Glens in all white

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 2 Johnstone Burgh 0

Scorers : Newall, Mallan

A glancing header from Richie Newall gave the Glens and new manager Gordon Dalziel the ideal start to the new league campaign. Fluent football failed to follow however, and the Glens toiled for much of the half. Nevertheless, the Burgh failed to take their chances, a number of which were created by  lapses in concentration in the Glens defence, gifting the Burgh forwards the ball whilst trying to play out from the back. The Glens did threaten on occasion, almost snatching a second when the Burgh goalie sclaffed a shot on to the crossbar.

The second half started with the Glens being awarded a hotly disputed penalty when Craig Callachan was scythed down in the box, after the midfielder had clearly controlled the ball with the skill of an Italian basketball player. Justice was done when Joe Carruth's poor effort was easily smothered by the big Burgh keeper. The half was almost a mirror image of the first, with both teams struggling to turn possession into clear goal scoring chances. The Glens didn't look like surrendering the lead with goalie Gary Matthews safely clutching every high ball that came his way. Likewise the Glens didn't look like adding to their tally, until out of the gloom, Steve Mallan smashed an unstoppable clincher with 5 minutes remaining. 

A lacklustre performance perhaps, but a first ever opening day victory in the Super Leagues gives cause for celebration. Come Awa' the Afton

Stuart Boyd on the overhead !

 

Stevie Mallan goes close

Other Games

Arthurlie 2 Renfrew 5; Auchinleck 0 Pollok 2; Bellshill 1 Troon 1; Kiliwinning 2 Larkhall 3; Maryhill 4 Cumnock 2

 

 

an excellent result today against a hard fighting burgh team,we lost our way a bit after we scored but came back strong in the second half although we need to find a penalty taker.

What is it with penalties and us,think its about time we started putting them away.Most teams will come to lochpark and play the same way the burgh played yesterday,shut us down and hit on the break,good work rate by the team allowed us to be in control for most of the game,and the two cracking goals sealed the three points,for the only winning ayrshire team yesterday:):)