Match Reports
Saturday 28th March 2009 Carlton YMCA v Rutherglen Premier League Division 2
Carlton YMCA 'B' Free Weekend - No Game
Only one match to report on again last weekend with Robert Paterson's second eleven having a free weekend due to several of the lads taking in Scotland's International fixture against Holland over in Amsterdam - no casualties (yet...!!!!) to report.
This left Stewart McBean's first eleven with a home league fixture at The Kibble against Rutherglen. It was a sunny but cold, early spring afternoon in Paisley as the home side lined up as follows: Chic Smith, Peter Coyle, Andy Molloy, Grant Carnachan, Kevin Clews, Stuart Paxton, Ryan McCarthy, Craig Ferguson, Kevin O'Hare, Gary Martin, Jim Mcginty Subs: Simon Rhodes, Sean McCann, Murray Rodger. In the third minute an early Rutherglen attack resulted in a free kick for the visitors from about 35 yards.
Attack Mode
David Yuille shot directly at goal only for Chic Smith to parry the ball over the bar to concede a corner. This was cleared by the home defence and they went on the counter attack and also won a corner after a build up down the the left with Jim McGinty and Gary Martin but the Rutherglen defence cleared the danger. In the tenth minute a good build up through the middle left Gary Martin with a shot on goal but Eddie McCardle in the Rutherglan goal saved well at the far post to put the ball round for a corner. From the cross Ryan McCarthy headed for goal only to see defender Brian Thomson save the ball from going in with his chest. A minute later the visitors countered and Craig Monk had a chance to score as he found himself one-on-one with YM keeper Smith who saved well. In the eighteenth minute Rutherglen had another opportunity when Steven Robb gathered the ball in the YM box. As he turned he decided to shoot for goal but went well wide with his shot when perhaps a lay off might have been a better option. In the twenty fifth minute the YM took the lead albeit through an own goal...but what a goal it was !!! A good move down the right resulted in a great cross from Craig Ferguson. Craig Forsyth in the Rutherglen defence was put under great pressure to clear the ball but only managed to bullet the ball past his own keeper to score a goal that any striker would have been proud of ! Not much more to report for the remainder of the half. Half Time YM 1 v 0 Rutherglen.
Only three minutes into the second half and a great chance for the visitors to equalise when James McDougall found himself all alone with the ball at the far post but the tall winger blasted high over the bar. The YM then took control and six minutes later went two goals up after some lovely play down the right. Stuart Paxton started the move off from the defence when he sent a great ball over to Ryan McCarthy on the right wing. The attacking midfielder raced goalwards and just as everyone thought he was going to shoot for goal he cut back the sweetest of passes into the feet of the on running Gary Martin who squeezed the ball past keeper McArdle at the far post. Two minutes later Martin had another chance when he shot from 20 yards but the ball just missed the right hand post. Two minutes later another YM atttack down the right saw the ball come into striker Kevin O'Hare but his shot on goal came off the bar. At this point the YM made their first substitution when Murray Rodger came on for Jim McGinty. Within three minutes Rodger nearly made a telling contribution as he got on the end of a McCarthy cross, again from the right, but his shot went well wide. One minute later Andy Molloy received a yellow card from Mr Hay, the match official for a rather clumsy tackle on Forsyth.
Defence Mode
In the sixty seventh minute Stuart Paxton went off to be replaced by Sean McCann and four minutes later, after shooting wide, striker O'Hare was replaced by Simon Rhodes. Rutherglen sent on two substitutes in the seventy seventh minute when Forsyth and Crawford came off to be replaced by Stuart O'Neil and John Ryrie. Not much else to report, I'm afraid, as the match petered out with no further notable incidents. Full Time Carlton YMCA 2 v 0 Rutherglen. A well deserved victory for the YM without really getting into top gear as they sustain the momentum and move into third place in the league.
Saturday 21st March 2009 Clydebank College v Carlton YMCA Premier League Division 2
Lochgilphead Red Star v Carlton YMCA 'B' League Division 1
Both teams in action this weekend with important fixtures. At the Knowes complex in Faifley, Clydebank, Stewart McBean's first eleven took on Clydebank College. Officially now in spring, the weather took a turn for the better with some nice dry sunshine but still quite breezy high up above the riverside town. The team started Chic Smith, Peter Coyle, Andy Molloy, Kevin Clews, Grant Carnachan, Craig Ferguson, Stuart Paxton, Ryan McCarthy, Gary Martin, Kevin O'Hare, Robert Colqhuhoun Subs : Jim McGinty, Simon Rhodes, Sean McCann. The match started a couple of minutes late with the YM facing the strong breeze. There was an early let off for the YM when, in the third minute, College full back Mark Connelly collected the ball at the far edge of the box and shot from an acute angle only for the ball to come off the bar with Chic Smith beaten. On seven minutes Robert Colquhoun gathered the ball midway through the College half and beat the last defender. As the keeper came off his line to challenge, Robert passed the ball to Ryan McCarthy who despatched the ball into the empty net. However, referee Kelso adjudged that this was a forward pass and disallowed the goal giving a free kick to the College for offside. Two minutes later Colquhoun was again through on goal but this time shot high over the bar. In the eleventh minute Kevin O'Hare gathered the ball in the College penalty box and as he tried to turn his heels were clipped by James Turner and Mr Kelso pointed to the spot.
Gary Martin Going For Goal
The big striker got up, dusted himself down and took possession of the ball to claim the penalty kick. However, he shot weakly at goal and College keeper Iain Kelly saved easily, low down at his right hand post. Two minutes later Kevin Clews was cautioned for dissent. On eighteen minutes good work from Craig Ferguson in midfield resulted in him laying the ball off to striker O'Hare who turned and shot for goal but the ball flew high over the bar. On the twenty sixth minute College winger Turner had a shot from 25 yards but again the ball was too high and sailed harmlessly over the bar. Four minutes later the YM launched another attack down the left side by Colquhoun and Andy Molloy who crossed the ball in to the College box for Gary Martin to collect. The tall midfielder beat a defender before shooting goalward but it was the story of the day as the ball flew over the bar. In the thirty fourth minute a speculative lob come shot from 35 yards by Ryan McCarthy brought out a good one handed save from College keeper Kelly. Just on half time another chance for the YM fell to Andy Molloy but yet again the ball flew over the bar. Half Time College 0 v 0 YM.
The YM started the second half at full pelt and only one minute in won a corner on the right. Winger Colquhoun crossed the ball in and as the College tried to clear their lines the ball fell to Gary Martin who then shot for goal but this time the ball went wide of the post. Two minutes later the YM got a free kick about 35 yards out. Free kick specialist Colquhoun shot for goal only for keeper Kelly to parry the ball and Craig Ferguson running in could not convert the chance. One minute later striker O'Hare again blasted the ball high over the bar from 18 yards. The YM were piling on the pressure now and a minute later gained another free kick on the edge of the box. College made their first substitution and sent on Stuart Cowan for Kevin Faulds. Colquhoun again took the free kick but keeper Kelly easily gathered the ball. Totally against the run of play in the fifty fith minute, College broke up the park and striker Craig Darroch put the home side in the lead as he beat the YM defence and keeper Smith to put the ball into the empty net. College then made another substitution bringing on Scott Robertson for full back Connelly. In the sixty third minute Colquhoun gathered the ball in the middle of the park and drove for goal. As he reached the penalty area he unleashed a shot which just missed the far post. One minute later, finally the breakthrough for the YM. Peter Coyle played a one-two with striker O'Hare. As he received the ball back he shot for goal. Graham Fanning, in the College defence, stuck out his foot to try and stop the ball, however all he did was to divert the ball past keeper Kelly for an own goal equaliser. College made their last change by bringing on Gavin Millar for Martin Currie. All the pressure was now coming from the YM as they sought the winner. Full back Coyle shot from 16 yards and the ball was diverted for a corner which was then cleared. In the seventy second minute from another corner the ball broke to Grant Carnachan whose overhead kick went just wide. One minute later the College responded and were unlucky not to take the lead when Stuart O'Kane hit the bar with a header as they broke up the park. Into the last ten minutes it was all YM pressure. In the eighty third minute yet another free kick on the edge of the box was awarded to the YM as Kevin O'Hare was upended. Colquhoun seemed to scluff the ball which allowed keeper Kelly to save easily. One minute later college defender Fanning was booked for bringing down Colquhoun.
Siege On College Goal
This was quickly followed by midfielder William McMillan, this time for dissent. Just as it seemed College would hang on for a draw, the YM finally came up with another goal. In the eighty seventh minute after two consecutive corners the ball broke to Kevin Clews in the box as the home side tried to clear. The big centre half controlled the ball before slotting home into the corner of the net past the helpless Kelly. This resulted in wild celebrations from the big fellow as he notched up his first goal of the season. In the seventh minute of added on time the YM made absolutely certain of the three points as Ryan McCarthy finished off some nice leading up work from winger Colquhoun. Full time Clydebank College 1 v 3 Carlton YMCA. Three good points for the YM as they do the double over College to maintain the promotion push. Best for the YM today were the midfield duo of Stuart Paxton and Craig Ferguson ably assisted by Peter Coyle and off course goal scorer Clews.
Meanwhile, Robert Paterson's second string made the long journey to Argyll to take on Red Star at The Ropework Park in Lochgilphead. This was another important fixture as the lads are currently sitting on top of the table as they strive for the league championship. The YM were without a couple of key players (Jon Daly & John Kininmonth) through suspension and were further hindered with late injuries to Benny McPhee and Martin Bell who had both travelled. This meant some late team arranging for Robert and the starting lineup was as follows: Peter Lagan, Willie Sibley, Gerry Daly, Andy O'Hara, Robert Paterson, Chris Pattison, Murray Rodger, David Hagan, Iain MacInnes, Alec Strachan, Benny McPhee Subs: Martin Bell, Scott McKenzie. The home side had made a poor start to the season but over the last few games they had turned things round and were now putting in a late league challenge. All the early pressure came from Red Star and by the end of the first half they were two goals up. The injuries and suspensions were now coming home to haunt the YM and it wasn't long before the home side took a three goal lead early into the second half. The YM sent on McKenzie and the struggling Bell to try and change things and they succeeded to a degree when David Hagan pulled a goal back. However, the great comeback was not to be and the home side took full points as the match finished 3 v 1. Another setback for Robert's lads as they lose only their second league match of the season. They are still sitting proudly at the top of the table but the lead is down to one point from Tarbert. This league will probably go down to the wire with Carlton, Tarbert, Sporto, Red Star and Dumbarton Rock all in contention. Who will keep their nerve? Come on the YM !!!
Saturday 14th March 2009 FREE DATE for BOTH teams due to Sportsmans Dinner.
Saturday 7th March 2009 Carlton YMCA v Arkleston Premier League Division 2
Carlton YMCA 'B' No Game
Only one match to report last weekend. Robert Paterson's second eleven were the odd team out in the division, so it was a free weekend for them. This mean't all eyes were were focussed on The Kibble where Stewart McBean's first eleven had an important local derby against Arkleston. We are now into March but the wintry weather returned at the weekend to a wet and cold North end of Paisley. There were two late call off's as Kevin Clews and Stuart Paxton both failed fitness tests. This gave coach McBean a bit of a headache as he had to do some late team and positional changes. The team started Chic Smith, Peter Coyle, Andy Molloy, Grant Carnachan, Robert Paterson, Ryan McCarthy, Sean McCann, Craig Ferguson, Kevin O'Hare, Robert Colquhoun, Gary Martin Subs: Daryl Donnelly, Simon Rhodes, Jim McGinty. The visitors started very brightly and did all the early pressing. In the 3rd minute they were awarded a penalty when a clumsy tackle by Sean McCann on Mark Mitchell gave referee Robert Hughes an easy decision to make. McCann received a yellow card for his troubles and Arkleston midfielder Gerard O'Hare strode up and calmly slotted the ball past Chic Smith to give the visitors an early lead.
Up Close And Personal
Arkleston seemed to be really up for the match, which they had to win to get back into the promotion race, as they were the dominant side for the first fifteen minutes. The YM gradually eased themselves into the match and came close on sixteen minutes when a free kick was awarded on the edge of the Arkleston box after Gary Martin was brought down. Robert Colquhoun took the kick but the visitors defence managed to clear. However, in the 23rd minute the equaliser arrived. A precision corner from the right by Colquhoun gave Gary Martin the chance to head home at the back post and the big fellow made no mistake as he bulleted the ball past keeper William Kerr. Five minutes later Colquhoun had a glorious chance to score as he waltzed through the Arkleston defence, however, as he rounded keeper Kerr he lost control of the ball and it rolled out harmlessly for a goal kick. The YM were now playing all the nice midfield football. On 36 minutes Arkleston fought back and after a great run through the middle by Gerard O'Hare, the midfielder was very unlucky when his twenty five yard shot rattled the home crossbar with keeper Smith well beaten. Two minutes later the YM responded when Sean McCann finished a good move down the left with his shot just too high over the bar. Half Time Carlton YMCA 1 v 1 Arkleston.
There were no personnel changes at the break as the same twenty two players took to the field. The YM came out of the blocks blazing and on 47 minutes they took the lead. McCann won the ball in midfield and headed wide to striker Kevin O'Hare. He in turn passed out to winger Colquhoun who calmly chipped the ball over keeper Kerr and into the empty net. McCann, who had tweaked his hamstring, then came off to be replaced by Jim McGinty. Five minutes later, Arkleston equalised. Winger William Fleming gathered the ball at the edge of the box and shot goalwards. Keeper Chic Smith managed to parry the ball but unfortunately, as Andy Molloy came running in to try and clear, the ball came off his knees and landed up in the net behind Smith. Arkleston were now on the ascendency and five minutes later came close when a 25yd shot from Gerard O'Hare brought out a good save from Smith. On 58 minutes Arkleston's Mark Mitchell went off to be replaced by Jamie Costello. He quickly made an impact and five minutes later was unlucky not to score as he lobbed keeper Smith only for the ball to hit the post and go out for a goal kick. Jim McGinty went down injured in the 66th minute after overstretching but continued after some treatment.
Chase That Ball
Arkleston then took off Graeme Gordon for Steven Armstrong. On 70 minutes Peter Coyle nearly scored in his own net as he tried to clear the ball. Keeper Smith made a great save as he had to react quickly. The YM countered again and should have scored. Gary Martin, out on the left, crossed the ball in past keeper Kerr but Kevin O'Hare coming in at the back post just couldn't reach and the danger passed. It was end to end stuff now as both teams sought the winning goal. Costello had a chance for the visitors when he was left one on one with keeper Smith but his shot went stright into the keepers arms. At the other end Colquhoun nearly became the hero, but he shot wide. The YM sent on their final sub Daryl Donnelly in the 78th minute for Kevin O'Hare as they tried to win the match. However, it was the visitors who took the glory. In the 80th minute the old faithful route one, was taken by keeper Kerr as his goal kick was lauched deep into the YM half. One bouce over the defence and winger William Fleming latched onto the ball and as Chic Smith came off his line to close down the situation, the big fellow cooly lobbed the ball over Smith from twenty yards and into the empty net to give Arkleston full points and leap frog over the YM in the league table, although they have played a game more. A bit of a set back for the YM lads, especially after fighting back from an early goal to take the lead but Arkleston probably just shaded it with a fighting dislpay and seemed to be just that bit hungrier in what turned out to be an exciting match.
Saturday 28th February 2009 Kilbowie Union v Carlton YMCA Premier League Division 2
Carlton YMCA 'B' v Tarbert League Division 1
Across the river at Glenhead Park in Duntocher, the home of Drumchapel Amateurs, Stewart McBean's first eleven were the visitors against Kilbowie Union. The team started with Chic Smith, Peter Coyle, Gary Martin, Kevin Clews, Andy Molloy, Grant Carnachan, Sean McCann, Craig Ferguson, Ryan McCarthy, Robert Colquhoun, Kevin O'Hare Subs: Daryl Donnelly, Simon Rhodes, Stewart McBean. It was a pleasant, spring like afternoon for this important league fixture. Union started brightly and after four minutes created their first real chance. A wayward midfield pass by Gary Martin allowed Paul Dolan in on goal.
Union City Blues
He rounded Chic Smith, the YM keeper, and as he then tried to fire the ball home found that he had gone just too far and the angle beat him. A minute later another chance for Union went abegging when Dolan again, this time from a free kick, had an opportunity to score, but his shot was weak and the chance was missed. It was eight minutes before the YM had their first foray up the park. Peter Coyle put a great cross into the far post where Robert Colquhoun was lurking, but his header came off the bar only for Kevin O'Hare to head the rebound wide with the goal at his mercy. On fifteen minutes Union squandered another chance when Simon Phillipson headed a beautifully crossed ball from Dolan past the YM post. Five minutes later another Union free kick was tamely taken by James McCafferty to allow Chic Smith to easily save. The YM finally got their skates on and on twenty two minutes opened the scoring when a long throw from the left side was taken by Ryan McCarthy to the front post where Sean McCann managed to stoop down and head the ball low past Union keeper Sinan Alobaidi. Three minutes later the YM went two up after a Robert Colquhoun free kick was despatched with the usual aplomb from about 20 yards out. Peter Coyle had been pulled down by striker Phillipson, who was cautioned by referee Auld for his troubles and Colquhoun's shot found the bottom right hand corner. Union went up the park from the restart and more good work from the tricky winger Dolan, allowed Steven Peters with a simple task of scoring but the big forward blasted the ball high over the bar. On twenty eight minutes Kevin O'Hare was pulled down in the box by David Hendry who received a yellow card. Ryan McCarthy stepped up and took the penalty but keeper Alobaidi saved well only for the ball to land at McCarthy's feet and the midfielder made no mistake to bury the ball into the net to put the YM three goals up without reply within the fist half hour. Four minutes later Robert Colquhoun almost made it four when his 25 yard volley was well saved by keeper Alobaidi. On thirty five minutes a free kick for Union right on the 18 yard line was laid off by Dolan to Steven Peters. His shot came off the Carlton wall and as the ball bobbled about the penalty box Craig Ferguson had a rush of blood to his head and clearly pushed one of the Union forwards. Mr Auld had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Striker Phillipson strode up to take the kick but YM keeper Smith made an excellent save only for the ball to rebound out to James McCafferty who duly despatched the ball into the net. Just on the stroke of half time the YM should have increased their lead. A superb ball down the right wing from Sean McCann gave Craig Ferguson the chance to cross the ball into the box. His pass went to Kevin O'Hare and the big striker gave coach McBean palpatations by blasting the ball off the crossbar when it seemed easier to score ! Half Time Kilbowie Union 1 v 3 Carlton YMCA.
Union stated the second half the way that they had started the first and should have scored again in forty six minutes as Paul McLean split the YM defence but then shot wildly past the post. Four minutes later Gary Martin nearly scored as he drove through the Union defence but his shot scrapped off the post and out for a goal kick. On fifty one minutes, Robert Colquhoun, who had strained a leg muscle in the first half came off to be replaced by Simon Rhodes. On the hour mark, coach McBean swapped the two wingers over and immediately it paid dividends as the YM did increase their lead and what a goal it was ! Sean McCann gathered the ball midway in the Union half and drove for goal.
The Boys In Blue
As he got to the penalty box he sent a cracking left foot shot goalwards and the ball whizzed past the Union keeper and into the net for his second of the match. On seventy minutes Daryl Donnelly came on for the hard working Ryan McCarthy. In the eighty fourth minute McCann had a chance for a hat-trick but his shot went just over the bar. One minute later Peter Coyle put a great ball into the Union box and striker O'Hare finally managed to score and what a finish it was from the big fellow. Facing away from goal, he received the ball from Coyle and all in one move, flicked the ball up and rifled an overhead kicked into the net past the helpless keeper. From the restart Union went up the park and gained their second goal as striker Phillipson scored from what seemed to be an offside position. O'Hare then had another chance at the other end but his header went wide. In the last minute Chic Smith pulled down Steven Peters in the box to earn himself a yellow card and a penalty for Union but the keeper redeemed himself by again saving the penalty - this time there was no rebound ! Final score Kilbowie Union 2 v 5 Carlton YMCA.
A good performance from the lads but it could have been much closer if Union had taken their chances. Kevin Clews was outstanding in defence and two goal Hero Sean McCann had his best match of the season. The promotion push is still on target !
Meanwhile, over at The Kibble Robert Paterson's second string were playing an important league match against Tarbert who had made the long journey down from Argyll. With a ten point deficit to make up at the top of the league only a victory would do for Tarbert if they wanted to remain in the title run in. The YM started with Peter Lagan, Willie Sibley, Gerry Daly, Robert Paterson, Jon Daly, Chris Pattison, Murray Rodger, Martin Bell, David Hagan, Iain MacInnes, John Kininmonth Subs: Scott mcKenzie, Benny McPhee, Ronnie McKinley. Tarbert started the match well and thought that they had scored after ten minutes but referee Robertson rule for offside and the goal did not stand. Striker Prentice was cautioned for simulation as he dived in the box trying to gain an unfair advantage. The YM started to come into the match and by half time honours were fairly even. After the turnaround, only a minute had gone before the visitors opened the scoring. A corner was driven in and the home defence could not clear their lines. As the ball bobbled about the box, Tarbert took full advantage and smashed the ball into the net past the helpless keeper, Lagan. The YM then pressed hard trying for the equaliser. Just after the hour mark, all hell broke loose as the match exploded. Jon Daly and Tarbert striker Prentice went in together for a tackle. Prentice went down as though he had been poleaxed and referee Robertson immediately pulled out the yellow, then red card at Daly who had been booked earlier. This decision incensed the home lads who clearly believed that Prentice had "dived" again and a melee broke out with many of the players involved. YM striker John Kininmonth became embroiled and received a blow to the back of the head. Unfortunately he retaliated and attempted to lash out. Referee Robertson, who at this point was in discussion with skipper Paterson about the original tackle, said he saw the incident over Roberts's sholder and immediately issued a straight red to Kininmonth. A very controversial few minutes. Just to rub salt in the wound, Prentice, now "fully recovered" got up and scored direct from the resulting free kick to put the Argyll lads two goals up. The YM, now down to nine men, rolled their sleeves up and played their best football for the remainder of the match. With ten minutes remaining a Robert Paterson free kick was sent goalward and Willie Sibley got the merest of touches to put the ball into the Tarbert net and pull a goal back. The lads tried hard for the equaliser but the Argyll boys held out for the victory. Final score Carlton YMCA 'B' 1 v 2 Tarbert. A let down for the lads but they must put it behind them and remember that they are still seven points clear and still proudly, sit on top of the league.
Saturday 21st February 2009 Carlton YMCA v Port Glasgow OBU Premier League Division 2
Sporto v Carlton YMCA 'B' League Division 1
After two weekends of inactivity due to the bad weather, both teams got back to playing football and a great weekend for Carlton it was !
At The Kibble, Stewart McBean's first eleven took on Port Glasgow OBU. The tail'o the bank side had made a good start to the season and this was going to be a testing fixture for the home lads to get their promotion push back on line after the previous setback with Thorn Athletic. It seemed as though Spring had arrived in Paisley on Saturday and both sides took to the park on a bright and breezy February afternoon. The home side lined up with : Chic Smith, Peter Coyle, Kevin Clews, Gary Martin, Grant Carnachan, Craig Ferguson, Stuart Paxton, Robert Colquhoun, Kevin O'Hare, Simon Rhodes, Sean McCann Subs: Jim McGinty, Benny McPhee, Stewart McBean.
There was a great early start for the YM. In the second minute a run down the right by Sean McCann saw him put in a nice cross but Sriker Kevin O'Hare just missed the ball as he ran in on goal. However, only two minutes later, the YM took the lead when, this time, a great through ball by Gary Martin was latched onto by O'Hare and he made no mistake as his shot from 22 yards was buried into the net past the OBU goalkeeper Steven Fulton. The YM were doing all the early pressing and Robert Colquhoun was terrorising the OBU defence, especially down the left hand side. OBU stated to slowly get back into the match with a few upfield forays without creating any clear cut chances. On twenty eight minutes, Simon Rhodes received a yellow card from referee MacKay for retaliation after being brought down by Chris Muir. One minute later the YM defence were caught out as OBU striker Alex Gray beat the offside trap to leave himself one-on-one with Chic Smith but the big striker tried to chip Smith as he came out to challenge and the ball went high over the bar. On thirty eight minutes another chance for OBU fell to winger Andrew Hutchison but he shot weakly and keeper Smith saved easily.
Ready Steady Go
A minute later YM striker O'Hare was cautioned for deliberate hand ball. On the forty minute mark midfielder Stuart Paxton shot from 20 yards but the ball went well past the post. Just on the stroke of half-time the YM went two up. A free kick was given about twenty-two yards out on the right hand side off the box. Free kick specialist Robert Colquhoun strode up and shaped the ball high into the top laft hand of OBU keeper Fulton's goal past the defensive wall. A wonderful goal !
Half time Carlton YMCA 2 v 0 Port Glasgow OBU.
Five minutes into the second half another free kick was won by the YM. This time the distance was about twenty five yards and full back Peter Coyle tried his luck but keeper Fulton easily caught the ball. Five minutes later Andrew Hutchison of OBU was booked for a foul on Grant Carnachan. Three minutes later OBU sent on Ryan McNeil for Jon Hammerman who tweaked a hamstring. The YM were on the ascendency again and on sixty minutes a driving run by Gary Martin saw him finish with a ball across the goal where Simon Rhodes just put the ball wide. Five minutes later Rhodes went off to be replaced by Jim McGinty. OBU also sent on Russell Baxter for Tony Gray. On seventy four minutes a nice move involving Jim McGinty and Kevin O'Hare saw the big striker through on goal but his shot was weak and the danger was cleared. There were not many more clear cut chances for either side as the game frittered out. However, in the last two minutes, for no apparant reason we had a spate of bookings.
Colquhoun The Terroriser
Gary Martin received yellow for what referee MacKay determined as simulation and Grant Carnachan and OBU's Ryan McNeil both received cautions for clashing on the far side of the park. Good performances all round with Colquhoun, Carnachan and Ferguson just standing out from the rest. Three good points for the YM and hopefully they can go on a run and force themselves back into the promotion push.
Meanwhile over at Greenfields in the East end of Glasgow, Robert Paterson's second string were taking on Sporto in a top of the table clash. To come out of the game with at least a point would be a superb result for the YM but to lose the match would open the league right out so all was to play for in this important clash. The YM Started the match with Peter Lagan, Willie Sibley, Gerry Daly, Robert Paterson, Jon Daly, Chris Pattison, Martin Bell, Murray Rodger, John Kininmonth, David Hagan, Barry Mills Subs: Graeme Campbell, Iain MacInnes, Ian McGuiness.
The YM received a big blow after only five minutes when Barry Mills had to come off after a tackle. The speedy winger had to go to hospital after the match to discover that he has a broken bone in his foot and will be in plaster for four weeks. We wish him a quick recovery. Veteren Iain MacInnes came on for Mills. Two minutes later the YM took the lead when the Sporto defence got themselves in a bit of a pickle. Striker John Kininmonth seized the opportunity and got the ball from the defenders and smashed a shot from about 20 yards into the net. Sporto had most of the possession in the first half but the YM midfield and defence were up to the task and soaked up any pressure from the Glasgow side. Into the second half and it was more of the same. Sporto threw another player up front as they tried to get the equaliser but the YM defence was resolute with Murray Rodger and Jon Daly in midfield marshalling the play. On sixty five minutes a fine move down the left saw Gerry Daly pass the ball to David Hagan. His cross then found MacInnes who laid the ball off to John Kininmonth who had the easiest of tasks to put the ball into the net and give the YM a two goal lead. Graeme Campbell came on for Chris Pattison and Ian McGuiness came on for Iain MacInnes to shore up the defence and keep Sporto at bay. Peter Lagan also contributed with a couple of fine saves. The YM saw the match out for a superb away victory and have now opened up a ten point gap at the top of the league. A great all round performance with Murray Rodger, Jon Daly, Willie Sibley and two goal hero Kininmonth standing out from the rest. Another big test next weekend for the lads when they will entertain Tarbert at The Kibble.
Saturday 14th February 2009 Campbeltown Boys v Carlton YMCA Premier League Division 2
Carlton YMCA 'B' v Cambria 'B' League Division 1
Both matches postponed AGAIN !! due to the weather.
Saturday 7th February 2009 Campbeltown Boys v Carlton YMCA Premier League Division 2
Carlton YMCA 'B' v Duncanrig FP 'B' League Division 1
Both matches postponed due to the weather.
Saturday 31st January 2009 Carlton YMCA v Thorn Athletic Premier League Division 2
Shawlands FP 'B' v Carlton YMCA 'B' League Division 1
A big match at The Kibble today where the home side took on high flying Thorn Athletic from Johnstone. The league newcomers have been in fine form losing only three league points and having a great run in the Scottish Cup. Stewart McBean's side opened up with Chic Smith, Peter Coyle, Andy Molloy, Grant Carnachan, Kevin Clews, Gary Martin, Sean McCann, Ryan McCarthy, Stuart Paxton, Kevin O'Hare, Robert Colquhoun Subs: Jim McGinty, Craig Ferguson, Daryl Donnelly.
A cold, blowy but dry afternoon welcomed the players to this promotion seeking clash. Greenock referee Ian Smith was the man in the middle. Thorn started the match very crisply and in the first five minutes showed most of the pressure. On 10 minutes a free kick from Paul Young was floated into the YM box and cleared for a corner. From the corner the ball was cleared and picked up in the middle of the park by Robert Colquhoun. As he turned and raced through the Thorn defence he was unprofessionally clipped by Stuart Robertson who was very fortunate not to see at least a yellow card. Colquhoun had to go off for treatment and only lasted another five minutes before being replaced by Daryl Donnelly. This was a big blow to the YM as the small forward can be a matchwinner. On 18 minutes a Paul Young free kick from thirty five yards just shaved keeper Smith's post. Five minutes later Kevin O'Hare was upended just outside the Thorn box by Lee Forsyth who was yellow carded for his troubles. Ryan McCarthy took the free kick but the Thorn defence stood firm and the danger was cleared. Grant Carnachan also received yellow on 28 minutes for bringing down Mark Downey in the middle of the park. From the free kick the ball ended up in the net behind Chic Smith after deflecting off the shoulder of Carnachan to give the visitors the opening goal. Thorn were on the ascendency and came close with further attacks from Young and a Stuart Robertson shot that came off the bar with keeper Smith well beaten. On 38 minutes Stuart Paxton and Willie Armour clashed in the middle of the park. Chic Smith ran from his goal and got himself engaged in the incident which saw referee Smith give his namesake a yellow card for his protests. Two minutes before the break, Thorn midfielder Young was booked for upending Ryan McCarthy as he strode towards the Thorn goal. Into the second half, and on 58 minutes Sean McCann went off to be replaced by Jim McGinty. Four minutes later the visitors almost increased their lead. Some good work down the left wing by Mark Campbell resulted in a corner. From the kick Lee Forsyth just pushed the ball past the post. On 65 minutes Jim McGinty was put through after some great footwork by Ryan McCarthy, however, he was unceremoniously upended by Thomas Graham about twenty three yards from goal. The free kick from Gary Martin came off the wall to land at the feet of Stuart Paxton whose shot was well saved by keeper Liam McWilliams. Four minutes later Thorn went two up when Stuart Robertson finished with a fine shot past Chic Smith as the home defence pushed out too far. The YM replied immediately and Sturt Paxton got a goal back with a looping header over McWilliams after a fine corner kick from Peter Coyle. Armour was replaced by Paul Murphy for the visitors and Craig Ferguson replaced goalscorer Paxton for the home side. Thorn then sent on Andrew Parker for Mark Campbell. The last fifteen minutes saw heavy attacking from the YM as they finally put some real pressure on the visitors. Chances for Ryan McCarthy and Gary Martin went abegging and Stuart Robertson for the visitors was added to the referee's notebook but Thorn hung on to take all three points. A good, competitive match with the streetwise visitors just edging it. Not enough chances were created for the YM forwards and they will now have to work really hard to maintain the promotion push.
Meanwhile over at Cowglen, in the Southside of Glasgow, Robert Paterson's second string came from a goal down to take all three points against a stuffy Shawlands FP 'B' side. The side started with Peter Lagan, Willie Sibley, Gerry Daly, Robert Paterson, Chris Pattison, Murray Rodger, Martin Bell, Jon Daly, John Kininmonth, Barry Mills, David Hagan Subs: Iain MacInnes, Scott McKenzie, Graeme Campbell. A thirty yard strike from Murray Rodger cancelled out the early FP's opener and a minute later John Kininmoth scored what turned out to be the winner to grab all three points and maintain that top position in League Division 1.
Saturday 24th January 2009 Rutherglen v Carlton YMCA Premier League Division 2
Carlton YMCA 'B' v Dumbarton Rock League Division 1
Stewart McBean's first eleven were scheduled to take on Rutherglen in an important league match at Toryglen in the South side of Glasgow but a frozen pitch meant that the match will be relisted later in the season.
So it was all eyes down to the Kibble where some sterling work by the grounstaff meant game on ! The YM started with Peter Lagan, Willie Sibley, Gerry Daly, Andy O'Hara, Robert Paterson, Chris Pattison, Jon Daly, Martin Bell, John Kininmonth, David Hagan, Murray Rodger Subs: Graeme Campbell, Iain MacInnes, Barry Mills, Robert Colquhoun.
Dumbarton Rock turned up with a young looking side but their lads were quick and played some nice football. The first chance fell to the Rock's centre forward Liam Burns after five minutes, but Peter Lagan in goal for the YM carried on his great form with an impressive one handed save to put the ball over the bar. From the resulting corner, Rock hit both YM posts in quick succession when Derek Johnston and Michael Connolly were both unlucky not to open the scoring. A let off for the YM ! It was thirteen minutes before the YM registered their first chance when a shot from John Kininmonth was well saved by Rock keeper Lewis Russell. However, it was only another two minutes before the home side opened the scoring. Some fine work down the right wing saw David Hagan pass the ball into the path of Chris Pattison. He turned and placed a beautiful lob over keeper Russell for a fine opening goal. Three minutes later striker Kininmonth nearly made it two but his thirty yard strike after a fine turn just whizzed past the goalpost. On twenty seven minutes Kininmonth then found himself in the referee's notebook for dissent.
Who Is The Poser
Peter Lagan then made two great saves just before half time to keep the home side on top as the Rock tried hard to get back into the match.
Rock put on two substitutes at the beginning of the second half with Shaun Connolly coming on for Clive Burns and Daniel Haughie replacing Kevin Burns. Ten minutes into the half and Robert Colquhoun came on to replace goalscorer Pattison. A minute later midfielder Kevin Connolly of the Rock also found his way into the referee's notebook again for dissent. Manager Paterson almost scored a rare goal after a goalmouth scramble on the hour mark but his shot was blocked and the danger cleared. Three minutes later Rock nearly equalised but again keeper Lagan saved the day. On sixtysix minutes the game exploded when Rock midfielder Johnston received a straight red card for a wild challenge on Murray Rodger in the middle of the park. Four minutes later Barry Mills came on, after a long lay off through injury, to replace striker Kininmonth. On seventy five minutes the YM went two up after a super ball through from Murray Rodger was picked up by Robert Colquhoun. He drifted past a defender and coolly slotted the ball into the net past the advancing keeper. Rock kept on challenging and yet another terrific save by Lagan on seventy nine minutes maintained the clean sheet. One minute later Robert Colquhoun wound up the points for the home side with his second goal of the match. An attack down the left gave David Hagan an opportunity to cross the ball.
The Flagman
His cross was pin point accuracy into the stride of Colquhoun who volleyed a wonderful shot past the helpless Russell in the Rock goal. One minute later veteren Iain MacInness came on for the last six minutes replacing Hagan. Three more excellrnt points for Paterson's lads as they maintain their top position in the division.
Saturday 17th January 2009 Kilpatrick v Carlton YMCA Jimmy Marshall Trophy Round 1
Carlton YMCA 'B' v Tarbert
Both matches postponed this weekend due to the bad weather.
Saturday 10th January 2009 Arkleston v Carlton YMCA Premier League Division 2
Carlton YMCA 'B' v Kings Park Rangers 'B' League Division 1
A Good New Year to One and All and welcome back after the Festive Break !
Two cracking games to open up the New Year with. Stewart McBean's first eleven made the short trip to Linwood Sports Centre to take on local rivals Arkleston in an important league match. In what turned out to be torrential rain and storm force winds, it was a big surprise that this game managed to last for the full ninety minutes. Referee Clark checked with both lines on several occassions to see if they wanted to continue the game in what became farcical conditions. The YM started with Chic Smith, Andy Molloy, Peter Coyle, Kevin Clews, Grant Carnachan, Stuart Paxton, Ryan McCarthy, Sean McCann, Robert Colquhoun, Kevin O'Hare Subs: Craig Ferguson, Scott McKenzie, Jim McGinty. The lads took full control from the beginning of the match and after only five minutes they took the lead. A Robert Colquhoun turn and shot was parried by keeper William Kerr but Gary Martin was sharp and focussed and quickly slammed the ball into the net. Two minutes later a Stuart Paxton rocket from about thirty yards was goal bound but a last minute deflection from the home defence sent the ball past for a corner. The YM took control for the remainder of the half but the conditions were worsening by the minute and this correspondent couldn't write down all the action due to the heavy rain !! Into the second half and Arkleston must have fancied their chances as they had the gale force wind in their favour but it was the YM who extended their lead when a cool finish from top scorer Kevin O'Hare after some fine build up play by Andy Molloy and Robert Colquhoun gave O'Hare a one-on-one with keeper Kerr. The big centre kept his nerve and cooly stroked the ball into the bottom corner of the net for a two goal lead. Arkleston replied quickly and soon cut the deficit back to one goal when a long punt into the YM goal area was misjudged by keeper Chic Smith due to the gale and the ball ended up in the net behind him. Smith redeemed himself later in the match with two fine saves as Arkleston strove for the equaliser. However, the lads held out for a fine victory on a day for the ducks !
Meanwhile, back at the Kibble Robert Paterson's second string were carrying on from where they left off before the break - another victory - another three points. The team started Peter Lagan, Willie Sibley, Gerry Daly, Robert Paterson, Andy O'Hara, Chris Pattison, Murray Rodger, John Daly, John Kininmonth, David Hagan, Martin Bell Subs: Graeme Campbell, Gerry Goodwin, Iain MacInnes. An all round good display with keeper Lagan Man of the Match after three match winning saves ably assisted by two goal hero John Kininmonth. Still sitting proudly on top of the division it's now up to the other contenders to claw back the deficit.
Saturday 13th December 2008 Wishaw v Carlton YMCA West of Scotland Cup Round 4
Carlton YMCA 'B' v Tarbert League Division 1
A rather curtailed match report this week as this correspondent is in foreign fields. Stewart McBean's 1st Eleven were on cup business with a 4th round West of Scotland Cup tie away at Wishaw. By all accounts the park was a bit of a coup but the lads had good expectations of still being in the competition into the New Year. This seemed to be the case as a penalty goal from Ryan McCarthy gave the YM an early lead but two goals home the home team either side of the break brought them right back into the match. Things went from bad to worse when a defensive mistake gave Wishaw a soft penalty which they duly scored from. Kevin O'Hare pulled a goal back before the end but the home side went into round 5 with the YM wondering how they managed to lose the match. Ah well....there's always next year.
Meanwhile, the heavy rain on Friday put paid to The Kibble for the second successive week which mean't Tarbert did not need to make the long journey down from Argyle. A bit frustrating for Robert Paterson's lads as their recent form has been outstanding but they still sit proudly on top of League Division 1 after a superb first half of the season. Here's hoping they can continue the good form after the festive break.
From across the sea I wish one and all, a very merry Christmas and a Good New Year. See you all in 2009.
Saturday 29th November 2008 Port Glasgow OBU v Carlton YMCA Premier League Division 2
Carlton YMCA 'B' v Lochgilphead Red Star League Division 1
The first eleven match was a late casualty of the heavy mid-week rain and Friday overnight frost to give the lads a free day. So it was all down to the second string to keep the flag flying. At The Kibble Robert Paterson's lads were taking on Lochgilphead Red Star in an important league match. This last Saturday in November proved to be a sunny, crisp but very cold afternoon. With two late call offs due to injury (Graeme Campbell & Martin Bell), Robert took the opportunity to call in two players from the first team pool to bolster up his midfield. The team started as follows : Peter Lagan, Willie Sibley, Robert Paterson, Jonathan Daly, Gerry Daly, Chris Pattison, Jim McGinty, Gary Martin, David Hagan, Murray Rodger, John Kininmonth Subs : Iain MacInnes, Conn O'Brien, Benny McPhee, Ronnie McKinley, Chris McGrorry.
Referee Hutchison started the match five minutes early and both sides took the first few minutes to settle in. On three minutes, with the YM defence shouting "offside", Red Star kept running and the ball broke through for striker Neil Russell but his shot went wide. Two minutes later, the ball was crossed for John Kininmonth who headed back to Murray Rodger but his 30yd shot was rising all the way and the ball went over the bar. On twelve minutes Red Star almost scored as the ball again broke to Russell about 22yds out. His shot was goal bound but Peter Lagan in the YM goal pulled off a great one handed save to scoop the ball over the bar. Five minutes later the YM responded. With some good play down the right by Jon Daly, the ball made its way to John Kininmonth and he crossed to the far post where Jim McGinty headed to Gary Martin but he was just over stretching and the chance was lost. On twenty two minutes a free kick was awarded to the YM about 22yds out after some good build up play by Jim McGinty. Jon Daly strode up and cooly slotted the ball into the bottom left hand corner of the net while goalkeeper Luke Kilachie could only watch on. One up for the YM. Red Star responded and for the next ten minutes they put the YM under considerable pressure. On twenty five minutes a Dougie Moore corner was sent into the goal area but Robert Paterson and Chris Pattison kept their cool and managed to clear the danger. Five minutes later Graeme MacPherson, for the visitors, gathered the ball at the edge of the YM box, turned, saw Peter Lagan off his line and cooly chipped the keeper only to see the ball come back off the YM bar. A let off for the home side ! The YM worked their way back into the match and came close on thirty eight minutes when a precise David Hagan cross was just headed wide by Gary Martin. One minute later David Campbell was cautioned by Referee Hutchison for dissent. Half Time YM 1 v 0 Red Star.
This yellow card proved decisive for Campbell. With only one minute gone after the turnaround he put in a heavy tackle on David Hagan in the middle of the park and left Mr Hutchison no choice but to issue a second yellow, followed by a red card and he was sent marching to the dressing room for an early shower. Within two minutes, the YM took full advantage of the extra man and went two goals up. A corner on the right was precisely executed to the back post by Hagan where skipper Patterson came in on the blind side to bullet the ball into the net with his head. Five minutes later John Kininmonth almost increased the lead after another corner on the right. As the ball broke to him, he steadied himself and sent the ball goalward but his strike was just a few centimetres high and the ball went over the bar. On sixty four minutes, some more good work down the left by Gary Martin saw his cross volleyed past the post by striker Kininmonth. One minute later there was some petulance shown by the Red Star lads and Mr Hutchison cautioned both Iain Campbell and Dougie Moore. On sixty seven minutes Red Star sent on Robert Docherty for Craig Campbell while YM sent on Conn O'Brien for David Hagan. The substitution paid an instant dividend for Red Star as Docherty, with his first touch of the ball, sent a cross to the back post for Graeme McPherson to head past the helpless Peter Lagan in the YM goal. However, the comeback was short lived as within seven minutes the YM regained their two goal advantage with a cracking goal from striker Kininmonth as he rose like a salmon to head home a Conn O'Brien corner from the left. The YM immediately sent on Benny McPhee for Chris Pattison and this proved to be one of the shortest substitutions ever as four minutes later after a great run down the left, McPhee had to go off with what looked like a "pulled hamstring" ! Veteren Iain MacInnes took his place for the remaining minutes. Red Star had another chance with five minutes to go but David Robertson fluffed his chance and was immediately substituted by Chris Crawford. With only one minute to go Red Star striker Neil Russell saw red with a verbal tirade against Referee Hutchison who duly obliged and sent him stright to the pavilion. Full Time Carlton YMCA 3 v 1 Lochgilphead Red Star.
A good exciting, match and a great performance from the home lads with Jim McGinty, Jon Daly, John Kininmonth and Gary Martin standing out above the rest. Red Star are a good side and not many teams will take points from them this season.
Saturday 22nd November 2008 Carlton YMCA v Rolls Royce EK Premier League Division 2
Cambria 'B' v Carlton YMCA 'B' Coronation Cup Round 2
On a cold, windless but dry afternoon in Paisley, this much awaited fixture with the young guns of Carlton and Rolls Royce going head to head took place.
YM line up : Chic Smith, Peter Coyle, Andy Molloy, Kevin Clews, Jonathan Daly, Grant Carnachan, Ryan McCarthy, Sean McCann, Gary Martin, Daryl Donnelly, Kevin O'Hare Subs ; Simon Rhodes, Benny McPhee.
Rolls Royce line up ; Andrew Watson, John MacMillan, Mark Johnstone, Scott Woods, Grant Malcolm, Paul Innes, Kevin Wilson, Greg Kinnaird, Gary Welsh, James McTaggart, Gavin Miller Subs : Stewart Craig, Martin Hagen, Jamie Innes, Paul Miller.
The first chance fell to the YM after five minutes. Gary Martin cut out a defensive EK clearance and Kevin O'Hare blasted the ball high over the bar. Two minutes later and another surging run from Martin through the middle of the park saw him scythed down by EK Scott Woods who received a yellow card from Mr Saverse for his troubles. On nine minutes a good move down the right saw O'Hare backheel for Sean McCann who crossed for Daryl Donnelly just to glance the ball past the post. On eleven minutes the YM gained their first corner. McCann crossed the ball but the danger was cleared by the EK defence. One minute later, on their first foray up the park, Rolls Royce took the lead when James McTaggart slid in just inside the box to get there just before YM keeper Chic Smith and the ball trundled into the corner of the net. On fourteen minutes a late Gary Martin tackle on Greig Kinnaird saw him receive a caution. Six minutes later, a controversial moment when, after a surging run down the right by Sean McCann saw his cross clearly hit the hand of the EK defender but Referee Saverse decided that there was no intention. From the resulting corner the danger was cleared. On twenty one minutes a free kick to the YM, just on the left hand edge of the EK penalty box saw Daryl Donnelly cross the ball but again the EK defence stood firm. Four minutes later another free kick to the YM saw Gary Martin fire in from 25yds but keeper Andrew Watson saved well at the base of the goal post. On thirty minutes a good run down the right from Peter Coyle saw him work himself into the box but Kevin O'Hare just couldn't catch the ball. Three minutes later saw a good move down the right by EK defender John MacMillan and he gained a corner off Jon Daly. The cross from Paul Innes was headed goalward by Gary Welsh but the YM defence managed to clear the danger. On thirty seven minutes some more fine work down the right saw Kevin O'Hare launch an overhead kick from the cross but the ball went wide. It was end to end stuff now and a minute later saw Paul Innes send in a free kick from 35yds. The ball broke out to Greig Kinnaird but his shot went high over the YM bar. Half Time Carlton YMCA 0 v 1 Rolls Royce EK.
The YM came out in the second half after some inspiring words from coach McBean and it only took two minutes for the first attack. Peter Coyle and Sean McCann combined down the right but the cross in was just too far for striker O'Hare. On forty nine minutes James McTaggart had a great chance to increase the lead for the visitors when he broke through the YM defence but his shot went wide left. Four minutes later, another surging run by YM's Martin saw his shot hit the defender on the arm but yet again Referee Saverse did not give the penalty. One minute later saw O'Hare turn and shoot over the bar. All the pressure was now coming from the YM as they sought the equaliser. On fifty five minutes another goalward srike by O'Hare saw his shot hit the back of one of the visitors defenders and the ball was cleared. The Rolls Royce boys replied and one minute later a thirty yard shot from defender Mark Johnstone was well held by YM keeper Smith. On sixty five minutes striker Gary Welsh had a golden chance to score for the visitors but he hesitated too long and the chance was lost. The YM replied instantly and midfielder Martin's shot just went over the bar. We then a clutch of substitutions. The visitors brought on Jamie Innes for John MacMillan and Martin Hagen for Kevin Wilson. The YM brought Simon Rhodes on for Sean McCann. Ten minutes to go now and it is all YM pressure. Over the next few minutes chances for O'Hare, Martin and Coyle all came close but the EK defence was brilliantly marshalled by Grant Malcolm and they were standing firm. In the dying seconds of the match the YM thought that they had finally got the equaliser when Kevin O'Hare's shot looked sure to go in but somehow the visitors keeper Andrew Watson got his hands to the ball to bring off an unbelievable save. With this, Referee Saverse blew the final whistle to end the match. Carlton YMCA 0 v 1 Rolls Royce EK. A thrilling match for all spectators to watch but a very unlucky YM team trooped off the park as all their efforts had proved fruitless. Great performances from Gary Martin, Peter Coyle and Sean McCann for the home side with Grant Malcolm and keeper Watson outstanding for the visitors.
Meanwhile up at the University Parks at Stepps, Robert Paterson's second string were on cup duty as they took on Cambria 'B' in the second round of The Coronation Cup. After last season's exciting run to the Final of this old competition the lads were hopeful for another good run - but it was not to be and the academics avenged their earlier league defeat at the same venue by winning 4 v 2.
Two goals for striker John Kininmonth, one from the penalty spot was the highlight of the match for the YM but a number of missed chances didn't help the cause.
Saturday 15th November 2008 Carlton YMCA v Cambria 'B' West of Scotland Cup Round 3
Sporto v Carlton YMCA 'B' League Division 1
Robert Paterson's second string had a table topping clash with Sporto last Saturday at Greenfields in the Shettleston area of Glasgow. Unfortunately the Council put matches off in Glasgow on Friday so it was all eyes to The Kibble to see if the weather could be beaten. A quick trip down to B&Q on Saturday morning to purchase a dozen bags of sand, spread it on the goalmouths and hey presto!- game on !!
One or two injuries to the central defence first eleven mean't that Stewart McBean drafted in Robert Paterson and Andy O'Hara from the second string for the visit of Cambria 'B' for this third round West Cup tie. The team started : Chic Smith, Peter Coyle, Gary Martin, Robert Paterson, Andy O'Hara, Ryan McCarthy, Grant Carnachan, Kevin O'Hare, Daryl Donnelly, Stuart Paxton Subs: Jim McGinty, Martin Bell, Sean McCann, Simon Rhodes, John Kininmonth.
Stars of the Future
The YM started strongly and there were only two minutes on the clock when Kevin O'Hare almost opened the scoring, however, keeper Michael Donahue saved well from the big striker. From the resulting corner the ball broke to Gary Martin but he shot over the bar. On their first foray up the park one minute later, Cambria took the lead when a hopeful pass forward was missed by Andy Molloy and Paul Gallacher nipped in and buried the ball well past YM keeper Chic Smith. On the tenth minute, Peter Coyle put a nice ball into the box but Gary Martin headed over the bar. On the twenty second minute Ryan McCarthy was booked for speaking back too strongly to referee Martin Keegan. On the thirty sixth minute, Kevin O'Hare took the ball round the keeper but unfortunately ran out of park before he could control the ball. All the pressure was now coming from the YM as they sought the equaliser, but Cambria nearly extended their lead after forty minutes when winger Gallacher broke up the park only for his cross to be missed by Greg McMahon. Just before half time Gary Martin did equalise for the YM as he finished off some great work down the left by Peter Coyle. Half Time Carlton YMCA 1 v 1 Cambria 'B'.
Goalscoring Duo Martin and OHare
After some strong words during the break from assistant coach Deveney, the lads came out with more purpose and within two minutes of the restart they took the lead. Again, some good lead up play from Peter Coyle and Ryan McCarthy gave Daryl Donnelly the oppotunity to score and he didn't miss. Four minutes later a succession of chances for the YM were created with Donnelly, McCarthy and Andy Molloy all coming close. As the YM threatened to overun the academics with yet another chance for Martin being saved singled handedly by keeper Donahue, the Cambria lads equalised when a speculative cross from the right wing was misjudged by Chic Smith and the ball landed up in the net. One minute later the YM regained the lead when Gary Martin scored his second of the day from about 12yds. Keeper Donahue got his fingers to the ball but it came off the post and crossed the line. Cambria didn't stop battling and nearly eqaulised again on the sixty third minute through Gallacher. His shot was parried by keeper Smith and he managed to regain control of the ball and the danger was cleared. One minute later a 35yd free kick saw keeper Smith palming the ball over the bar from Alex Smiley's rasping shot. On sixty five minutes the YM sent on Simon Rhodes for Daryl Donnelly.
Get Out of My Way
Eight minutes later Cambria came close agin when Smiley hit the post with keeper Smith well beaten. In the next attack Cambria equalised through Neil McLeod after a slip by Robert Paterson and the big striker scored easily past Smith. With ten minutes remaining on the clock the YM took the lead again when Kevin O'Hare touched in off a Gary Martin shot. One minute later Martin finally got his hat-trick as he headed in from a Ryan McCarthy cross. This quick one-two seemed to finally demoralise Cambria and within another minute Kevin O'Hare scored his second and the YM's sixth after another good McCarthy cross. Jim McGinty came on for Peter Coyle to play out the remaining six minutes. Final score Carlton YMCA 6 v 3 Cambria 'B'. A good result for the lads as they now move into round 4 but they did make hard work of a match that they were expected to win. Full marks to the Cambria lads who battled away and made this tussle an exciting spectacle for the onlookers.
Saturday 8th November 2008 Carlton YMCA v Clydebank College Premier League Division 2
Duncanrig FP 'B' v Carlton YMCA 'B'
Both matches in play this weekend - something of an achievement !
Into November and this is only the second league game for Stewart McBean's first eleven. Today we welcome old adversaries Clydebank College to The Kibble who will no doubt, be well up for the challenge. The team started with : Chic Smith, Sean McCann, Andy Molloy, Kevin Clews, Peter Coyle, Stuart Paxton, Ryan McCarthy, Grant Carnachan, Gary Martin, John Kininmonth, Kevin O'Hare Subs : Jim McGinty, Simon Rhodes, Chris McGrorry.
Right or Left
The match started on a damp, overcast but still fairly mild autumnal day, seven minutes early.Both teams settled into the game and it was on ten minutes before the first real chance fell to the College when a free kick from 25yds was floated in for Mark Connelly to head directly into the hands of YM keeper Chic Smith. Three minutes later the College were awarded another free kick when the ball struck Kevin Clews on the hand but Craig Darroch skied the ball over the bar from about 27yds. On fourteen minutes the early College pressure paid off when they took the lead from a Robert Sheehan header after some fine work on the right by Craig Darroch. The YM responded five minutes later when a 20yd shot from Peter Coyle just flashed past the post. Sheehan had a great chance to put the College two up on twenty two minutes but his shot was well saved by keeper Smith. One minute later Sean McCann had a great chance to equalise for the home side but he headed wide at the back post. The equaliser was only five more minutes in coming when referee Alan Frame adjudged that the college defenders had pushed Kevin O'Hare as he rose to challenge for a Ryan McCarthy free kick that had been floated into the area. McCarthy stepped forward and slotted the ball home sending College keeper Blair Flynn the wrong way. On thirty six minutes another chance for the visitors when they were awarded a free kick just on the eighteen yard line but Darroch put the ball high over the bar. Seven minutes later another chance for the college fell to striker Sheehan but yet again the ball was blasted over the bar. Just on half time Grant Carnachan received a caution for persistent fouling and from the resultant free kick Sheehan scored his second to give the visitors the lead at half time.
My Ball or Yours
The college made a change after the break by bringing on Gavin Miller for Jamie McVeigh. The YM came out looking for an equaliser and within a minute gained a corner after some nice work from Stuart Paxton. From the corner the ball fell to Sean McCann and his cross come shot hit both the bar and post but was eventually cleared by the College defence. One minute late McCann missed a golden opportunity but his shot was deflected for another corner. Again the danger was cleared by the College defence. On fifty minutes the YM brought on Jim McGinty for Kevin Clews. Five minutes later a good turn and shot from Kevin O'Hare brought out a good save from keeper Flynn. On sixty two minutes striker O'Hare got the equaliser after some brilliant build up play from Peter Coyle. One minute later the game heated up somewhat when College midfielder Scott Robertson received a straight red for scything down Grant Carnachan in the middle of the park. O'Hare then had a chance to give the home side the lead on sixty four minutes but keeper Flynn made a fine save. Four minutes later College sent on Keith Anderson for John Dunn. One minute later the YM took the lead for the first time when Carnachan converted with a back post header after some good play down the left by Gary Martin and Andy Molloy.
Theres Going To Be A Winner
The College were not finished yet and on seventy minutes they equalised direct from a free kick through substitute Miller who found the bottom right hand corner from about 23yds. The YM sent on Simon Rhodes for Sean McCann. Ten minutes later College took off Sheehan for Martin Currie and YM put Chris McGrorry on for John Kininmonth. The last ten minutes saw heavy YM pressure on the College defence as they looked for the winner and just as it looked as though the College were going to take a point, in the ninetieth minute YM striker O'Hare scored the winner with a wonderful overhead kick from about 18yds that just evaded keeper Flynn's outstretched finger tips. Three excellent points for the YM but credit to the College for putting up a fine show in what turned out to be a really exciting match.
Meanwhile, at Ballerup Playing Fields in East Kilbride, Robert Paterson's high flying second string took on lowly placed Duncanrig FP 'B' in a league match. The game proved to be a tough encounter with some strong tackling and poor refereeing decisions. However the lads battled away and came away with one point in a one each draw. Jonathan Daly got the all important goal but the concensus was that if they had taken all their chances they would have easily won the match. Still, the lads are maintaining their top of the league position. Team : Ronnie McKinley, Willie Sibley, Gerry Daly, Robert Paterson, Murray Rodger, Graeme Campbell, Andy O'Hara, Chris Pattison, David Hagan, Jon Daly, Barry Mills Subs : Scott McKenzie, Benny McPhee, Jim McColl.
Saturday 1st November 2008 East Kilbride v Carlton YMCA West Cup Round 2
Carlton YMCA 'B' v Shawlands FP 'B' League Division 1
Another week of match postponements last weekend due to the heavy rain again but the same two matches were relisted for today.
Stewart McBean's first eleven made the trip to The Murray Playing Fields in East Kilbride to take on the local amateur side who normally play in the Central Scottish League in this second round West Of Scotland Cup tie. The team started as : Chic Smith, Sean McCAnn, Andy Molloy, Kevin Clews, Peter Coyle, Grant Carnachan, Stuart Paxton, Simon Rhodes, Kevin O'Hare, Daryl Donnelly, Gary Martin Subs : Scott McKenzie, Jim Deveney.
West Cup Round 3
The game kicked off fifteen minutes late due to the late arrival of Referee Mr Ingram who had been caught in heavy traffic as he made his way up from Ayrshire. Within the first minute, top YM scorer Kevin O'Hare had the ball in the net after a nice pass from Daryl Donnelly but Mr Ingram adjudged the striker to have been offside - a very tight decision. The YM started to control the match and were putting a lot of pressure on the home defence. On the fifteenth minute an early taken free kick by Gary Martin from about 23yds nearly caught out EK keeper Scott Ogilvie. Two minutes later some nice work on the right resulted in a cross to the far post from O'Hare where Martin came in to head the ball goalward.
More Goals Required
However referee Ingram decided that defender Lee McDowall had been pushed in the challenge and gave a free kick to the home side. On twenty five minutes some great work down the left by Daryl Donnelly and Gary Martin resulted in a quickly taken throw by Martin when he played a one-two with Donnelly and sent in a cross to the far post where Grant Carnachan beat the defender to the ball but unfortunately headed past the post. One minute later, a Donnelly corner saw the ball coming out to Sean McCann but he blasted his shot over the bar. On thirty five minutes, Donnelly was denied a stone wall penalty as he split the defence with a ball from Grant Carnachan and he was hauled down but referee Ingram decided that the defender had connected with the ball before the tackle. One minute later O'Hare blasted over the bar from 12 yds. With half time beckoning, the YM finally took the lead when Simon Rhodes converted a cross from Gary Martin from about 8 yds after a great run down the left wing. Half Time East Kilbride 0 v 1 Carlton YMCA.
Eight minutes into the second half, Kevin Clews had to go off for some treatment after an accidental clash saw him clutching his rib cage but after a couple of minutes he was able to resume. East Kilbride finally put on some pressure on fifty five minutes and a good run down the right and cross from winger Andrew Campbell was met in the box by striker Gary McKean but the YM defence stood firm and managed to avert the danger. One minute later Grant Carnachan was cautioned for persistent fouling.
Scramble
EK made a double substitution sending on David Tinney and Jonathan Clough for Gary McKean and Calum Robertson. On sixty seven minutes a corner from Sean McCann was cleared off the line by the home defence. One minute later a great run down the left by Andy Molloy saw his cross almost converted by striker O'Hare but his final shot was weak and keeper Ogilvie collected the ball quite easily. It was all one way traffic but the YM could not get the second goal to consolodate their position but the home side never really looked like scoring. A good victory for the lads as they move into round three of the competition with a solid performance against a stuffy team.
Meanwhile, back at The Kibble, Robert Paterson's second string were putting on a show in some fine style as they thrashed Shawlands FP 'B' by five goals to nil. A brace each from both David Hagan and John Kininmonth along with a single from Barry Mills saw off the Glasgow Southsiders as the lads maintained their table topping position and unbeaten league record for the season. The team : Peter Lagan, Willie Sibley, Gerry Daly, Robert Paterson, Andy O'Hara, Chris Pattison, Martin Bell, Graeme Campbell, David Hagan, Barry Mills, John Kininmonth Subs : Iain MacInnes, Benny McPhee, Ronnie McKinley.
Saturday 18th October 2008 Carlton YMCA v Stedfast Scottish Cup Round 2
Cambria 'B' v Carlton YMCA 'B' League Division 1
After two weeks of inactivity for both teams due to the heavy rain that we all have had to endure, we finally got a Saturday where both matches were played.
Stedfast in Scottish Cup
At The Kibble, Stewart McBean's first eleven welcomed Stedfast from the Central Scottish League to play in the second round of the Scottish Cup. Every year when this old trophy comes around you dream of having a good run and hopefully still be in the competition after Christmas...........ah well!!...maybe next year !! The team started : Chic Smith, Sean McCann, Andy Molloy, Peter Coyle, Grant Carnachan, Stuart Paxton, Ryan McCarthy, Simon Rhodes, Gary Martin, Kevin O'Hare, Daryl Donnelly Subs : Jim McGinty, Scott McKenzie, Jim Deveney.
The first chance, after three minutes fell to Stedfast striker Andrew Carberry who ended up one-on-one with YM keeper Chic Smith who managed to save well at Carberry's feet. Some aggresive tackling from Grant Carnachan on eight minutes brought some words of warning from referee McGeechan. After eleven minutes Gary Martin shot just past the Stedfast post from 20yds. One minute later the YM gained their first corner of the match but the danger was cleared. On the fifteenth minute, three quick corners in succession for Stedfast put some pressure on the home defence but they handled it well. Mark Kilpatrick had a chance on twenty minutes after he latched onto a monstrous clearance from his goalkeeper, Justin Dunne, but he blasted his shot high over the YM bar. Two minutes later Kevin O'Hare had the ball in the net after some good lead up work by Peter Coyle and Grant Carnachan but he was adjudged just offside by referee McGeechan. Six minutes later O'Hare came close again when his 20yd shot was well saved by Stedfast keeper Dunne. Stedfast went straight up the park and striker Carberry opened the scoring as he slotted the ball under the on rushing Chic Smith in the Carlton goal. One minute later the home side went two down when winger Kilpatrick went on a mazy run and slotted home in the bottom corner of the net. On thirty five minutes a good move by the YM resulted in a chance for Simon Rhodes but he couldn't get turned and the chance was lost. Two minutes late a poor clearance from keeper Smith let danger man Kilpatrick in and he scored his second goal to put Stedfast three goals ahead. This seemed harsh on the YM lads who had contributed well up to this point. Three minutes before the turn, Kevin O'Hare got a goal back after a goalmouth scramble. Just on the whistle, keeper Smith was cautioned for bringing down Kirk Forbes as he strode down on goal. The referee played the advantage but Peter Coyle cleared up the danger. Andy Molloy also received a yellow card for fouling striker Kilpatrick. At half time the scoreline read Carlton YMCA 1 v 3 Stedfast.
Stedfast and Resolute
Some stern words were dealt out by assistant coach Jim Deveney to the lads during the half time break but no changes were made. The strong words had an instant impression and the lads came out like a different team. Within two minutes of the restart some great build up work from Ryan McCarthy, Kevin O'Hare and Gary Martin put Sean McCann through with only the keeper to beat but he put the ball past the post. Three minutes later the YM had pulled the deficit back to one goal after Kevin O'Hare scored his second from 8yds after some good work from Stuart Paxton and Daryl Donnelly. On fifty seven minutes Donnelly had a great run, beating two defenders before shooting from 20yds but the ball just grazed the left hand post. Stedfast showed they were not out of it yet when, one minute later, winger Kilpatrick almost scored his hat trick with a spectacular overhead kick. However Chic Smith was pleased to see the ball go past his post. On sixty minutes Kilpatrick hit the bar with a shot from 25yds with keeper Smith well beaten. Stedfast made a substitution with Andrew Johnston coming on for Kirk Forbes. Kevin O'Hare and Phillip Connor were both cautioned after they clashed in the middle of the park. One minute later Jim McGinty was sent on for Simon Rhodes. Five minutes later Stedfast winger Jonathan Grey was the next person to enter referee McGeechan's notebook after he kicked the ball away. The YM started to up the tempo in the search for the equaliser.
Looking For The Equaliser
On seventy eight minutes Gary Martin had a great turn and shot which was deflected for a corner. Four minutes later a Peter Coyle clearance to Ryan McCarthy was then put through to Martin who's goalward shot was tipped over the bar by keeper Dunne. From the corner kick, Martin had the ball in the net but the referee adjudged that there was some pusing and disallowed the goal. Martin was booked for dissent. One minute from the end Kevin O'Hare had the ball in the net again but was wrongly adjudged off side by referee McGeechan. In the last minute Andrew Carberry was shown the yellow card for time wasting as Stedfast stood resolute to win the match by three goals to two. An unlucky YM team came off the park feeling a bit hard done by but the first half errors to give the visitors a three goal lead just proved too much. Ah well.....there's always next year !!.....
Meanwhile up at the University playing fields at Steppes, Robert Paterson's second string were playing Cambria 'B' in a league match. The team lined up as : Peter Lagan, Willie Sibley, Gerry Daly, Chris Pattison, Robert Paterson, Martin Bell, Murray Rodger, Graeme Campbell, David LHagan, Barry Mills, John Kininmonth Subs: Bennie McPhee, Iain MacInnes.
The lads put on a sterling performance on the immaculate university pitches with two goals from Chris Pattison and a strike from John Kininmonth. This maintains the unbeaten league record for the season and keeps the lads flying at the top of league division one.
Sunday 28th September 2008 Douglas Harvey Memorial Trophy
Carlton YMCA Select v SAFL Select
The second annual Douglas Harvey Memorial Trophy took place on Sunday at The Kibble when a YM select team took on the SAFL select team. After some heavy morning showers the match took place in some bright sunshine. Both sides had some late call offs but the teams started as follows :
Carlton YMCA - Chic Smith, Sean McCann, Willie Sibley, Kevin Clews, Peter Coyle, Robert Paterson, Chris Pattison, Grant Carnachan, Stuart Paxton, Simon Rhodes, Martin Bell Subs - Benny McPhee, Peter Lagan, Scott McKenzie, Robert Colquhoun
SAFL - Chris Lamb(Busby), James McMurragh(Pollok), Scott McAusland(Duncanrig FP), Graham McLaughlan(Aikenhead Thistle), Sinclair Patience(Cambria), Graham Shakeshaft(Aikenhead Thistle), John Howley(Pollok), Miles McAuley(Oban Saints), Ross Miller(Centre), Lee Harvey(Aikenhead Thistle), Charles Howe(Aikenhead Thistle) Subs - Martin Lennox(Pollok), Darren Reid(Centre)
Match Officials - John McKeown, Jim Pearson, Alex Saverse
Both teams were presented to Janette Harvey (the wife of Douglas) and League President Ronnie McKay before the match started.
As expected the league select did all the early pressing. On 4 minutes an eighteen yard shot from Ross Miller just brushed past the YM post. Four minutes later Lee Harvey had the ball in the YM net but he was clearly offside. One minute after this Chic Smith in the YM goal had a great one handed save from a Graham Shakeshaft header. It took 18 inutes for the first real YM attack. A Willie Sibley free kick on the right was floated in and Chris Pattison had a glancing header that just went past the post of Chris Lamb in the league select goal. The YM defence was coping well with all the pressure but on 29 minutes a corner to the league select was crossed in by Charles Howe from the right.
Where Is The Ball
YM keeper Smith was fouled as he went for the ball and a free kick was given by referee McKeown who had an easy match to control. On 36 minutes the YM gained their first corner on the right. Martin Bell crossed the ball in and Robert Paterson got a shot in on goal, but he didn't fully connect and Lamb saved comfortably for the league select team. Another YM corner six minutes later was crossed in this time by Sean McCann but the danger was cleared. Half Time Carlton YMCA Select 0 v 0 SAFL Select.
The league select changed keepers during the break when Martin Lennox came on for Chris Lamb. Five minutes into the second half the visitors took the lead when another corner from Howe seemed to confuse Chic Smith in the YM goal and the ball landed directly into the back of the net. Four minutes later he made amends as he bravely saved at the feet of Ross Miller to deny the striker. On 55 minutes the league select sent on Darren Reid for Graham Shakeshaft. Another great one handed save from Smith soon followed as John Howey tried his luck with a quick turn and shot from twenty yards. The YM then sent on Peter Lagan for Martin Bell and Benny McPhee for Chris Pattison. On 68 minutes a good move between Miller and Harvey resulted in a shot from Miller but again Smith in the YM goal came out on top. The YM went staight up the park and a twenty five yard shot from Simon Rhodes was well saved by new keeper Reid. On 71 minutes Willie Sibley went off to be replaced by Scott McKenzie making his debut for the home side. Four minutes later Sean McCann tried his luck from thirty yards but the ball sailed well over the top of the bar.
Goalmouth Action
On 81 minutes Chris Pattison came back on for Stuart Paxton after the big midfielder took a knock. Three minutes later Smith again saved the day for the home side after some good build up play by the league select and a shot from Graham McLaughlan. Keeper Smith was finally beaten on 86 minutes when striker Miller pounced on to a mistake by Benny McPhee and sent the ball under the diving keeper. Smith had one more great save two minutes later when he denied Howe as he dived full length to push the goalward bound shot round the post. There was no more action and the league select team ended up worthy winners for the second year running. The YM were not embarrassed however, and put up a really good show, especially in defence where Paterson, Coyle and Clews stood out with keeper Smith having several outstanding saves. League President, Ronnie McKay said a few words after the match and presented the trophy to winning captain Sinclair Patience. Both teams went back and enjoyed some hospitality at Five on Five/Pro-Life Fitness Centre. Full Time Carlton YMCA Select 0 v 2 SAFL Select.
Saturday 20th September 2008 Carlton YMCA v Campbeltown Boys Premier Division 2
Dumbarton Rock v Carlton YMCA 'B'
Again, for the second successive Saturday, only one match survived after another week of heavy rain. This time it was Robert Paterson's second string who fell victim to the weather when all matches in the West Dunbartonshire Council Area were put off on Friday at lunchtime.
So it was all eyes at The Kibble again, where Stewart McBean's first eleven entertained Campbeltown Boys in a league match. Coach McBean was away on holiday for the weekend so it fell to Jim Deveney's tutorship to get the best out of the lads. After a week of poor weather, surprisingly it was a warm, pleasant September afternoon for the only match in premier Division 2 to beat the elements. The team started : Chic Smith, Sean McCann, Gary Martin, Kevin Clews, Peter Coyle, Grant Carnachan, Andy Molloy, Stuart Paxton, Ryan McCarthy, Kevin O'Hare, Robert Colquhoun Subs : Jim McGinty, Simon Rhodes, Daryl Donnelly. With only three minutes on the clock the YM took the lead. A long Chic Smith kickout was controlled by Robert Colquhoun on the edge of the Boys box. He passed the ball to Kevin O'Hare and his eighteen yard shot found the corner of the net past the helpless Scott McBrayne.
Who Has A Clue
The Argyll lads had made the long trip to Paisley with a bare eleven players and it looked as though they were up against it as the YM piled on the pressure. On 8 minutes a twenty five yard shot from Stuart Paxton just scrapped the bar and it only took another four minutes before the second goal arrived. An Andy Molloy cross was met at the back post by Grant Carnachan who had drifted in behind the defence and his header went straight into the net. It was 17 minutes before the first Boys attack when they won a free kick after a dangerous Carnachan tackle on Cambell Ramsay, but the danger was cleaned up by the YM defence.
Another Near Miss
On 20 minutes Carnachan was cautioned for saying too much to referee Norrie McDermott who must have had one of his quietest afternoons for a long time. On the half hour mark, Kevin O'Hare scored his second of the match and Carlton's third as he finished off some fine build up play by Ryan McCarthy. The goal of the match was only two minutes round the corner as the YM went four up when Gary Martin played a lovely one-two with Peter Coyle as he split the Boys' defence and finished with a fine shot from twelve yards into the net. Kevin O'Hare wrapped up a first half hat-trick on 40 minutes as he took advantage of some poor defending from the visitors and buried the ball into the net from eight yards. Half Time Carlton YMCA 5 v 0 Cambeltown Boys.
Ryan McCarthy went off at half time to be replaced by Daryl Donnelly. You have heard the saying "a game of two halves". Well this match turned out to be just that, and it was not because the Boys put up a stirring comeback. The YM decided not to appear for the second half and their play was very poor indeed. Still having all the pressure, chance after chance was missed as they tried to walk the ball into the net at almost every opportunity. On 55 minutes Robert Colquhoun waltzed past four defenders but his final lob was too high as it sailed over the bar. On 65 minutes Jim McGinty came on for Sean McCann.
McGintys Run
It was all one way traffic but an inept second half performance left coach Deveney seething at the end of the game. The final sub, Simon Rhodes came on for Colquhoun in the 68th minute.
Three Big Craws Spectating
Just to rub some salt into this poor second half performance, the Boys scored a consolation goal in the very last minute when they were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box and Ranald Watson strode up and sent the ball past Chic Smith in the YM goal who was less than amused with his team mates to deny him a clean sheet.
Still, overall it was an opening league game victory and three points but the lads must perform for the full ninety minutes. Full Time Carlton YMCA 5 v 1 Campbeltown Boys.
Saturday 13th September 2008 Arkleston v Carlton YMCA Premier Division 2
Carlton YMCA 'B' v Sporto League Division 1
Stewart McBean's first eleven ended up matchless on Saturday after their keenly awaited opening fixture of the new campaign against local rivals Arkleston fell foul to the heavy mid-week rain and the match at Linwood Sports Centre was called off on Friday at lunch time.
All eyes were now focussed on the Kibble on Saturday when Robert Paterson's second string took on Sporto in a table topping clash. Robert had the player pick of the club for this fixture but he stayed loyal to the lads who had opened the season with nine points out of nine, only bolstering the subs bench with two first team fringe players. The team started with Peter Lagan, Benny McPhee, Gerry Daly, Robert Paterson, Andy OHara, Willie Sibley, Murray Rodger, Graeme Campbell, David Hagan, John Kininmonth, Martin Bell Subs : Daryl Donnelly, Andy Molloy, Barry Mills, Chris Pattison. The match kicked off on a dry, windless, pleasant, Autumnal Saturday afternoon. The YM had the first attack of the match when David Hagan took the ball for a run down the right flank. His cross was aimed for Graeme Campbell who was running in at the back post, but the Sporto defence cleared the ball for a corner. The resulting kicked was again cleared by the visitor's defence and as the ball was played through the midfield the YM defence were caught napping and the ball fell to striker Douglas Gunning who scored with ease as he cooly placed the ball past Peter Lagan in the YM goal to give the visitors the lead after only two minutes.
Smart Footwork
This early strike seemed to buoy Sporto and over the next ten minutes they had all the pressure. Stephen McVev was unlucky not to increase the lead after ten minutes but his goal bound header was well saved by keeper Lagan. In fact it took the YM eighteen minutes to get their first shot on goal when a thirty yard Murray Rodger shot was pushed away by Sporto keeper Murray Owen. One minute later Robert Paterson needed some treatment after a heavy tackle from striker Gunning. Pter Lagan again saved the YM on twenty minutes when he came running out to make a great tackle on Ronan Neill who was bearing down on goal. One minute later John Kininmonth had the ball in the Sporto net but he was rightly adjudged to have been just off-side. The YM were starting to come back into the match and on 23 minutes Graeme Campbell had a chance from twelve yards but keeper Owen saved well. Sporto made an early substitution when Neeraj Bhardwaj came on for Matthew Farrell who had taken a knock. Two minutes later Bhardwaj almost made an instant impression when a defence splitting pass from midfield allowed him to race down the right wing but his cross was cut out by keeper Lagan. The YM again responded and two minutes later Martin Bell sent a thirty five yard pile driver goalwards only for the ball to hit the crossbar and bounce over. Benny McPhee went off for Chris Pattison after receiving a "dead leg" in a tackle. On the half hour mark, the YM deservedly equalised after some good builup play. Graeme Campbell collected the ball at the edge of the box, turned the defender, looked up and sent a sweet shot past keeper Owen from about eighteen yards into the corner of the net. The remaining fifteen minutes of the half were pretty even and the only incident of note was the booking of Sporto midfielder Mark Warrington for giving referee Scott McGlashan some verbals after 44 minutes. Half Time Carlton YMCA 'B' 1 v 1 Sporto.
Fighting It Out
Both teams came out for the second half after their respective team talks but it was the visitors who again took the early initiative. On 46 minutes a spectacular overhead kick by defender Ryan Clarke was goalbound until an equally spectacular save by keeper Lagan pushed the ball over for a corner. Three minutes later Robert Reilly tried his luck for the visitors when his eighteen yards shot just scrapped the YM post. As the conditions worsened the pich started to become pretty slippy and some tackles started to "fly in ". Murray Rodger was booked on 52 minutes for a late sliding tackle on defender Jamie Wilson. On 57 minutes YM made a substitution when Daryl Donnelly came on for David Hagan. One minute later David McLov was cautioned for the visitors after his late tackle on Martin Bell. On the hour mark a three man YM move down the right through Paterson, Bell and Donnelly resulted in a corner. As the resultant kick was cleared by the visitor's defence the ball fell to Murray Rodger but his shot went well past the post. Sporto then brought on Jamie Adam for Ronan Neill.
Close Shave
In the 67th minute Sporto were then given a very debatable penalty kick by referee McGlashan. As Gerry Daly slid in on the attacking winger to clear the ball, the referee decided he deliberately "hand balled" and pointed to the spot. This seemed a very harsh decision and manager Paterson was cautioned for his protests. As the ensuing "melee" threatened to get out of hand Douglas Gunning was cautioned for the visitors for "mixing it" with the home defence. Finally, Robert Reilly strode up and calmly placed the ball past Peter Lagan for the visitors to take the lead. Sporto immediately replaced Gunning with Jamie McDonald to use up their final substitute. Two minutes later some great work by Daryl Donnelly allowed John Kininmonth in on goal but he pulled his shot wide. Immediately afterwards Kininmonth had another chance but this time he shot weakly into keeper Owen. With seventeen minutes remaining YM sent on Barry Mills for Graeme Campbell, who had an excllent match. The YM were in the ascendency now, looking for the equaliser, and three minutes later a long Peter Lagan kickout found striker Kininmonth but this time his shot struck the Sporto bar and the danger was cleared. With eleven minutes remaining Mark Warrington, for the visitors was shown a second yellow card after another late tackle on Muray Rodger and the midfielder had to walk.
Pressure Zone
It was now backs to the wall for Sporto as the YM laid wave after wave of attack on their defence. On 85 minutes Daryl Donnelly shot over the bar after some fine work by Andy O'Hara. Just as it seemed the visitors were going to hold out for a victory, John Kininmonth got the equaliser in the third minute of injury time when he headed past keeper Owen. It was no more than the YM deserved and overall a share of the points seemed fair as both sides had battled away in a fine football match. Full Time Carlton YMCA 'B' 2 v 2 Sporto.
Saturday 6th September 2008 Clydebank College v Carlton YMCA Premier Division 2 Season 2007/2008
Kings Park Rangers 'B' v Carlton YMCA 'B' League Division 1
The long awaited Clydebank College match that had been held over from last season due to the appeals process was finally scheduled for The Knowes Sports facility in Faifley, Clydebank on Saturday 6th September 2008. The result of this match would determine the final outcome of the last remaining promotion place from Premier Division 2 to Premier Division 1. Glencastle Sparta were eagerly awaiting the outcome of this match which Carlton YMCA had to win by 8 (EIGHT) clear goals to pip their Glasgow rivals. It was feared that there might be some animosity spilling over into the fixture but as it turned out some strong refereeing by John McKeown and also the presense of some league officials ensured that proceedings remained fairly calm. Stewart McBean's starting eleven had been extremely curtailed due to the high number of absentees through holidays, injury and some very late call offs. The team started Chic Smith, Sean McCann, Andy Molloy, Grant Carnachan, Kevin Clews, Peter Coyle, Ryan McCarthy, Martin Bell, Stuart Paxton, Jim Deveney, Iain MacInnes Sub: Stewart McBean. An interesting line-up with the combined ages of numbers 10, 11 and 12 almost reaching 150 !!! As it turned out the YM cruised to a fairly easy victory by two goals to nil and there could be a second career for "golden oldie" Deveney who had a fine match. After turning round at half-time goaless,the YM took total control of the game when that other "oldie" MacInnes opened the scoring with a header from all of two yards! Ryan McCarthy soon made it two when he scored from the penalty spot after a College offence inside the box. No more goals were to be had and the very slim chance of promotion slipped away for the second successive seson.
Some Midfield Play v KPR
Meanwhile, Robert Paterson's second eleven made the trip to Rutherglen to face Kings Park Rangers second string. Again the starting eleven pretty well took care of itself and for the second week in a row veteren defender Ronnie McKinley came out of retirement to help out the lads. They started with - Peter Lagan, Benny McPhee, Gerry Daly, Willie Sibley, Andy O'Hara, Robert Paterson, Chris Pattison, Murray Rodger, Barry Mills, David Hagan, Graeme Campbell Sub: Ronnie McKinley. On a heavy Stonelaw High School pitch the YM started the proceedings with only ten men as Andy O'Hara was running late. However, they held out until he appeared ten minutes into the game. On 15 minutes KPR had two chances in quick succession when firstly Paul Harvey shot and then Kyle O'Neil but both shots were well over Peter Lagan's crossbar. The YM had a free kick on the right after 18 minutes but David Hagan's cross to the back post was headed past by Andy O'Hara. Two minutes later the home side took the lead when the YM defence failed to clear the ball and O'Neil sneaked in at the back post to score past keeper Lagan. On 25 minutes a thirty yards pile driver from winger Harvey almost increased the lead but his shot just went over the bar. Five minutes later some good work from David Hagan resulted in the KPR defence clearing for a corner. Hagan took the resulting kick and both Andy O'Hara and Barry Mills had chances to score but the home defence stood resolute and the danger was cleared. On 40 minutes some good work by Graeme Campbell down the left resulted in a pass to Hagan who then in turn tried to find Chris Pattison but his pass was just a shade long and the chance was missed. Four minutes from the break referee Murray came under some criticism when a blatant passback from Steven McClure was ignored by the official. Almost on the half time whistle full back Gerry Daly went on a lung bursting run down the left wing but his subsequent cross was just too high for Barry Mills to connect. Half Time Kings Park Rangers 'B' 1 v 0 Carlton YMCA 'B'.
After an "energising" half time team talk from manager Paterson the YM came out like a different team for the second forty five. Ronnie McKinley came on for Andy O'Hara who had to leave early due to work commitments. Within the first minute Murray Rodger, who suddenly came alive in the midfield, made a twenty yard run followed by a thirty yard shot that just went over the bar. Two minutes later striker Mills had a chance as he bore down on Rangers keeper James Gray but he lost control of the ball and the chance was missed. John Callaghan had a chance in the 50th minute for KPR but Peter Lagan in the YM goal dived bravely at the midfielder's feet to avert the danger. KPR made two changes when Brian Gibson and Kieran Barclay came off to be replaced by Kevin Cameron and Gary Coyle. The YM were starting to take control of the midfield now as more chances were created and all the play was happening in the home side's half. On 70 minutes a great cross field pass from Willie Sibley was controlled by David Hagan and as the winger cut inside, defender Brian Gibson brought him down inside the box for a stonewall penalty. Hagan duly dusted himself down and despatched the ball past keeper Gray into the corner of the net. Three minutes later the home side made their final substitution when Harvey was replaced by Kenneth McLure. In the 75th minute Hagan made a great run through the middle before sending the ball over the Rangers defence. As Barry Mills dashed past the last defender to catch the ball he was unceremoniously pulled back by Robert Smith who was then shown the red card. From the resulting free kick Murray Rodger collected the ball and from fully thirty five yards he sent an unstoppable shot past keeper Gray for the visitors to take the lead. The YM were in full flow now and wave after wave of attack descended on the KPR goal. On 78 minutes a Hagan cross was headed goalward by Willie Sibley only for Gray to save well and divert the ball for a corner. Hagan crossed the corner and as the ball whizzed past the front of the goal striker Mills just missed the connection. Another defence splitting run from midfield maestro Rodger, resulted in another twenty yard thunderbolt but this time his shot went past the post. One minute later a superb Hagan cross left full back Sibley the simplest of chances at the back post but his header somehow went over the bar. Full Time Kings Park Rangers 'B' 1 v 3 Carlton YMCA 'B'
Barry Mills Scores.......At Last.....
With six minutes to go the YM wrapped up the points when Rodgers put Mills through on goal and the striker cooly put the ball into the net from twenty yards for his first goal of the season. A splendid second half performance from the lads as they maintained their 100% record and they now proudly sit at the top of the table. Star performances from David Hagan and Murray Rodger for his second half display, abley assisted by Graeme Campbell, Gerry Daly and Willie Sibley.
Saturday 30th August 2008 Carlton YMCA v Cambria Centenary Cup Section 6
Tarbert v Carlton YMCA 'B' League Division 1
For the first time this season two games were scheduled on the same day. This gave a logistical problem to both sides as there were quite a number of call offs, injuries and players still on holiday but both sides managed to muster twelve players. Stewart McBean's 1st Eleven were at The Kibble to take on Premier League opposition in the form of Cambria. After Wednesday's defeat by Gourock Thistle this was a meaningless fixture for the home side but the ex University boys were still very much in the hunt for qualifying from Section 6. The starting line up was as follows - Peter Lagan, Peter Coyle, Gary Martin, Derek Wales, Steven Gallacher, Grant Carnachan, Jim McGinty, Ryan McCarthy, Kevin O'Hare, Billy McDonald, Robert Colquhoun Sub: Daryl Donnelly. Both Coaches McBean and Jim Deveney also stripped as subs just in case of emergencies which rather upped the average age somewhat !! The first half performance was very lethargic and lackadaisical from the home team and the Cambria boys soon raced into a two goal lead with goals from Andy Smith and Neil McLeod. Even after a few harsh words at half time, the malaise continued and very soon Cambria seemed in total control when Paul Sime scored their third. After about fifty five minutes Daryl Donnelly was sent on for Billy McDonald,who had a leg knock and how the game turned. Passes were now being made and the home lads seemed to up the tempo and began to play to expectations. Two goals from striker Kevin O'Hare totally transformed the game and now it was Cambria who were struggling and looking the tired side. Chance after chance was created, some great saves by Cambria keeper Jim Doherty and an incredible miss from Gary Martin but the YM could just not get the equaliser and the game finished Carlton YMCA 2 v 3 Cambria.
Manager Paterson Clearing The Danger
Carlton YMCA 'B' Free Weekend - No Game
Only one match to report on again last weekend with Robert Paterson's second eleven having a free weekend due to several of the lads taking in Scotland's International fixture against Holland over in Amsterdam - no casualties (yet...!!!!) to report.
This left Stewart McBean's first eleven with a home league fixture at The Kibble against Rutherglen. It was a sunny but cold, early spring afternoon in Paisley as the home side lined up as follows: Chic Smith, Peter Coyle, Andy Molloy, Grant Carnachan, Kevin Clews, Stuart Paxton, Ryan McCarthy, Craig Ferguson, Kevin O'Hare, Gary Martin, Jim Mcginty Subs: Simon Rhodes, Sean McCann, Murray Rodger. In the third minute an early Rutherglen attack resulted in a free kick for the visitors from about 35 yards.
Attack Mode David Yuille shot directly at goal only for Chic Smith to parry the ball over the bar to concede a corner. This was cleared by the home defence and they went on the counter attack and also won a corner after a build up down the the left with Jim McGinty and Gary Martin but the Rutherglen defence cleared the danger. In the tenth minute a good build up through the middle left Gary Martin with a shot on goal but Eddie McCardle in the Rutherglan goal saved well at the far post to put the ball round for a corner. From the cross Ryan McCarthy headed for goal only to see defender Brian Thomson save the ball from going in with his chest. A minute later the visitors countered and Craig Monk had a chance to score as he found himself one-on-one with YM keeper Smith who saved well. In the eighteenth minute Rutherglen had another opportunity when Steven Robb gathered the ball in the YM box. As he turned he decided to shoot for goal but went well wide with his shot when perhaps a lay off might have been a better option. In the twenty fifth minute the YM took the lead albeit through an own goal...but what a goal it was !!! A good move down the right resulted in a great cross from Craig Ferguson. Craig Forsyth in the Rutherglen defence was put under great pressure to clear the ball but only managed to bullet the ball past his own keeper to score a goal that any striker would have been proud of ! Not much more to report for the remainder of the half. Half Time YM 1 v 0 Rutherglen.
Only three minutes into the second half and a great chance for the visitors to equalise when James McDougall found himself all alone with the ball at the far post but the tall winger blasted high over the bar. The YM then took control and six minutes later went two goals up after some lovely play down the right. Stuart Paxton started the move off from the defence when he sent a great ball over to Ryan McCarthy on the right wing. The attacking midfielder raced goalwards and just as everyone thought he was going to shoot for goal he cut back the sweetest of passes into the feet of the on running Gary Martin who squeezed the ball past keeper McArdle at the far post. Two minutes later Martin had another chance when he shot from 20 yards but the ball just missed the right hand post. Two minutes later another YM atttack down the right saw the ball come into striker Kevin O'Hare but his shot on goal came off the bar. At this point the YM made their first substitution when Murray Rodger came on for Jim McGinty. Within three minutes Rodger nearly made a telling contribution as he got on the end of a McCarthy cross, again from the right, but his shot went well wide. One minute later Andy Molloy received a yellow card from Mr Hay, the match official for a rather clumsy tackle on Forsyth.
Defence Mode In the sixty seventh minute Stuart Paxton went off to be replaced by Sean McCann and four minutes later, after shooting wide, striker O'Hare was replaced by Simon Rhodes. Rutherglen sent on two substitutes in the seventy seventh minute when Forsyth and Crawford came off to be replaced by Stuart O'Neil and John Ryrie. Not much else to report, I'm afraid, as the match petered out with no further notable incidents. Full Time Carlton YMCA 2 v 0 Rutherglen. A well deserved victory for the YM without really getting into top gear as they sustain the momentum and move into third place in the league.
Saturday 21st March 2009 Clydebank College v Carlton YMCA Premier League Division 2
Lochgilphead Red Star v Carlton YMCA 'B' League Division 1
Both teams in action this weekend with important fixtures. At the Knowes complex in Faifley, Clydebank, Stewart McBean's first eleven took on Clydebank College. Officially now in spring, the weather took a turn for the better with some nice dry sunshine but still quite breezy high up above the riverside town. The team started Chic Smith, Peter Coyle, Andy Molloy, Kevin Clews, Grant Carnachan, Craig Ferguson, Stuart Paxton, Ryan McCarthy, Gary Martin, Kevin O'Hare, Robert Colqhuhoun Subs : Jim McGinty, Simon Rhodes, Sean McCann. The match started a couple of minutes late with the YM facing the strong breeze. There was an early let off for the YM when, in the third minute, College full back Mark Connelly collected the ball at the far edge of the box and shot from an acute angle only for the ball to come off the bar with Chic Smith beaten. On seven minutes Robert Colquhoun gathered the ball midway through the College half and beat the last defender. As the keeper came off his line to challenge, Robert passed the ball to Ryan McCarthy who despatched the ball into the empty net. However, referee Kelso adjudged that this was a forward pass and disallowed the goal giving a free kick to the College for offside. Two minutes later Colquhoun was again through on goal but this time shot high over the bar. In the eleventh minute Kevin O'Hare gathered the ball in the College penalty box and as he tried to turn his heels were clipped by James Turner and Mr Kelso pointed to the spot.
Gary Martin Going For Goal The big striker got up, dusted himself down and took possession of the ball to claim the penalty kick. However, he shot weakly at goal and College keeper Iain Kelly saved easily, low down at his right hand post. Two minutes later Kevin Clews was cautioned for dissent. On eighteen minutes good work from Craig Ferguson in midfield resulted in him laying the ball off to striker O'Hare who turned and shot for goal but the ball flew high over the bar. On the twenty sixth minute College winger Turner had a shot from 25 yards but again the ball was too high and sailed harmlessly over the bar. Four minutes later the YM launched another attack down the left side by Colquhoun and Andy Molloy who crossed the ball in to the College box for Gary Martin to collect. The tall midfielder beat a defender before shooting goalward but it was the story of the day as the ball flew over the bar. In the thirty fourth minute a speculative lob come shot from 35 yards by Ryan McCarthy brought out a good one handed save from College keeper Kelly. Just on half time another chance for the YM fell to Andy Molloy but yet again the ball flew over the bar. Half Time College 0 v 0 YM.
The YM started the second half at full pelt and only one minute in won a corner on the right. Winger Colquhoun crossed the ball in and as the College tried to clear their lines the ball fell to Gary Martin who then shot for goal but this time the ball went wide of the post. Two minutes later the YM got a free kick about 35 yards out. Free kick specialist Colquhoun shot for goal only for keeper Kelly to parry the ball and Craig Ferguson running in could not convert the chance. One minute later striker O'Hare again blasted the ball high over the bar from 18 yards. The YM were piling on the pressure now and a minute later gained another free kick on the edge of the box. College made their first substitution and sent on Stuart Cowan for Kevin Faulds. Colquhoun again took the free kick but keeper Kelly easily gathered the ball. Totally against the run of play in the fifty fith minute, College broke up the park and striker Craig Darroch put the home side in the lead as he beat the YM defence and keeper Smith to put the ball into the empty net. College then made another substitution bringing on Scott Robertson for full back Connelly. In the sixty third minute Colquhoun gathered the ball in the middle of the park and drove for goal. As he reached the penalty area he unleashed a shot which just missed the far post. One minute later, finally the breakthrough for the YM. Peter Coyle played a one-two with striker O'Hare. As he received the ball back he shot for goal. Graham Fanning, in the College defence, stuck out his foot to try and stop the ball, however all he did was to divert the ball past keeper Kelly for an own goal equaliser. College made their last change by bringing on Gavin Millar for Martin Currie. All the pressure was now coming from the YM as they sought the winner. Full back Coyle shot from 16 yards and the ball was diverted for a corner which was then cleared. In the seventy second minute from another corner the ball broke to Grant Carnachan whose overhead kick went just wide. One minute later the College responded and were unlucky not to take the lead when Stuart O'Kane hit the bar with a header as they broke up the park. Into the last ten minutes it was all YM pressure. In the eighty third minute yet another free kick on the edge of the box was awarded to the YM as Kevin O'Hare was upended. Colquhoun seemed to scluff the ball which allowed keeper Kelly to save easily. One minute later college defender Fanning was booked for bringing down Colquhoun.
Siege On College Goal This was quickly followed by midfielder William McMillan, this time for dissent. Just as it seemed College would hang on for a draw, the YM finally came up with another goal. In the eighty seventh minute after two consecutive corners the ball broke to Kevin Clews in the box as the home side tried to clear. The big centre half controlled the ball before slotting home into the corner of the net past the helpless Kelly. This resulted in wild celebrations from the big fellow as he notched up his first goal of the season. In the seventh minute of added on time the YM made absolutely certain of the three points as Ryan McCarthy finished off some nice leading up work from winger Colquhoun. Full time Clydebank College 1 v 3 Carlton YMCA. Three good points for the YM as they do the double over College to maintain the promotion push. Best for the YM today were the midfield duo of Stuart Paxton and Craig Ferguson ably assisted by Peter Coyle and off course goal scorer Clews.
Meanwhile, Robert Paterson's second string made the long journey to Argyll to take on Red Star at The Ropework Park in Lochgilphead. This was another important fixture as the lads are currently sitting on top of the table as they strive for the league championship. The YM were without a couple of key players (Jon Daly & John Kininmonth) through suspension and were further hindered with late injuries to Benny McPhee and Martin Bell who had both travelled. This meant some late team arranging for Robert and the starting lineup was as follows: Peter Lagan, Willie Sibley, Gerry Daly, Andy O'Hara, Robert Paterson, Chris Pattison, Murray Rodger, David Hagan, Iain MacInnes, Alec Strachan, Benny McPhee Subs: Martin Bell, Scott McKenzie. The home side had made a poor start to the season but over the last few games they had turned things round and were now putting in a late league challenge. All the early pressure came from Red Star and by the end of the first half they were two goals up. The injuries and suspensions were now coming home to haunt the YM and it wasn't long before the home side took a three goal lead early into the second half. The YM sent on McKenzie and the struggling Bell to try and change things and they succeeded to a degree when David Hagan pulled a goal back. However, the great comeback was not to be and the home side took full points as the match finished 3 v 1. Another setback for Robert's lads as they lose only their second league match of the season. They are still sitting proudly at the top of the table but the lead is down to one point from Tarbert. This league will probably go down to the wire with Carlton, Tarbert, Sporto, Red Star and Dumbarton Rock all in contention. Who will keep their nerve? Come on the YM !!!
Saturday 14th March 2009 FREE DATE for BOTH teams due to Sportsmans Dinner.
Saturday 7th March 2009 Carlton YMCA v Arkleston Premier League Division 2
Carlton YMCA 'B' No Game
Only one match to report last weekend. Robert Paterson's second eleven were the odd team out in the division, so it was a free weekend for them. This mean't all eyes were were focussed on The Kibble where Stewart McBean's first eleven had an important local derby against Arkleston. We are now into March but the wintry weather returned at the weekend to a wet and cold North end of Paisley. There were two late call off's as Kevin Clews and Stuart Paxton both failed fitness tests. This gave coach McBean a bit of a headache as he had to do some late team and positional changes. The team started Chic Smith, Peter Coyle, Andy Molloy, Grant Carnachan, Robert Paterson, Ryan McCarthy, Sean McCann, Craig Ferguson, Kevin O'Hare, Robert Colquhoun, Gary Martin Subs: Daryl Donnelly, Simon Rhodes, Jim McGinty. The visitors started very brightly and did all the early pressing. In the 3rd minute they were awarded a penalty when a clumsy tackle by Sean McCann on Mark Mitchell gave referee Robert Hughes an easy decision to make. McCann received a yellow card for his troubles and Arkleston midfielder Gerard O'Hare strode up and calmly slotted the ball past Chic Smith to give the visitors an early lead.
Up Close And Personal Arkleston seemed to be really up for the match, which they had to win to get back into the promotion race, as they were the dominant side for the first fifteen minutes. The YM gradually eased themselves into the match and came close on sixteen minutes when a free kick was awarded on the edge of the Arkleston box after Gary Martin was brought down. Robert Colquhoun took the kick but the visitors defence managed to clear. However, in the 23rd minute the equaliser arrived. A precision corner from the right by Colquhoun gave Gary Martin the chance to head home at the back post and the big fellow made no mistake as he bulleted the ball past keeper William Kerr. Five minutes later Colquhoun had a glorious chance to score as he waltzed through the Arkleston defence, however, as he rounded keeper Kerr he lost control of the ball and it rolled out harmlessly for a goal kick. The YM were now playing all the nice midfield football. On 36 minutes Arkleston fought back and after a great run through the middle by Gerard O'Hare, the midfielder was very unlucky when his twenty five yard shot rattled the home crossbar with keeper Smith well beaten. Two minutes later the YM responded when Sean McCann finished a good move down the left with his shot just too high over the bar. Half Time Carlton YMCA 1 v 1 Arkleston.
There were no personnel changes at the break as the same twenty two players took to the field. The YM came out of the blocks blazing and on 47 minutes they took the lead. McCann won the ball in midfield and headed wide to striker Kevin O'Hare. He in turn passed out to winger Colquhoun who calmly chipped the ball over keeper Kerr and into the empty net. McCann, who had tweaked his hamstring, then came off to be replaced by Jim McGinty. Five minutes later, Arkleston equalised. Winger William Fleming gathered the ball at the edge of the box and shot goalwards. Keeper Chic Smith managed to parry the ball but unfortunately, as Andy Molloy came running in to try and clear, the ball came off his knees and landed up in the net behind Smith. Arkleston were now on the ascendency and five minutes later came close when a 25yd shot from Gerard O'Hare brought out a good save from Smith. On 58 minutes Arkleston's Mark Mitchell went off to be replaced by Jamie Costello. He quickly made an impact and five minutes later was unlucky not to score as he lobbed keeper Smith only for the ball to hit the post and go out for a goal kick. Jim McGinty went down injured in the 66th minute after overstretching but continued after some treatment.
Chase That Ball Arkleston then took off Graeme Gordon for Steven Armstrong. On 70 minutes Peter Coyle nearly scored in his own net as he tried to clear the ball. Keeper Smith made a great save as he had to react quickly. The YM countered again and should have scored. Gary Martin, out on the left, crossed the ball in past keeper Kerr but Kevin O'Hare coming in at the back post just couldn't reach and the danger passed. It was end to end stuff now as both teams sought the winning goal. Costello had a chance for the visitors when he was left one on one with keeper Smith but his shot went stright into the keepers arms. At the other end Colquhoun nearly became the hero, but he shot wide. The YM sent on their final sub Daryl Donnelly in the 78th minute for Kevin O'Hare as they tried to win the match. However, it was the visitors who took the glory. In the 80th minute the old faithful route one, was taken by keeper Kerr as his goal kick was lauched deep into the YM half. One bouce over the defence and winger William Fleming latched onto the ball and as Chic Smith came off his line to close down the situation, the big fellow cooly lobbed the ball over Smith from twenty yards and into the empty net to give Arkleston full points and leap frog over the YM in the league table, although they have played a game more. A bit of a set back for the YM lads, especially after fighting back from an early goal to take the lead but Arkleston probably just shaded it with a fighting dislpay and seemed to be just that bit hungrier in what turned out to be an exciting match.
Saturday 28th February 2009 Kilbowie Union v Carlton YMCA Premier League Division 2
Carlton YMCA 'B' v Tarbert League Division 1
Across the river at Glenhead Park in Duntocher, the home of Drumchapel Amateurs, Stewart McBean's first eleven were the visitors against Kilbowie Union. The team started with Chic Smith, Peter Coyle, Gary Martin, Kevin Clews, Andy Molloy, Grant Carnachan, Sean McCann, Craig Ferguson, Ryan McCarthy, Robert Colquhoun, Kevin O'Hare Subs: Daryl Donnelly, Simon Rhodes, Stewart McBean. It was a pleasant, spring like afternoon for this important league fixture. Union started brightly and after four minutes created their first real chance. A wayward midfield pass by Gary Martin allowed Paul Dolan in on goal.
Union City Blues He rounded Chic Smith, the YM keeper, and as he then tried to fire the ball home found that he had gone just too far and the angle beat him. A minute later another chance for Union went abegging when Dolan again, this time from a free kick, had an opportunity to score, but his shot was weak and the chance was missed. It was eight minutes before the YM had their first foray up the park. Peter Coyle put a great cross into the far post where Robert Colquhoun was lurking, but his header came off the bar only for Kevin O'Hare to head the rebound wide with the goal at his mercy. On fifteen minutes Union squandered another chance when Simon Phillipson headed a beautifully crossed ball from Dolan past the YM post. Five minutes later another Union free kick was tamely taken by James McCafferty to allow Chic Smith to easily save. The YM finally got their skates on and on twenty two minutes opened the scoring when a long throw from the left side was taken by Ryan McCarthy to the front post where Sean McCann managed to stoop down and head the ball low past Union keeper Sinan Alobaidi. Three minutes later the YM went two up after a Robert Colquhoun free kick was despatched with the usual aplomb from about 20 yards out. Peter Coyle had been pulled down by striker Phillipson, who was cautioned by referee Auld for his troubles and Colquhoun's shot found the bottom right hand corner. Union went up the park from the restart and more good work from the tricky winger Dolan, allowed Steven Peters with a simple task of scoring but the big forward blasted the ball high over the bar. On twenty eight minutes Kevin O'Hare was pulled down in the box by David Hendry who received a yellow card. Ryan McCarthy stepped up and took the penalty but keeper Alobaidi saved well only for the ball to land at McCarthy's feet and the midfielder made no mistake to bury the ball into the net to put the YM three goals up without reply within the fist half hour. Four minutes later Robert Colquhoun almost made it four when his 25 yard volley was well saved by keeper Alobaidi. On thirty five minutes a free kick for Union right on the 18 yard line was laid off by Dolan to Steven Peters. His shot came off the Carlton wall and as the ball bobbled about the penalty box Craig Ferguson had a rush of blood to his head and clearly pushed one of the Union forwards. Mr Auld had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Striker Phillipson strode up to take the kick but YM keeper Smith made an excellent save only for the ball to rebound out to James McCafferty who duly despatched the ball into the net. Just on the stroke of half time the YM should have increased their lead. A superb ball down the right wing from Sean McCann gave Craig Ferguson the chance to cross the ball into the box. His pass went to Kevin O'Hare and the big striker gave coach McBean palpatations by blasting the ball off the crossbar when it seemed easier to score ! Half Time Kilbowie Union 1 v 3 Carlton YMCA.
Union stated the second half the way that they had started the first and should have scored again in forty six minutes as Paul McLean split the YM defence but then shot wildly past the post. Four minutes later Gary Martin nearly scored as he drove through the Union defence but his shot scrapped off the post and out for a goal kick. On fifty one minutes, Robert Colquhoun, who had strained a leg muscle in the first half came off to be replaced by Simon Rhodes. On the hour mark, coach McBean swapped the two wingers over and immediately it paid dividends as the YM did increase their lead and what a goal it was ! Sean McCann gathered the ball midway in the Union half and drove for goal.
The Boys In Blue As he got to the penalty box he sent a cracking left foot shot goalwards and the ball whizzed past the Union keeper and into the net for his second of the match. On seventy minutes Daryl Donnelly came on for the hard working Ryan McCarthy. In the eighty fourth minute McCann had a chance for a hat-trick but his shot went just over the bar. One minute later Peter Coyle put a great ball into the Union box and striker O'Hare finally managed to score and what a finish it was from the big fellow. Facing away from goal, he received the ball from Coyle and all in one move, flicked the ball up and rifled an overhead kicked into the net past the helpless keeper. From the restart Union went up the park and gained their second goal as striker Phillipson scored from what seemed to be an offside position. O'Hare then had another chance at the other end but his header went wide. In the last minute Chic Smith pulled down Steven Peters in the box to earn himself a yellow card and a penalty for Union but the keeper redeemed himself by again saving the penalty - this time there was no rebound ! Final score Kilbowie Union 2 v 5 Carlton YMCA.
A good performance from the lads but it could have been much closer if Union had taken their chances. Kevin Clews was outstanding in defence and two goal Hero Sean McCann had his best match of the season. The promotion push is still on target !
Meanwhile, over at The Kibble Robert Paterson's second string were playing an important league match against Tarbert who had made the long journey down from Argyll. With a ten point deficit to make up at the top of the league only a victory would do for Tarbert if they wanted to remain in the title run in. The YM started with Peter Lagan, Willie Sibley, Gerry Daly, Robert Paterson, Jon Daly, Chris Pattison, Murray Rodger, Martin Bell, David Hagan, Iain MacInnes, John Kininmonth Subs: Scott mcKenzie, Benny McPhee, Ronnie McKinley. Tarbert started the match well and thought that they had scored after ten minutes but referee Robertson rule for offside and the goal did not stand. Striker Prentice was cautioned for simulation as he dived in the box trying to gain an unfair advantage. The YM started to come into the match and by half time honours were fairly even. After the turnaround, only a minute had gone before the visitors opened the scoring. A corner was driven in and the home defence could not clear their lines. As the ball bobbled about the box, Tarbert took full advantage and smashed the ball into the net past the helpless keeper, Lagan. The YM then pressed hard trying for the equaliser. Just after the hour mark, all hell broke loose as the match exploded. Jon Daly and Tarbert striker Prentice went in together for a tackle. Prentice went down as though he had been poleaxed and referee Robertson immediately pulled out the yellow, then red card at Daly who had been booked earlier. This decision incensed the home lads who clearly believed that Prentice had "dived" again and a melee broke out with many of the players involved. YM striker John Kininmonth became embroiled and received a blow to the back of the head. Unfortunately he retaliated and attempted to lash out. Referee Robertson, who at this point was in discussion with skipper Paterson about the original tackle, said he saw the incident over Roberts's sholder and immediately issued a straight red to Kininmonth. A very controversial few minutes. Just to rub salt in the wound, Prentice, now "fully recovered" got up and scored direct from the resulting free kick to put the Argyll lads two goals up. The YM, now down to nine men, rolled their sleeves up and played their best football for the remainder of the match. With ten minutes remaining a Robert Paterson free kick was sent goalward and Willie Sibley got the merest of touches to put the ball into the Tarbert net and pull a goal back. The lads tried hard for the equaliser but the Argyll boys held out for the victory. Final score Carlton YMCA 'B' 1 v 2 Tarbert. A let down for the lads but they must put it behind them and remember that they are still seven points clear and still proudly, sit on top of the league.
Saturday 21st February 2009 Carlton YMCA v Port Glasgow OBU Premier League Division 2
Sporto v Carlton YMCA 'B' League Division 1
After two weekends of inactivity due to the bad weather, both teams got back to playing football and a great weekend for Carlton it was !
At The Kibble, Stewart McBean's first eleven took on Port Glasgow OBU. The tail'o the bank side had made a good start to the season and this was going to be a testing fixture for the home lads to get their promotion push back on line after the previous setback with Thorn Athletic. It seemed as though Spring had arrived in Paisley on Saturday and both sides took to the park on a bright and breezy February afternoon. The home side lined up with : Chic Smith, Peter Coyle, Kevin Clews, Gary Martin, Grant Carnachan, Craig Ferguson, Stuart Paxton, Robert Colquhoun, Kevin O'Hare, Simon Rhodes, Sean McCann Subs: Jim McGinty, Benny McPhee, Stewart McBean.
There was a great early start for the YM. In the second minute a run down the right by Sean McCann saw him put in a nice cross but Sriker Kevin O'Hare just missed the ball as he ran in on goal. However, only two minutes later, the YM took the lead when, this time, a great through ball by Gary Martin was latched onto by O'Hare and he made no mistake as his shot from 22 yards was buried into the net past the OBU goalkeeper Steven Fulton. The YM were doing all the early pressing and Robert Colquhoun was terrorising the OBU defence, especially down the left hand side. OBU stated to slowly get back into the match with a few upfield forays without creating any clear cut chances. On twenty eight minutes, Simon Rhodes received a yellow card from referee MacKay for retaliation after being brought down by Chris Muir. One minute later the YM defence were caught out as OBU striker Alex Gray beat the offside trap to leave himself one-on-one with Chic Smith but the big striker tried to chip Smith as he came out to challenge and the ball went high over the bar. On thirty eight minutes another chance for OBU fell to winger Andrew Hutchison but he shot weakly and keeper Smith saved easily.
Ready Steady Go A minute later YM striker O'Hare was cautioned for deliberate hand ball. On the forty minute mark midfielder Stuart Paxton shot from 20 yards but the ball went well past the post. Just on the stroke of half-time the YM went two up. A free kick was given about twenty-two yards out on the right hand side off the box. Free kick specialist Robert Colquhoun strode up and shaped the ball high into the top laft hand of OBU keeper Fulton's goal past the defensive wall. A wonderful goal !
Half time Carlton YMCA 2 v 0 Port Glasgow OBU.
Five minutes into the second half another free kick was won by the YM. This time the distance was about twenty five yards and full back Peter Coyle tried his luck but keeper Fulton easily caught the ball. Five minutes later Andrew Hutchison of OBU was booked for a foul on Grant Carnachan. Three minutes later OBU sent on Ryan McNeil for Jon Hammerman who tweaked a hamstring. The YM were on the ascendency again and on sixty minutes a driving run by Gary Martin saw him finish with a ball across the goal where Simon Rhodes just put the ball wide. Five minutes later Rhodes went off to be replaced by Jim McGinty. OBU also sent on Russell Baxter for Tony Gray. On seventy four minutes a nice move involving Jim McGinty and Kevin O'Hare saw the big striker through on goal but his shot was weak and the danger was cleared. There were not many more clear cut chances for either side as the game frittered out. However, in the last two minutes, for no apparant reason we had a spate of bookings.
Colquhoun The Terroriser Gary Martin received yellow for what referee MacKay determined as simulation and Grant Carnachan and OBU's Ryan McNeil both received cautions for clashing on the far side of the park. Good performances all round with Colquhoun, Carnachan and Ferguson just standing out from the rest. Three good points for the YM and hopefully they can go on a run and force themselves back into the promotion push.
Meanwhile over at Greenfields in the East end of Glasgow, Robert Paterson's second string were taking on Sporto in a top of the table clash. To come out of the game with at least a point would be a superb result for the YM but to lose the match would open the league right out so all was to play for in this important clash. The YM Started the match with Peter Lagan, Willie Sibley, Gerry Daly, Robert Paterson, Jon Daly, Chris Pattison, Martin Bell, Murray Rodger, John Kininmonth, David Hagan, Barry Mills Subs: Graeme Campbell, Iain MacInnes, Ian McGuiness.
The YM received a big blow after only five minutes when Barry Mills had to come off after a tackle. The speedy winger had to go to hospital after the match to discover that he has a broken bone in his foot and will be in plaster for four weeks. We wish him a quick recovery. Veteren Iain MacInnes came on for Mills. Two minutes later the YM took the lead when the Sporto defence got themselves in a bit of a pickle. Striker John Kininmonth seized the opportunity and got the ball from the defenders and smashed a shot from about 20 yards into the net. Sporto had most of the possession in the first half but the YM midfield and defence were up to the task and soaked up any pressure from the Glasgow side. Into the second half and it was more of the same. Sporto threw another player up front as they tried to get the equaliser but the YM defence was resolute with Murray Rodger and Jon Daly in midfield marshalling the play. On sixty five minutes a fine move down the left saw Gerry Daly pass the ball to David Hagan. His cross then found MacInnes who laid the ball off to John Kininmonth who had the easiest of tasks to put the ball into the net and give the YM a two goal lead. Graeme Campbell came on for Chris Pattison and Ian McGuiness came on for Iain MacInnes to shore up the defence and keep Sporto at bay. Peter Lagan also contributed with a couple of fine saves. The YM saw the match out for a superb away victory and have now opened up a ten point gap at the top of the league. A great all round performance with Murray Rodger, Jon Daly, Willie Sibley and two goal hero Kininmonth standing out from the rest. Another big test next weekend for the lads when they will entertain Tarbert at The Kibble.
Saturday 14th February 2009 Campbeltown Boys v Carlton YMCA Premier League Division 2
Carlton YMCA 'B' v Cambria 'B' League Division 1
Both matches postponed AGAIN !! due to the weather.
Saturday 7th February 2009 Campbeltown Boys v Carlton YMCA Premier League Division 2
Carlton YMCA 'B' v Duncanrig FP 'B' League Division 1
Both matches postponed due to the weather.
Saturday 31st January 2009 Carlton YMCA v Thorn Athletic Premier League Division 2
Shawlands FP 'B' v Carlton YMCA 'B' League Division 1
A big match at The Kibble today where the home side took on high flying Thorn Athletic from Johnstone. The league newcomers have been in fine form losing only three league points and having a great run in the Scottish Cup. Stewart McBean's side opened up with Chic Smith, Peter Coyle, Andy Molloy, Grant Carnachan, Kevin Clews, Gary Martin, Sean McCann, Ryan McCarthy, Stuart Paxton, Kevin O'Hare, Robert Colquhoun Subs: Jim McGinty, Craig Ferguson, Daryl Donnelly.
A cold, blowy but dry afternoon welcomed the players to this promotion seeking clash. Greenock referee Ian Smith was the man in the middle. Thorn started the match very crisply and in the first five minutes showed most of the pressure. On 10 minutes a free kick from Paul Young was floated into the YM box and cleared for a corner. From the corner the ball was cleared and picked up in the middle of the park by Robert Colquhoun. As he turned and raced through the Thorn defence he was unprofessionally clipped by Stuart Robertson who was very fortunate not to see at least a yellow card. Colquhoun had to go off for treatment and only lasted another five minutes before being replaced by Daryl Donnelly. This was a big blow to the YM as the small forward can be a matchwinner. On 18 minutes a Paul Young free kick from thirty five yards just shaved keeper Smith's post. Five minutes later Kevin O'Hare was upended just outside the Thorn box by Lee Forsyth who was yellow carded for his troubles. Ryan McCarthy took the free kick but the Thorn defence stood firm and the danger was cleared. Grant Carnachan also received yellow on 28 minutes for bringing down Mark Downey in the middle of the park. From the free kick the ball ended up in the net behind Chic Smith after deflecting off the shoulder of Carnachan to give the visitors the opening goal. Thorn were on the ascendency and came close with further attacks from Young and a Stuart Robertson shot that came off the bar with keeper Smith well beaten. On 38 minutes Stuart Paxton and Willie Armour clashed in the middle of the park. Chic Smith ran from his goal and got himself engaged in the incident which saw referee Smith give his namesake a yellow card for his protests. Two minutes before the break, Thorn midfielder Young was booked for upending Ryan McCarthy as he strode towards the Thorn goal. Into the second half, and on 58 minutes Sean McCann went off to be replaced by Jim McGinty. Four minutes later the visitors almost increased their lead. Some good work down the left wing by Mark Campbell resulted in a corner. From the kick Lee Forsyth just pushed the ball past the post. On 65 minutes Jim McGinty was put through after some great footwork by Ryan McCarthy, however, he was unceremoniously upended by Thomas Graham about twenty three yards from goal. The free kick from Gary Martin came off the wall to land at the feet of Stuart Paxton whose shot was well saved by keeper Liam McWilliams. Four minutes later Thorn went two up when Stuart Robertson finished with a fine shot past Chic Smith as the home defence pushed out too far. The YM replied immediately and Sturt Paxton got a goal back with a looping header over McWilliams after a fine corner kick from Peter Coyle. Armour was replaced by Paul Murphy for the visitors and Craig Ferguson replaced goalscorer Paxton for the home side. Thorn then sent on Andrew Parker for Mark Campbell. The last fifteen minutes saw heavy attacking from the YM as they finally put some real pressure on the visitors. Chances for Ryan McCarthy and Gary Martin went abegging and Stuart Robertson for the visitors was added to the referee's notebook but Thorn hung on to take all three points. A good, competitive match with the streetwise visitors just edging it. Not enough chances were created for the YM forwards and they will now have to work really hard to maintain the promotion push.
Meanwhile over at Cowglen, in the Southside of Glasgow, Robert Paterson's second string came from a goal down to take all three points against a stuffy Shawlands FP 'B' side. The side started with Peter Lagan, Willie Sibley, Gerry Daly, Robert Paterson, Chris Pattison, Murray Rodger, Martin Bell, Jon Daly, John Kininmonth, Barry Mills, David Hagan Subs: Iain MacInnes, Scott McKenzie, Graeme Campbell. A thirty yard strike from Murray Rodger cancelled out the early FP's opener and a minute later John Kininmoth scored what turned out to be the winner to grab all three points and maintain that top position in League Division 1.
Saturday 24th January 2009 Rutherglen v Carlton YMCA Premier League Division 2
Carlton YMCA 'B' v Dumbarton Rock League Division 1
Stewart McBean's first eleven were scheduled to take on Rutherglen in an important league match at Toryglen in the South side of Glasgow but a frozen pitch meant that the match will be relisted later in the season.
So it was all eyes down to the Kibble where some sterling work by the grounstaff meant game on ! The YM started with Peter Lagan, Willie Sibley, Gerry Daly, Andy O'Hara, Robert Paterson, Chris Pattison, Jon Daly, Martin Bell, John Kininmonth, David Hagan, Murray Rodger Subs: Graeme Campbell, Iain MacInnes, Barry Mills, Robert Colquhoun.
Dumbarton Rock turned up with a young looking side but their lads were quick and played some nice football. The first chance fell to the Rock's centre forward Liam Burns after five minutes, but Peter Lagan in goal for the YM carried on his great form with an impressive one handed save to put the ball over the bar. From the resulting corner, Rock hit both YM posts in quick succession when Derek Johnston and Michael Connolly were both unlucky not to open the scoring. A let off for the YM ! It was thirteen minutes before the YM registered their first chance when a shot from John Kininmonth was well saved by Rock keeper Lewis Russell. However, it was only another two minutes before the home side opened the scoring. Some fine work down the right wing saw David Hagan pass the ball into the path of Chris Pattison. He turned and placed a beautiful lob over keeper Russell for a fine opening goal. Three minutes later striker Kininmonth nearly made it two but his thirty yard strike after a fine turn just whizzed past the goalpost. On twenty seven minutes Kininmonth then found himself in the referee's notebook for dissent.
Who Is The Poser Peter Lagan then made two great saves just before half time to keep the home side on top as the Rock tried hard to get back into the match.
Rock put on two substitutes at the beginning of the second half with Shaun Connolly coming on for Clive Burns and Daniel Haughie replacing Kevin Burns. Ten minutes into the half and Robert Colquhoun came on to replace goalscorer Pattison. A minute later midfielder Kevin Connolly of the Rock also found his way into the referee's notebook again for dissent. Manager Paterson almost scored a rare goal after a goalmouth scramble on the hour mark but his shot was blocked and the danger cleared. Three minutes later Rock nearly equalised but again keeper Lagan saved the day. On sixtysix minutes the game exploded when Rock midfielder Johnston received a straight red card for a wild challenge on Murray Rodger in the middle of the park. Four minutes later Barry Mills came on, after a long lay off through injury, to replace striker Kininmonth. On seventy five minutes the YM went two up after a super ball through from Murray Rodger was picked up by Robert Colquhoun. He drifted past a defender and coolly slotted the ball into the net past the advancing keeper. Rock kept on challenging and yet another terrific save by Lagan on seventy nine minutes maintained the clean sheet. One minute later Robert Colquhoun wound up the points for the home side with his second goal of the match. An attack down the left gave David Hagan an opportunity to cross the ball.
The Flagman His cross was pin point accuracy into the stride of Colquhoun who volleyed a wonderful shot past the helpless Russell in the Rock goal. One minute later veteren Iain MacInness came on for the last six minutes replacing Hagan. Three more excellrnt points for Paterson's lads as they maintain their top position in the division.
Saturday 17th January 2009 Kilpatrick v Carlton YMCA Jimmy Marshall Trophy Round 1
Carlton YMCA 'B' v Tarbert
Both matches postponed this weekend due to the bad weather.
Saturday 10th January 2009 Arkleston v Carlton YMCA Premier League Division 2
Carlton YMCA 'B' v Kings Park Rangers 'B' League Division 1
A Good New Year to One and All and welcome back after the Festive Break !
Two cracking games to open up the New Year with. Stewart McBean's first eleven made the short trip to Linwood Sports Centre to take on local rivals Arkleston in an important league match. In what turned out to be torrential rain and storm force winds, it was a big surprise that this game managed to last for the full ninety minutes. Referee Clark checked with both lines on several occassions to see if they wanted to continue the game in what became farcical conditions. The YM started with Chic Smith, Andy Molloy, Peter Coyle, Kevin Clews, Grant Carnachan, Stuart Paxton, Ryan McCarthy, Sean McCann, Robert Colquhoun, Kevin O'Hare Subs: Craig Ferguson, Scott McKenzie, Jim McGinty. The lads took full control from the beginning of the match and after only five minutes they took the lead. A Robert Colquhoun turn and shot was parried by keeper William Kerr but Gary Martin was sharp and focussed and quickly slammed the ball into the net. Two minutes later a Stuart Paxton rocket from about thirty yards was goal bound but a last minute deflection from the home defence sent the ball past for a corner. The YM took control for the remainder of the half but the conditions were worsening by the minute and this correspondent couldn't write down all the action due to the heavy rain !! Into the second half and Arkleston must have fancied their chances as they had the gale force wind in their favour but it was the YM who extended their lead when a cool finish from top scorer Kevin O'Hare after some fine build up play by Andy Molloy and Robert Colquhoun gave O'Hare a one-on-one with keeper Kerr. The big centre kept his nerve and cooly stroked the ball into the bottom corner of the net for a two goal lead. Arkleston replied quickly and soon cut the deficit back to one goal when a long punt into the YM goal area was misjudged by keeper Chic Smith due to the gale and the ball ended up in the net behind him. Smith redeemed himself later in the match with two fine saves as Arkleston strove for the equaliser. However, the lads held out for a fine victory on a day for the ducks !
Meanwhile, back at the Kibble Robert Paterson's second string were carrying on from where they left off before the break - another victory - another three points. The team started Peter Lagan, Willie Sibley, Gerry Daly, Robert Paterson, Andy O'Hara, Chris Pattison, Murray Rodger, John Daly, John Kininmonth, David Hagan, Martin Bell Subs: Graeme Campbell, Gerry Goodwin, Iain MacInnes. An all round good display with keeper Lagan Man of the Match after three match winning saves ably assisted by two goal hero John Kininmonth. Still sitting proudly on top of the division it's now up to the other contenders to claw back the deficit.
Saturday 13th December 2008 Wishaw v Carlton YMCA West of Scotland Cup Round 4
Carlton YMCA 'B' v Tarbert League Division 1
A rather curtailed match report this week as this correspondent is in foreign fields. Stewart McBean's 1st Eleven were on cup business with a 4th round West of Scotland Cup tie away at Wishaw. By all accounts the park was a bit of a coup but the lads had good expectations of still being in the competition into the New Year. This seemed to be the case as a penalty goal from Ryan McCarthy gave the YM an early lead but two goals home the home team either side of the break brought them right back into the match. Things went from bad to worse when a defensive mistake gave Wishaw a soft penalty which they duly scored from. Kevin O'Hare pulled a goal back before the end but the home side went into round 5 with the YM wondering how they managed to lose the match. Ah well....there's always next year.
Meanwhile, the heavy rain on Friday put paid to The Kibble for the second successive week which mean't Tarbert did not need to make the long journey down from Argyle. A bit frustrating for Robert Paterson's lads as their recent form has been outstanding but they still sit proudly on top of League Division 1 after a superb first half of the season. Here's hoping they can continue the good form after the festive break.
From across the sea I wish one and all, a very merry Christmas and a Good New Year. See you all in 2009.
Saturday 29th November 2008 Port Glasgow OBU v Carlton YMCA Premier League Division 2
Carlton YMCA 'B' v Lochgilphead Red Star League Division 1
The first eleven match was a late casualty of the heavy mid-week rain and Friday overnight frost to give the lads a free day. So it was all down to the second string to keep the flag flying. At The Kibble Robert Paterson's lads were taking on Lochgilphead Red Star in an important league match. This last Saturday in November proved to be a sunny, crisp but very cold afternoon. With two late call offs due to injury (Graeme Campbell & Martin Bell), Robert took the opportunity to call in two players from the first team pool to bolster up his midfield. The team started as follows : Peter Lagan, Willie Sibley, Robert Paterson, Jonathan Daly, Gerry Daly, Chris Pattison, Jim McGinty, Gary Martin, David Hagan, Murray Rodger, John Kininmonth Subs : Iain MacInnes, Conn O'Brien, Benny McPhee, Ronnie McKinley, Chris McGrorry.
Referee Hutchison started the match five minutes early and both sides took the first few minutes to settle in. On three minutes, with the YM defence shouting "offside", Red Star kept running and the ball broke through for striker Neil Russell but his shot went wide. Two minutes later, the ball was crossed for John Kininmonth who headed back to Murray Rodger but his 30yd shot was rising all the way and the ball went over the bar. On twelve minutes Red Star almost scored as the ball again broke to Russell about 22yds out. His shot was goal bound but Peter Lagan in the YM goal pulled off a great one handed save to scoop the ball over the bar. Five minutes later the YM responded. With some good play down the right by Jon Daly, the ball made its way to John Kininmonth and he crossed to the far post where Jim McGinty headed to Gary Martin but he was just over stretching and the chance was lost. On twenty two minutes a free kick was awarded to the YM about 22yds out after some good build up play by Jim McGinty. Jon Daly strode up and cooly slotted the ball into the bottom left hand corner of the net while goalkeeper Luke Kilachie could only watch on. One up for the YM. Red Star responded and for the next ten minutes they put the YM under considerable pressure. On twenty five minutes a Dougie Moore corner was sent into the goal area but Robert Paterson and Chris Pattison kept their cool and managed to clear the danger. Five minutes later Graeme MacPherson, for the visitors, gathered the ball at the edge of the YM box, turned, saw Peter Lagan off his line and cooly chipped the keeper only to see the ball come back off the YM bar. A let off for the home side ! The YM worked their way back into the match and came close on thirty eight minutes when a precise David Hagan cross was just headed wide by Gary Martin. One minute later David Campbell was cautioned by Referee Hutchison for dissent. Half Time YM 1 v 0 Red Star.
This yellow card proved decisive for Campbell. With only one minute gone after the turnaround he put in a heavy tackle on David Hagan in the middle of the park and left Mr Hutchison no choice but to issue a second yellow, followed by a red card and he was sent marching to the dressing room for an early shower. Within two minutes, the YM took full advantage of the extra man and went two goals up. A corner on the right was precisely executed to the back post by Hagan where skipper Patterson came in on the blind side to bullet the ball into the net with his head. Five minutes later John Kininmonth almost increased the lead after another corner on the right. As the ball broke to him, he steadied himself and sent the ball goalward but his strike was just a few centimetres high and the ball went over the bar. On sixty four minutes, some more good work down the left by Gary Martin saw his cross volleyed past the post by striker Kininmonth. One minute later there was some petulance shown by the Red Star lads and Mr Hutchison cautioned both Iain Campbell and Dougie Moore. On sixty seven minutes Red Star sent on Robert Docherty for Craig Campbell while YM sent on Conn O'Brien for David Hagan. The substitution paid an instant dividend for Red Star as Docherty, with his first touch of the ball, sent a cross to the back post for Graeme McPherson to head past the helpless Peter Lagan in the YM goal. However, the comeback was short lived as within seven minutes the YM regained their two goal advantage with a cracking goal from striker Kininmonth as he rose like a salmon to head home a Conn O'Brien corner from the left. The YM immediately sent on Benny McPhee for Chris Pattison and this proved to be one of the shortest substitutions ever as four minutes later after a great run down the left, McPhee had to go off with what looked like a "pulled hamstring" ! Veteren Iain MacInnes took his place for the remaining minutes. Red Star had another chance with five minutes to go but David Robertson fluffed his chance and was immediately substituted by Chris Crawford. With only one minute to go Red Star striker Neil Russell saw red with a verbal tirade against Referee Hutchison who duly obliged and sent him stright to the pavilion. Full Time Carlton YMCA 3 v 1 Lochgilphead Red Star.
A good exciting, match and a great performance from the home lads with Jim McGinty, Jon Daly, John Kininmonth and Gary Martin standing out above the rest. Red Star are a good side and not many teams will take points from them this season.
Saturday 22nd November 2008 Carlton YMCA v Rolls Royce EK Premier League Division 2
Cambria 'B' v Carlton YMCA 'B' Coronation Cup Round 2
On a cold, windless but dry afternoon in Paisley, this much awaited fixture with the young guns of Carlton and Rolls Royce going head to head took place.
YM line up : Chic Smith, Peter Coyle, Andy Molloy, Kevin Clews, Jonathan Daly, Grant Carnachan, Ryan McCarthy, Sean McCann, Gary Martin, Daryl Donnelly, Kevin O'Hare Subs ; Simon Rhodes, Benny McPhee.
Rolls Royce line up ; Andrew Watson, John MacMillan, Mark Johnstone, Scott Woods, Grant Malcolm, Paul Innes, Kevin Wilson, Greg Kinnaird, Gary Welsh, James McTaggart, Gavin Miller Subs : Stewart Craig, Martin Hagen, Jamie Innes, Paul Miller.
The first chance fell to the YM after five minutes. Gary Martin cut out a defensive EK clearance and Kevin O'Hare blasted the ball high over the bar. Two minutes later and another surging run from Martin through the middle of the park saw him scythed down by EK Scott Woods who received a yellow card from Mr Saverse for his troubles. On nine minutes a good move down the right saw O'Hare backheel for Sean McCann who crossed for Daryl Donnelly just to glance the ball past the post. On eleven minutes the YM gained their first corner. McCann crossed the ball but the danger was cleared by the EK defence. One minute later, on their first foray up the park, Rolls Royce took the lead when James McTaggart slid in just inside the box to get there just before YM keeper Chic Smith and the ball trundled into the corner of the net. On fourteen minutes a late Gary Martin tackle on Greig Kinnaird saw him receive a caution. Six minutes later, a controversial moment when, after a surging run down the right by Sean McCann saw his cross clearly hit the hand of the EK defender but Referee Saverse decided that there was no intention. From the resulting corner the danger was cleared. On twenty one minutes a free kick to the YM, just on the left hand edge of the EK penalty box saw Daryl Donnelly cross the ball but again the EK defence stood firm. Four minutes later another free kick to the YM saw Gary Martin fire in from 25yds but keeper Andrew Watson saved well at the base of the goal post. On thirty minutes a good run down the right from Peter Coyle saw him work himself into the box but Kevin O'Hare just couldn't catch the ball. Three minutes later saw a good move down the right by EK defender John MacMillan and he gained a corner off Jon Daly. The cross from Paul Innes was headed goalward by Gary Welsh but the YM defence managed to clear the danger. On thirty seven minutes some more fine work down the right saw Kevin O'Hare launch an overhead kick from the cross but the ball went wide. It was end to end stuff now and a minute later saw Paul Innes send in a free kick from 35yds. The ball broke out to Greig Kinnaird but his shot went high over the YM bar. Half Time Carlton YMCA 0 v 1 Rolls Royce EK.
The YM came out in the second half after some inspiring words from coach McBean and it only took two minutes for the first attack. Peter Coyle and Sean McCann combined down the right but the cross in was just too far for striker O'Hare. On forty nine minutes James McTaggart had a great chance to increase the lead for the visitors when he broke through the YM defence but his shot went wide left. Four minutes later, another surging run by YM's Martin saw his shot hit the defender on the arm but yet again Referee Saverse did not give the penalty. One minute later saw O'Hare turn and shoot over the bar. All the pressure was now coming from the YM as they sought the equaliser. On fifty five minutes another goalward srike by O'Hare saw his shot hit the back of one of the visitors defenders and the ball was cleared. The Rolls Royce boys replied and one minute later a thirty yard shot from defender Mark Johnstone was well held by YM keeper Smith. On sixty five minutes striker Gary Welsh had a golden chance to score for the visitors but he hesitated too long and the chance was lost. The YM replied instantly and midfielder Martin's shot just went over the bar. We then a clutch of substitutions. The visitors brought on Jamie Innes for John MacMillan and Martin Hagen for Kevin Wilson. The YM brought Simon Rhodes on for Sean McCann. Ten minutes to go now and it is all YM pressure. Over the next few minutes chances for O'Hare, Martin and Coyle all came close but the EK defence was brilliantly marshalled by Grant Malcolm and they were standing firm. In the dying seconds of the match the YM thought that they had finally got the equaliser when Kevin O'Hare's shot looked sure to go in but somehow the visitors keeper Andrew Watson got his hands to the ball to bring off an unbelievable save. With this, Referee Saverse blew the final whistle to end the match. Carlton YMCA 0 v 1 Rolls Royce EK. A thrilling match for all spectators to watch but a very unlucky YM team trooped off the park as all their efforts had proved fruitless. Great performances from Gary Martin, Peter Coyle and Sean McCann for the home side with Grant Malcolm and keeper Watson outstanding for the visitors.
Meanwhile up at the University Parks at Stepps, Robert Paterson's second string were on cup duty as they took on Cambria 'B' in the second round of The Coronation Cup. After last season's exciting run to the Final of this old competition the lads were hopeful for another good run - but it was not to be and the academics avenged their earlier league defeat at the same venue by winning 4 v 2.
Two goals for striker John Kininmonth, one from the penalty spot was the highlight of the match for the YM but a number of missed chances didn't help the cause.
Saturday 15th November 2008 Carlton YMCA v Cambria 'B' West of Scotland Cup Round 3
Sporto v Carlton YMCA 'B' League Division 1
Robert Paterson's second string had a table topping clash with Sporto last Saturday at Greenfields in the Shettleston area of Glasgow. Unfortunately the Council put matches off in Glasgow on Friday so it was all eyes to The Kibble to see if the weather could be beaten. A quick trip down to B&Q on Saturday morning to purchase a dozen bags of sand, spread it on the goalmouths and hey presto!- game on !!
One or two injuries to the central defence first eleven mean't that Stewart McBean drafted in Robert Paterson and Andy O'Hara from the second string for the visit of Cambria 'B' for this third round West Cup tie. The team started : Chic Smith, Peter Coyle, Gary Martin, Robert Paterson, Andy O'Hara, Ryan McCarthy, Grant Carnachan, Kevin O'Hare, Daryl Donnelly, Stuart Paxton Subs: Jim McGinty, Martin Bell, Sean McCann, Simon Rhodes, John Kininmonth.
Stars of the Future The YM started strongly and there were only two minutes on the clock when Kevin O'Hare almost opened the scoring, however, keeper Michael Donahue saved well from the big striker. From the resulting corner the ball broke to Gary Martin but he shot over the bar. On their first foray up the park one minute later, Cambria took the lead when a hopeful pass forward was missed by Andy Molloy and Paul Gallacher nipped in and buried the ball well past YM keeper Chic Smith. On the tenth minute, Peter Coyle put a nice ball into the box but Gary Martin headed over the bar. On the twenty second minute Ryan McCarthy was booked for speaking back too strongly to referee Martin Keegan. On the thirty sixth minute, Kevin O'Hare took the ball round the keeper but unfortunately ran out of park before he could control the ball. All the pressure was now coming from the YM as they sought the equaliser, but Cambria nearly extended their lead after forty minutes when winger Gallacher broke up the park only for his cross to be missed by Greg McMahon. Just before half time Gary Martin did equalise for the YM as he finished off some great work down the left by Peter Coyle. Half Time Carlton YMCA 1 v 1 Cambria 'B'.
Goalscoring Duo Martin and OHare After some strong words during the break from assistant coach Deveney, the lads came out with more purpose and within two minutes of the restart they took the lead. Again, some good lead up play from Peter Coyle and Ryan McCarthy gave Daryl Donnelly the oppotunity to score and he didn't miss. Four minutes later a succession of chances for the YM were created with Donnelly, McCarthy and Andy Molloy all coming close. As the YM threatened to overun the academics with yet another chance for Martin being saved singled handedly by keeper Donahue, the Cambria lads equalised when a speculative cross from the right wing was misjudged by Chic Smith and the ball landed up in the net. One minute later the YM regained the lead when Gary Martin scored his second of the day from about 12yds. Keeper Donahue got his fingers to the ball but it came off the post and crossed the line. Cambria didn't stop battling and nearly eqaulised again on the sixty third minute through Gallacher. His shot was parried by keeper Smith and he managed to regain control of the ball and the danger was cleared. One minute later a 35yd free kick saw keeper Smith palming the ball over the bar from Alex Smiley's rasping shot. On sixty five minutes the YM sent on Simon Rhodes for Daryl Donnelly.
Get Out of My Way Eight minutes later Cambria came close agin when Smiley hit the post with keeper Smith well beaten. In the next attack Cambria equalised through Neil McLeod after a slip by Robert Paterson and the big striker scored easily past Smith. With ten minutes remaining on the clock the YM took the lead again when Kevin O'Hare touched in off a Gary Martin shot. One minute later Martin finally got his hat-trick as he headed in from a Ryan McCarthy cross. This quick one-two seemed to finally demoralise Cambria and within another minute Kevin O'Hare scored his second and the YM's sixth after another good McCarthy cross. Jim McGinty came on for Peter Coyle to play out the remaining six minutes. Final score Carlton YMCA 6 v 3 Cambria 'B'. A good result for the lads as they now move into round 4 but they did make hard work of a match that they were expected to win. Full marks to the Cambria lads who battled away and made this tussle an exciting spectacle for the onlookers.
Saturday 8th November 2008 Carlton YMCA v Clydebank College Premier League Division 2
Duncanrig FP 'B' v Carlton YMCA 'B'
Both matches in play this weekend - something of an achievement !
Into November and this is only the second league game for Stewart McBean's first eleven. Today we welcome old adversaries Clydebank College to The Kibble who will no doubt, be well up for the challenge. The team started with : Chic Smith, Sean McCann, Andy Molloy, Kevin Clews, Peter Coyle, Stuart Paxton, Ryan McCarthy, Grant Carnachan, Gary Martin, John Kininmonth, Kevin O'Hare Subs : Jim McGinty, Simon Rhodes, Chris McGrorry.
Right or LeftThe match started on a damp, overcast but still fairly mild autumnal day, seven minutes early.Both teams settled into the game and it was on ten minutes before the first real chance fell to the College when a free kick from 25yds was floated in for Mark Connelly to head directly into the hands of YM keeper Chic Smith. Three minutes later the College were awarded another free kick when the ball struck Kevin Clews on the hand but Craig Darroch skied the ball over the bar from about 27yds. On fourteen minutes the early College pressure paid off when they took the lead from a Robert Sheehan header after some fine work on the right by Craig Darroch. The YM responded five minutes later when a 20yd shot from Peter Coyle just flashed past the post. Sheehan had a great chance to put the College two up on twenty two minutes but his shot was well saved by keeper Smith. One minute later Sean McCann had a great chance to equalise for the home side but he headed wide at the back post. The equaliser was only five more minutes in coming when referee Alan Frame adjudged that the college defenders had pushed Kevin O'Hare as he rose to challenge for a Ryan McCarthy free kick that had been floated into the area. McCarthy stepped forward and slotted the ball home sending College keeper Blair Flynn the wrong way. On thirty six minutes another chance for the visitors when they were awarded a free kick just on the eighteen yard line but Darroch put the ball high over the bar. Seven minutes later another chance for the college fell to striker Sheehan but yet again the ball was blasted over the bar. Just on half time Grant Carnachan received a caution for persistent fouling and from the resultant free kick Sheehan scored his second to give the visitors the lead at half time.
My Ball or Yours The college made a change after the break by bringing on Gavin Miller for Jamie McVeigh. The YM came out looking for an equaliser and within a minute gained a corner after some nice work from Stuart Paxton. From the corner the ball fell to Sean McCann and his cross come shot hit both the bar and post but was eventually cleared by the College defence. One minute late McCann missed a golden opportunity but his shot was deflected for another corner. Again the danger was cleared by the College defence. On fifty minutes the YM brought on Jim McGinty for Kevin Clews. Five minutes later a good turn and shot from Kevin O'Hare brought out a good save from keeper Flynn. On sixty two minutes striker O'Hare got the equaliser after some brilliant build up play from Peter Coyle. One minute later the game heated up somewhat when College midfielder Scott Robertson received a straight red for scything down Grant Carnachan in the middle of the park. O'Hare then had a chance to give the home side the lead on sixty four minutes but keeper Flynn made a fine save. Four minutes later College sent on Keith Anderson for John Dunn. One minute later the YM took the lead for the first time when Carnachan converted with a back post header after some good play down the left by Gary Martin and Andy Molloy.
Theres Going To Be A Winner The College were not finished yet and on seventy minutes they equalised direct from a free kick through substitute Miller who found the bottom right hand corner from about 23yds. The YM sent on Simon Rhodes for Sean McCann. Ten minutes later College took off Sheehan for Martin Currie and YM put Chris McGrorry on for John Kininmonth. The last ten minutes saw heavy YM pressure on the College defence as they looked for the winner and just as it looked as though the College were going to take a point, in the ninetieth minute YM striker O'Hare scored the winner with a wonderful overhead kick from about 18yds that just evaded keeper Flynn's outstretched finger tips. Three excellent points for the YM but credit to the College for putting up a fine show in what turned out to be a really exciting match.
Meanwhile, at Ballerup Playing Fields in East Kilbride, Robert Paterson's high flying second string took on lowly placed Duncanrig FP 'B' in a league match. The game proved to be a tough encounter with some strong tackling and poor refereeing decisions. However the lads battled away and came away with one point in a one each draw. Jonathan Daly got the all important goal but the concensus was that if they had taken all their chances they would have easily won the match. Still, the lads are maintaining their top of the league position. Team : Ronnie McKinley, Willie Sibley, Gerry Daly, Robert Paterson, Murray Rodger, Graeme Campbell, Andy O'Hara, Chris Pattison, David Hagan, Jon Daly, Barry Mills Subs : Scott McKenzie, Benny McPhee, Jim McColl.
Saturday 1st November 2008 East Kilbride v Carlton YMCA West Cup Round 2
Carlton YMCA 'B' v Shawlands FP 'B' League Division 1
Another week of match postponements last weekend due to the heavy rain again but the same two matches were relisted for today.
Stewart McBean's first eleven made the trip to The Murray Playing Fields in East Kilbride to take on the local amateur side who normally play in the Central Scottish League in this second round West Of Scotland Cup tie. The team started as : Chic Smith, Sean McCAnn, Andy Molloy, Kevin Clews, Peter Coyle, Grant Carnachan, Stuart Paxton, Simon Rhodes, Kevin O'Hare, Daryl Donnelly, Gary Martin Subs : Scott McKenzie, Jim Deveney.
West Cup Round 3 The game kicked off fifteen minutes late due to the late arrival of Referee Mr Ingram who had been caught in heavy traffic as he made his way up from Ayrshire. Within the first minute, top YM scorer Kevin O'Hare had the ball in the net after a nice pass from Daryl Donnelly but Mr Ingram adjudged the striker to have been offside - a very tight decision. The YM started to control the match and were putting a lot of pressure on the home defence. On the fifteenth minute an early taken free kick by Gary Martin from about 23yds nearly caught out EK keeper Scott Ogilvie. Two minutes later some nice work on the right resulted in a cross to the far post from O'Hare where Martin came in to head the ball goalward.
More Goals Required However referee Ingram decided that defender Lee McDowall had been pushed in the challenge and gave a free kick to the home side. On twenty five minutes some great work down the left by Daryl Donnelly and Gary Martin resulted in a quickly taken throw by Martin when he played a one-two with Donnelly and sent in a cross to the far post where Grant Carnachan beat the defender to the ball but unfortunately headed past the post. One minute later, a Donnelly corner saw the ball coming out to Sean McCann but he blasted his shot over the bar. On thirty five minutes, Donnelly was denied a stone wall penalty as he split the defence with a ball from Grant Carnachan and he was hauled down but referee Ingram decided that the defender had connected with the ball before the tackle. One minute later O'Hare blasted over the bar from 12 yds. With half time beckoning, the YM finally took the lead when Simon Rhodes converted a cross from Gary Martin from about 8 yds after a great run down the left wing. Half Time East Kilbride 0 v 1 Carlton YMCA.
Eight minutes into the second half, Kevin Clews had to go off for some treatment after an accidental clash saw him clutching his rib cage but after a couple of minutes he was able to resume. East Kilbride finally put on some pressure on fifty five minutes and a good run down the right and cross from winger Andrew Campbell was met in the box by striker Gary McKean but the YM defence stood firm and managed to avert the danger. One minute later Grant Carnachan was cautioned for persistent fouling.
Scramble EK made a double substitution sending on David Tinney and Jonathan Clough for Gary McKean and Calum Robertson. On sixty seven minutes a corner from Sean McCann was cleared off the line by the home defence. One minute later a great run down the left by Andy Molloy saw his cross almost converted by striker O'Hare but his final shot was weak and keeper Ogilvie collected the ball quite easily. It was all one way traffic but the YM could not get the second goal to consolodate their position but the home side never really looked like scoring. A good victory for the lads as they move into round three of the competition with a solid performance against a stuffy team.
Meanwhile, back at The Kibble, Robert Paterson's second string were putting on a show in some fine style as they thrashed Shawlands FP 'B' by five goals to nil. A brace each from both David Hagan and John Kininmonth along with a single from Barry Mills saw off the Glasgow Southsiders as the lads maintained their table topping position and unbeaten league record for the season. The team : Peter Lagan, Willie Sibley, Gerry Daly, Robert Paterson, Andy O'Hara, Chris Pattison, Martin Bell, Graeme Campbell, David Hagan, Barry Mills, John Kininmonth Subs : Iain MacInnes, Benny McPhee, Ronnie McKinley.
Saturday 18th October 2008 Carlton YMCA v Stedfast Scottish Cup Round 2
Cambria 'B' v Carlton YMCA 'B' League Division 1
After two weeks of inactivity for both teams due to the heavy rain that we all have had to endure, we finally got a Saturday where both matches were played.
Stedfast in Scottish Cup At The Kibble, Stewart McBean's first eleven welcomed Stedfast from the Central Scottish League to play in the second round of the Scottish Cup. Every year when this old trophy comes around you dream of having a good run and hopefully still be in the competition after Christmas...........ah well!!...maybe next year !! The team started : Chic Smith, Sean McCann, Andy Molloy, Peter Coyle, Grant Carnachan, Stuart Paxton, Ryan McCarthy, Simon Rhodes, Gary Martin, Kevin O'Hare, Daryl Donnelly Subs : Jim McGinty, Scott McKenzie, Jim Deveney.
The first chance, after three minutes fell to Stedfast striker Andrew Carberry who ended up one-on-one with YM keeper Chic Smith who managed to save well at Carberry's feet. Some aggresive tackling from Grant Carnachan on eight minutes brought some words of warning from referee McGeechan. After eleven minutes Gary Martin shot just past the Stedfast post from 20yds. One minute later the YM gained their first corner of the match but the danger was cleared. On the fifteenth minute, three quick corners in succession for Stedfast put some pressure on the home defence but they handled it well. Mark Kilpatrick had a chance on twenty minutes after he latched onto a monstrous clearance from his goalkeeper, Justin Dunne, but he blasted his shot high over the YM bar. Two minutes later Kevin O'Hare had the ball in the net after some good lead up work by Peter Coyle and Grant Carnachan but he was adjudged just offside by referee McGeechan. Six minutes later O'Hare came close again when his 20yd shot was well saved by Stedfast keeper Dunne. Stedfast went straight up the park and striker Carberry opened the scoring as he slotted the ball under the on rushing Chic Smith in the Carlton goal. One minute later the home side went two down when winger Kilpatrick went on a mazy run and slotted home in the bottom corner of the net. On thirty five minutes a good move by the YM resulted in a chance for Simon Rhodes but he couldn't get turned and the chance was lost. Two minutes late a poor clearance from keeper Smith let danger man Kilpatrick in and he scored his second goal to put Stedfast three goals ahead. This seemed harsh on the YM lads who had contributed well up to this point. Three minutes before the turn, Kevin O'Hare got a goal back after a goalmouth scramble. Just on the whistle, keeper Smith was cautioned for bringing down Kirk Forbes as he strode down on goal. The referee played the advantage but Peter Coyle cleared up the danger. Andy Molloy also received a yellow card for fouling striker Kilpatrick. At half time the scoreline read Carlton YMCA 1 v 3 Stedfast.
Stedfast and Resolute Some stern words were dealt out by assistant coach Jim Deveney to the lads during the half time break but no changes were made. The strong words had an instant impression and the lads came out like a different team. Within two minutes of the restart some great build up work from Ryan McCarthy, Kevin O'Hare and Gary Martin put Sean McCann through with only the keeper to beat but he put the ball past the post. Three minutes later the YM had pulled the deficit back to one goal after Kevin O'Hare scored his second from 8yds after some good work from Stuart Paxton and Daryl Donnelly. On fifty seven minutes Donnelly had a great run, beating two defenders before shooting from 20yds but the ball just grazed the left hand post. Stedfast showed they were not out of it yet when, one minute later, winger Kilpatrick almost scored his hat trick with a spectacular overhead kick. However Chic Smith was pleased to see the ball go past his post. On sixty minutes Kilpatrick hit the bar with a shot from 25yds with keeper Smith well beaten. Stedfast made a substitution with Andrew Johnston coming on for Kirk Forbes. Kevin O'Hare and Phillip Connor were both cautioned after they clashed in the middle of the park. One minute later Jim McGinty was sent on for Simon Rhodes. Five minutes later Stedfast winger Jonathan Grey was the next person to enter referee McGeechan's notebook after he kicked the ball away. The YM started to up the tempo in the search for the equaliser.
Looking For The Equaliser On seventy eight minutes Gary Martin had a great turn and shot which was deflected for a corner. Four minutes later a Peter Coyle clearance to Ryan McCarthy was then put through to Martin who's goalward shot was tipped over the bar by keeper Dunne. From the corner kick, Martin had the ball in the net but the referee adjudged that there was some pusing and disallowed the goal. Martin was booked for dissent. One minute from the end Kevin O'Hare had the ball in the net again but was wrongly adjudged off side by referee McGeechan. In the last minute Andrew Carberry was shown the yellow card for time wasting as Stedfast stood resolute to win the match by three goals to two. An unlucky YM team came off the park feeling a bit hard done by but the first half errors to give the visitors a three goal lead just proved too much. Ah well.....there's always next year !!.....
Meanwhile up at the University playing fields at Steppes, Robert Paterson's second string were playing Cambria 'B' in a league match. The team lined up as : Peter Lagan, Willie Sibley, Gerry Daly, Chris Pattison, Robert Paterson, Martin Bell, Murray Rodger, Graeme Campbell, David LHagan, Barry Mills, John Kininmonth Subs: Bennie McPhee, Iain MacInnes.
The lads put on a sterling performance on the immaculate university pitches with two goals from Chris Pattison and a strike from John Kininmonth. This maintains the unbeaten league record for the season and keeps the lads flying at the top of league division one.
Sunday 28th September 2008 Douglas Harvey Memorial Trophy
Carlton YMCA Select v SAFL Select
The second annual Douglas Harvey Memorial Trophy took place on Sunday at The Kibble when a YM select team took on the SAFL select team. After some heavy morning showers the match took place in some bright sunshine. Both sides had some late call offs but the teams started as follows :
Carlton YMCA - Chic Smith, Sean McCann, Willie Sibley, Kevin Clews, Peter Coyle, Robert Paterson, Chris Pattison, Grant Carnachan, Stuart Paxton, Simon Rhodes, Martin Bell Subs - Benny McPhee, Peter Lagan, Scott McKenzie, Robert Colquhoun
SAFL - Chris Lamb(Busby), James McMurragh(Pollok), Scott McAusland(Duncanrig FP), Graham McLaughlan(Aikenhead Thistle), Sinclair Patience(Cambria), Graham Shakeshaft(Aikenhead Thistle), John Howley(Pollok), Miles McAuley(Oban Saints), Ross Miller(Centre), Lee Harvey(Aikenhead Thistle), Charles Howe(Aikenhead Thistle) Subs - Martin Lennox(Pollok), Darren Reid(Centre)
Match Officials - John McKeown, Jim Pearson, Alex Saverse
Both teams were presented to Janette Harvey (the wife of Douglas) and League President Ronnie McKay before the match started.
As expected the league select did all the early pressing. On 4 minutes an eighteen yard shot from Ross Miller just brushed past the YM post. Four minutes later Lee Harvey had the ball in the YM net but he was clearly offside. One minute after this Chic Smith in the YM goal had a great one handed save from a Graham Shakeshaft header. It took 18 inutes for the first real YM attack. A Willie Sibley free kick on the right was floated in and Chris Pattison had a glancing header that just went past the post of Chris Lamb in the league select goal. The YM defence was coping well with all the pressure but on 29 minutes a corner to the league select was crossed in by Charles Howe from the right.
Where Is The BallYM keeper Smith was fouled as he went for the ball and a free kick was given by referee McKeown who had an easy match to control. On 36 minutes the YM gained their first corner on the right. Martin Bell crossed the ball in and Robert Paterson got a shot in on goal, but he didn't fully connect and Lamb saved comfortably for the league select team. Another YM corner six minutes later was crossed in this time by Sean McCann but the danger was cleared. Half Time Carlton YMCA Select 0 v 0 SAFL Select.
The league select changed keepers during the break when Martin Lennox came on for Chris Lamb. Five minutes into the second half the visitors took the lead when another corner from Howe seemed to confuse Chic Smith in the YM goal and the ball landed directly into the back of the net. Four minutes later he made amends as he bravely saved at the feet of Ross Miller to deny the striker. On 55 minutes the league select sent on Darren Reid for Graham Shakeshaft. Another great one handed save from Smith soon followed as John Howey tried his luck with a quick turn and shot from twenty yards. The YM then sent on Peter Lagan for Martin Bell and Benny McPhee for Chris Pattison. On 68 minutes a good move between Miller and Harvey resulted in a shot from Miller but again Smith in the YM goal came out on top. The YM went staight up the park and a twenty five yard shot from Simon Rhodes was well saved by new keeper Reid. On 71 minutes Willie Sibley went off to be replaced by Scott McKenzie making his debut for the home side. Four minutes later Sean McCann tried his luck from thirty yards but the ball sailed well over the top of the bar.
Goalmouth ActionOn 81 minutes Chris Pattison came back on for Stuart Paxton after the big midfielder took a knock. Three minutes later Smith again saved the day for the home side after some good build up play by the league select and a shot from Graham McLaughlan. Keeper Smith was finally beaten on 86 minutes when striker Miller pounced on to a mistake by Benny McPhee and sent the ball under the diving keeper. Smith had one more great save two minutes later when he denied Howe as he dived full length to push the goalward bound shot round the post. There was no more action and the league select team ended up worthy winners for the second year running. The YM were not embarrassed however, and put up a really good show, especially in defence where Paterson, Coyle and Clews stood out with keeper Smith having several outstanding saves. League President, Ronnie McKay said a few words after the match and presented the trophy to winning captain Sinclair Patience. Both teams went back and enjoyed some hospitality at Five on Five/Pro-Life Fitness Centre. Full Time Carlton YMCA Select 0 v 2 SAFL Select.
Saturday 20th September 2008 Carlton YMCA v Campbeltown Boys Premier Division 2
Dumbarton Rock v Carlton YMCA 'B'
Again, for the second successive Saturday, only one match survived after another week of heavy rain. This time it was Robert Paterson's second string who fell victim to the weather when all matches in the West Dunbartonshire Council Area were put off on Friday at lunchtime.
So it was all eyes at The Kibble again, where Stewart McBean's first eleven entertained Campbeltown Boys in a league match. Coach McBean was away on holiday for the weekend so it fell to Jim Deveney's tutorship to get the best out of the lads. After a week of poor weather, surprisingly it was a warm, pleasant September afternoon for the only match in premier Division 2 to beat the elements. The team started : Chic Smith, Sean McCann, Gary Martin, Kevin Clews, Peter Coyle, Grant Carnachan, Andy Molloy, Stuart Paxton, Ryan McCarthy, Kevin O'Hare, Robert Colquhoun Subs : Jim McGinty, Simon Rhodes, Daryl Donnelly. With only three minutes on the clock the YM took the lead. A long Chic Smith kickout was controlled by Robert Colquhoun on the edge of the Boys box. He passed the ball to Kevin O'Hare and his eighteen yard shot found the corner of the net past the helpless Scott McBrayne.
Who Has A ClueThe Argyll lads had made the long trip to Paisley with a bare eleven players and it looked as though they were up against it as the YM piled on the pressure. On 8 minutes a twenty five yard shot from Stuart Paxton just scrapped the bar and it only took another four minutes before the second goal arrived. An Andy Molloy cross was met at the back post by Grant Carnachan who had drifted in behind the defence and his header went straight into the net. It was 17 minutes before the first Boys attack when they won a free kick after a dangerous Carnachan tackle on Cambell Ramsay, but the danger was cleaned up by the YM defence.
Another Near MissOn 20 minutes Carnachan was cautioned for saying too much to referee Norrie McDermott who must have had one of his quietest afternoons for a long time. On the half hour mark, Kevin O'Hare scored his second of the match and Carlton's third as he finished off some fine build up play by Ryan McCarthy. The goal of the match was only two minutes round the corner as the YM went four up when Gary Martin played a lovely one-two with Peter Coyle as he split the Boys' defence and finished with a fine shot from twelve yards into the net. Kevin O'Hare wrapped up a first half hat-trick on 40 minutes as he took advantage of some poor defending from the visitors and buried the ball into the net from eight yards. Half Time Carlton YMCA 5 v 0 Cambeltown Boys.
Ryan McCarthy went off at half time to be replaced by Daryl Donnelly. You have heard the saying "a game of two halves". Well this match turned out to be just that, and it was not because the Boys put up a stirring comeback. The YM decided not to appear for the second half and their play was very poor indeed. Still having all the pressure, chance after chance was missed as they tried to walk the ball into the net at almost every opportunity. On 55 minutes Robert Colquhoun waltzed past four defenders but his final lob was too high as it sailed over the bar. On 65 minutes Jim McGinty came on for Sean McCann.
McGintys RunIt was all one way traffic but an inept second half performance left coach Deveney seething at the end of the game. The final sub, Simon Rhodes came on for Colquhoun in the 68th minute.
Three Big Craws SpectatingJust to rub some salt into this poor second half performance, the Boys scored a consolation goal in the very last minute when they were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box and Ranald Watson strode up and sent the ball past Chic Smith in the YM goal who was less than amused with his team mates to deny him a clean sheet.
Still, overall it was an opening league game victory and three points but the lads must perform for the full ninety minutes. Full Time Carlton YMCA 5 v 1 Campbeltown Boys.
Saturday 13th September 2008 Arkleston v Carlton YMCA Premier Division 2
Carlton YMCA 'B' v Sporto League Division 1
Stewart McBean's first eleven ended up matchless on Saturday after their keenly awaited opening fixture of the new campaign against local rivals Arkleston fell foul to the heavy mid-week rain and the match at Linwood Sports Centre was called off on Friday at lunch time.
All eyes were now focussed on the Kibble on Saturday when Robert Paterson's second string took on Sporto in a table topping clash. Robert had the player pick of the club for this fixture but he stayed loyal to the lads who had opened the season with nine points out of nine, only bolstering the subs bench with two first team fringe players. The team started with Peter Lagan, Benny McPhee, Gerry Daly, Robert Paterson, Andy OHara, Willie Sibley, Murray Rodger, Graeme Campbell, David Hagan, John Kininmonth, Martin Bell Subs : Daryl Donnelly, Andy Molloy, Barry Mills, Chris Pattison. The match kicked off on a dry, windless, pleasant, Autumnal Saturday afternoon. The YM had the first attack of the match when David Hagan took the ball for a run down the right flank. His cross was aimed for Graeme Campbell who was running in at the back post, but the Sporto defence cleared the ball for a corner. The resulting kicked was again cleared by the visitor's defence and as the ball was played through the midfield the YM defence were caught napping and the ball fell to striker Douglas Gunning who scored with ease as he cooly placed the ball past Peter Lagan in the YM goal to give the visitors the lead after only two minutes.
Smart FootworkThis early strike seemed to buoy Sporto and over the next ten minutes they had all the pressure. Stephen McVev was unlucky not to increase the lead after ten minutes but his goal bound header was well saved by keeper Lagan. In fact it took the YM eighteen minutes to get their first shot on goal when a thirty yard Murray Rodger shot was pushed away by Sporto keeper Murray Owen. One minute later Robert Paterson needed some treatment after a heavy tackle from striker Gunning. Pter Lagan again saved the YM on twenty minutes when he came running out to make a great tackle on Ronan Neill who was bearing down on goal. One minute later John Kininmonth had the ball in the Sporto net but he was rightly adjudged to have been just off-side. The YM were starting to come back into the match and on 23 minutes Graeme Campbell had a chance from twelve yards but keeper Owen saved well. Sporto made an early substitution when Neeraj Bhardwaj came on for Matthew Farrell who had taken a knock. Two minutes later Bhardwaj almost made an instant impression when a defence splitting pass from midfield allowed him to race down the right wing but his cross was cut out by keeper Lagan. The YM again responded and two minutes later Martin Bell sent a thirty five yard pile driver goalwards only for the ball to hit the crossbar and bounce over. Benny McPhee went off for Chris Pattison after receiving a "dead leg" in a tackle. On the half hour mark, the YM deservedly equalised after some good builup play. Graeme Campbell collected the ball at the edge of the box, turned the defender, looked up and sent a sweet shot past keeper Owen from about eighteen yards into the corner of the net. The remaining fifteen minutes of the half were pretty even and the only incident of note was the booking of Sporto midfielder Mark Warrington for giving referee Scott McGlashan some verbals after 44 minutes. Half Time Carlton YMCA 'B' 1 v 1 Sporto.
Fighting It OutBoth teams came out for the second half after their respective team talks but it was the visitors who again took the early initiative. On 46 minutes a spectacular overhead kick by defender Ryan Clarke was goalbound until an equally spectacular save by keeper Lagan pushed the ball over for a corner. Three minutes later Robert Reilly tried his luck for the visitors when his eighteen yards shot just scrapped the YM post. As the conditions worsened the pich started to become pretty slippy and some tackles started to "fly in ". Murray Rodger was booked on 52 minutes for a late sliding tackle on defender Jamie Wilson. On 57 minutes YM made a substitution when Daryl Donnelly came on for David Hagan. One minute later David McLov was cautioned for the visitors after his late tackle on Martin Bell. On the hour mark a three man YM move down the right through Paterson, Bell and Donnelly resulted in a corner. As the resultant kick was cleared by the visitor's defence the ball fell to Murray Rodger but his shot went well past the post. Sporto then brought on Jamie Adam for Ronan Neill.
Close ShaveIn the 67th minute Sporto were then given a very debatable penalty kick by referee McGlashan. As Gerry Daly slid in on the attacking winger to clear the ball, the referee decided he deliberately "hand balled" and pointed to the spot. This seemed a very harsh decision and manager Paterson was cautioned for his protests. As the ensuing "melee" threatened to get out of hand Douglas Gunning was cautioned for the visitors for "mixing it" with the home defence. Finally, Robert Reilly strode up and calmly placed the ball past Peter Lagan for the visitors to take the lead. Sporto immediately replaced Gunning with Jamie McDonald to use up their final substitute. Two minutes later some great work by Daryl Donnelly allowed John Kininmonth in on goal but he pulled his shot wide. Immediately afterwards Kininmonth had another chance but this time he shot weakly into keeper Owen. With seventeen minutes remaining YM sent on Barry Mills for Graeme Campbell, who had an excllent match. The YM were in the ascendency now, looking for the equaliser, and three minutes later a long Peter Lagan kickout found striker Kininmonth but this time his shot struck the Sporto bar and the danger was cleared. With eleven minutes remaining Mark Warrington, for the visitors was shown a second yellow card after another late tackle on Muray Rodger and the midfielder had to walk.
Pressure ZoneIt was now backs to the wall for Sporto as the YM laid wave after wave of attack on their defence. On 85 minutes Daryl Donnelly shot over the bar after some fine work by Andy O'Hara. Just as it seemed the visitors were going to hold out for a victory, John Kininmonth got the equaliser in the third minute of injury time when he headed past keeper Owen. It was no more than the YM deserved and overall a share of the points seemed fair as both sides had battled away in a fine football match. Full Time Carlton YMCA 'B' 2 v 2 Sporto.
Saturday 6th September 2008 Clydebank College v Carlton YMCA Premier Division 2 Season 2007/2008
Kings Park Rangers 'B' v Carlton YMCA 'B' League Division 1
The long awaited Clydebank College match that had been held over from last season due to the appeals process was finally scheduled for The Knowes Sports facility in Faifley, Clydebank on Saturday 6th September 2008. The result of this match would determine the final outcome of the last remaining promotion place from Premier Division 2 to Premier Division 1. Glencastle Sparta were eagerly awaiting the outcome of this match which Carlton YMCA had to win by 8 (EIGHT) clear goals to pip their Glasgow rivals. It was feared that there might be some animosity spilling over into the fixture but as it turned out some strong refereeing by John McKeown and also the presense of some league officials ensured that proceedings remained fairly calm. Stewart McBean's starting eleven had been extremely curtailed due to the high number of absentees through holidays, injury and some very late call offs. The team started Chic Smith, Sean McCann, Andy Molloy, Grant Carnachan, Kevin Clews, Peter Coyle, Ryan McCarthy, Martin Bell, Stuart Paxton, Jim Deveney, Iain MacInnes Sub: Stewart McBean. An interesting line-up with the combined ages of numbers 10, 11 and 12 almost reaching 150 !!! As it turned out the YM cruised to a fairly easy victory by two goals to nil and there could be a second career for "golden oldie" Deveney who had a fine match. After turning round at half-time goaless,the YM took total control of the game when that other "oldie" MacInnes opened the scoring with a header from all of two yards! Ryan McCarthy soon made it two when he scored from the penalty spot after a College offence inside the box. No more goals were to be had and the very slim chance of promotion slipped away for the second successive seson.
Some Midfield Play v KPR Meanwhile, Robert Paterson's second eleven made the trip to Rutherglen to face Kings Park Rangers second string. Again the starting eleven pretty well took care of itself and for the second week in a row veteren defender Ronnie McKinley came out of retirement to help out the lads. They started with - Peter Lagan, Benny McPhee, Gerry Daly, Willie Sibley, Andy O'Hara, Robert Paterson, Chris Pattison, Murray Rodger, Barry Mills, David Hagan, Graeme Campbell Sub: Ronnie McKinley. On a heavy Stonelaw High School pitch the YM started the proceedings with only ten men as Andy O'Hara was running late. However, they held out until he appeared ten minutes into the game. On 15 minutes KPR had two chances in quick succession when firstly Paul Harvey shot and then Kyle O'Neil but both shots were well over Peter Lagan's crossbar. The YM had a free kick on the right after 18 minutes but David Hagan's cross to the back post was headed past by Andy O'Hara. Two minutes later the home side took the lead when the YM defence failed to clear the ball and O'Neil sneaked in at the back post to score past keeper Lagan. On 25 minutes a thirty yards pile driver from winger Harvey almost increased the lead but his shot just went over the bar. Five minutes later some good work from David Hagan resulted in the KPR defence clearing for a corner. Hagan took the resulting kick and both Andy O'Hara and Barry Mills had chances to score but the home defence stood resolute and the danger was cleared. On 40 minutes some good work by Graeme Campbell down the left resulted in a pass to Hagan who then in turn tried to find Chris Pattison but his pass was just a shade long and the chance was missed. Four minutes from the break referee Murray came under some criticism when a blatant passback from Steven McClure was ignored by the official. Almost on the half time whistle full back Gerry Daly went on a lung bursting run down the left wing but his subsequent cross was just too high for Barry Mills to connect. Half Time Kings Park Rangers 'B' 1 v 0 Carlton YMCA 'B'.
After an "energising" half time team talk from manager Paterson the YM came out like a different team for the second forty five. Ronnie McKinley came on for Andy O'Hara who had to leave early due to work commitments. Within the first minute Murray Rodger, who suddenly came alive in the midfield, made a twenty yard run followed by a thirty yard shot that just went over the bar. Two minutes later striker Mills had a chance as he bore down on Rangers keeper James Gray but he lost control of the ball and the chance was missed. John Callaghan had a chance in the 50th minute for KPR but Peter Lagan in the YM goal dived bravely at the midfielder's feet to avert the danger. KPR made two changes when Brian Gibson and Kieran Barclay came off to be replaced by Kevin Cameron and Gary Coyle. The YM were starting to take control of the midfield now as more chances were created and all the play was happening in the home side's half. On 70 minutes a great cross field pass from Willie Sibley was controlled by David Hagan and as the winger cut inside, defender Brian Gibson brought him down inside the box for a stonewall penalty. Hagan duly dusted himself down and despatched the ball past keeper Gray into the corner of the net. Three minutes later the home side made their final substitution when Harvey was replaced by Kenneth McLure. In the 75th minute Hagan made a great run through the middle before sending the ball over the Rangers defence. As Barry Mills dashed past the last defender to catch the ball he was unceremoniously pulled back by Robert Smith who was then shown the red card. From the resulting free kick Murray Rodger collected the ball and from fully thirty five yards he sent an unstoppable shot past keeper Gray for the visitors to take the lead. The YM were in full flow now and wave after wave of attack descended on the KPR goal. On 78 minutes a Hagan cross was headed goalward by Willie Sibley only for Gray to save well and divert the ball for a corner. Hagan crossed the corner and as the ball whizzed past the front of the goal striker Mills just missed the connection. Another defence splitting run from midfield maestro Rodger, resulted in another twenty yard thunderbolt but this time his shot went past the post. One minute later a superb Hagan cross left full back Sibley the simplest of chances at the back post but his header somehow went over the bar. Full Time Kings Park Rangers 'B' 1 v 3 Carlton YMCA 'B'
Barry Mills Scores.......At Last.....With six minutes to go the YM wrapped up the points when Rodgers put Mills through on goal and the striker cooly put the ball into the net from twenty yards for his first goal of the season. A splendid second half performance from the lads as they maintained their 100% record and they now proudly sit at the top of the table. Star performances from David Hagan and Murray Rodger for his second half display, abley assisted by Graeme Campbell, Gerry Daly and Willie Sibley.
Saturday 30th August 2008 Carlton YMCA v Cambria Centenary Cup Section 6
Tarbert v Carlton YMCA 'B' League Division 1
For the first time this season two games were scheduled on the same day. This gave a logistical problem to both sides as there were quite a number of call offs, injuries and players still on holiday but both sides managed to muster twelve players. Stewart McBean's 1st Eleven were at The Kibble to take on Premier League opposition in the form of Cambria. After Wednesday's defeat by Gourock Thistle this was a meaningless fixture for the home side but the ex University boys were still very much in the hunt for qualifying from Section 6. The starting line up was as follows - Peter Lagan, Peter Coyle, Gary Martin, Derek Wales, Steven Gallacher, Grant Carnachan, Jim McGinty, Ryan McCarthy, Kevin O'Hare, Billy McDonald, Robert Colquhoun Sub: Daryl Donnelly. Both Coaches McBean and Jim Deveney also stripped as subs just in case of emergencies which rather upped the average age somewhat !! The first half performance was very lethargic and lackadaisical from the home team and the Cambria boys soon raced into a two goal lead with goals from Andy Smith and Neil McLeod. Even after a few harsh words at half time, the malaise continued and very soon Cambria seemed in total control when Paul Sime scored their third. After about fifty five minutes Daryl Donnelly was sent on for Billy McDonald,who had a leg knock and how the game turned. Passes were now being made and the home lads seemed to up the tempo and began to play to expectations. Two goals from striker Kevin O'Hare totally transformed the game and now it was Cambria who were struggling and looking the tired side. Chance after chance was created, some great saves by Cambria keeper Jim Doherty and an incredible miss from Gary Martin but the YM could just not get the equaliser and the game finished Carlton YMCA 2 v 3 Cambria.
Manager Paterson Clearing The Danger
Meanwhile this correspondent made the long trip to Argyll to give Robert Paterson's second string lads some moral support in their difficult away fixture to early league pace setters, Tarbert. As we wound our way round Long Fynne on the journey, the early morning mists were fading to make way for the "welly" brigade as we slowly trundled into Inveraray for a pit stop. There was much banter as the lads had a "spot the best pair" competititon from the "thousands" of rock festival punters who were milling about the scenic town main street. After a "wee cuppa" and a couple of bacon sarnies it was back on the journey and as we approached Tarbert the sun broke through and I just knew it was going to be a good day..........except..... for the......dreaded..........MIDGE !!! Never, in all my visits around Argyll, and there have been more than a few, have I ever encounted the little beastie like we did on Saturday. There were millions of them swarming around the park, chewing and munching !!......oh! it's a great game this amateur football. Anyway, getting back to the serious stuff, Robert Paterson's team selection pretty well took care of itself as he had only twelve to choose from. The starting lineup was as follows - Chic Smith, Gerry Daly, Willie Sibley, Martin Bell, Robert Paterson, David Hagan, Graeme Campbell, Benny McPhee, Chris Pattison, Andy Molloy, John Kininmonth Sub: Ronnie McKinley. The first chance fell to the home side after 4 minutes when Douglas Guy went through on the YM goal but Chic Smith saved well to avert the danger. On 10 minutes, James Prentice shot from twenty five yards for Tarbert but his shot went well past the post. Two minutes later the big striker was booked for dissent by referee Clark who had an excellent match. All the early pressure was coming from the home side and on 15 minutes Guy had another chance but his header went high over the bar. The YM were defending well with Andy Molloy especially, subduing the Tarbert danger man, Prentice, and began to gain the upper hand in the midfield play. On 35 minutes the YM took the lead through John Kininmonth. Some great play through the centre of the park by David Hagan resulted in him beating two Tarbert men before laying the ball into the path of "The Ginger" striker who expertly despatched the ball high into the net past keeper John Martin's hands. Two minutes later, the home side countered and Ian Johnson went on a mazy run, beating three YM defenders but his shot was blasted high over the bar. Two minutes before the break, the visitors should have increased their lead when some great work by Kininmonth and Willie Sibley left Hagan through on goal but a desperate lunging tackle from Tarbert defender Craig Martin resulted in Hagan's goalward bound shot being deflected for a corner, which was then cleared by the home defence. Half Time Tarbert 0 v 1 Carlton YMCA 'B'
The Ginge Kininmonth Holding His Head In Disbelief
A very upbeat half time team talk from manager Paterson saw the YM continue their great work into the second half. On 55 minutes another great chance was created through Graeme Campbell and Gerry Daly only for striker Kininmonth to shoot past the post. Craig Martin was cautioned for complaining to loudly to referee Clark. Chic Smith came to the rescue on 65 minutes when he made a good save from Nikki MacDougall. The home side then made a few changes by bringing on "AJ" Johnstone for Alan Miller and Fabiano Agosti for James Smythe. The YM responded by bringing on veteren full back Ronnie McKinley (who had been pulled out of retirement for the day !!!)for the hard working Benny McPhee. With 10 minutes remaining, the YM really should have wrapped up the points when Hagan, who had been put through by a defence splitting Martin Bell pass, unselfishly passed the ball back to "The Ginger" Kininmonth who only had to pass the ball into the empty net, but he hesitated and keeper Martin managed to huury back and divert his shot past for a corner. Two more bookings for the home side in the last few mnutes; Ian Johnson for simulation and Peter Laing, again for dissent. YM midfielder Andy Molloy also received a yellow card for puliing back striker Prentice. In a frantic last few minutes, Tarbert tried hard to get the equaliser, but the YM defence, abley led by manager Paterson, were resolute and held out for a fantastic away victory to partly avenge the Coronation Cup Final defeat at the end of last season. The whole team were magnificent, especially in their work rate, but Hagan, Sibley, Molloy & goalscorer Kininmonth just stood out from the rest.
PS The long bus journey home was a great spectacle with outstanding performances from Martin Bell (who provided the "loud" music), Chic Smith with his "speedo" swimming trunks, Benny McPhee who tried to shoot the rockers in Inveraray with his bow and arrow but star man was "The Ginger" who seemed to have a fettish about womens' lingerie..................... A great day had by all !!!
Wednesday 27th August 2008 Gourock Thistle v Carlton YMCA Centenary Cup Section 6
Carlton YMCA 'B' - No Game
Again, due to industrial action by the council workers, this match was switched to the Kibble. Stewart McBean was hoping the lads would continue winning points to enable progression to the later stages of this trophy. The starting line up was as follows - Chic Smith, Jim McGinty, Gary Martin, Peter Coyle, Kevin Clews, Andy Molloy, Billy McDonald, Ryan McCarthy, Kevin O'Hare, Derek Wales, Robert Colquhoun Subs: Grant Carnachan, Simon Rhodes, John Kininmonth.
The new team to the SAFL were welcomed to The Kibble for this Centenary Cup match. The Thistle lads looked a youthful squad with a sprinkling of experienced older hands. It was the 11th minute before the first piece of real action. Good work down the right wing by Robert Colquhoun put Ryan McCarthy through but his goalward shot was well saved by keeper Michael Ptolomey. Four minutes later some nice build up play by Thistle down the right resulted in a cross from winger Chris Cleary which was then headed down by David McLean for Mark McGhee to blast high over the bar from eighteen yards. In the 19th minute a very late tackle by Thistle midfielder Garry Kelly on Billy McDonald resulted in the YM player being cautioned after an angry response and words with Referee David Rowan. On 25 minutes a corner for the YM on the right was crossed by Colquhoun but the danger was cleared by the Thistle defence. A minute later good midfield play by Derek Wales put Colquhoun through on the wing but his cross was overhit and Kevin O'Hare could not connect. In the 35th minute Thistle took the
Thistle Players Celebrate After Opening Goal
lead when Gordon McKillop came onto a cross from Jon Dick and beat Chic Smith in the YM goal with a low shot into the corner. Two minutes later Kevin Clews became the second YM player to be booked, again for talking back to Mr Rowan, after disputing a decision. In the 41st minute Ryan McCarthy went on a good run in midfield beating three players before full back Peter Cleisham pulled him down. The Thistle player was lucky to escape without a caution. Two minutes later another chance for the YM was missed after Colquhoun's corner was missed by both O'Hare and Jim McGinty. Thistle then went up the park and some good work by McLean was again finished off by McKillop for his and Thistle's second. Half Time Gourock Thistle 2 v 0 Carlton YMCA
After some stern words from Coach McBean, the YM pulled a goal back within eight minutes of the restart. Winger Colquhoun went on a mazy run in the Thistle box beating three defenders before cutting the ball back for Kevin O'Hare to slot the ball past keeper Ptolomey into the net. Immediately, Grant Carnachan came on for Jim McGinty to make his season's debut after missing the first two games due to suspension. Five minutes later Simon Rhodes came on for Derek Wales. Within a minute a great downfield play from the YM saw O'Hare put Rhodes though on the keeper but he cut the ball back to Gary Martin on the left instead of shooting and the chance was lost. Thistle replied when winger Cleary was put through on the YM goal but he couldn't keep his composure and shot high over the bar. The YM then pummelled the Thistle goal over the next fifteen minutes when chances were created for McDonald, Rhodes, O'Hare, Colquhoun and Coyle but none were converted. Thistle brought on Paul Flynn for goalscorer McKillop and YM used their final sub by bringing John Kininmonth on for Kevin O'Hare. There was no further scoring as the game finished in near darkness. Three great points and a good scalp for the new boys but the YM must really start converting the chances into goals. Hopefully this will happen when the sharpness returns before the League Season proper starts. Final Score Gourock Thistle 2 v 1 Carlton YMCA
Saturday 23rd August 2008 Carlton YMCA 'B' v Rosehill Star League Division 1
Carlton YMCA - No Game
2nds v Rosehill Star The Two Generals
Robert Paterson's second string opened their league fixtures for the new season following "The Great Escape" from relegation in the previous campaign. On a pleasant, warm afternoon at The Kibble the starting line up was as follows - Chic Smith, Robert Paterson, Andy O'Hara, Kevin Clews, Willie Sibley, Andy Molloy, David Hagan, Jonathon Daly, Gerry Daly, Chris Pattison, Robert Colquhoun Subs: Simon Rhodes, Graeme Campbell, Sean McCann, Benny McPhee. The visitors from the south side of Glasgow looked as they were up for a match and the game kicked off with a competive streak. On the 3rd minute Robert Colquhoun was through on the Star goal but keeper Iain Harkins pulled off a tremendous one-handed save to deny the small striker. With Colquhoun looking particularly lively in the first few minutes, the YM took the match to Star and on the 15th minute Jon Daly was harshly adjudged to be off-side by referee Auld as he bore down on the Star goal. In the 22nd minute the YM gained a corner on the left after some nice lead up work by Gerry Daly and Andy Molloy but David Hagan's cross was cleared by the Star defence. On 25 minutes the game was stopped for a few seconds as Andy O'Hara and Star's Thomas Dallas had a clash of heads. However, both were able to continue after some treatment. In the 28th minute Star took the lead when a long ball was crossed to the far post and Kevin Thompson looped his header over Chic Smith and into the far corner of the goal. One minute later, Star went two up when Thompson scored with a spectacular volley from sixteen yards for his second goal as the ball went into the net off the underside of the bar. This seemed a bit harsh on the YM as they had started the match brightly but Star had taken both of their chances. The YM dug deep and worked hard to get back into the game. In the 32nd minute Jon Daly came close when his twenty five yard shot just slid past the far post. Two minutes later, Paul Livingstone from the Star was cautioned for deliberate hand ball and from the resulting free kick, Robert Colquhoun smashed a twenty two yard shot into the net to pull a goal back. The YM were now buzzing and on 37 minutes they equalised when Colquhoun took control of a Willie Sibley cross, waltzed past two defenders and slotted the ball into the far corner of the net past keeper Harkins. Star replied on 39 minutes when Thompson, looking for his hat-trick, just buzzed the ball over the YM bar from a free kick after Chris Pattison had brought down James McCabe. Just before half time, the two Dalys both had shots which just went past the post for the YM. Half Time Carlton YMCA 'B' 2 v 2 Rosehill Star.
2nds v Rosehill Star Midfield Play
Three minutes into the second half, Star's Derek Gemmel had a twenty yard shot that was deflected past the YM post. From the resulting corner, again Gemmel had a chance when the ball broke to him but his header just went wide. On 55 minutes Star put on George Chapman for Thomas Dallas and five minutes later replaced goal scorer Thompson with Damien Cameron. YM responded by sending on Simon Rhodes for Robert Colquhoun who had taken a leg knock. Two minutes later Rhodes had a chance after a great head down from Jon Daly, after a cross from willie Sibley, but his shot was well saved by keeper Harkins before referee Auld then adjudged that the striker was off-side. At the other end Chapman had an early opportunity after Chic Smith in the YM goal missed the ball but the keeper regained his composure and claimed the ball at the second chance. David Hagan was cautioned for dissent on 75 minutes and immeditely afterwards Graeme Campbell came on for Gerry Daly. One minute later the YM used their final sustitution when Sean McCann came on for Willie Sibley. Going into the last ten minutes both teams were looking for the winner. On 80 minutes Chic Smith saved well from Derek Gemmel. Three minutes later McCann had a chance for the YM but his shot went high over the bar. One minute later Star defender James Kemp was booked for pulling back Simon Rhodes and from the resulting free kick, Andy O'Hara had a chance but he blasted the ball too hard across the goal. Star replied with a shot on goal by Stephen McFall but again Smith in the YM goal saved well. On 87 minutes the YM took the lead when David Hagan converted after some good work down the left by Jon Daly and Simon Rhodes. The icing on the cake was completed in the last minute when Rhodes took the ball in his stride after being put through by Graeme Campbell. His first time shot was expertly despatched into the net past keeper Harkins from twenty yards to complete a fine opening victory for the YM. A good performance from both teams with the YM just shading it. A good amateur game to watch for the spectators. Full Time Carlton YMCA 'B' 4 v 2 Rosehill Star
Wednesday 20th August 2008 Whitehill FP v Carlton YMCA Centenary Cup Section 6
Carlton YMCA 'B' - No Game
Kevin OHare Heads Just Over The Bar
This game was originally scheduled to be played at Shettleston in Glasgow but due to industrial action by council workers it was switched to Paisley. After a day of torrential rain the game went ahead at The Kibble on a pleasant, clammy but dry evening. The starting lineup for the second sectional match in the Centenary Cup was as follows - Peter Lagan, Sean McCann, Gary Martin, Peter Coyle, Steven Gallacher, Stuart Paxton, Simon Rhodes, Ryan McCarthy, Kevin O'Hare, Billy McDonald, Robert Colquhoun Subs: David Hagan, Kevin McDowall, Jim McGinty. Two changes to the starting eleven from Saturday due to work commitments. Both teams started cautiously and it was the 10th minute before the first excitement occurred. Gary Martin beat two men on the left wing before cutting the ball back to Billy McDonald whose shot from twenty yards just scraped past the right hand post. After 12 minutes the FP's had to make an early substitution when Jamie McIntosh came on for Scott McNairn who had gone over on his ankle. Three minutes later the YM gained a corner from a headed FP clearance but the danger was cleared from Billy McDonald's kick. On the 20th minute the FP's deservedly took the lead when, after a good run down the right by McIntosh, his cross was struck goalward by David Quinn, however striker Paul McQuilter got in front of the shot and the ball duly deflected into the net. Two minutes later the FP's were denied a penalty when the ball appeared to strike Steven Gallacher's hand. As the ball was despatched down the park Robert Colquhoun latched on to it, controlled and cooly chipped Ronnie Stewart in the FP goal from about eighteen yards to score the equaliser. FP's full back Graeme Wallace was cautioned for disputing the decision with referee Marshall. On the 24th minute Ryan McCarthy shot just past the post but a minute later the FP's regained the lead when Simon Rhodes was dispossessed by McQuilter twenty five yards out. The big striker powered forward to the YM goal and netted well past Peter Lagan to score his and the FP's second goal. The YM tried to get back into the match and on the half hour mark only a tremendous save from Ronnie Stewart denied Billy McDonald whose twenty yard pile driver was goalward bound. On 36m Simon Rhodes missed a great opportunity to score after some good play by Gary Martin and Kevin O'Hare but the midfielder hesitated and the chance was lost. Seven minutes later Robert Colquhoun also missed a golden chance when he shot past the post from a Sean McCann cross. Half Time Whitehill FP 2 v 1 Carlton YMCA.
The YM started the second half after some stern half-time words from coach McBean, looking for the equaliser and on 47 minutes only a tremendous save from Stewart in the FP's goal denied Kevin O'Hare who had headed a cross from Simon Rhodes. However, the YM were only denied for another minute when Robert Colquhoun scored his second after beating two defenders and hitting an unstoppable shot past Stewart into the top left hand corner of the net. One minute later the YM took the lead when a lung bursting run by Gary Martin from defence saw his one-two pass with Simon Rhodes being converted past the helpless Stewart. On 51 minutes O'Hare had a chance to increase the lead after another fine run down the wing by Martin but the big striker put his header past the post. On the hour mark Kevin McDowall replaced Simon Rhodes and one minute later Robert Colquhoun saw his twenty yard free kick well saved by keeper Stewart. From the clearance striker McQuilter was knocked over by Ryan McCarthy in the YM box and refree Marshall had no hesitation in awarding a penalty. McQuilter dusted himself down and duly despatched the spot kick for his hat-trick and the equaliser. Jim McGinty came on for Sean McCann on the 65th minute and his first move was to provide a great cross to the back post but Gary Martin, running in on goal, could only head the ball past the post. In the 75th minute the FP's turned the match up-side down by taking the lead when David Quinn finished off some great running by McQuilter It was no more than the FP's deserved. However, five minutes later, striker O'Hare equalised for the YM with his first goal when he ran behind the defence to collect the ball and waltzed past keeper Stewart to score from an acute angle. With five minutes remaining on the clock striker McQuilter had a chance for glory for the FP's as he ran on to the ball which had been passed over the YM defence, but the young lad seemed to get carried away and blazed the ball high over the onrushing Peter Lagan and the chance was missed. Just as the YM were settling for an unlikely point, with only two minutes remaining, Kevin O'Hare won the match for Carlton when his shot was deflected off a defender and into the net. His reward was to come off and allow David Hagan on for the last couple of minutes. A very under par performance from the YM and a very youthful looking Whitehill team were unfortunate not to have gained at least a point. A great advert for amateur football. Full Time Whitehill FP 4 v 5 Carlton YMCA
Saturday 16th August 2008 Carlton YMCA v Centre Centenary Cup Section 6
Carlton YMCA 'B' - No Game
Robert Colquhoun Helping Out The Defence
The new season is finally upon us and the first game was a home match at the Kibble against old friends from East Kilbride, Centre AFC. In unexpected warm sunshine, Stewart McBean's first eleven started with the following selection - Peter Lagan, Sean McCann, Gary Martin, Peter Coyle, Jonathon Daly, Steven Gallacher, Ryan McCarthy, Simon Rhodes, Kevin O'Hare, Derek Wales, Robert Colquhoun Subs : Gerry Daly, David Hagan, Jim McGinty, Willie Sibley. Both teams started cautiously and it was the 7th minute before the first piece of action occurred. A Gary Martin cross from the left was met at the back post by Kevin O'Hare but the big striker put the ball past the post. Three minutes later Centre controversially took the lead when Jon Daly was wrongly adjudged by referee Kelso to have handled the ball in the box when in fact the ball hit his face. Scott Bambrick made no mistake from the spot as he put the ball high past Peter Lagan. The lead was short lived however, as on the 20th minute Carlton equalised when Simon Rhodes scored on his debut with a shot in-off the underside of the bar from about 5 yards after some good build up play down the right. On 26 minutes Steven Gallacher marred his debut when he received a yellow card for dissent. On 37 minutes Bambrick again came close for Centre when his 30 yard free kick hit the top of the bar although keeper Lagan seemed to have the ball covered. Two minutes later the home side nearly took the lead when a six man passing move from defence let Kevin O'Hare in on goal but his shot just went past the post. Half Time Carlton YMCA 1 v 1 Centre.
There was a similar start to the second forty-five and it was the 53rd minute before the game exploded into life again. Ryan McCarthy went on a tremendous run from midfield beating four Centre players before cutting the ball across the goal where Simon Rhodes headed into the net from about three yards to score his and Carlton's second goal. In the 60th minute both teams made some changes with a now tiring Simon Rhodes being replaced by Jim McGinty for Carlton and Andrew McDade making way for John Murray in the Centre side. Three minutes later striker O'Hare had another chance to score but this time his header from a Peter Coyle cross flashed past the Centre goal. In the 67th minute Centre equalised when a corner from the left was headed goalwards by David Hepburn. Steven Gallacher compounded a miserable day by converting the ball into his own net as he desperately tried to clear the ball. One minute later Centre lost their star striker Ross Miller when he had to be carried off with an ankle injury to be replaced by Brian Cavanagh. Both teams were now looking for the winner and further chances for the home side went abegging with Kevin O'Hare, Ryan McCarthy and Robert Colquhoun all coming close. Centre full back, Craig Slavin was sent off in the 87th minute for a professional foul as he pulled down Jim McGinty as he bore down on goal. Robert Colquhoun took the resulting free kick but keeper Andrew Dykes in the Centre goal saved well. There were further bookings for both sides as the game got a bit towsy in the latter stages with McCarthy, Wales and McGinty booked for the home side and Cameron Miller for the visitors. Probably a fair result alround but Stewart McBean will be looking for more clinical finishing from the home side this season as both teams opened their league cup campaign with a point apiece. Full Time Carlton YMCA 2 v 2 Centre.
