

arthurlie 4 kilsyth1/OVD draw news

2004-11-08T11:46:00.000+01:00

arthurlie triumphed 4-1 over kilsyth on saturday in the OVD second round, despite going a goal down in the early minutes. alan waddell levelled the scores before goals in the minutes either side of half time from xander ryan and waddell pushed the game out of the visitors reach. robert downs capped the game off with a superb goal to open his account for the season.
**full report to follow**

the draw for the third round of the cup takes place at our very own social club next sunday, 14th november, at 1pm. lets hope for a home tie.

troon 0 arthurlie 2 - league REPORT

2004-10-31T13:47:00.000+01:00

Arthurlie scraped through a shaky encounter at Portland Park to gain three points as the majority of the league leaders slipped up. The early action saw Alan Waddell in the thick of things, volleying wide from a good position before he opened the scoring in the fourth minute, sliding in to fire home a low Charlie Hobbs cross from the right side. A minute later a carbon copy chance saw the ball hit the side netting. Alan Rae saw his 20yard effort superbly palmed away by Strain before Chris Strain and Duffy of the home side were lucky not to be booked as they raised their hands to each other.

With Frank Lynch clearly unhappy on the touchline at the amount of space being afforded to the Troon forwards, Strain and Turner both had chances to level the scores. Brian McKeown had been taking the brunt of several challenges from the home team and it was no real suprose when he was eventually withdrawn, suffering from a cut above the left eye and a right toe injury, Mark Travers taking his place on the pitch. As half time approached, the petulant nature of the game was emphasised as both McGarvey and Rae entered the book for dissent.

Early in the second period, Alan McTurk saw an overhead kick narrowly miss before Travers saw his volley well saved by Adam Strain. Hobbs went on a trademark jinking run through the defence before slipping on the edge of the box. Troon’s task was made all the more difficult as Jamie Moan was dismissed for throwing a punch at the back of Gary Wilson off the ball but, as is often the case, the ten men rallied and a series of free headers close in were reason for concern for Lynch and Millar on the touchline.

Alan McTurk was looking dangerous and it became clear that a second goal would be needed to kill this game before Adam Strain was lucky only to be booked for raising his hands to Charlie Hobbs who also saw yellow. Marc McShane was unlucky to see two headers fly narrowly over the bar before Steven Jack made an outstanding block at the feet of the onrushing Davidson. McKenzie replaced Waddell and looked eager to score, but it was another sub, Robert Downs, who eventually made the decisive goal. His superb close control on the right hand side saw him slide the ball across the empty goalmouth where a delighted Mark Travers slammed the ball home.

Troon – A Strain, Graham, McKechnie, Stewart, Watson, Turner, C Strain, Duffy, McTurk, Davidson, Moan
Subs – Houston, Chapman, Connie, B Strain, Elliot

Arthurlie – K Robertson, McShane, Wilson, Jack, Allison, McKeown (Travers), Ryan, McGarvey, Waddell (McKenzie), Rae, Hobbs (Downs)
Subs – Smith, Miller

Referee – Mr Graham (Kilmarnock)
Goals – Waddell 4, Travers 86

rumours?

2004-10-30T17:23:00.000+01:00

sources suggest today that one of our players is putting in a transfer request this week. obviously i know the name of this player, but i feel it would be unethicical to print it at this stage. it shouldnt be too difficult to work out, but im not printing the name until more is said by the club or the player.

troon 0 arthurlie 2 - league

2004-10-30T17:20:00.000+01:00

Arthurlie triumphed at Portland Park today, despite a rather shaky second half performance, with goals in either half from Alan Waddell and Mark Travers. Full report to follow tomorrow morning when I’m back from my night out. Early goal from Waddell, who turned in a low cross from Charlie Hobbs and a late strike from Mark Travers, opening his account for the season, with a close range finish after excellent work from Robert Downs on the right side. Jamie Moan of Troon sent off for throwing a punch (or an ‘innocuous push © westsound radio) at Gary Wilson in the second half making his team face an uphill struggle for the remainder of the game.

Worryingly there were a number of free headers for the Troon front line, with Alan McTurk going close on a number of occasions, something which will have to be looked at as a better team would have punished us. As it turned out with all the top teams dropping points, its been a good day for the ‘lie.

Lie – Robertson, McShane, Wilson, Jack, Allison, McKeown (Travers), Ryan, McGarvey, Waddell (McKenzie), Rae, Hobbs (Downs)

half yearly meeting

2004-10-29T21:11:00.000+01:00

last nights half yearly meeting brought out a few interesting points:

Dunterlie has been confirmed as a venue for next year's guiness quadrangular tournament

the buy a brick scheme is aimed at coming into effect come christmas/new year

from Frank Lynch

on last season - immensely proud of the team last season for their finish in the league but you dont get any prizes for finishing second

on the coming season - if we can keep this squad i'll be happy with the squad this year...not to say we won't add if the right guy comes along

on the players

Robert Downs - 10-15% away from full fitness, needs a confidence boost as he is not hitting the net at the moment

Mark Travers - having spent 3days in hospital with a brain problem, Mark has a lot of fighting to do to get back to his former self footballing wise.

Colin Robertson - has had his opportunity but has not played to his potential in the last two years. he will need to bide his time and take the chance if and when it comes.

Ryan Scobie - the harsh reality is he has probably been treated a bit unfairly as a manager goes with what he is familiar with when things are difficult. ryan has also been suffering from a few injuries in the last few weeks and has been unable to train on occasions.

Martin McGarvey - unable to train on thursdays because of his injury but probably still one of the fittest players in the squad - working hard to bring himself back to his previous self.

the financial details for the six month period to september 04 - over all our position seems to be stronger - will comment further over the weekend.

arthurlie 4 glasgow perthshire 0 - west r2 - REPORT

2004-10-24T14:14:00.000+01:00
**thanks to frank cassidy and ed macdonald @ www.arthurlie.com for providing this report in my absence**

Arthurlie marched into the 3rd round after a display of relentless attacking produced 4 goals and were it not for a superb display from visiting keeper Johnstone it could have been much more.

As early of three minutes the omens did not look good for 'shire when Robert Downs hit a low shot past Johnstone who was relieved to see the linesman's flag for another 'lie attacker in an offside position. To their credit the visitors posted notice that they were not here to make up the numbers when McPhee cut in from the right wing and cracked a shot off the bar. Arthurie replied in kind and a fantastic turn in the box by Downs created space and he flashed a shot off the shire bar, the ball broke to Zander Ryan who fizzed a 22 yarder just over. Just before the half hour Ryan called the keeper into action when his long range shot took a deflection and was well held, less than a minute later Alan Rae saw his similar effort parried round the post.

The inevitable came on 30 mins when Bryan Smith was felled in the box and Charlie Hobbs smashed the resultant penalty high past Johnstone. Robert Downs could easily have had a first half hat trick and he was denied again 5 minutes before the break when his well placed header was kicked off the line.

The second half saw the same pattern with Arthurlie creating lots of chances but not being able to get the crucial second goal and with only one goal in it the visitors were still in this tie. A big moment in the game came on 54 minutes when Shire substitute Donnelly was through on Kris Robertson who produced a fine save to keep Arthurlie in the lead. Downs then continued his personal battle with Johnstone on the hour when he latched onto a super Wilson cross and his shot had goal written all over it but the keeper produced a fine one handed save.

A double substitution followed with Waddell and McKenzie replacing Downs and Hobbs and this had a positive effect on the match as Alan Waddell posted notice when he hit the post on 65 minutes and followed this up by scoring the second goal five minutes later when he was first to react in the six yard box and fire home.
Robert came up against and inspired keeper

Steven Miller had replaced Bryan Smith and he wasted no time in getting in on the act when he knocked in a low shot from a McKenzie pass to make it 3-0 on 77 minutes, the same two combined with 5 minutes remaining and Miller again gave the keeper no chance with a clinical finish.

Arthurlie - Robertson, McShane, Wilson, Jack, Allison, McGarvey, Ryan, Smith (Miller 70) , Downs (Waddell 60), Rae, Hobbs (McKenzie 60)

Glasgow Perthshire - Johnstone, Reid, Paterson, Jones, Heron, Marcus, McPhee, Haggerty, Matheison, Cunningham, May Subs Cox, McLaughlin, Scally, Donnelly, Bell

Referee Alan Boyd

arthurlie 4 glasgow perthshire 0 - west r2

2004-10-23T19:10:00.000+01:00
scorers - charlie hobbs (pen), steven miller 2, david mckenzie

friendly result - arthurlie 9 petershill 3 @ woodfarm

scorers - david mckenzie 3, alan waddell 3, bryan smith, steven miller & ??

details to follow as im currently in london skiving.

arthurlie 3 auchinleck talbot 1 - premier league

2004-10-16T20:10:00.000+01:00
Arthurlie clinched only their second win of the season with a hard fought victory over Auchinleck Talbot. All the action came in the final minutes of the first half and the opening ten of the second as the ‘Lie pulled themselves back from a goal down to win the game. Early action saw the visitors pressing and Kris Robertson was lucky not to be punished as he fresh air kicked on the edge of the box before Steven Jack cut out a through ball. Xander Ryan had a long range effort blocked on the edge of the box before seeing his angled header somehow turned away by the acrobatic McIntosh. Neil Gilmour fired wide from a lay off at a free kick and a slip from McShane and Jack let Steven Reid in to try and round Robertson, the keeper bravely blocking the shot at the striker’s feet.

Reid again found space moments later but fired wide while Derek Anderson entered the referee’s book for a needless late challenge on Charlie Hobbs on the Carlibar Road side. Robert Downs somehow saw his shot turned wide of goal with the home fans celebrating the opening strike. Reid again was in the thick of the action as Robertson hit a clearance straight off him but then caught the tame header which followed. With half time approaching the game suddenly sprang into life. With the home team claiming a free kick for a foul on Hobbs, the ball found its way to Steven Reid who this time made no mistake with a low shot driven beyond Robertson. Just minutes later Brian McKeown levelled the scoreline with a shot high into the net from 12yards as the home fans claimed a penalty kick. Charlie Hobbs was then lucky to stay on the pitch after reacting badly to a challenge from Anderson.

The second half started with a quick double whammy for Talbot, sparing Martin McGarvey’s blushes as he somehow tucked Hobbs’ cross wide of a gaping target from six yards. On 49mins Hobbs netted a sublime volley from a suspiciously offside position inside the box, tucking away a looping first time effort over the stranded McIntosh and a minute later Gary Wilson put the game all but out of reach fro the visitors. A free kick was awarded for a foul tight on the left hand touchline and McIntosh seemed to be caught out of position as the ball swung beyond him and into the net.

Arthurlie continued to press and the inrushing Downs was unlucky not to connect with Hobbs’ cross and Ryan saw his 20yard drive palmed away and cleared by the defence. Alan Rae made his return to the team after holidays replacing Smith at the same time as Downs made way for Bonner McKenzie. Talbot similarly made a flurry of substitutions to no avail and Xander Ryan saw another long range effort blocked. Steven Miller entered play to replace McKeown in the middle of the park before Talbot were reduced to ten men in stoppage time, Neil Gilmour foolishly earning a suspension for a straight red card, as he kicked out at Marc McShane as he shepherded the ball out of play.

Arthurlie - K Robertson, McShane, Wilson, Jack, Allison, McGarvey, Ryan, Smith (Rae63), Downs (McKenzie63), McKeown (Miller75), Hobbs
Subs - Travers, Waddell

Auchinleck - McIntosh, Todd (George81), McVey, Anderson, Collins, Slavin, Latta, Gilles, Gilmour, Reid (Kerr74), Gilmour, Gallagher (Wallace70)

Goals - McKeown 44, Hobbs 49, Wilson 50 - Reid 42
Referee - Mr Ramzan Bashir

ovd cup draw

2004-10-10T19:52:00.000+01:00
OVD cup 2nd round draw

arthurlie vs kilsyth rangers
6th november 2004

pollok 0 arthurlie 0 - premier league

2004-10-09T19:38:00.000+01:00
With the kick off time dominating the pre-match discussions Arthurlie came into this game determined to come away with victory. The opening ten minutes were dominated by the visitors with Downs, Ross and Waddell all coming close to opening the scoring. Frank Haggarty and Martin McLauchlan in the meantime saw efforts flash over the bar. Gavin Friels was proving a handful on the right wing and he rounded Robertson only to see his square ball cleared. Waddell played Downs through but the striker couldn’t convert the chance despite twisting and turning on the edge of the box. Friels then sliced through the defence and cut in from the right to shoot beyond Robertson, with the home fans celebrating the opener the ball rebounded off the inside of the far post and into the grateful arms of the ‘keeper. Minutes later Haggarty entered the book for a late foul on Ross.

Ian Wilson escaped without a caution despite handling outside of the box and the resultant free kick eventually saw Xander Ryan’s thundering angled shot deflected onto the crossbar. Marc McShane headed narrowly wide before the same player was caught out of position and needed Stuart Allison to rescue him with a well-timed clearance. Robert Downs was lucky to stay on the pitch as he was booked for a challenge in front of the incensed Pollok fans and he was joined in the book minutes later for a scything tackle. Ross played Waddell in on the edge of the box as half time approached but his shot on the turn was easily fielded by Wilson.

The second half started with a worry for the ‘Lie fans as Robertson went down following a challenge with Logan before Martin McGarvey made his return to the team replacing Bryan Smith. Andy McClay somehow avoided a yellow card for his professional foul on Garv minutes later as Tinney and Waddell were booked for arguing and Charlie Hobbs entered the fray in place of Waddell. Hobbs, just as last week, made an immediate contribution, terrorising the defenders on both wings and McGarvey’s shot was well saved.

Gary Wilson produced an excellent tackle in the box to deny Friels once again as McKenzie replaced Downs with a quarter of an hour remaining. Pollok made a double change – Proctor and Gibson on for Haggarty and Tinney – as Stuart Allison made a diving clearance from Friels on the line. Xander Ryan had the best chance of the match late on as McKenzie’s shot deflected to him 12yards out but he dragged his shot wide of the far post with Wilson beaten. McClay and Ryan entered the book for raising their hands before the former deflected the ball towards his own goal forcing Wilson into a spectacular reflex save.

Man of the Match – unquestionably Kris Robertson – superb throughout!

Pollok – Wilson, Sweeney, McKeever, Aitchison, Heaton, McClay, Haggarty (Gibson), Logan, McLauchlan, Friels, Tinney (Proctor)
Subs – Nelson, Stewart, Burns (gk)

Arthurlie – K Robertson, McShane, Wilson, Jack, Allison, Ross, Ryan, Smith (McGarvey51), Downs (McKenzie76), McKeown, Waddell (Hobbs59)
Subs – Travers, Miller

Ref – Mr Steven Reilly

pollok kick off/half yearly meeting

2004-10-05T09:58:00.000+01:00
please note that the game @ newlands this saturday is a 3PM KICK OFF. my sources tell me this is because frank lynch declined a 1pm kick off when it was suggested by pollok. we now go head to head with scotland vs norway @ hampden.

the clubs half yearly meeting is on thursday night - 7pm @ the social club - season ticket holders come along and have your say.

next match

2004-10-03T13:05:00.000+01:00
pollok @ newlandsfield - 1pm on sat 9th october

PLEASE NOTE THE EARLY KICK OFF TIME

maryhill 2 arthurlie 1 - premier league

2004-10-02T19:40:00.000+01:00

With all the furore around Frank Lynch’s position at the club in the last fortnight, it had perhaps been forgotten that we had a crucial league match to play at Lochburn Park this week. With ninety minutes played, Arthurlie undoubtedly had played the better football and yet came away with nothing from the match. To quote one of the Maryhill committee after the game, the home side committed ‘daylight robbery’ after Bryan Dingwall smashed home a loose ball in the final minute.

The match started brightly with chances for Gary Wilson who flashed his shot wide and Robert Downs who saw his shot saved after being one on one with Scott Black. Dingwall saw his early effort sail over before the visitors took control of the game. Alan Waddell had a flurry of chances with Black up to the task of stopping them when on target before Wilson entered the book for hauling down the speedy Dingwall. Downs was felled on the edge of the box and Stephen Miller saw the resultant free kick parried away before Brian Watret finished a rare Maryhill attack with a drive held comfortably by Kris Robertson. As half time aproached, Miller saw a 30yard free kick fly narrowly wide and the home team’s Hughes and Murray entered the book for foolish fouls.

Arthurlie continued to dominate into the second half with chances falling to Waddell, Wilson and Miller who hit the bar from a corner kick. Miller seemed most capable of doing damage from his inswinging free kicks but no one managed to convert them before substitute Charlie Hobbs, on for Waddell, showed great touch on the wing before driving the ball into the box. In the resultant melee the ball fell to Bryan Smith who poked the ball goalwards and eventually saw the ball hit the net via two home defenders.

A minute later, however, the ball was in the Arthurlie net with Brian Watret left free to power a header across Robertson and into the net. Martin McGarvey and Bonnar McKenzie replaced Smith and Ross respectively as Hobbs went within an inch of netting from a precision ball through from McKenzie. As the ‘lie chased victory a breakaway saw Maryhill win a corner in the closing minutes. Marc McShane failed to clear properly and the ball squirmed through Robertson’s arms leaving Dingwall with the easiest of finishes for his eleventh goal of the season.
Man of the Match – harsh result for Arthurlie today with outstanding performances all round. Jointly awarded to Robert Downs and Marc McShane, the latter having a superb game despite the slip at the end.

Maryhill – Black, Gallagher, Baker, Miller, Cocozza, Jones, McGuiness, Dingwall, Watret, Hughes
Subs – Giles, Johnston, Porter, Fisher, Wilson

‘Lie – K Robertson, McShane, Wilson, Jack, Allison, Ross (McGarvey81), Miller, Smith (McKenzie84), Downs, McKeown, Waddell (Hobbs70)
Subs - Ryan, Scobie

Goals – Brian Watret 79, Brian Dingwall 88 – Bryan Smith 78
Ref – Mr Anthony Law

west and central league cup draws

2004-10-01T02:21:00.000+01:00
the draws for these competitions were made at hampden last night (30/9) with our games being :

WEST R2 - glasgow perthshire (h) 23 october @ 2.30pm
CLC R2 - shotts bon accord (a) - no date announced

(we have a bye in round one)

management return

2004-09-24T13:16:00.000+01:00
the evening times today quotes frank lynch as saying that he has returned to the club (having never actually left as the committee did not accept his resignation) along with his management team of millar, mccoll and henderson.

frank has undoubtably strengthened his position at the club in the last week as it seems indicative that the club does not want to lose him despite a poor start to the season. we can only hope that this motivates the players to continue their recent resurgence.

frank to return?

2004-09-22T22:07:00.000+01:00
tonights evening times reports that the meeting held last night between frank lynch and club president arthur mcgettigan has broken down the barriers between the two and could lead to our management team being reinstated at a committee meeting tomorrow night.

update

2004-09-20T21:38:00.000+01:00
a meeting took place tonight between arthur mcgettigan, committee members and players. club president mcgettigan held talks on his own with the players who indicated that they all 100% behind the management. frank lynch had earlier spoken to the players but left before the committee meeting took place. a further meeting is scheduled for tomorrow.

management update

2004-09-20T10:28:00.000+01:00
**from the sun**

this mornings reports have confirmed that frank took the decision to resign following a heated argument with club president arthur mcgettigan at friday night's commitee meeting.

it was one of the hardest things i've ever had to do, seeing the boys come in on a brilliant high after winning at glenafton then sitting them down and telling them i was resigning.

but i felt i was left with no option - there was an attack on my personality, my character was called into question over something that was nothing to do with football and we had a difference of opinion over it.

things had not been right for a while but it all came to a head on friday night

frank is clearly disappointed with having to make this decision but it is difficult to make any informed judgement without hearing both sides of the story. what i will say is that surely questions must be asked if he was pushed into this decision by something other than the results of the team.

opinion

2004-09-19T13:07:00.000+01:00
The resignation last night of Frank Lynch and his assistants came as something of a shock to most Arthurlie fans in the aftermath of yesterday’s cup win at Glenafton. Most knew that Lynch’s position at the club could be described as tenuous following a poor start to the season but it was widely believed that there were a few games left for the team to turn the season around.

Yesterday’s victory marked a change in direction for the team as they produced the best performance of the season to date and yet, in the immediate aftermath of the game, an announcement is made that the management have chosen to step down. Questions are raised as to whether they jumped before they were pushed or whether it was simply the case that Frank and Johnny felt that they have taken the club as far as is possible in their five years at the helm.

With a committee meeting having been held on the Friday night preceding the Glenafton match it seems that discussion must have taken place there, indeed there were rumours during the match yesterday that a committee announcement would be made following the match, few put two and two together to think that this would be the likely outcome. It seems sad that indications may suggest Frank will leave the club under a cloud, for whatever has been said in the past, he has served the club well both as a player and as manager, and does not deserve to lose his position for anything other than poor results.

Indications this morning are that the players are one hundred per cent behind the management and there are hopes that Frank, Johnny and Raymond will return to their positions. Whether this unfolds or not we will have to wait and see.

As it stands the old adage goes ‘results get the manager the sack’ but it seems that Frank has lost his job just when things were turning around.

whatever the outcome is, i am sure all arthurlie fans will want to join me in thanking Frank, Johnny and Raymond for their contributions to the team in the last fifteen years.

Management Resign

2004-09-18T19:55:00.000+01:00
Frank Lynch, Johnny Millar and Raymond McColl have resigned as the management team of Arthurlie tonight in a move seemingly planned before todays match. more to follow.

player update

2004-09-18T18:43:00.000+01:00
scott mcnab - has torn his right posterior cruciate ligament, as confirmed by a scan in the last ten days. he's hopeful to be back training in a few months with lots of rehab ahead of him. naturally, we wish scott all the best for a quick recovery

xander ryan missed todays game as he was at a wedding

mark travers has a groin strain picked up in the hillwood friendly 12 dys ago and returns to training on monday

colin robertson has been given a three match ban for his pre-season sending off at largs, it starts this monday

glenafton 1 arthurlie 2 - WOS round 1

2004-09-18T18:39:00.000+01:00
Arthurlie responded to recent criticisms of the team with a storming victory at Loch Park, an own goal eventually settling the outcome for the second week in succession. The match started brightly with an early chance for Alan Waddell who should have done better as he struck the ball into the side netting. Robert Downs saw his long range effort curl into the arms of Gary Mathews before Stephen Mallan placed a free header over the bar. Arthurlie gave an early indication of their supply route as Downs and Brian McKeown cut through the defence with the latter halted on the edge of the box.

Steven Jack entered the book for what appeared to be dissent before Mallan escaped a caution for scything down Marc Ross on the touchline. Stewart was booked as he came in late on a turning Downs as was Waddell for a two footed lunge after losing control of the ball. The opening goal came slightly against the run of play as Arthurlie utilised having the wind at their backs. Brian McKeown timed his run perfectly to latch onto a long ball and placed a first touch lob looping over Mathews and under the cross bar. Half time came with Miller replacing Ross a minute before the whistle with the former suffering an ankle knock.

The second half saw the home side capitalising on the wind advantage to hem Arthurlie into their own box before Downs broke away to fire high from the left side of the box. Robertson replaced Bingham for Glenafton as Wilson’s cross was gathered on the ground by the ‘keeper. Dale Beattie then made the pressure count as he towered to head beyond Kris Robertson and level the scores. Arthurlie retook the lead on 66mins, Robert Downs producing some marvellous play on the left to cross the ball low into a group of players. Home defender Dougie Johnstone seemed to get the final touch as the ball crossed the line.

Hobbs replaced Waddell as Glenafton chased a second equaliser and Downs had two chances to net, both flying wide of target. Mallan entered the book for diving in the box, much to the dismay of the home fans screaming for a penalty before Beattie sent a thirty yard free kick low and wide of target. The game closed as Glenafton pushed forward as Bonnar McKenzie entered the fray in the place of the weary Downs and the Arthurlie defence held tight in the blustery conditions.

Man of the Match – tough call but Robert Downs, a superb return to form and unlucky not to cap the performance with a goal

Glens – Mathews, Bingham (Robertson), Stewart, Hogg, Johnstone, Callaghan (Keegans), McBride, Beattie, Boyd, Mallan, Newall
Subs – Carruth, Agnew, Kennedy

‘Lie – K Robertson, McShane, Wilson, Jack, Allison, Ross (Miller45+), McKeown, Smith, Downs (McKenzie86), Rae, Waddell (Hobbs 70)
Subs – McGarvey, Sexton

scorers - Beattie - McKeown39, Johnstone OG 66

arthurlie 1 bellshill 0

2004-09-12T11:45:00.000+01:00
Not for the first time this season the match officials dominated the proceedings as Arthurlie claimed their first three points of the season against Bellshill. The visitors saw two players sent off Derek Roddan and John Fallon, both who whom saw red ten days ago against Maryhill, and conceded an own goal which ultimately decided the match.

The game started in lively fashion with Bellshill coach Rab McKinnon curling a free kick off the cross bar with Kris Robertson clutching the rebound to his chest. Fallon then put his own keeper in jeopardy with a passback but Smith was flagged offside as he went for the loose ball. Xander Ryan saw his corner cleared from the line before McKinnon saw another free kick from the right saved by Robertson. Both sides saw efforts from their midfield flash over, Smith for Arthurlie with a long range effort and Markey for ‘hill as he cut across the front of goal. The half ended in controversy with Fallon being red carded. Robertson came out for the ball on the edge of his box and in the ensuing melee The visiting No7 clearly raised his hands with Marc McShane falling to the ground.

The second half saw the returning Alan Waddell somehow screw the ball wide from six yards and Robertson showed superb reflexes to turn away a goalbound effort. Hobbs replaced Colin Robertson as Marc Ross and Derek Roddan both entered the referee’s book, the latter for sending Bryan Smith spinning into the advertising boards. With Tommy Coyne about to sub his volatile No8, Roddan dived into another tackle and was promptly sent from the field. Waddell continued to have chances, by his own admission he had a poor game, but really should have converted as he ran straight through on goal only to hit a weak effort. McShane cleared the ball off the line, and was booked soon after for handball before the decisive goal came, the ball looping in off a Bellshill player for an own goal, despite Hobbs’ attempts to claim the strike.

Murray of Bellshill was lucky not to be carded for attempting to shove Ross off the pitch as he lay injured, indeed he went as far as to throw Billy Henderson’s bag towards the side and yet the referee refused to take action. The game closed with Kris Robertson superbly saving from a swerving Richie Barr shot from ten yards.

‘Lie – K Robertson, McKeown (McGarvey68), C Robertson (Hobbs58), Jack, McShane, Ross, Ryan, Smith, Downs, Rae, Waddell (Scobie75)
Subs – Wilson, Miller

Bellshill – McFarlane, Rennicks, O’Neil, McKinnon, Murray, McGuiness, Fallon, Rodden, Franchetti, O’Donoghue, Markey (Barr68)
Subs – Currie, Gallacher, A Smith (gk)

Goal – OG 72

OVD Cup Draw

2004-09-07T19:43:00.000+01:00
we have been given a bye in the first round of the OVD this year.

john bradley

2004-09-07T19:38:00.000+01:00
currently training with us

John Bradley - DOB 15.09.84 (Paisley)
Midfielder

Previous -
Barrhead Boys Club
Dundee (S Form in June 2001 - released in mass cull of players 2002)

new player and updates

2004-09-06T21:05:00.000+01:00
tonights no17 was John Bradley - previously of Dundee and Barrhead Boys Club - he came on at half time to move into the midfield and is currently training with us. more to follow.

almost as good as a new signing - WELCOME BACK MARTIN MCGARVEY
who got a full 90mins under his belt tonight

Speaking to Alan Waddell tonight, he is hopeful he will make this weekend's game against Bellshill. David McKenzie, on the other hand expects to be out for 2 weeks.

Scott McNab has a further scan this wednesday and hopes to know the results the following week

arthurlie 1 hillwood 1

2004-09-06T20:31:00.000+01:00
An early midweek friendly match saw Arthurlie stumble to a draw with under 21 side Hillwood. Charlie Hobbs saw some early runs intercepted before the ‘Lie fell behind to a penalty kick converted by seventeen year old Paul Cairney who neatly sent Sexton the wrong way. Ryan Scobie twisted and turned on the bye line to send the ball across the face of goal where Brian McKeown wasted the chance to level by blazing the ball high over the bar. Colin Robertson was an early replacement for Mark Travers while Alan Rae saw his dive header flash wide of the mark.

Half time saw wholesale replacements with Ross, Smith, Ryan and new boy John Bradley enter the fray for Wilson, Rae, Miller and Jack. Hobbs made a few runs down the wing but to now avail, his frustration clearly showing with no one in the box to keep up with him. Scobie’s drive from the right was palmed away before Bryan Smith netted from close range, hammering the ball high into the net to level the scores. Two Hillwood representatives in the dug out were sent to the stand seemingly for sarcastically applauding an offside call and they were joined by Hobbs who went in late on a Hillwood defender and then shoved him to the ground. Hillwood’s #9 (apologies no other team details were available) saw his low drive from 20 yards superbly saved by Sexton low to his right. Late pressure saw a number of chances for the home side, a draw, however, could have been said to flatter us.

‘Lie – Sexton, McKeown, Travers (Robertson26), Jack (Ryan45), McShane, Wilson (Ross45), Miller (Bradley45), McGarvey, Scobie, Rae (Smith45), Hobbs

Goals – Bryan Smith 62 – Paul Cairney 8(pen)

New Signing! and Player Update

2004-09-04T18:44:00.000+01:00
i'd like to take this chance to welcome new signing Kris Robertson to the fold after he signed on the dotted line last night. his stats can be found by clicking on the post titled 'Kris Robertson' on the left hand margin or scrolling down the page.

kris had an excellent debut today, despite the defeat - neither of the goals could be blamed on him. he looked disconsolate at full time but as i said to you then kris - head up and focus on next week!

David McKenzie - Bonnar looks like being absent for a few games after getting 24 stitches in his right arm. word is he went through a window at the same pace he tears through the pollok defence.

Alan Waddell - still a fortnight away from fitness

larkhall 2 arthurlie 0

2004-09-04T18:11:00.000+01:00
Arthurlie travelled to Gasworks Park knowing they needed a result yet came away with nothing leaving us rooted firmly at the bottom of the Super Premier. On a day which saw Robert Downs make his first start of the season and new signing Kris Robertson making his debut in goals there were high hopes that we could turn around last week’s performance.

Early pressure saw Alan Rae fire the ball high over the bar from 20yards before the ‘Lie had a good shout for a penalty turned down as the Larkhall defender seemed to push Marc Ross’s flick away with both hands. Ryan Scobie saw his swirling cross cleared and Bryan Smith scooped the ball wide from six yards. At this point the tide seemed to turn towards the home team. Thistle’s number 2 was lucky not to be booked for a challenge on Ross while Robertson could only look on helplessly as McFarlane’s bicycle kick flew past the post. Watson then drove the ball across goal with the keeper turning it wide for a corner. Alan McFadden then saw his shot fly over as the half time whistle came with the game not yet having seen a goal.

The second half kicked off with Ryan crossing for Scobie to head tamely into the arms of Derek Barnes and Robertson diving bravely at the feet of the incoming striker to smother the ball. Our best chance of the match fell to Xander Ryan who forced his way to the bye line and fired a shot in which was initially blocked and then held by Barnes. Scobie and Smillie were both booked in the same incident with the ‘Lie striker foolishly having raised his hands and Downs squared the ball across the goal-line with no takers for the opening goal. Williamson was caught on his weaker foot with a clear shot at goal and blasted wide.

The deadlock was broken and the game was subsequently killed off in the space of three minutes. On 65mins a mix up between Brian McKeown, playing in the unfamiliar left back role, and Steven Jack saw Alan McFadden slot the ball low past Robertson. Three minutes later and the lead was doubled as the same flank was exposed. McFadden got in behind the defence and with Robertson closing down the angle squared for McFarlane to fire the ball low into the net.

Charlie Hobbs replaced Miller as the formation switched to three up front to little avail. Downs set up the substitute but his overhead effort was easily dealt with before the returning striker made way for McShane to take his place in the front line. Ryan’s free kick flew high and wide as Gary Wilson replaced Ross and Stuart Allison had our final chance of the game with a header over from a corner.

Larkhall – Barnes, Watson, Williamson, Kavanagh, Murray, Bruce (Smillie25), Fotheringham, Jeffrey, McFarlane, Graham, McFadden
Subs – Brown, Taylor, Paterson, White

‘Lie – K Robertson, Ryan, McKeown, Jack, Allison, Ross (Wilson78), Miller (Hobbs66), Smith, Scobie, Rae, Downs (McShane74)
Subs – Travers, Sexton (GK)

Goals – McFadden 65, McFarlane 68

SLC semis

2004-09-02T13:42:00.000+01:00
took in maryhill's demolition of bellshill last night - 5-1 (dingwall2, essler, gallagher and mcguinness) - essler and dingwall both scoring peaches. maryhill are developing as a team under ronnie lowrie and thats them in the first final of the season with ronnie defending one of the cups he won with pollok last year. a team to watch.

elsewhere shotts beat larkhall 2-1 to reach the final

SLC Final - Maryhill vs. Shotts Bon Accord - 12 October '04 @ Firhill Stadium

kris robertson

2004-08-31T19:55:00.000+01:00
info on the goalkeeper who offered his services to us recently

kris robertson

d.o.b. - 24.09.82
previous clubs -

st mirren (24.08.01-31.10.03) 15apps+1sub - 1 clean sheet
dumbarton (03.10.03-10.10.03) 1app
aberdeen (31.10.03-30.11.03) 3games as unused sub
shelbourne (???-04.04) 1app
queens park rangers
queen of the south (trialist) (aug 2003) 2apps
crewe (trialist)

best known for his spell at st mirren (during which he featured in a friendly @ dunterlie in august 2002) Kris has caught the eye of many top clubs, with southampton, spurs and blackburn rumoured to be making a move at one time. his game seems to have foundered somewhat in the last year or so since leaving st mirren and has been looking for a team since april when he left irish side shelbourne.

whether or not he is coming aboard is at this stage unknown.

player update

2004-08-29T01:02:00.000+01:00
martin mcgarvey was listed on the bench today to make up the number, he has one training session under his belt and has been cleared to play again following his scan - he is on holiday next week but will be in contention after that.

scott mcnab - to quote our manager - worst case scenario one year out, best eight weeks

chris robertson - former shelbourne keeper who has 'offered his services' - awaiting news on decisions regarding him and background info.

robert downs - played today but still far from fitness with only one training session since last year.

stuart allison - missed todays game with food poisoning

arthurlie 2 renfrew 5

2004-08-29T00:21:00.000+01:00
Any hopes of avenging the sectional defeat at the hands of Renfrew died today on the short grass of Dunterlie Park. In the words of assistant manager Johnny Millar ‘too many players were going through the motions’ and he wasn’t far wrong with his analysis. As with the match at Western Park a few weeks ago, too many players did not look up to the task, or look willing enough to take on their Renfrew counterparts. As much as I would like to tell the story of wave after wave of Arthurlie attacks, this is, lamentably, the Renfrew story.

It took the visitors just two and a half minutes to take the lead on their first match in the Super Premier League. John McLay laid the ball off to Andy Kenna who struck the ball past Sexton only to see the ball rebound off the bar. Kenna had all the time and space he needed to move forward and head the ball home. Twelve minutes later and the lead was doubled: McLay found space on the edge of the box and drove the ball low past Sexton at his left hand post. Arthurlie fought back with Bryan Smith jinking his way through the ‘Frew defence only to see Scrimgeour smother the ball while Gary Wilson’s low drive was comfortably collected by the ‘keeper. Robertson and Jack entered the book needlessly before the former was replaced by Hobbs as Frank Lynch seemed to go for broke early on. Six minutes before the half ended Prentice crossed for McLay to knock the ball down, Gordon Smith controlled the ball, turned his marker and struck the ball past Sexton making the half time score three-nil.

Robert Downs made his comeback from injury nine minutes into the second half replacing Scobie as Arthurlie tried to make inroads into the away defence. Xander Ryan saw his free kick curl over before Jim Quigley headed home a corner from Mark Andrews on 69mins. Stephen Miller replaced Bryan Smith and a minute later Marc McShane tapped home Ryan’s cross at the near post to reduce the deficit. Gordon Smith fluffed a volley when in space before with nine minutes to go he rifled the ball home after Kenna had beaten an out of position Steven Jack on the left wing. Alan Rae was lucky not to be sent packing for a touchline scramble which saw both the 'Lie player and Renfrew's Smith booked before Miller scored a consolation with a deflected effort past an unsighted Scrimgeour to add a vague respectability to the score but the truth is we were once again dismantled and out played by a far superior side.

'Lie - Sexton, McKeown, Robertson (Hobbs 37), Jack, McShane, Wilson, Ryan, Smith (Miller 70), Scobie (Downs 54), Rae, McKenzie
Unused - McGarvey, Ross

Renfrew - Scrimgeour, Hammond, Brogan (M Harvey 60), Cameron, Quigley, Prentice, Kenna, McLay, Cuthbert (Dunne 73), Smith, Andrews
Unused - Clark, Colsh, Thomson

Goals - McShane 72, Miller 84 - Kenna 2, McLay 14, Smith 39, 81, Quigley 69

spy file : neilston 0 renfrew 1

2004-08-23T21:51:00.000+01:00
watched this weekends opponents renfrew triumph by a solitary gordon smith strike in the first half. the match saw former 'lie striker ryan macdonald sent packing for two bookings as well as 'frew keeper Derek Scrimgeour who saw red for handling outside the box and will probably be reported for booting the ball away in the aftermath. plaudits must go to renfrews Jamie Ross who performed admirably in goal despite not being a 'keeper - this being the first match the 'frew hadn't listed a sub keeper.

we'll take them on saturday.
i hope.

player updates

2004-08-21T19:42:00.000+01:00
scott mcnab - scott is weeks rather than months away from resuming running, after that he will have to work his way back to match fitness before being considered for selection.

martin mcgarvey - sources tell me that garv will be back fighting for his place in three weeks.

stephen miller and xander ryan - both missed todays game due to illness

alan rae and alan waddell are both injured

benburb 0 arthurlie 2

2004-08-21T19:17:00.000+01:00
with the final placings in the sectional league cup a formality, arthurlie travelled to tinto park pride needing restored after wednesday's debacle against pollok. the game itself was nothing remarkable with a goal in each half all that separated the sides at full time. with the arthurlie team reduced to its bare bones by injury, illness and absence, marc mcshane was forced to play out of position in the centre of midfield while johnny millar and frank lynch joined mark travers as the only subs. early chances fell to mark davis of benburb who saw his header flash wide at full stretch before good work on the right from scobie and smith saw neil watson make a hash of his clearance. the ball fell kindly at the feet of Bonnar McKenzie 18yards out and the ball was duly despatched into the corner of the net. with the 'lie pushing forward several chances were created, the best of which saw scobie skin his marker on the right wing and place a cross onto mcshane's head only for the free header to sail over the bar.

minutes into the second half the bens were reduced to ten men as martin mcnicol was dismissed for a foul having been booked for dissent minutes before the break. with the assistant referee seemingly flag happy, arthurlie struggled to break through in the second half and the bens fought back into the match causing some nervous moments for the defence and forcing sexton in action on a number of occasions. gary wilson entered the referees book for not retreating at a free kick before ryan scobie tied up the match with seven minutes remaining. he took the ball just inside the bens half and, holding off the challenge of two defencers, calmly slotted the ball past watson from sixteen yards. the cheer of the night came in the final minutes as brian mckeown was taken off to be replaced by assistant manager johnny millar.

bens - watson, canning, martin, davidson, sheridan, thomson, davis, ritchie, o'neil, mccoll, mcnicol

lie - sexton, mckeown (millar85), robertson (travers45), jack, allison, wilson, ross, smith, scobie, mcshane, mckenzie
unused - lynch

goals - mckenzie 11, scobie 83

player updates

2004-08-20T19:54:00.000+01:00
robert downs - should be back for the larkhall match a fortnight tomorrow

scott mcnab - recuperating from an injury more symptomatic of a car crash than football

charlie hobbs - sunning himself in spain for a few weeks - god help the locals

arthurlie 1 pollok 2

2004-08-18T22:33:00.000+01:00
Arthurlie’s chances of progression to the play-offs of the sectional league cup fell at the penultimate hurdle with a defeat to bitter rivals Pollok at Dunterlie. Despite taking an early lead through Xander Ryan and the Newlandsfield side being reduced to eight men we failed to capitalise on several chances. Early play Alan Waddell running riot on the right wing but no one in the middle managing to convert his balls into the box while Gavin Friels saw a chance fly past the post. Waddell then saw a goal ruled off for offside as he rounded Wilson to net and Ryan’s free kick was parried down and cleared. Two deflected efforts were saved on the goal line by Wilson before Alan Rae swung a cross deep to the right of goal where Xander Ryan struck a superb volley into the far corner on 28mins.

This marked the high point of the game for the ‘Lie. Two minutes later poor distribution from Sexton led to Rae having to head the ball away from the waiting McLauchlan and from the resulting corner Derek Heaton powered a free header into the net. Ryan saw the ball run away from him as he bore down on goal allowing the defence to clear and Friels had the last chance of the half firing wide when in space in the box.

Pollok got off to the perfect start in the second half with trialist Willie Stewart surely cementing his chances of a contract by firing the ball low past Sexton at the near post with the Arthurlie defence caught ball watching. From then on the main talking point was the performance of the match officials. With no bookings issued in the first half, Raymond Logan saw red for two yellow cards within as many minutes, though perhaps this was a touch harsh, sub Martin Nelson walked for a petulant kick in the aftermath of a free kick and Stevie Aitcheson walked for body checking Bubba on the stand side touch line. With Waddell off the pitch injured the team looked bereft of ideas and not even the introduction of Bonnar McKenzie could turn the game around. Gary Wilson struck the post in the final minute of stoppage time but overall I don’t think I can argue with the result. With Neilston winning tonight, Pollok crash out of the sectional despite their victory but the bragging rights go to Newlandsfield for the first time in over two years.

As a postscript – cheers to Kevin Proctor at the end for the drink.

Lie – sexton, mckeown, robertson, jack, allison (ross80), wilson, ryan, smith, scobie (mckenzie69), rae, waddell (mcshane75)
Unused – travers

Pollok – wilson, sweeney, jordan, aitchison, heaton, paterson (nelson68), haggarty, logan, mclauchlan, friels, stewart
Subs – proctor, mcwilliams, gayne, gibson

Scorers – Xander Ryan 28 – Derek Heaton 30, Willie Stewart 46
Ref – Mr Anthony Law

spy file : benburb 2 pollok 2

2004-08-17T14:59:00.000+01:00
sectional opponents on wednesday night, local rivals pollok struggled to a 2-2 draw @ tinto park last night. watched by players and management of several of the other sectional teams they showed nothing to worry us ahead of tomorrow nights game. form does, however, go out the window.

player updates

2004-08-15T15:37:00.000+01:00
scott mcnab - it has been confirmed following scans that scott has damaged his medial ligaments but it is not thought to be serious enough to merit looking for another keeper

scott strang - based on the above, it has been denied by the club the scott strang is being looked at

derek rhoddan - deeko is back with the club as of november and in addition we have received the £1500 owed to us by irish side Ards for the season Deeko played for them after moving to ireland on army duty. welcome back wee man.

alan waddell - waddell was left as an unused sub at the ants because of the injury he picked up in the renfrew match last week

bonnar mckenzie - our top scorer of last season has now served his two match ban for being sent off against neilston and will be eligible to face pollok on wednesday night.

bryan smith - smithy limped off in the second half yesterday but is only suffering from a dead leg and assures me he will be back on wednesday.

st ants 2 arthurlie 7

2004-08-15T15:34:00.000+01:00
Arthurlie avenged their previous two defeats at the hands of the McKenna Park side with a score reminiscent of the days when St Ants were the whipping boys of the ‘group of death’. Early pressure saw Charlie Hobbs with the chance to net a hat-trick in the opening ten minutes alone before Bryan Smith opened the scoring on fifteen minutes, rising to loop a header past Turner from Hobbs’ cross. The lead was quickly added to with two goals in as many minutes, firstly Ryan Scobie keeping up his scoring form to flick home a Xander Ryan corner at the near post on 23 minutes before Alan Rae powered home a header from another Ryan cross two minutes later. Chances fell to Wilson and Scobie in the remainder of the half but the score remained at 3-0 on the whistle.
The second half started with a scare for Arthurlie as the lead was cut by two Joe Mulheron strikes, one from the spot, while Alan Rae’s second strike, a half volley from the edge of the box, ensured the score moved onto 4-2. On the hour Bryan Smith hit his own second at the far post, despite claims from Colin Robertson that his free kick had already gone over the line (sorry Colshie, I did check with several people – Smithy gets the goal) before the scorer was withdrawn limping to be replaced by Steven Miller. Xander Ryan saw a flashing volley from the right go just over before Hobbs finally hit the net, striking the ball low past Turner from the edge of the box while ten minutes later he casually tucked the ball past the post with an empty goal gaping. Hobbs did have the last laugh striking the ball beyond the keeper with virtually the last kick of the game from the right side of the box.
All things considered the ideal warm up for Pollok on Wednesday, seven goals and some good play although we have to look at the sloppy play which led to conceding the two goals.

St Ants – turner, deenie, donaghy, ferris, elliot, madden, diamond, dickson, singbo, mulheron, frearson
Subs – rodden, pugh, mcdonald, gold, cumming

‘Lie – sexton, mckeown, robertson (ross76), jack, allison (mcshane62), wilson, ryan, smith (miller63), scobie, rae, hobbs
unused – travers, waddell

goals - smith 15, 60; scobie 23, rae 25, 50; hobbs 75, 90+

st mirren and maryhill

2004-08-13T18:04:00.000+01:00
took in another two matches this week, saw st mirren humped by forfar which has no real relevance other than that i was there and then saw maryhill all but secure their place in the quarters of the sectional with a shaky win over ashfield at lochburn. not a convincing performance at all from fellow superleaguers 'hill and nothing to worry about from there so far. no tellign what they can do once RL has got his team sorted out - watret and dingwall look the part anyway.

apologies

2004-08-11T17:29:00.000+01:00
just to offer my apologies for the site crash over the last few days (ronnie...this is why its been offline when you tried to get in) the html code for the main page layout was deleted in error by blogger.com and thus all the side stats are now missing. i will be getting them back in place over the next few days but in the meantime the main site service - ie match reports and news - is up and running. apologies once again.

injury update

2004-08-10T18:03:00.000+01:00
speaking to scott mcnab at the johnstone and i understand he underwent a scan yesterday on his knee injury. he reckons hes damaged his medial ligaments, the docs think its the cruciate. we will have to wait to find out.

arthurlie 3 johnstone burgh 0

2004-08-10T08:33:00.000+01:00

With ex Arthurlie and Johnstone stalwart Willie Young running the line the ‘Lie stormed back from their weekend disappointment at Western Park to re-enter the race for the sectional playoffs. Early chances fell to Bryan Smith before Alan Waddell turned in Ryan Scobie’s pass only to be denied by the offside flag. Arthurlie took the lead on the quarter hour mark with a tremendous goal from left mid Gary Wilson. He took the ball across the front of the Burgh box before driving the ball low past Donohoe at his right hand post. Wilson continued to dominate proceedings with his drive parried by the keeper before a miskick by Sexton allowed John Sherry the chance to lob the ball at goal with Sexton redeeming himself by tipping the ball over. Jamie Friels then saw his shot trickle wide minutes before Scobie doibled the lead, touching the ball home after good work from Waddell nine minutes before half time. Half time came with Wilson seeing another effort saved and Burgh being reduced to ten men with McKnight sent packing for kicking the ball at the grounded Jack.

The second half kicked off with a series of chances: Allison sending a header inches over and an own goal nearly resulting from Wilson’s cross. Scobie then netted his second five minutes into the second period , striking a superb shot across the face of Donohoe from the right hand side of the penalty box. With the ‘Lie seeking to press home their numerical advantage
Waddell executed a superb turn on the half way line only to see his shot screwed wide with Scobie lurking at the back post and Wilson saw his volleyed effort saved. Madden had a rare Burgh effort blocked by Sexton while Charlie Hobbs entered the fray to be booked for simulation moments before seeing his right foot shot sail past Donohoe only to strike the inside of the post and roll along the line before being cleared.

‘Lie – sexton, mckeown (miller61), robertson, jack, allison (mcshane75), wilson, ryan, smith, scobie, rae, waddell (hobbs65)
unused – travers, ross

Burgh – donohoe, brown (simpson67), whyte, wozencroft, smith, mccoll, friels, mcknight, j sherry (cornochan82), madden, m sherry
Unused – barbour, creaney, traynor(gk)

Goals – Wilson 15, Scobie 36, 50

renfrew 5 arthurlie 1

2004-08-08T12:59:00.000+01:00

arthurlie fell to their heaviest defeat since the 4-0reverse at arniston last year in a game in which we never really got started. a solitary strike from alan waddell on the stroke of half time failed to galvanise the 'lie into fighting form as we effectively surrendered our chances of progressing from the group stages.
all the early pressure came from the home side with robert cuthbert showing some nice touches and indeed it was the no. 10 who opened the scoring. a foul on marc mcshane on the touchline went unpunished allowing renfrew to win a corner from which cuthbert netted at the near post on 20 minute mark. arthurlie began to move forward with mckeown having a chance to play waddell only to over hit the pass before charlie hobbs failed to capitalise on a good ball into the box. bryan smith thundered the ball across goal from a corner with no takers before steven miller was booked for a needless foul in the corner.
the game went from bad to worse for miller on the 33 minute mark when he volleyed a cross from the left past his own keeper and a minute later it was three as gordon smith saw his shot from ten yards strike the turf and loop over sexton as he dived low to his left. arthurlie needed a goal before half time and it duly arrived in contentious circumstances in the closing minutes of the half. alan waddell turned the ball past scrimgeour only to see the goal disallowed by the

aftermath of neilston game/renfrew preview

2004-08-06T11:16:00.000+01:00
so...looking back what can we take from the neilston match? a spirited performance from the ten men left on the pitch, fighting back twice to ensure a share of the points. more concerning is the lack of discipline on occasions - bonnar had no need to foul bryers, it was a stupid mistake that could cost us with the lack of downsy already for the sectional group stages. similarly, charlie's challenge a minute later was a touch over zealous to say the least. on the good side, alan waddell seems to have found his scoring boots over pre-season and thats continued into the season, we can only hope he maintains that and hits the levels he did at neilston two years ago.

renfrew tomorrow, who take us on as group leaders following their 2-0 win over burgh on wednesdau night. they have strengthened their team well over the summer including former st mirren & queens park goalie derek scrimgeour and 'freed' kilwinning captain mark cameron so they will be no push over. we have to win the match, there is no doubt about that but renfrew is never the easiest place to visit and the home team will fancy their chances.

mon the lie!

thanks to frank

2004-08-06T11:15:00.000+01:00
would just like to record my thanks to frank cassidy for mentioning the site in his article in the programme on wednesday night, cheers frank. check out his column @ www.barrhead-scotland.com for match reports and news.

arthurlie 2 neilston 2

2004-08-04T22:17:00.000+01:00
a late penalty in contentious circumstances led to arthurlie scraping a draw in the opening sectional league cup match. following an head injury to derek carson the referee opted for a dropped ball practically on the edge of the neilston box. from this marc ross was tripped as he powered into the box. charlie hobbs tucked away the penalty with aplomb to silence the shed crew.

the first half was much of a noneninty, joe bryers giving neilston a half time lead with a header on the 36minute mark. alan waddell had a chance to square the ball but the ball flew across the goal and was touched behind by the neilston defender before the ref inexplicably gave a goal kick. steven miller then charged through the defence before striking the ball against the left hand post with hewitt helpless. tony mccann missed a chance at his old stamping ground, blasting high over a gaping goal a minute after the opener.

the game came to life in the second half with only seven minutes gone with bonner mckenzie seeing red for a needless kick at bryers and a minute later hobbs (only just on the pitch) should have followed with carson after the 'lie winger went in with a two footed challenge on hewitt, sparking a mass brawl in which carson raised his hands. the ref clearly bottled it, and booked both players. shortly afterwards hewitt was forced into action to touch colin robertsons free kick over the bar.

as lie played with nine men with rae recieving treatment alan waddell ran through the defence only to see his shot saved and steven miller saw his curling free kick float into hewitts grateful arms. then, the 'lie pressure paid off - robertson swung in a free kick which alan rae headed goalwards, as the fans claimed the ball was over the line before being cleared, alan waddell poked the ball home for his second goal against his former club in as many games. arthurlie were reduced to the long ball tactic which was not causing the neilston defence any problems before alan rae slipped trying to clear allowing neilston veteran gordon cochrane to send a perfect volley into the far corner of sextons goal from the right edge of the box.

with the neilston fans celebrating (and abusing waddell, sexton, wilson and anyone else that moved and wasnt from neilston) hobbs converted the penalty and salvaged a draw.

id like to note the common decency of the neilston lads - the fans are good natured, urqy and sammy johnston were having banter during the match and wee chris mckee was on great form watching from the sidelines. a thoroughly good junior game though i am more than concerned about the looming suspension for our top scorer, especially with downsy absent.

lie - sexton, ryan(hobbs53), robertson, jack, mcshane, wilson (ross75), mckeown, miller (smith79), mckenzie, rae, waddell
unused - travers, scobie

neilston - hewitt, harvey, conaghan, martin, carson, keys, bryers, mccann (murdoch81), macdonald, whiteford (cochrane 69), watt (sturrock75)
unused - magennis (gk), johnston

scorers - alan waddell 65, charlie hobbs 86pen

preview - neilston @ dunterlie

2004-08-04T10:46:00.000+01:00
the sectional league cup kicks off tonight at home to neilston with a mixed pre-season behind us - 2wins, 2 draws & 2 defeats. there are good signs from the pre-season, alan waddell has netted three goals and is looking on good form, charlie hobbs has been playing well and now thar bonner is back in the goal groove things should be getting better. bryan smith has been absent for most of pre-season so hopefully he will boost the team with his return.

neilston have been playing relatively ok over the pre-season, ive only seen them play once, in the kelburn cup final narrowly lost to bellshill and in that game - aside from that theyve beaten clydebank (2-1), drawn with st mirren (2-2) and lost to port glasgow (0-2). they have brought andy whiteford back from hamilton accies (he left at the same time as waddell last year) plus have signed ex lie star gary sturrock from pollok, davie watt from petershill, chris cameron from st peters and keeper terry magennis from knightswood.

overall i would say we have the measure of them and can win this match but form goes out the window in these games so it will have to be a solid performance. its imperative that we get a good start to the sectional campaign if we are to challenge for the trophy!

signings!

2004-08-03T15:16:00.000+01:00
tonights evening times reports that Ryan Scobie and Steven Miller have put pen to paper for the club, fellow trialist Kevin Miller was not offered a deal. the almighty mr o'donnell also indicates that we are looking for a new keeper following the injury to scott mcnab last week. watch this space

arthurlie 2 clydebank 1

2004-07-31T18:01:00.000+01:00
arthurlie scrambled victory with a late goal from pre-season lead scorer alan waddell but in truth a draw would probably have been a fairer result. having watched clydebank in the kelburn cup last sunday as they were mauled by renfrew i was more than hopeful going into this game, a feeling only boosted by a 2nd minute goal from bonner mckenzie who fired the ball high past halpin from the right hand side of the box. the bankies began to assert their authrity during the half with lie's only other real chance coming from a delightful cross from colin robertson which was touched away from mckenzie by halpin. bonner and xander ryan played a neat one-two in the box before the former couldnt control the ball while ryan saw another cross palmed away from the six yard box. then, on the stroke of half time, a long ball which should have been comfortably cleared saw dean sexton flap on the edge of the box allowing readie to turn and fire the ball high into the empty net.

the second half brought a quadruple set of substitutions ten minutes in and saw one of those, trialist kevin miller, having a glut of chances to put arthurlie back in the lead. he saw a volley from the left fly over, then smash the ball over from ten yards before a cracking lob from the right wing went inches wide of the left hand post. charlie hobbs showed his skill by keeping the ball in on the right touchline and crossing only for marc ross to power his header past the post. Bankies had a superb chance to take the lead through striker david simeon who found himself in acres of space in the box only for his shot to creep wide. Miller then saw a 35yard effort touched round the post before the winner came. The ball came in from the right to Kevin miller who headed at goal. Predators instincts kicked in for waddell who turned and hit the ball in from a yard or two to raise a cheer from the lie support.

Lie - sexton, ryan (ross55), Robertson, jack, mcshane, Wilson, mckeown, s miller (k miller 55), McKenzie (scobie55), rae (hobbs55), waddell

Bankies - halpin, Dempsey, McIntyre, soutar, fallen, McGuire, Wilson (t), readie, simeon, waddell, Maxwell
Subs - tolland, hailstones, mcnee (t), prior, mehigan

a

injury update

2004-07-30T17:59:00.000+01:00
Robert Downs - spoke to downsy last night, he seems reasonably confident that he will return in three or four weeks.

Scott McNab - not such good news when it comes to our new goalie who went off injured in the latter stages of the stranraer match. it would seem that scott has suffered a serious knee injury, the extent of which is still unknown. worst case scenario is several months out of the game leaving us with only deano as a recognised keeper.

Martin McGarvey - it is yet to be confirmed if garv's career is over, evidently he is giving it every possible opportunity before hanging up his boots. lets hope for the best there.

spy file : pollok 1 muirkirk 0

2004-07-30T08:08:00.000+01:00
had the undoubted joy of taking in pollok versus muirkirk last night, a bland game settled by a solitary gavin friles strike on the hour. perhaps more worrying is that the newlands side once again kept a clean sheet and, as was gleefully pointed out to me by one my pollok based cohorts, are also unbeaten since the sacking of one ronnie lowrie. not the most imaginative of matches if im honest but i would expect nothing less from the newlands mob (oh im gonna get kicked for that one)

teams to follow

site update

2004-07-29T13:44:00.000+01:00
following an extensive update of the site you can now access player profiles and match reports with greater ease. as of today, clicking on the result at the side of the page will take you straight to the match report for that game. similarly, by clicking on one of the player's names at the side will take you to the profile for that squad member (hosted at sister site http://garymaddenfanclub.bravehost.com) . please note that these player profiles are currently in the process of being created in order to provide the maximum possible information so bear with me and keep coming back. cheers

arthurlie 1 stranraer 2

2004-07-29T12:05:00.000+01:00
arthurlie fell short last night against a strong stranraer side at dunterlie, despite taking a half time lead. early indications were good with charlie hobbs sending a cross-cum-shot over the bar and marc ross slamming a ryan drive high and wide. kevin miller struck the post from six yards when he really should have scored following an excellent run and square ball from hobbs. stranraer briefly threatened while allison, ross and miller all had further chances to open the scoring.

trialist miller eventually did net in the minutes before half time, stooping to place a dive header beyond meechan from ryans corner kick. into the second half and the senior side began to exert their authority with gary mccutcheon chipping mcnab only to see the ball rebound off the bar. despite a flurry of substitutions which saw bonnar mckenzie enter the fray and marc mcshane added to create a flat back four, stranraer swiftly turned the game on its head with two goals in three minutes. the first coming following some calamitous defending, leaving sub blane with the easiest of finishes before former kilmarnock striker mccutcheon cut in on the right side of the box and curled a superb low shot past mcnab from 18yards.

chances fell to both sides to add to the score, with mccutcheon foiled once by a superb point blank save by mcnab and poor passing on the other. the game finished on a worrying note for the lie faithful, with keeper scott mcnab carried off with what looks like a nasty injury following a 50-50 challenge.

lie - mcnab (sexton89), ryan, travers, mckeown, allison (mcintyre45), ross (wilson 61), hobbs, k miller, scobie (mcshane53), rae (mckenzie61), waddell (jack61)

stranraer - meechan, guy, cunningham, aitken, trialist (swift67), gaughan, trialist, mcallister, mccutcheon, crawford (turnbull75), cruikshank

goal - kevin miller 44

spy file: pollok 3 dumbarton 0

2004-07-28T14:30:00.000+01:00
rather worringly pollok more than held their own last night against brian fairley's dumbarton side with a 3-0 victory. four consecutive pre-season wins for the 'lok and not one goal conceded yet, despite using three different keepers. the sneddon revolution seems underway. goals came from raymond logan, new signing gavin friels, and david arthur. looking honestly at the game, dumbarton threatened from the outset but pollok produced a performance worthy of the victory over their senior opponents. gavin friels (previously of auchinleck talbot) made his debut off the bench and according to the lok official site has now signed for the team making it five players in since rab sneddon took charge. its going to be a difficult game in the sectional.

Pollok: Wilson, Trialist - Jordan, Aitchison, Gayne (sub 45 for Heaton), Sweeney, Nelson (sub 56 for Crozier), Haggarty (sub 66 for Trialist - Doyle), Logan, Proctor (sub 56 for Arthur), McLauchlan (sub 45 for Trialist -Friels), McPhee (sub 56 for Tinney). Not used: Burns.
Dumbarton: Magennis, McEwan, Brittain (sub 60 for Borris), McKinstrey, Allan, Donald (sub 45 for Bradley), Dunn (sub 45 for Russell), Ronald, Herd (sub 45 for Bonar), Rodgers (sub 60 for Boyle), Dillon. Not used: Wight.
thanks to jamie wire for the teams
goals - raymond logan 17, gavin friels 73, david arthur 79

martin mcgarvey/steven miller

2004-07-27T18:03:00.000+01:00
Garv

it looks like martin mcgarvey has played his last game in an arthurlie jersey following his continual back problems over the last season which limited his appearances and performances considerably. garv was due to see a specialist today and it is expected that the former dumbarton man will be advised to hang up his boots. if this is the case he will leave stuart allison as the only remaining member of the '98 OVD cup winning team in the squad. i'd like to record my thanks to martin for his time at the club and wish him all the best, hopefully we will see him around dunterlie in the coming months.

Steven Miller

last nights #7 was midfielder steven miller, a 19/20year old released by ayr united during the summer. he is described as a box to box midfielder and could be a valuable addition to the team especially with the expected absence of garv. he made two substitute appearances for raith rovers before moving onto livingston (during january 2003 as part of the revolution that brought in pasquinelli and amor) and subsequently ayr united in january 2004.

arthurlie 1 st mirren xi 1

2004-07-27T17:33:00.000+01:00
[full report to follow]
arthurlie produced a fairly solid performance last night facing a mix of st mirren u17s and u19s led by finnish legend mixu paatelainen. the first half brought a barrowload of chances with debutant stevie miller honing in on goal from the right wing only to hit a weak shot easily saved by chris smith. bonnar mckenzie had two excellent chances, first hitting a low angled half volley at the keeper from the left before driving the ball narrowly wide from the oppostite side. it was, however, st mirren who took the lead with 17year old striker david mckenna sliding the ball under the helpless sexton.

a flurry of changes at half time brought a renewed attack on the st mirren goal with the ball eventually being smashed into the net by alan waddell but overall a draw was a fair result

sexton (mcnab45), mcintyre (mckeown45), robertson (mcshane45), allison (ryan60 (travers 65)), wilson (ross45), s miller, k miller(hobbs45), mckenzie, rae, waddell (scobie60)

spy file: kelburne cup @ neilston

2004-07-26T01:14:00.000+01:00
neilston 2 bellshill athletic 3

bellshill ran out winners of the inaugral four team format of the kelburne cup with a last minute penalty snatching victory for the hosts. david wade, who earlier hauled neilston back into the game with a goal on the stroke of half time, was the culprit, rising to needlessly handle the ball in the area, fallen then dispatching the ball past trialist 'keeper terry mcguiness. the game had only sparked into life in the closing minutes of the first half with first mcguiness heading the ball home and then new signing richie barr forcing the ball home with what looked like his shin. wade then volleyed in at the back post right on the whistle to give neilston hope.

the second half brought pressure from neilston, ryan mcdonald coming close with a shot at the keeper before gordon cochrane netted with a superb angled drive across smith and into the net. bellshill missed two open goal chances, somehow contriving to hit the ball wide on both occasions, before wade gave away the spot kick.

renfrew 5 clydebank 2

in the earlier match to decide the 3rd placed team renfrew triumphed 5-2 over a lethargic looking clydebank team. 'frew went 3-0 up within 20 minutes leaving many of their fans looking disbelievingly at the pitch as john mclay slid home in one minute and 20 seconds, alan prentice stroked home a penalty and billy mclafferty netted the first of a hattrick. dempsey pulled one back for the bankies with a well placed header leaving the halftime score @ 3-1.

the second half brought goals for 'claff' in 65 and 67 leaving the bankies fans reeling before striker mark hailstones placed another header past the diving john thomson.

overall - not feeling overly worried ahead of the sectional, thats me seen three of the teams we will face in the coming weeks and ive yet to see anything that constitutes a major threat, although we will have to get our act together as well.

clydebank - mehigan, trialist, mcintyre, dempsey, fallen, harris, trialist, ready, hailstones, waddell, maxwell

renfrew - thomson, hammond, brogan, reilly(t), mclay, prentice, kenna, gordon(t), mcclafferty, colsh, andrews
subs - cuthbert, quigley, harvey

neilston - mcguiness(t), carson, conaghan, martin, whiteford, murdoch, sturrock, mccann, macdonald, mckee, cochrane
subs - wade, johnston, harvey, urquhart

bellshill - smith, renwicks, kelly, smith, mcguiness, rhodden, fallen, franchety, donnachie, barr, grant

largs thistle 1 arthurlie 2

2004-07-25T01:48:00.000+01:00
both sides finished the game with ten men as arthurlie triumphed in a torrential downpour. colin robertson saw red alongside the largs number 5 following a rash challenge and a brawl involving most of the players from each side. had it been a competitive match there is little doubt that marc ross would have walked again, its more than slightly concerning that bubba is failing to control his temper, he dived into the situation desperate for a fight and was lucky the come out unscathed.

the game itself started well, alan waddell firing home at the second attempt to give the lie a 12th minute lead before gary wilson guided home a stunning lobbed effort from inside the box two minutes later. with hopes high for a good game, the match descended into mediocrity with the players on both sides seeming to kick the ball wherever was convenient and very little quality play emerging. largs pulled a goal back in the uncertainty following a freekick, the ball being slid home from within the six yard box on the left hand side.

the second half produced few chances, as the weather detoriorated further, the closest being a header from sub bonar mckenzie which was tipped onto the bar. a first win in pre-season but discipline is more of a concern. mark travers made his return from injury, scott mcnab made his debut in goals, trialist steven mcintyre played a relatively solid full match at right back and gary wilson marked his best performance so far with his first goal in 'lie colours.

mcnab, mcintyre (t), travers (robertson59), jack, mcshane (allison45), wilson, ryan (mckeown45), ross, waddell (mckenzie59), rae (miller59), scobie

unused - sexton

goals - waddell 12, wilson 14
sent off - robertson 73

the forgotten man & thanks to the subs

2004-07-24T14:48:00.000+01:00
THE FORGOTTEN MAN

was talking to retained striker Derek Rhoddan at the game today, he informs me he will return from his tour of duty with the army in ireland next january, at which point he is still a registered arthurlie player

THANKS

just wanted to say cheers to the lie subs today for mocking me by belting the ball at me during half time and pissing themselves laughing when i landed flat on my back. the pleasure was all mine guys. needless to say, my footy ability is far beyond that on display today!

spyfile : st ants 0 partick thistle 7

2004-07-23T08:27:00.000+01:00
second st ants game of the season, re-affirming my glory seeking nature (alleged) i was in attendance in my new thistle top. quite a game, with thistle continuing their goalscoring form brought over from cyprus with a seven goal rout (of which i managed to miss 2 by going to the toilet). if we can play like thistle did tonight (complete with gerry britton playing the midfield powerhouse player) then we will win our sectional game at mckenna, though their management duo seem to disagree judging by what they said to me when they spotted my thistle top. dont know if too much can be taken from the game as thistle played excellent football and fielded a very experienced team. more than impressed the young debutant haswell as well as trialist juan ramon who was unlucky not to net a hat-trick. john gemmell's double was well taken while britton's final goal to make it 7 saw the veteran manager stride through the ants defence to stroke the ball home.

bennett, anis, haswell, wilkinson, wilson, ross, panther, britton, gemmell (stewart), ramon, a gibson (strachan)
unused - shields, niven, mcewan

goals - britton 2, ramon 2, gemmell 2, ross

fixture change

2004-07-22T01:29:00.000+01:00
please note the change of fixture for this coming saturday (24 july) - we are now away to Largs Thistle not Broughty Athletic. 3pm kick off @ barrfield.

arthurlie 2 hamilton accies 3

2004-07-21T05:30:00.000+01:00
arthurlie lost their second pre-season match tonight in the pouring rain to a young hamilton accies side. chances fell to both sides in the first half, most notably bonar mckenzie's free kick which struck the wall in the 25th minute with the rebound flying over. with the match remaining scoreless at the half time whistle, lie then had to fight back after losing the opener in the second period. sub charlie hobbs supplied the finish after running onto a through pass and rounding the keeper.

almost immediately, however, a somewhat dubious penalty was conceded by colin robertson and once again we were a goal down. with the clock ticking out arthurlie were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box which was duly converted by colshie as the big man made up for his earlier mistake, his daisy cutter flying in at the goalkeepers left hand post. i think (correct me if im wrong) that that was Colshie's first goal for the club - if it was well done!! with the game ending for a deserved draw, a mix up between sub mcshane and keeper sexton left the accies forward with the easiest chance to poke the ball home leaving Jim Ward with a hard fought victory over his former side.

sexton, mckeown, robertson, allison (mcshane), ross, ryan, miller (sweeney), mckenzie (hobbs), rae, waddell (scobbie)
unused - mcnab

goals - hobbs 68, robertson 88)

spyfile : st ants 4 hurlford 1 (friendly)

2004-07-20T07:15:00.000+01:00
took in st anthonys pre-season match against ayrshire side hurlford with a view to checking out their form ahead of our sectional match next month. they looked decidedly shaky in the first half, being cut open time and time again although neither side could find the net. into the second and hurlford took the lead, exposing a frail back line to head the ball home. however, the front line suddenly sparking to life, scoring two close range scrambled goals, one touched in from the edge of the box and then a class finish with the keeper rounded and the ball slotted home. im unfamiliar with the squad players at st ants but their number nine looks useful. they do give away a lot of needless freekicks around the box, which smithy could take advantage of. will further judge them come thursday nights game.

**spotted - former lie star jimmy creaney, who confirmed he had signed a one year deal @ keanie park**