An occasional blog provided by the players, their families and supporters!

Saturday 17 September

Killearn 3 – Gartocharn 4

It was agreed by all sides that this was one of the best football matches seen in the F & E league for many a year, it had everything, early goals, penalty claims, missed chances, goalmouth scrambles, the lot.

The scenario was that to win the league Killearn needed a draw and Gartocharn had to win.

The game started with a good bit of Gartocharn pressure when chances were made but not converted, then in the 10th minute Killearn broke up the park and when the ball broke to the their centre forward on the corner of the 18 yard box he fired a tremendous shot into the top right hand corner, an unsaveable effort. That spurred Garto on and after another spell of pressure the ball fell to Dougie Wilson 16 yards out and his low drive levelled the scores, two minutes later the Killearn keeper made a tremendous save to stop us going tin front, Robert Muir broke away and fired a tremendous shot low to the keepers right, but somehow he got down to turn it round the post for a corner, But Robert was not to be denied, and four mins later after a great run down the right from Gregor Mitchell he fired home after a great cutback from Gregor. Gartocharn still had most of the pressure but Killearn was always dangerous on the break but when Gary More headed home a bullet of a header from a Graeme McKenzie free kick in 30 mins it seemed we had rode the Killearn storm. But in the 40th minute a speculative shot from distance deceived Hughie in the goals and gave Killearn foothold in the game.

The second half started with Killearn on the front foot but the Gartocharn defense brilliantly marshalled by Ian Muir held out, but there was a nervousness about Gartocharn's play we were playing too deep inviting Killearn onto us, but still we held out. Matty Henry replaced his brother Si, who had run himself into the ground, and the fresh legs in midfield eased the Killearn pressure, but just when we dared to think that just maybe we could hold on Killearn equalised with 8 minutes to go, a long ball into the box headed into the net. With nothing to lose Gartocharn made two changes, John McQueen came on for a tiring Gregor Mitchell, with five minutes to go Hammy came on for Dougie who had been the recipient of some seriously strong challenges. With a minute to go Gartocharn were awarded a free kick 30 yards out, so with nothing to lose everyone poured into the Killearn box, Graeme took the free kick and played a lovely ball into the box, where Calum McKinnes rose above everyone to glance the ball into the Killearn net, Gartocharn players and fans alike went wild, but there was still 2 or 3 minutes of stoppage time to go, Killearn had a real go, but three minutes later the referee signalled the end of the game, and for the first time in our history we were league champions.

The players went wild, the fans went wild, players from all generations who had come along to watch were caught up in celebrations, ex chairmen were in tears, as were ex players, and supporters who have followed the team for years, some from the beginning 60 years ago.

It was a fabulous effort by everyone, from players, from fans, from committe, from everyone.

Well done guys, thanks for everything this year, you were immense.

At the end of the game League President Tom Yuill presented Captain Ian Muir with the League Trophy to rapturous applause from everyone. He then presented Ian with the Salmon Leap Trophy for most league goals, 106.

Tom then handed over to Donald Beaton for the final presentation of the night, The Stirling Observer Trophy for the League player of the year, this trophy is awarded to the player, who the other teams in the league think has been the best opposing player to play against them, and to those of us who have watched him all season it was no surprise that the winner was our own IAN MUIR.

Ian has been immense for us this year, and is well deserving of this trophy.

It hasnt quite sunk in yet, but after 60 years of trying, WE ARE THE FORTH & ENDRICK LEAGUE CHAMPIONS.

Well done boys!

Iain Anderson

 

Saturday 3rd September.   Gartocharn 10 – Fintry 0

With Hammys words ringing in their ears, two wins means the league title, go out and go for it from the start, try and get the game won early on, and boy did the guys take his message to heart, they were 4 up in 15 minutes, and the game was over as a contest. Even allowing for Fintry having a depleted team Gartocharn showed them no mercy, and went on to record our biggest win of the season. The goalscorers on the night were Gary More 4, Robert Muir 4, Dougie Wilson 1 and Matty Henry 1.

This result had two significant points, it saw us over the 100 league goals , incidentaly Matty scored the 100th, and it puts us on 103 league goals in total for the season, and 17 clear of Killearn in the Salmon Leap trophy, the trophy for most goals during the season.

So there we have it, a league decider against Killearn on Sat 10th Sept, we need to win, any other result gives the title to Killearn, so it would be good if as many people from the village could come along to support us, it is arguably the biggest game in the clubs history, never having won the league, it would be good if we could bolster our already magnificent support with a few more from the village.

Kick off has still to be confirmed, so keep checking on here, it will be posted soon as we know.

Iain Anderson

 

Cameron Cup Semi Final. Friday 26 August 2011

Drymen   3   Gartocharn   2.

The horrendous weather during the day meant a change of venue for this match, with the neutral venue of Balfron being unplayable due to thunderstorms throughout the day, so at the last minute Gartocharn agreed to switch the game to Drymen.


The game started with Gartocharn on the front foot, this saw them create countless chances but none of them were converted, and the old adage that this could come back to haunt you,came true, after a spell of pressure which kept the home side on the back foot, Drymen broke up the park and won a free kick 40 yards out, the free kick was whipped into the box and it was Drymen's centre forward who met it and sent a header thundering in to the Gartocharn net. Gartocharn kept up the pressure and the equaliser came in the 40th minute when a header from Dougie Wilson was turned in to the net by Gary More, no more than we deserved.


After the break Drymen had a good spell of pressure but Gartocharn again started creating chances, but poor finishing, and some great goalkeeping in the Drymen goal kept them out, and once again on the break Drymen took the lead. Gartocharn once again piled on the pressure and were rewarded when Robert Muir was brought down in the box, Drymen's Dave Cowan saw red for being the last man, and Robert Muir drove home a fine penalty to make the score 2 - 2. With time and light running out fast it looked odds on that penalty kicks would decide the game, but with 2 minutes to go, Drymen got the winner, they got the break of the ball in the middle of the park, Craig Cowan drove forward and shot from 20 yards, Hughie had the shot well covered, but a bobble just before it got to him deflected the ball over his shoulder and in to the net.


It was unfortunate that we couldnt defend the cup, but we wish Drymen well in the final.


We are back to league business now, with Buchlyvie visiting us on  Tuesday 30th  with a 6.45 pm kick off, and Fintry, also at home on Saturday with possibly a 6.00 pm start, the equation is simple, win three games, and we win the league, its going to be some finale to the season.

Iain Anderson

 

Tuesday 23 August – Gartocharn  7  Gargunnock  3.

Gartocharn kept up the winning run with a fine 7  3 victory over a plucky Gargunnock team. The boys went two up inside 20 minutes with goals from Matty Henry and Robert Muir, and a fine goal by Richard Davidson gave them a 3 - 0 lead, but just before half time the visitors got back into the game and turned round at 3 - 1. Gartocharn started the second half with a bit more purpose and soon Robert Muir had added his second and Gartocharn's 4th, but once again Gargunnock got back into the game when some sloppy defending allowed them to double their tally. Matty Henry added a 5th for the home team, but once again the visitors battled back and scored a 3rd, but with time running out and Gargunnock chasing the game Gartocharn added another 2 through Robert Muir, a penalty which gave the keeper no chance, and a fine low drive into the corner. All in all a good win, and a result which keeps us on track for our league challenge.
Next up is a Cameron Cup semi final against local rivals Drymen, to be played at Balfron on Friday 26th with a 7.00 pm kick off.

Iain Anderson

Sunday 21 August – Second Round, Cameron Cup

Aberfoyle 2 Gartocharn 7

Gartocharn booked a semi final spot following a convincing win over Aberfoyle, The opening goal was a sort of Henry family affair, Simon's header was netbound, but Matty stuck his head up and it deflected off him into the net, you can decide for yourself, end result was after 25 minutes we were 1 up. Five minutes later Gary More added his name to the scoresheet. Gregor Mitchell was next to score with a low drive, but a knee injury picked up earlier meant he had to come off after 40 minutes, to be replaced by Dougie Wilson who is on the way back to full fitness, and had hoped to maybe get the last 20 minutes, but needs must, and on he went, Aberfoyle must have wished he had stayed on the sidlines as Dougie proceeded to score a hat trick, one from the penalty spot. Aberfoyle rallied a bit in the second half and tried manfully to get a foothold in the match, but when they got their first goal we went up the park to score again, this happened twice and after going 6 - 2 down they knew they were beaten, Hammy who had replaced Gary More for the last half hour scored with a powerful shot from close range to complete the scoring..

This win sets up a semi final against Drymen, at a venue still to be decided, will keep you posted.

Next match, Tuesday 23rd at home to Gargunnock, 6.45 pm kick off.

Iain Anderson

 

Tuesday 16th August.  Forth & Endrick League  Gartocharn v Balfron

Gartocharn 5  –  Balfron 7

Gartocharn suffered only their second loss of the season at the hands of Balfron, it was the most horrendous night for football, it lashed with rain as it had done for the previous two days making the park more of a mudbath then a football park, but all credit to Balfron, they adapted more quickly to the conditions and despite Gartocharn having hit the bar and post and create an endless stream of chances, Balfron found themselves 2 up in 25 minutes, Gartocharn fought hard to get back into the game, but the exertions of 120 minutes of football two days earlier and the heavy going finally caught up with the boys, and every time they scored to get back into the game Balfron scored at the other end. It`s not often we will score 5 goals at home and lose, but it was just one of those nights when nothing went our way.

Scorers for Gartocharn were Robert Muir with a hat trick and goals from Dougie Wilson and Mattie Henry.

The guys heads were down at the end, but it is not fatal, we have four games left, and four wins will see us crowned champions. Thursday's game against Buchlyvie is cancelled due to the park being unplayable, so next up is the Cameron Cup second round against Aberfoyle at Gartmore 2.00pm on Sunday 21st, hope to see you there.

Iain Anderson


Telfer Cup Final:   Sunday 14 August 2011,  Gartocharn 5  Deanston 2   AET

Gartocharn got off to a tremendous start by scoring one of the quickest goals ever scored in the Forth & Endrick, from the kick of Graham McKenzie carried the ball forward before slipping it through to Dougie Wilson, who slammed the ball into the net in 8 SECONDS. Just the start the boys wanted, but Deanston got over the shock quite quickly and clawed their way back into the game,creating one or two chances woithout really threatening Hugh in goals, Gartocharn themselves began creating chances and after a string of misses and near things Gregor Mitchell drove the ball home in the 33rd minute to double our lead. Half time, 2 - 0 to Gartocharn.

Deanston came out with all guns blazing in the 2nd half and got a foothold in the match when a melee in the goalmouth resulted in the ball being prodded home. Deanston took heart from this and piled on the pressure and with 10 minutes of the 90 to go they got what on the balance of play was a deserved equaliser. Both teams seemed happy to hold on to what they had and go for extra time. After 90 minutes, 2 - 2.

The first period of extra time saw Gartocharn dominate play and it was no surprise when Matty Henry ran through on the keeper and scored in the corner putting us back in front. Deanston's frustrations resulted in some heavy tackling and it was no surprise when one of their number saw red for a particularly bad tackle on Hammy Stewart, fortunately Hammy was able to continue after a lengthy period of treatment. The second period of extra time saw Gartocharn dominate and it was no surprise when Dougie Wilson added to his tally to give us a 4 - 2 lead, and as Deanston pushed forward with 5 minutes to go Gregor Mitchell won the ball on the ball on the right and passed across the front of the goal for Graham McKenzie to roll the ball into an empty net.

This ended the scoring and 5 minutes later the boys were celebrating another fine cup win, with League President Tom Yuill presenting the cup to Captain Ian Muir, this is only the second time in our history we have won the Telfer Cup, the only other time being 1997.

The win came at a cost right enough, Gary More finished up in hospital in Paisey with concussion following a head knock, but was allowed home later that night, all reports are he will be fine.

A great win for the club, and hopefully a springboard to see us through the last few games.

The club would like to thank al the supporters who have followed us this year, we undoubtedly have the best and biggest support in the league.

Thank you all.

Iain Anderson

 

Sunday 7 August    Telfer Cup Semi-Final    Gartocharn v Gargunnock    Played at Donaldson Park, Balfron

This was the first time in many years Gartocharn had qualified for the semis of the Telfer Cup, this competition is for the two highest points scorers in the Endrick side of the league against the two best in the Forth side.

This game was played in the most horrendous conditions, lashing rain and a park which was almost unplayable due to the water, and both teams deserve great credit for a good game of football played in a good sporting manner.

The first period of the game was almost all Gartocharn pressure but it was the 32nd minute before they made the breakthrough, a fine corner from birthday boy Graeme McKenzie was met by Brian Stewart who thundered home from 6 yards. Gartocharn kept up the pressure and in the 40th minute a fine solo run and an unstoppable shot from Craig Mitchell gave us a two goal lead, but Gargunnock came storming back and pulled a goal back on the stroke of half time to give themselves a foothold in the game.

The second half started with Hammy’s half time team talk ringing in the boys ears and they responded by going two goals ahead again, Robert Muir broke away on the left and shot home from 10 yards giving the keeper no chance. Gargunnock kept plugging away and made a few chances before a long speculative lob crept in at the top corner, once again there was only one goal in it, but our boys kept going and although both teams found the going heavy. This Gartocharn team does not lack fitness or effort, this was highlighted when Richard Davidson, the right back, was up the park and lashed an unsaveable shot into the net, two goal lead restored again, Gargunnock were tiring at this point and it was no surprise when Robert Muir found himself in acres of space in the Gargunnock box and headed home our fifth goal. The margin of the victory maybe does not do justice to Gargunnock, who fought all the way and never gave up, but once again this Gartocharn team came away with the victory.

This sets up a final against Deanston, who beat Killearn on penalty kicks the previous night, the Final is scheduled for Sunday 14th, but at the moment there is some doubt as to whether Deanston can raise a team, as soon as a decision is made by the league committee I will update the site, it may be we have to play a league match on Saturday instead, will let you know as soon as we do.

Final score:  Gartocharn 5   Gargunnock  2

Iain Anderson

 

Saturday 30 July Cameron Cup – Round One     Thornhill  v  Gartocharn

Gartocharn travelled to Thornhill to begin the defense of the Cameron Cup, and following our defeat at Blanefield midweek manager Hammy Stewart wondered how the boys would react to their first loss of the season, he need not have worried, for despite a few more changes due to work, holiday and family commitments Gartocharn ran out easy winners. Hammy himself started the match up front alongside Robert Muir and grabbed himself a couple of goals, the second of which deserves a mention, despite his mounting years , dodgy ankles and black and blue legs he ran the best part of 30 yards with the ball, leaving Thornhill defenders in his wake he cut in on goal and smashed an unsaveable shot into the net, goal of  the match all of us on the sideline thought, but little did we know what was to come, at 5 - 1 up and cruising with five minutes to go Graeme McKenzie broke away, he looked up, saw the keeper off his line and lobbed the ball into the net from 25 yards, I'm certainly not deciding which was the better goal, both were of a  high calibre.

The scorers on the night were Hammy 2, Robert Muir 1, Ian Muir 1, Gary More 1, Graeme McKenzie 1.

This was a cracking performance from the entire team, the front men and midfield worked tirelessly and the defense played with a calm assurance that they were always on top, indeed the only goal against came from the penalty spot, and even then young Calum Crawford almost managed to stop it, he guessed correctly dived to his left but the ball just squirmed under his body, very unlucky Calum. Hammy does not often single out players for praise, but he felt that mention had to be made of young Calum's contribution tonight, was brilliant in goals, it was his first full game this year and he performed like a veteran, indeed midway through the first half he pulled of the most magnificent save, getting his fingertips to a header just under the bar and turning it over, and as the game went on his confidence grew, and by the end he was commanding his penalty box like an old hand, well done Calum.

This puts us in the second round of the cup, the draw will be made on Thursday and the details will be posted on the site.

Once again well done guys, a great way to bounce back from a defeat.

Final Score: Thornhill 1 Gartocharn  6

Iain Anderson

 

Tuesday 26 July  Blanefield v Gartocharn    Forth and Endrick League

This was the boys' first defeat of the season, and without adopting the sour grapes attitude we really should have taken something from the game. Once again work commitments and injuries affected Hammy`s team selection, once again Dougie was not quite ready, but did come on at half time as a sub and strove manfully through the second half. Ian Muir, although not 100% fit, started and worked tirelessly for 90 minutes. The first half was a nigly affair with both teams creating few chances, possibly we made more than the home side, and our efforts were rewarded when Matty Henry thundered home a shot from close range just before half time. A few minutes before the break Hammy, who was playing up front with Robrt Muir, was the victim of a very late challenge from a Blanefield player, and had to come off at the interval.

The second half saw some great effort from the boys and we looked quite comfortable for a while, but a speculative long shot from 25 yards crept in under Hughie`s bar and Blanefield were level, this gave our hosts some belief that they could end our record run of victories and they piled on the pressure, they took the lead when their centre forward tried his luck from a tight angle, and drove the ball home from 6 yards. There was still 15 minutes to go and we started to put pressure on Blanefield, but as happens when you are chasing the game we got cought on the break, Blanefield broke away and from 8 yards their centre drove the ball past Hughie who had no chance of stopping it.

So the unbeaten run has ended, but it is by no means disastrous, we are still joint top of the league with Killearn, we have a game in hand, and we have still to play them, so we keep going, and if we can replicate our football from the first part of the season that elusive first league title can still be ours.

Final score: Blanefield 3 Gartocharn 1

Iain Anderson


Saturday 23rd July.     Drymen v Gartocharn    Forth And Endrick League.

This match, which was cancelled due to weather earlier in the season, was arranged when Killearn were unable to field a team in the scheduled league fixture.

As usual it was a tight game against our near neighbours, before kick off Dougie Wilson and Ian Muir had fitness tests, Dougie being ruled out with an ankle injury, and Ian making the starting line up, just, but with the possibility not seeing out the 90 minutes due to a tight hamstring. The first 15 minutes were very close with our boys creating the more chances, but unable to convert them, and with just under 20 mins gone Ian Muir had to come off, he was replaced by Brian Stewart, then Drymen had a good spell in the match, before we got a foothold back in the game, we had a good shout for a penalty kick turned down when Gary More was upended in the box, but the ref thought differently, and it was no surprise when at half time it was 0-0.

The second half saw Gartocharn show great endeavour and start to play some good football, create some chances and generally boss the game, and our reward came in the 70th minute, some great work on the right wing from Simon Henry saw him reach the bye line and cut the ball across the goal, for Gregor Mitchell to score a good goal, as you would expect Drymen came roaring back at us and with 8 minutes left Gartocharn had another breakaway the ball landed at the feet of Brian Stewart who waltzed past the Drymen defense and placed the ball in the top left hand corner of the net. That should have been that, but in the first minute of injury time Drymen scored, after the Gartocharn defense failed to clear from a fee kick. From somewhere, nobody quite knows where, the referee found 6 minutes of stoppage time and Drymen threw everything at us, but the boys held out for another very important win, and an even more important 3 points.

Final score: Drymen 1 - Gartocharn 2.

Iain Anderson

Tuesday 19th July.    Balfron v Gartocharn F & E League

Tuesday saw Gartocharn travel to Balfron on league business, and work commitments saw Hammy Stewart have to make a couple of changes from the team which lifted the Margaret Whyte Trophy on Saturday.  Balfron is always a hard place to visit and come away with the points, but that's what the boys did. We were one up inside a minute when Graham Mckenzie slipped a pass through to Simon Henry who played the ball across goal and the onrushing Dougie Wilson drove the ball into the net, a great start. Gartocharn played some lovely football which Balfron had no answer to and it was no surprise when Robert Muir doubled the lead with a lovely goal, and just before half time Simon Henry scored a great goal after some good play in the midfield, and the points looked reasonably secure.

After the break Balfron came into the game for a spell, but any hope they had of a comeback was scuppered when Robert Muir drove home our fourth goal. With a few minutes left Balfron got a lucky break when a shot which Hughie had covered deflected off Ian Muir into his own goal, very unlucky. The game finished with another very important win for the boys at a very difficult venue.

Final Score: Balfron 1 Gartocharn 4

Iain Anderson

Margaret Whyte Cup Final. 16 July 2011

Gartocharn v Killearn.   Played at Drymen.   Gartocharn 1 Killearn 0 after extra tim.

This was a very closely contested match with both defenses on top for most of the game, Killearn's goalkeeper, and centre half were kept busy by our boys, but showed that anything we were to get from this match was going to be hard won, our own defensive back line, led by captain Iain Muir showed that they too were going to be hard to breach.

Both sides made, and missed chances, Gartocharn coming close on a few more occasions than Killearn, but it was no great surprise that after 45 mins the score sheet was blank.

The second half was more of the same, but Gartocharn were now creating more and more chances, Robert Muir, Dougie Wilson and Gary More all coming close, and it was Gartocharn who looked most likely to open the scoring, but as the 90 minutes approached it became clear that extra time was looming large.

The first half of extra time was a tense nervy affair for both teams, as everybody thought that one goal might be enough, but it was Gartocharn, who despite many players going down with cramp, and showing signs of exhaustion who were making tha chances, Robert Muir blazed a shot over the bar, Dougie came close again and Gregor Mitchell also had half a chance to score, but still that 1st goal proved elusive, But with five minutes to go Gary More was fouled on the edge of the Killearn penalty box and a free kick awarded to us, and from 19 yards Robert Muir hit a blistering shot which the keeper could only parry out and Dougie Wilson rifled the ball home from six yards, a cracking free kick Robert and a stunning shot from Dougie and Gartocharn had one hand on the cup, but there was one more twist to the game, in tha last minute Killearn broke away and the centre was through one on one with Hugh Wyllie in goals, but as he tried to round Hugh to score into an empty net, Hughie got down and touched the ball away from him, and Calum McKinnes completed the clearance, a wonderful save from Hugh to give us victory.

After the match the association chairman presented our captain, Iain Muir with the trophy, and the party began.

A wonderful victory against a good strong Killearn team who made it hard, the game was played in a good spirit with both sets of players and officials shaking hands at the end.

Manager Hammy Stewart would not single out any one for special praise, but was delighted, and proud, of the way every one of the players performed, it was a real team performance from the 16 man squad.

Well done boys, the village is proud of you.

Iain Anderson

 

The match against Thornhill which should have taken place on Tuesday 12th July did not take place as Thornhill were unable to field a team. At a meeting of the Forth and Endrick League on Thursday 14th July Gartocharn were awarded the three points due to Thornhill`s inability to fulfill the fixture. Gartocharn were awarded the points, and as in all cases like this a 3- 0 win is recorded.

Iain Anderson

Tuesday 5th July, Aberfoyle v Gartocharn. Played at Gartmore.

Another fine win for Gartocharn in this league encounter, Gartocharn flew out of the blocks and were 3 up in ten minutes, Aberfoyle had no answer and although they staged mini come back by scoring before half time they had no answer when Gartocharn started to play some good stuff in the second half.

Final score was 8-1 to Gartocharn, goals from Graham McKenzie 2, Dougie Wilson 4, and John McQueen 2.

This Saturday Gartocharn play Killearn in the final of the Margaret Whyte Cup, the final is at Drymen with a 7pm kick off. The supporters have been excellent this season so if you are doing nothing on Saturday night, come a long to Drymen and give the team your support.

Iain Anderson

Saturday 2nd July. Semi Final of Margaret Whyte Trophy.

Gargunnock v Gartocharn At Buchlyvie.

This was a hard fought game between two teams on form at the moment, since losing heavily to Gartocharn in the league recently Gargunnock have gone on a 5 week unbeaten run, and were a vastly improved side in this game.

Both teams started well with Gartocharn creating a few chances but Gargunnock threatened on the break, and it was hard to see who would be then first to break the deadlock, in the 26th minute Graham McKenzie won the ball in the middle of the park and slid a pass through to Robert muir, who slid the ball past the Gargunnock keeper, it looked like Gartocharn would hold on until half time, but a few minutes before the break a cross from the right eluded the Gartocharn defense and The onrushing Gargunnock player headed the equaliser. The second half started with Gartocharn playing with a bit more conviction, but still looking shot shy in front of goal, the defence also tightened up after the break and it was no surprise when Garto took the lead again, this time a long raking throw in from Calum McKinnes was met by Gary More, who gave the keeper no chance from 7 yards, 2 1 to Gartocharn. Despite some pressure form Gargunnock Gartocharn never really looked like letting them back into the game, and the 3rd goal from Dougie Wilson put the finishing touches to a fine win.

This result sets up a Final against Killearn, on Saturday 16th July, at a venue still to be arranged.

Praise must go to all players tonight, this was a result earned through good football, and a desire to win, we will play better football at times this season, but this match showed that even when we are not firing on all cylinders we can dig out a result.

Well done guys.

Iain Anderson


 

Friday 17/06/11, Gartocharn v Drymen

Gartocharn 5 - Drymen 1.  Scorers: Gary More, John McQueen, Robert Muir, Dougie Wilson (2). Went one nil down and got the equaliser just before half time. Class shone through in second half with four great goals.


Tuesday 14/06/11, Gartocharn v Blanefield

Gartocharn 6 - Blanefield 0.  Scorers: Dougie Wilson (4), Ian Muir and Gregor Mitchell. Made a lot of chances. Local derby versus Drymen on Friday night at home 7.30 pm.


Tuesday 07/06/11, Gartocharn v Deanston

Gartocharn 3 - Deanston 1.  Scorers: Dougie Wilson, Graeme McKenzie and Hammy Stewart.


Saturday 04/06/11, Gartocharn v Killearn

Gartocharn 1 - Killearn 1.  Scorer – John McQueen


Tuesday 31/5/11, Buchlyvie v Gartocharn

Gartocharn 6 - Buchlyvie 1. Scorers were Dougie Wilson 2 goals, Gary More, Simon Henry, John McQueen and Robert Muir.


Tuesday 17/5/11, League match away to Thornhill.

Thornhill 2 - Gartocharn  5: scorers for Gartocharn: Dougie Wilson, pen,  Matty Henry 2 and Gary More 1.

Hardest match of season so far, came back from 1 down at half time to record fine win against a team who are always one of the stronger teams in the league. A great win to keep undefeated run going.

Iain Anderson

Saturday 14th May, Forth & Endrick League    Gargunnock  V  Gartocharn.

Gargunnock 1 - Gartocharn 9:  scorers for gartocharn Dougie Wilson 4, Simon Henry 2 Ian Muir 2 and Robert Muir 1.


Another comprehensive win for Gartocharn who played some lovely football against a young  Gargunnock team who were just overrun by the visitors who were 3 up in 5 mins and that ended the game as a contest. Gartocharn were worthy winners, and another 3 points keeps us atop the table, although we will face sterner tests in the future.

Iain Anderson

Tuesday 10/5/11,  Gartocharn  V  Aberfoyle Rob Roy, in League/Margaret Whyte cup match.

Games between ourselves and Aberfoyle are usually close run affairs, and despite a scorline of 4-1, in our favour, this was no different.


Gartocharn took the lead early on when a shot by Robert Muir, which was heading past the post was diverted into his own goal by the Rob Roy keeper, this was just the start Gartocharn had wanted, and they piled on the pressure,  leading to a second being scored by Dougie Wilson, by now Gartocharn were in full stride and playing some nice football, and when young Matty Henry scored with a stunning shot from 16 yards it seemed an easy win was on the cards. However within 3 minutes Aberfoyle had got back into the game when a long range effort beat goalkeeper Hammy Stewart, and for the rest of the half they matched the home team for effort and determination, but we held out and turned round 3-1  up.


The second half was a very even game with Gartocharn having most of the goal scoring chances, and only some brilliant goalkeeping by the young Rob Roy keeper kept his team in the match, eventually however all the home pressure paid off when Dougie Wilson added his second of the night to give us a 4-1 victory. Both teams are to be congratulated for playing some nice football on a very wet and windy night.


This victory puts us into the semi finals of the Margaret Whyte cup, a trophy we won last year and would dearly love to retain, it also gives us 3 wins out of 3 in the league, a start which we have not bettered for many a year, but there is a long way to go.

Iain Anderson