An occasional blog provided by the players, their families and supporters!
An informal update on the matches as they happen!
Sunday 9 September 2012
Cameron Cup Final: Drymen 5 - Gartocharn 2.
Gartocharn found themselves 3-0 down after 20 minutes and left themselves a mountain to climb to get back into the game, but try they did and at half time found themselves only 3-2 behind, thanks to some great play by Dougie to fire a cross into the box for Matty Henry to head home, and a Dougie penalty saw the deficit reduced.
As time wore on in the second half Gartocharn started to push men forward looking for the equaliser, but a soft penalty kick award to Drymen saw them restore their two goal margin.
At this stage it was all out attack from Gartocharn, and Drymen caught us on the break to turn home number five.
This was a good game, played in a good spirit between local rivals, congratulations to Drymen on their victory.
That's the season now over, but we will be back to do it all again next April!
Iain Anderson Snr
Sunday 2 September 2012
Cameron Cup Semi Final. Gartocharn 2 - Killearn 0.
This was a dour struggle which could have gone either way, inside the first minute Hugh had to pull off a magnificent save to stop Killearn taking the lead, and at the other end a minute later Dougie Wilson gave Gartocharn the lead, some good play by Gregor Mitchell on the right saw him get in a good cross and Dougie made no mistake fron three yards out. Both teams made, and missed chances, but in the 40th minute Dougie became the provider with a low cross which captain Ian Muir turned into the Killearn net.
The second half was very even with both sides again creating chances, but some great goalkeeping by both Hugh and Colin Banks in the Killearn goal made sure there was no more scoring. It was a hard fought game, which possibly Gartocharn deserved to progress, but credit to Killearn, as always they were very difficult to beat.
That sets up a Cameron Cup final against local rivals Drymen, who disposed of Blanefield 3-0. This game will take place on Sunday 9 September, at a venue still to be decided, owing to the continual rain, and the condition of some parks within the league. I will update you as soon as we know, or you can befriend Gartocharn FC on Facebook, where all up to date information is available.
Iain Anderson Snr
Sunday 26 August 2012
Gartocharn are through to the semi final, Deanston conceded the tie when we arrived through there, they could not raise a team. We now play Killearn in the semi final at Drymen, next Sunday, 2 September, at 2.30 pm.
Tuesday 21 August 2012
Forth & Endrick League: Gartocharn 10 - Fintry 0
Gartocharn collected another three points which could prove vital as they try and retain the league title. This game was as one sided as the score suggests with Fintry not offering much as an attacking force
Gartocharn scored what must be one of the fastest ever goals in the league history, they were 1 up in 10 seconds, from the kick off the ball was played to Si Henry on the right, who turned the ball across the goal and there was Matty to turn it into the net. Afer that Gartocharn were never in any danger, and goals from Matty 4, Robert 2, Dougie 1, Gregor, Scott and Richard with 1 each. Special mention must go to Nicky Henry, who has played at left back for most of the season, and was the only outfield player not to have scored this year, however, he rectified that tonight with the tenth goal, an absolute peach from the left of the goal into the top right hand corner.
Final score again 10 - 0.
Next up is Gargunnock on Thursday night, scheduled for a 7.15 pm kick off at Gartocharn, another must win game if we have aspirations of holding on to the title.
Iain Anderson Snr
Sunday 19 August 2012: Telfer Cup Final
Gartocharn 3 - Drymen 0
As was expected this was an extremely close game for most of the 90 minutes, it was a hard, but fair game, well refereed by Steven and his assistants. The first half was an even affair with both sides creating chances, although neither keeper was too hard worked, there was a lot of hard work by the midfields but neither set of forwards had many clear cut chances, it was no surprise that half time arrived with no goals.
Gartocharn started the second half with a bit more determination and created a few good chances, but Scott Morrison in the Drymen goal was in good form and did everything asked of him. However, in the 60th minute some great work on the left wing by Dougie Wilson saw him slip the ball to Gary More six yards out, and his shot flew low and hard into the Drymen net. This opened the game up and saw Drymen push forward and create a few chances of their own, but Hughie pulled off a couple of great saves to keep us in the lead. Gartocharn again started pressing the Drymen defence and again some great work on the right, this time by Andy Slowik saw him get a cross in front of goal and there was Gary More to head home for 2-0. Again Drymen pushed forward to try and get back into the game and they did create a few chances, but again Hughie stood firm, in the 80th minute Hugh played the ball to John McQueen who from midfield played a defence splitting pass through to Nicky Henry, who made his way to the by line before sending the ball across the front of the Drymen goal, and there was Dougie who with a flying header put the game beyond Drymen, and confirmed our win.
As I've said this was a game played in the proper spirit by two sides who played hard, but fair, this was reflected in the fact that not one yellow card was issued. Congratulations to Gartocharn, hard lines to Drymen, so for the second year in a row, Gartocharn are the Telfer Cup Winners.
Iain Anderson Snr
Tuesday 14 August 2012: Telfer Cup Semi Final.
Gartocharn 7 - Buchlyvie 1 (played at Drymen).
This long awaited semi final turned out to be a bit of a one sided affair, from the start Gartocharn had all the pressure but missed chance after chance, Buchlyvie tried to play on the break but never really troubled Hugh in our goal, just when it seemed that all our pressure was going to amount to nothing in the first half up popped Dougie Wilson to give us a 1-0 half time lead.
The second half started with Buchlyvie on the front foot and grabbing an equaliser in the first minute of the second half, and for a spell they had the better of the game, but midway through the half Gartocharn upped their game and in the final 25 minutes banged home six goals, every one as good or better than the last, the scorers were Robert with 2, Dougie, Gregor, Andy S and Gary More.
A very convincing win for Gartocharn, who will have to make more of their chances in the final.
The next game is the final, which is against Drymen, at Balfron on Sunday 19th with a 2.30 kick off.
Iain Anderson Snr
Sunday 12 August 2012
Cameron Cup Round 1: Gargunnock 1 - Gartocharn 4
After a poor start and going behind in the 20th minute, Gartocharn finally started to get into the game, and just before half time Matty Henry turned the ball into the Gargunnock net to take us to the break all square.
The second half saw a much improved performance from Gartocharn, and when the ball broke to Gary More he ran in on goal, the keeper's tackle didn't stop him and he put the ball into the empty net. After some strong play by Andy Slowik he was finally pulled down 25 yds from goal, and up stepped Graeme McKenzie to score from the free kick. The third goal took the sting out of Gargunnock and it was no suprise when Gary More added a fourth.
All in all not a bad performance, but we will have to improve if we are to get past Deanston in the second round.
Date and venue for this game will be posted as soon as it is known.
Iain Anderson Snr
Tuesday 7 August 2012
Aberfoyle Rob Roy 0 - Gartocharn 10
Gartocharn got back to winning ways following their defeat to Deanston last week. Gartocharn took eight minutes to take the lead when a Matty Henry shot from 16 yds deceived the keeper, and in 20 minutes a cross from Dougie Wilson from the left was hammered home by the newly wed Andy Slowik, and in 24 minutes the match was over as a contest when a Robert Muir free kick from 20 yds deflected off the wall into the net for 3-0. A young Aberfoyle team kept at it but Gartocharn proved just too strong for them, Andy Slowik was brought down in the box in the 28th minute and although Dougie's spot kick was saved by the keeper Dougie was first to react and prod home the rebound, in the 30th minute a lovely floated shot from Andy Slowik curled nicely into the top corner for 5-0, and just before half time a Robert corner kick was headed home by Dougie to give us a 6-0 half time lead.
The second half started slowly with Gartocharn making the chances, and in the 62nd minute Dougie won the ball on the left and crossed for Gary More to drive home, in the 68th minute a Dougie cross from the right was headed back across goal by Robert for Andy to drive home our 8th. The 9th goal was a 30 yd drive by Robert which flew past the Aberfoyle keeper, and the scoring was completed in the 78th minute when Brian Stewart drove home a Robert Muir cross.
All in all a pretty one sided affair with Gartocharn playing some nice football. Aberfoyle are a young team with a few good players and I'm sure they will improve in the seasons ahead.
Another vital 3 points in our chase for the title, all we can do is keep winning and hope Deanston slip up.
Next up is a Cameron Cup tie on Sunday 12th away to Gargunnock, it should be noted that the kick off has been brought forward from 2.30 to 1.30 pm.
iain Anderson Snr
Tuesday 31 July 2012
Final score Deanston 3 - Gartocharn 0
No blog for this one as Iain couldn't be at the match.
Saturday 28 July 2012
Gartocharn 4 - Balfron Rovers 0
This was always going to be a tough match, Balfron are always strong opponents, but Gartocharn turned in a good hard working performance to claim another vital three points in the title race.
Despite a lot of posession it wasn't until the 43rd minute that we took the lead, some great play by Dougie Wilson led to him crossing from the right and Gregor Mitchell slamming the ball into the net, and on the stroke of half time Gary More rose above the defence to power home a header to double our tally.
The second half was more of the same, Gartocharn doing almost all the pressing with Balfron rarely troubling the home defence, and when Dougie was brought down in the box in the 84th minute, he picked himself up and scored from the spot to make it 3-0, and in a final flurry of pressure in the 90th minute a Robert Muir cross was turned in to his own net by a Balfron defender. Final Score 4-0.
Next game is Tuesday night, away to Deanston, kick off 7.30 pm.
Deanston are keen to lift their first league title, and we are keen to make it two in a row, both teams are playing well so a cracker of a match is in prospect.
Iain Anderson Snr
Tuesday 17 July 2012
Gartocharn 10 - Aberfoyle 3
Following the disappointment of Sunday cup final the boys got back to winning ways in the league, and as the score suggests it was a one sided affair, with Aberfoyle making few chances, and Gartocharn taking most of theirs. There were good performances all over the park, but special mention to Andy Slowik, with no regular left back available Andy dropped back and gave a Man of the Match performance.
The goals were scored by , Gregor Mitchell 3, Dougie Wilson 3, Robert Muir 2, one direct from a corner, Chris Poole 1 and Andy Slowik 1.
This result keeps us well in the league race, slightly behind Deanston, but we have games in hand, so a tight finish is on the cards.
The game scheduled for Friday 20 July (away to Fintry) has been cancelled as Fintry cannot field a team. Three points have been awarded to Gartocharn.
Iain Anderson Snr
Margaret Whyte Cup Final, played at Drymen on 15 July 2012.
Gartocharn 0 Blanefield 0, after extra time.
Blane field won 5-3 on Penalty Kicks
As the scoreline suggests this was a dour struggle between two evenly matched teams, Gartocharn had the bulk of possesion and created most of the chances in the early period, and when Iain Muir headed into the Blanefield net from a Graeme Mckenzie free kick we thought we had broken the deadlock, but the linesman raised his flag for what he saw as a push by Iain on the defender, and the goal was disallowed. We created a couple more chances and Chris Poole was unlucky when he saw his header come back off the cross bar in the 40th minute.
Second half was more of the same, but some good and some fortunate defending by Blanefield and some sloppy finishing from Gartocharn made it look like extra time and penalties were going to be needed. Having had most of the pressure we nearly gifted Blanefield a goal, their centre broke away and was clean through on goal, and only a magnificent save from Hugh Wyllie kept us in the game.
Extra time could still not find a goal, so penalties were the deciding factor, and Blanefield came out victorious.
A disappointing result and performance, but congratulations to Blanefield.
Our next game is at home to Aberfoyle on Tuesday 17 July with a 7.30 kick off, and next weekend's game is now away to Fintry on Friday 20 July, again with a 7.30 kick off.
Iain Anderson Snr
Tuesday 26th June, Forth & Endrick League
Blanefield 1 - Gartocharn 1
This was a game which Gartocharn should have won at a canter, but in fact finished up with a last minute equaliser.
Both teams adapted well to the horrendous playing conditions and Gartocharn began to pick their passes and make the chances, but contrived to miss everything in front of goal, Blanefield cleared off the line, the keeper made some good saves, and some poor finishing was the story of the first half.
The second was not a lot different but it was a worry that Blanefield would nick a goal against the run of play, and on the hour mark that's what happened. Gartocharn were pushing forward and a Blanefield breakaway was driven into the Gartocharn net. That left us chasing the game for the last half hour, and again chances were squandered, but in the 91st minute the Blanefield keeper was quite rightly penalised for holding on to the ball for too long, and Dougie's tap to the side was driven home by Robert Muir from 18 yards.
Final score 1-1. A game we should have won, but finished up grateful for a share of the points. We are still unbeaten and sit at the top of the league.
There is no game this weekend, our next league match is home to Aberfoyle on Tuesday 3rd July, kick off 7.30 pm.
The re arranged Cup final against Blanefield has been posponed this weekend, and will now take place on Sunday 15th July, at Shandon Park, Drymen. Kick Off 2.30 pm
Iain Anderson Snr
Tuesday 19 June 2012 Forth & Endrick League Match, Played at Drymen
Drymen Utd 1 – Gartocharn 4
This was a hard fought tussle between the two local rivals, and was played with passion and commitment by both sides, the first half hour was fairly even with both teams creating chances, bringing out some good saves from the keepers, but in the 30th minute a Robert Muir corner was met by brother Iain who from eight yds gave the Drymen keeper no chance., Gartocharn began to dominate the game and trademark Dougie Wilson run, which took out half the Drymen defence was despatched into the bottom corner in the 41st minute. Half Time 2 - 0 to Gartocharn.
The second half saw Drymen come back into the game but all their endeavour was met by resolute defending by Gartocharn, and in the 60th minute, when a long ball into the Drymen box by Robert Muir was flicked over the keepers head by Gary More it looked like being the visitors night. But credit to Drymen who never gave up, and after a couple of headers inthe box the ball deflected past Hugh Wyllie in the Gartocharn goal to give the home side a toe hold in the game at 3 - 1. Drymen applied some pressure, but when Chris Poole was brought down in the box in the 89th minute and Robert Muir drove home the resultant penalty it was all over, and Gartocharn had another valuable three points. Final score 4 - 1.
This was a hard game and an excellent win for Gartocharn, who remain at the top of the league.
Iain Anderson Snr
Sunday 17 June 2012 Margaret Whyte Cup, Semi Final. Played at Balfron
Gartocharn 3 – Deanston 2
As the scoreline suggests this was a very close match, with Deanston twice having the lead, and Gartocharn having to dig deep to secure a final place. Both defences were on top, but Gartocharn probably had the better of the first half possession but Deanston were always threatening, and pounced on a bit of Gartocharn slack defending to grab the lead just before half time.
The second half saw Gartocharn come more into the game, and create a few chances, and when Dougie Wilson picked up the ball just inside the Deanston half, he set off on one of his amazing runs, beat half of the Deanston defence and placed the ball in the corner of the net, giving the Deanston keeper no chance. 1 - 1. Once again sloppy defending let Deanston back into the match, and they took the lead 2 - 1. But Gartocharn battled back, and a free kick by Graeme McKenzie from around the half way line eluded everyone, keeper included and finished in the back of the net, 2 - 2. Extra time looked likely, but in the 85th minute some good wing play from Gregor and Richard saw the ball arrive at the feet of Dougie, he played a great ball across the front of the Deanston goal, and up popped Andy Slowik to hammer home to give us a 3 - 2 lead. Deanston fought hard to get back into the game, but having taken the lead for the first time the Gartocharn boys were in no mood to loose it, and kept posession well to run the clock down.
Final score, Gartocharn 3 - Deanston 2.
Iain Anderson Snr
Saturday 9 June 2012 Balfron 0 - Gartocharn 1
Another cracker of a match and another great performance by Gartocharn. Going into this game we were three points ahead of Balfron having played a game more, and the match itself showed why both teams are in the tussle at the top. This was a pretty even game with both teams having periods of domination, and both creating chances, but neither side able to open the scoring. Balfron had the best of these when they were awarded a penalty kick midway through the first half for a Richard Davidson tackle in the box, but Hugh Wyllie made a brilliant save low to his left to keep the scoresheet blank at half time.
Second half was more of the same with no scoring draw looking the probable outcome, but with five minutes to go the ball was cut back to Ian Muir whose wonder strike from 25 yards flashed past the Balfron keeper into the top right hand corner, a goal worthy of winning any game, and indeed it proved to be the only one of this game.
This was a hard fought game between two sides playing some of there best football, but credit to both sets of players who played the match in a good spirit, indeed there were no yellow cards in the entire game, well done both camps, and well done the referee.
Iain Anderson Snr
Tuesday 5 June 2012 Gartocharn 7 - Deanston 5.
Gartocharn got off to the best possible start when Robert Muir curled shot from the angle of the box into the top right hand corner in two minutes. This settled any nerves and the boys began to play some good football, and when Gary More followed up another Robert effort which the keeper could not hold, and slammed the ball home in the 13th minute it looked good for a win, even this early. But Deanston had other ideas and came storming back, they pulled a goal back in the 15th minute with a close range effort, the game settled down again with us having slightly more pressure, culminating in a Brian Stewart header being cleared off the line by the Deanston defence. In the 20th minute Gartocharn were awarded a penalty following some pushing in the box at a corner kick, up stepped Dougie Wilson to hammer the ball against the crossbar with the keeper beaten, but the two goal difference was established again following a great solo run and goal from Robert Muir in the 22nd minute. In 31 minutes Andy Slowik drove home from a few yards out to give us a 4-1 lead and five minutes later Brian Stewart drove home from close range to give us a 5-1 advantage, but Deanston were always dangerous and although four goals behind they never gave up, and when they were awarded a penalty five minutes before half time, Alan Inglis gave Hugh in our goal no chance. This gave Deanston a real lift, and they scored again before half time. Half Time Gartocharn 5 - Deanston 3.
In the first minute of the second half Deanston pulled another back when a shot from an acute angle found the net. 5-4. Gartocharn settled again and when a long kick out from Hugh went over the Deanston defence Dougie latched on to it, drew the keeper and slid the ball home, 6-4, but once again Deanston came back at us and pulled another back in 77 minutes 6-5, but when Andy Slowik scored from a really tight angle in the 85th minute, Deanstons resistance ended. Final Score 7-5.
This was a good hard game, between two well matched teams, both playing some nice football at times during the game, we will have few harder games this year, but once again the boys came up trumps and bagged another priceless 3 points.
Iain Anderson Snr
Saturday 2 June 2012 Gartocharn 2 - Drymen 0
This really was the late show by the home side, scoring in the 85th and 88th minutes. This was a well contested match by two teams on a bit of form. The first half was an even affair with Gartocharn creating a few chances, but Gary McIntyre in the Drymen goal was in great form and kept his team in the match with a string of good saves, Drymen gradually came into the game and for a wee while caused the home side a few problems, but the first half ended goalless.
Second half was a real midfield battle, with neither team unable to dominate, and when the chances were made defences were again on top, gradually Gartocharn started to dominate and looked the more likely to score, but the Drymen defence held firm, until Robert Muir was fouled in the box in the 85th minute, up stepped Dougie Wilson to give the Drymen keeper no chance with a tremendous shot from the penalty spot. Drymen restarted the match and pushed for an equaliser, but Gartocharn stood firm and again pressed the Drymen defence, and when the ball broke to Chris Poole 16 yards out he turned the Drymen defender, made himself a yard of room and hammered home number two.
This was, as you would expect with a Gartocharn - Drymen match a hard fought game, but played in a great spirit between two sets of players desperate for the win, hard lines to Drymen.
This win, and the cancellation of other games tonight due to tomorrow's McGregor Ferguson cup final, means we are top of the league, but to stay there we need to keep winning, and the games come thick and fast, next up Deanston at home on Tuesday night, 7 30 pm kick off.
Iain Anderson Snr
Tuesday 29 May 2012 Gartocharn 7 - Killearn 0
The much anticipated game between last year's league winners and runners up, gave us one of Gartocharns best perfomances for a long time. From the start Gartocharn took the game to the visitors and in 10 minutes a good passing move between Dougie Wilson and Gregor Mitchell resulted in Simon Henry slotting home from six yards. Gartocharn kept the pressure on and in 30 minutes Dougie slid home a great through ball from Robert Muir, scenting victory we kept the pressure on and in 35 minutes Richard Davidson cracked home a drive after good play between Dougie and Gregor. Killearn made the odd foray up the park, but Calum Crawford in goal dealt with everything that came to him. Half Time 3-0.
Killearn started the second half with a bit of purpose, but no real threat to the home team, and the game was ended as a contest in the 55th minute when a Graeme McKenzie long free kick was headed back across goal by Ian Muir and brother Robert drove it home to make it 4-0. In the 59th minute Dougie scored another trade mark goal, running from his own half right through the Killearn defense to slot home number 5. Killearn had offered little and it was no surprise when Gary More scored with a glancing header from a Robert Muir corner. Killearn to their credit came back into the game and a low shot from Alan. More was heading into the bottom corner until Calum Crawford got down to turn it round the post. Graeme completed the scoring from a 40 yard free kick. driving low and hard into the bottom corner when everyone expected another deep cross into the box, definately one to remember.
A great performance from the boys who played some great football during the game, and secured another vital three points.
Saturday night's fixture 2nd June has changed from Aberfoyle away to Drymen at home, another hard local derby to be expected, but one we are all looking forward to.
Iain Anderson Snr
Tuesday 22 May 2012: Gargunnock 0 - Gartocharn 6
Another emphatic win for Gartocharn, once again the boys raced out of the blocks and were 2-0 up in nine minutes, Simon Henry scored the first, latching on to a through ball from Hammy Stewart, Si gave the keeper no chance from eight yards. The second was scored by Dougie Wilson after a mazy run around the Gargunnock defense he slotted home, Dougie scored again in the 25th minute with what, even at this early stage could well be goal of the season, he left the entire Gargunnock defence in his wake to fire an unstoppable shot past the keeper, and the match was almost over as a contest when a Gargunnock defender put through his own goal following a Gregor Mitchel corner in the 40th minute. An injury to defender Brian Stewart meant a change before half time, when he was replaced by Chris Poole.
The second half started pretty much as we thought it would, with Gargunnock playing down the slope they piled on the pressure and Calum Crawford in goals pulled off a couple important saves. Gartocharn weathered the storm and once again started to control the game and, when Chris Poole was upended in the box in the 60th minute, up stepped Dougie Wilson to send an unstoppable penalty past the keeper. The game ebbed and flowed with Gartocharn having the best of the chances, and it was no surprise when Chris Poole lashed home a volley in the 85th minute.
This ended the scoring, and once again a good solid performance from the boys brought victory.
Next match is home to Killearn on Tuesday 29 May with a 7.30 kick off. Killearn will be looking to avenge our last gasp win against them on the last day of last season, a game which saw us win our first league title. A cracker of a match to look forward to.
Iain Anderson Snr
Tuesday 8 May 2012: Buchlyvie 0 - Gartocharn 5
A good win for Gartocharn over a stuffy Buchlyvie team who played well and made us work for the points. Gartocharn made a good start and went one up in eight minutes when Robert Muir slammed the ball home from eight yards after Dougie had hit the bar and the keeper had saved his second attempt, the rest of the first half was dominated by Gartocharn who had all the pressure, and it was no surprise when Dougie Wilson doubled the lead in the 40th minute, giving us a 2-0 half time lead. The second half saw some good football from Gartocharn with Buchlyvie restricted to the odd breakaway, and after a couple of attempts which were saved by the Buchlyvie keeper, Robert Muir got his second with a delightful lob over the keeper from 20 yards. Buchlyvie heads went down then and Gartocharn once again started to dominate the game, chances being made but not taken, but with 20 minutes to go Dougie got his second goal to finish the game as a contest, and with 10 mins left Gary More scored with a close range header.
A good all round performance which saw young Calum Crawford earn his first clean sheet of the season, and sterling perfomances from Capt Ian Muir and Graeme in defense, and Andy Slowik in the midfield, and the front men getting in among the goals.
There is no game this Saturday, and our next scheduled game against Fintry at home on Tuesday 15th in some doubt as Fintry are struggling to field a team.
Up to date info will be available on the website, or Gartocharn FC on Facebook.
Iain Anderson Snr
Saturday 5 May 2012: Gartocharn 1 - Blanefield 1
This is a game Gartocharn should have won by a few goals, but a mixture of poor finishing and bad luck conspired to give both teams a share of the points.
Gartocharn started well and had all the early pressure and when Andy Slowick slotted home from a Gary More through ball in the 25th minute it seemed we were on our way, and although we made a lot of good chances none were taken, the Blanefield keeper was inspired and on more than one occasion made what seemed impossible saves, and when he couldnt stop the ball the bar and posts did, a run from midfield by Graeme McKenzie saw him blast a shot off the crossbar, headers were cleared off the line and Blanefied bodies blocked other efforts, so for all our pressure, at haf time we still only led by the one goal.
The second half was more of the same, plenty of pressure but no finishes to match, once again we hit the woodwork and had other efforts either missed or saved by the keeper. Midway throught the half on one of their few forays into the Gartocharn half, Blanefied won a free kick, when the ball was played into the box the referee deemed that one of the Blanefield players had been pushed to the ground and awarded them a penalty, and Drew Lowry gave Calum Crawford no chance from the spot.
This gave Blanefield a bit of heart and they came into the game for a while and made a few chances themselves, but with no more scoring the game finished 1 1.
Definately a case of two point dropped rather than one point gained, on the positve side we are still unbeaten.
Next up, Buchlyve away on Tuesday 8 May with a 7 pm kick off. Iain Anderson Snr
Saturday 28 April 2012: Gartocharn 2 - Kippen 1
On Saturday 28 April 2012 Gartocharn kicked off their defence of the league championship with a home game against Kippen. Kippen had struggled on many occasions last season, to field a team to fulfill their fixtures, but they arrived at Gartocharn with a group of young players, who if they can keep them together, will trouble a lot of teams this year.
The game started with a lot of Gartocharn pressure, many chances were made, and squandered, Simon Henry on the right hand side was having a good game, and crossed many good balls into the Kippen box, but none of his good work was converted into goals. Kippen had a good spell midway through the first half, and forced a series of corners, but our defence stood firm. Gartocharn then regained control of the game and started creating chances again, and in the 30th minute a shot from Ian Muir took a slight deflection and ended up in the Kippen net, no more than we deserved on chances created, we had a few more chances before half time, but couldnt add to our tally.
The second half was a case of more of the same, but we always felt one goal was never going to be enough, we had the chance to double our tally when we were awarded a penalty after Dougie Wilson was flattened in the box, Graham stepped up to take it but the keeper dived low to his left to save, this gave Kippen a bit of heart and they came back into the game, and with five minutes to go they were awarded a penalty for an incident similar to the one giving us our spot kick, their centre forward stepped up and gave Calum Crawford no chance with a well taken penalty.
With five minutes to go we started pushing Kippen back into their half of the field, and creating more chances, and when, with two minutes to go, the ball broke to Graham McKenzie 15 yards out he caught it on the volley and hammered it into the net giving the Kippen keeper no chance.
Gartocharn held on to record a 2-1 win, not the best football we will play all year, but a good solid start to our defence of the League, and the 'never say die' attitude got us through. Difficult to say who was best for us, Calum Crawford in goal looked comfortable and did all that was asked of him, Simon Henry had some good runs down the wing, Graham had a lot of runs through the centre of the park, and Andy Slowik did some great hold up work up front. All things considered it was a good start, 3 points, and we are off and running in the league.
Next up, Blanefield at home next Saturday, 5th May, 7.00 pm kick off. Iain Anderson Snr