Match Reports/ Results

Reporter : Stuart Clelland

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Thorniewood United 3v2 Larkhall Thistle

  Mullen 13 Donnachie 40pen, 87pen

  Fallon 28

  Stewart 90+2

 

Young Thorniewood defender Andy Stewart turned from sinner to saint on Saturday when

popping up in added time to score a dramatic winner.

In a hectic 100mph opening the games first real chance arrived in 12 minutes when

Wood keeper Danny Gallacher was called upon to produce a superb reflex save from a

point blank header to keep the scores level. A minute later Thorniewood took the

lead when striker Stepehn Mullen steered an inch perfect Brian Wharton cross from

the right majestically into the postage stamp corner from 12 yards with Budinauskas

in the Thistle goal helpless. Larkhall almost equalised a minute later when a cross

from the right was headed inches wide. Mullen and Des Bradshaw then combined well on

the right with the latter firing over a decent effort. A pin point cross from Darren

Mill!

 er in 24 minutes found the head of Craig Brownlie 6 yards out but the big defender

couldn't find the target heading narrowly wide. United got a deserved second in 28

minutes when A Brownlie free kick on the left was knocked over Budinauskas with the

trusty boot of skipper Johnny Fallon to put the Viewpark side 2v0 up. In a

pulsating contest Larkhall got themselves back into the match when Donnachie fired

home a 40th minute penalty after Andy Stewart fouled in the box.

ht 2-1

The competitive nature of the match didn't cease in the second period with both

sides going at it in a fiercly fought battle. Thorniewood should have added a third

in the 75th minute when a good ball from the right from Ryan Connelly found Paul

Stevenson in front of goal but a poor first touch resulted in the chance being

lost.

Thistle encouraged by this let off had a great chance themselves in 78 minutes but

once again a superb sliding block by Gallacher kept Wood infront.

With normal time fast appro!

 aching Thorniewood's cavalier style of trying to add a third b!

 ack fire

d when a Larkhall counter attack produced an 87th minute penalty again Stewart the

culprit with Donnachie once more hitting home to level.

 Amazingly and to Thorniewood's tremendous credit a winner was sought and indeed got

in the 92nd minute when a Phil Hughes effort fell to the feet of Stewart who

managed to bundle it home to the delight and roars of the Robertson Park faithful.

A great advert for the game Thorniewood got their reward for a spirited display and

hopefully the little bit of luck they enjoyed at the end can kick start a run of

league wins.

Thorniewood: Gallacher, Wharton, Brownlie, O'Neil, Stewart, McGowan, Bradshaw,

Fallon(Connelly71), Miller, Mullen(Stevenson43), Trialist.

Linlithgow Rose 3v0 Thorniewood United

  Livingstone2

  Coyne 18

  Manson 82

Thorniewood's 2009/10 Scottish Cup dream ended against a highly professional

Linlithgow Rose at pristine Prestonfield Park on Saturday.

Thorniewood's band of fancy dressed fans hadn't even had time to sing their first

song before Livingstone took advantage of some poor defending to put Rose into a 2nd

minute lead. Taking confidence by this Linlithgow almost got a second in 5 minutes

when only some desperate defending and a superb stop from Danny Gallacher in the

Wood goal prevented them from doing so.

Thorniewood began to settle and were playing some nice stuff again however without a

cutting edge with the extra touch or pass being played when a more direct policy

might have paid better dividends.

Linlithgow scored a second in 18 minutes when Coyne picked the ball up 30 yards out

shrugged off the challenge of Mark Daly before driving into the box!

  and firing low into the far corner with Gallacher rooted.

Thorniewood then had a piece of good fortune when a Rose free kick on the right was

played into the area with an unmarked player in maroon heading against the post when

he really should have done better.

Thorniewood's first effort on target arrived on the half hour when a cross on the

left from Des Bradshaw found the head of Johnny Fallon 8 yards out but the

midfielders effort was comfortably saved by the home keeper. Moments later Bradshaw

fired over a decent strike from 25 yards as Wood began to at last come into things.

Miller then had a free kick deflected for a corner before a clever Fallon dummy in

38 minutes put Bradshaw through but the player took too many touches and the chance

was lost.

Gallacher saved well moments later as Rose threatened to add a third before the

interval.

ht 2v0

A tactical reshuffle at half time seemed to have a positive effect resulting in a

much better second half showing !

 from the Viewpark side. Always looking likely Rose continued t!

 o drive

but Thorniewood were proving a much harder nut to crack than in the first period.

Indeed Linlithgows next chance didn't arrive until the 65th minute when Gallachers

fine save fell at the feet of Livingstone who sent his effort inches wide.

Thorniewood were reduced to 10 men in the 80th minute when captain Johhny Fallon

recieved a red following a sliding challenge on the Rose keeper before the home

side added a killer third two minutes later when substitute Manson sprung the

offside trap to chip over Gallacher from the edge of the box.

A match where it was all over before it began really with the loss of two early

goals. But Thorniewood stuck to the task and can take some credit especially from a

spirited second half display.

Thorniewood United: Gallacher, Stewart, Wharton, Daly(Hughes44), McGowan, O'Neil,

Fallon, Connelly(Devlin80), Miller, Bradshaw(Stevenson68), Mullen

Lesmahagow Juniors 2v1 Thorniewood United

  5, 32 Mullen 80

After last week's high's at Beith Thorniewood served up a below par performance in

this important league encounter at Craighead Park on Saturday.

Too many below par performances in a flat display contrived to leave 'Wood' sitting

second bottom of the division.

Winning a corner on the right in 5 minutes United were dealt a sucker blow when

Barry McGowan's cross was turned into a counter attack by Lesmahagow ending in a

well struck 20 yard strike beating Fusari in the Thorniewood goal to give the home

side the lead.

Martin Devlin came close to equalising two minutes later when a clever bit of play

created a decent chance forcing the Gow keeper to produce a fine block. A superb

Brian Wharton cross in 11 minutes was headed wide by Stephen Mullen from 10 yards in

what was a decent chance.

Midfielder Eddie Logan recieved an early injury being repla!

 ced by Des Bradshaw after 12 minutes. In an lively encounter high in tempo but low

on quality it was the homes sides more direct approach that looked the more suited

on a sticky surface and they again came close in 21 minutes with Martin Fusari in

the Wood goal superbly tipping over a net bound 25 yarder from Bell.

Wharton again found Mullen with a decent pass out on the left with the striker

cutting in and firing past. On the half hour mark Mullen himself produced a superb

turn to lose his marker but once again the shot failing to find the target going

just over.

The influential Bell in the home midfield once again took advantage of the space

afforded him by picking out a team mate on the right who in turn crossed for the

centre forward to tap home from two yards to put Lesmahagow 2v0 up.

ht 2-0

Thorniewood produced the first chance of the second period in 49 minutes when a Phil

Hughes cross from the left ended in a chance for Devlin but the midfielders on

target !

 effort lacked the required power to trouble the keeper. Moment!

 s later

Des Bradshaw latched onto a ball in the box before dispatching a powerful half

volley inches wide. Playing much better than in the first Thorniewood still weren't

firing on all cylinders with too many moves breaking down and crosses being overhit.

Fusari done well in 68 minutes saving low to his left following a free kick on the

right.

A short pass back by 'Gow' in 76 minutes put Mullen through but the normally

reliable strikers touch deserted him allowing the keeper to save easily.

A minute later a mix up on the edge of the area between Fusari and Andy Stewart

ended with the centre forward taking a tumble with home claims for a penalty being

waved away by referee Carr.

Thorniewood were thrown a lifeline in 80 minutes when a superb run and cross on the

right from the trialist was met by the head of Mullen who sent it high into the net.

A minute later the trialist produced an identical run and cross but this time no

takers were there to take advantage. Gow themselves had a!

  decent shot over the bar in 86 minutes before Wood keeper Fusari once again

produced a fine 93rd minute stop in what was the games final act.

A frustrating match in which an inform Thorniewood would surely have won against a

solid but average home side. 'Wood' no find themselves second bottom with one

victory in seven and while not at crisis level yet some points need to be added soon

to kick start the campaign.

Thorniewood: Fusari, Wharton, Stewart, O'Neil, Hughes(Trialist72), Daly,

THORNIEWOOD DUMP CUP HOLDERS!

 

Beith 0v3 Thorniewood United

  McGowan 28

  Daly 30

  Mullen 63

 

Thorniewood blew cup holders Beith away in a performance as good as any seen by the

Wood faithfull for many a year. Busy, workmanlike and total focused Thorniewood

began confidently and were clearly up for the occasion even having a decent penalty

claim in the first minute when Stephen Mullen appeared to be fouled. Beith countered

in 3 minutes when a powerful net bound shot was superbly headed past by Mark Daly in

the Wood defence . Beith keeper Ross them pulled off a superb double save in 10

minutes from Mullen and Eddie Logan to keep his side level. Thorniewood's efforts

were rewarded with the opener in 28 minutes when a Brian Wharton cross from the

right !

 was met by the boot of Barry McGowan on the edge of the area with the midfielder

guiding the ball high past Ross into the far corner. Stunned by this Beith quickly

conceeded a second when Mark Daly headed home in 30 minutes again from a Wharton

cross on the right. Incredibly Thorniewood almost made in three in 5 minutes when

Darren miller laid off to Johnny Fallon but Ross was up to the task blocking well.

Beith's best move of the first half ended with Murch hitting into the side net at

the far post when he really should have done better.

The home side produced another chance moments later but justice was done when they

failed to score despite centre forward Reid clearly using an arm to try to guide the

ball home.

 

ht 0-2

 

Wood started the second period with new keeper Martin Fusari in goal after an injury

to Danny Gallacher in the first half. Clearly given a stern talking to at half time

Beith started up tempo and a yard faster but were dealt a fatal blow in 63 minute!

 s with a stunning Thorniewood third. Stephen Mullen chasing a !

 long bal

l on the left managed to get there before keeper Ross before twisting inside the

full back and sending a low shot inside the near post to send the Wood fans in the

crowd wild. Beith huffed and puffed for the remainder of the match and the sight of

their fans leaving long before the end told its own story. Indeed Wood very nearly

added a fourth in 70 minutes when a quite stunning run from Phil Hughes set up a

chance for Mullen but the strikers goalbound shot was deflected inches wide for a

corner.

Such was the frustration of the home side that one of their ranks was dismissed in

87 minutes after a disgracefully punching young Wood defender Brian Wharton in the

face.

This was a performance of quality from a Thorniewood side who outplayed their

premier opponents for long spells.

Not a failure in the Wood ranks with the added bonus of keeping a clean sheet

against such prestigious opponents. A fitting end indeed to Manager Johnny Fallon's

last game in charge and an indication !

 just how far he's taken the side since taking over four seasons ago.

Thorniewood: Gallacher(Fusari45), Wharton, Hughes, Stewart, O'Neil, Logan, McGowan,

Miller, Fallon(Devlin54), Mullen(Bradshaw84), Daly.

 

Thorniewood manager Johnny Fallon took charge for the final time at Beith on

Saturday guiding his side to the best result during his leadership. Following the

previous weeks stepping down of co manager Johhny Stevenson it was Fallon's turn to

bow out before he heads out to Dubai on work commitments.

The duo of Fallon & Stevenson will long be remembered with affection from the

Robertson Park faithful having taken a side with one signed player from the depths

of the second division to promotion and them failing by goal difference last season

to get into the super first. Also a superb last 16 run in last seasons scottish cup

sucumbing to Pollok infront of 800 fans at Robertson being another obvious

highlight.

They have worked tirelessly for Thorniewood United Football Club!

  and leave the side in a much healthier state than when taking!

  over.

E

veryone at Thorniewood United from the committee, players and fans would like to

wish them both well and thank them very much for their efforts.

St Anthony's 4v2 Thorniewood United

Mansare 21 Daly 1

Dickson 29, 80pen Mullen 48

McGrath 86

Five changes were made from the previous week as Thorniewood attempted to get back

to winning ways against league leaders St. Anthony's at McKenna Park on Saturday.

Sensationally United took a first minute lead when Mark Daly got on the end of an

Eddie Logan cross to hit past a bemused Curran in the home goal. With 'Wood' passing

and enjoying the excellent surface it wasn't until the 14th minute that Ants had an

opportunity when Mansare's header from a corner was well saved by Thorniewood's

trialist keeper. The same player however equalised in 21 minutes when heading low

into the net from 6 yards.

Johnny Fallon had a decent turn and shot from 25 yards in 25 minutes before the home

side took the lead in 29 minutes when a cross from the right by McCuish broke to

Dickson who after a complete misskick toe poked a looping shot over the keeper from the edge of the area to make it 2v1.

Thorniewood almost levelled a minute later when a good move on the right by O'Neil

and Mullen ended with Fallon forcing Curran into a fine stop. The keeper then saved

bravely at the feet of Daly in 31 minutes to keep his side ahead.

St Anthony's then began to take control and finished the half the better side.

ht 2v1

After the restart Ritchie hit the bar for Ants in 46 minutes before comeback kid

Stephen Mullen levelled in 48 minutes when tapping home under the keeper following a

corner on the right. A vicious Chris lafferty corner was well defended under their

own crossbar by the Glasgow side as Wood enjoyed a good spell.

St Ants weathered the storm and came close twice themselves in 57 minutes but the

Thorniewood goal survived.

The turning point in the match came in the 80th minute when St Anthony's were

awarded a penalty amidst strong protest from the Wood players after Dickson had gone

down. The !

 same player got up to convert to put Ants 3v2 ahead.

Sub Brian Wharton then let fly from fully 35 yards forcing Curran to produce the save of the day

clawing it out the postage stamp for a corner.

The home side then killed the game in 86 minutes adding a fourth when powderpuff

defending on the left allowed Cumming to cross for the unmarked McGrath to tap

home.

A match where Thorniewood played well for long spells but again conceeded four.

However it was good to see the return of main striker Stephen Mullen after a lengthy

absence and with an encouraging performance as well as a goal he looks one who's

well up for the battle ahead.

Thorniewood: Trialist, Logan, Little(Wharton67), O'Neil, Brownlie, Daly, Mullen,

McGowan, Fallon(Stewart77), Miller, Lafferty(Hughes51).

Dunipace 4v2 Thorniewood United

26,36,60,90 Logan 51,59

 

Thorniewood's disappointing goals against record continued on Saturday when

conceeding another four in a 4v2 defeat at Denny to local side Dunipace at Westfield

Park.

Playing with the aid of a strong wind Thorniewood seemed lacklustre and it was the

home side who had the better of the opening exchanges. However it was 'Wood' who

almost took the lead in 16 minutes but Eddie Logans point blank effort as the far

post came off the bar and somehow stayed out. Amazingly another glaring miss arrived

in 24 minutes when a perfect free kick delivery from Darren Miller found the head of

the normally reliable Mark Daly but from 6 yards he headed wide with the goal

gaping.

These misses proved costly as Dunipace took the lead two minutes later when a Paul

Stevenson's short pass was pounced upon and slotted past the advancing Danny

Gallacher from the edge of the area.

With the home side enjo!

 ying a good spell Gallacher was called upon in 35 minutes to produce a great save

from a well hit shot before Dunipace increased their lead in 36 minutes when a 20

yard free kick found the bottom corner with the 'Wood' number one beaten

 

 ht 2v0

 

After an obvious half time barracking Thorniewood took to the field after the

restart a different team and within a minute captain Johnny Fallon had a superb turn

and shot from 25 yards tipped over as the Viewpark side imposed.

A minute later a Dessy Bradshaw pass put Ryan Connelly in but the strike shot wide.

Thorniewood pulled one back in 51 minutes when a Phil Hughes free kick from the

right was flapped by the keeper and Eddie Logan drilled home into the corner from 10

yards.

Moments later a superb run by Hughes seen the youngster outstrip the home defence

only to see his effort saved by the keeper.

Thorniewood deservedly equalised in 59 minutes when a free kick from the half way

line was knocked back by Fallon for Logan to fi!

 nd the bottom corner with a sweetly struck 20 yard effort.

The!

  cardina

l sin was then committed as United allowed the home side to regain the lead within

60 secs when poor defending was again taken advantage of.

Dunipace were then reduced to 10 men in 65 minutes giving Wood renewed hope. The

home keeper then produced a fantastic save low to his left to deny McGowan in 75

minutes before the impressive Hughes then crossed from the left for once again

Thorniewood to miss from point blank range.

Dunipace added a fourth deep into stoppage time when Kevin O'Neil lost out at half

way allowing the forward to round Gallacher and knock home.

Another poor first half performance which improved considerably in the second but

Thorniewood really do need to look at the amount of goals currently being lost. It

quite simply can't go on.

 

Gallacher, Wharton, O'Neil, Daly, Logan, Stevenson(Stewart57), Bradshaw(Hughes48),

McGowan, Miller, Fallon, Connelly(Devlin83).

Thorniewood United 1v1 Cambuslang Rangers

  McGowan 68 49

 

Thorniewood's improved form continued with a hard earned draw against Cambuslang

Rangers at Robertson Park on Saturday in a keenly contested, high tempo affair.

'Wood' almost took a first minute lead when new signing Ryan Connelly was thwarted

by ex United keeper John Connolly who dived low to his right to save after the

striker had been sent clear.

Danny Gallacher in the home goal then had to be on his toes in 6 minutes to produce

a fine save low to his right following a shot from the edge of the area.

With goalmouth action in short supply in a midfield battle it took until the 44th

minute for the next worthwhile effort when United defender Brian Wharton tested

Connolly from 20 yards winning a corner. A minute later good work from Hughes on the

left earned Thorniewood a second corner as they finished the half with a flurry.

 

ht 0-0

 

In a match where goals woul!

 d obviously be at a premium it was the visitors who took the lead in 49 minutes

when again a routine looking through ball wasn't dealt with allowing another ex

'Wood' player Chris Queen to get there before Gallacher to square for a team mate

to knock home amidst offside claims from the home ranks.

Gers keeper Connolly again denied Connelly with a save in 52 minutes before at the

other end a 63rd minute free header from a corner was put past as Rangers looked to

add a second.

Thorniewood midfielder Barry McGowan then produced the one moment of real quality in

the whole match when superbly dispatching a quality right foot strike from 20 yards

into the postage stamp corner with Connolly beaten all ends up to get United level.

This signalled a change in the match which became much more stretched with both

sides going for the win. Danny Gallacher produced a fine stop in 79 minutes before

Connelly latched onto to a long through ball in 82 minutes only to see his effort go

narrowl!

 y past.

The impressive Gallacher then was called on to make se!

 veral bl

ocks which he did before Thorniewood finished the match strongly forcing the

visitors to defend several corners and throw ins in the area.

A hard fought match in which a draw was the correct outcome. Thorniewood are clearly

missing several key players through long term injury but as in the Maryhill game

gave a good account of themselves in a tricky fixture.

 

Thorniewood. Gallacher,Stevenson, Daly, Wharton, O'Neil, Logan, Miller(Bradshaw73),

McGowan, Fallon,Connelly(Little 81), Hughes(Lafferty 72),

FALLON CRACKER EARNS WOOD FIRST WIN!

Thorniewood United 3v2 Maryhill Juniors

Hughes 13, Daly 42, 42 & 71

Fallon 76

Thorniewood got off the mark on Saturday thank's to a wonder strike late in the game

from captain Johnny Fallon.

In a decent opening Thorniewood looked up for it more than in recent weeks and took

a deserved lead in 13 minutes when new signing Phil Hughes danced past a bemused

visiting defence before firing home from 6 yards. Failure to add a second when on

top again came back to haunt 'Wood' when conceeding a 29th minute equaliser with the

achillies heel of defending high balls once again proving costly. The Maryhill

player getting to the ball first to head past a helpless Danny Gallacher in the home

goal.

The goal had a positive effect on the Glasgow side who after a slow start began to

come more and more into the game. Thorniewood to their credit continued to play

football and regained the lead in 42 minutes when a Paul Stevenson cro!

 ss from the left found Mark Daly outjumping the home defence and keeper to head

home from 8 yards.

ht 2-1

The second period continued in competitive manner with both sides anxious to

register their first points of the season and it was Thorniewood who came closest in

63 minutes when good play on the left from Hughes allowed Stuart Little to send in a

deep cross which the 'Hill' keeper done well to finger tip past with Stevenson

lurking. Five minutes later a superb 60 yard Brian Wharton free kick found the head

of trialst B who bravely got there before the advancing keeper but headed narrowly

wide.

Against the run of play Maryhill equalised in 71 minutes again scoring from a corner

the centre half rising unchallenged to head powerfully into the 'Wood' net.

 Getting over this setback Thorniewood then produced the move of the match when on

the left Lafferty found trialst B who cut inside before laying back for Johnny

Fallon to fire an unbelievable 25 yard strike into !

 the top corner junction between post and bar for one of the be!

 st strik

es surely ever seen at Robertson Park. The gasps, and applause from those in

attendance saying everything about it. A strike worthy of winning any game and one

that will live in the momory for a very long time.

A good battling display from Thorniewood who thoroughly deserved the win in a keenly

fought, competitive encounter. The plus points getting the first points on the board

but the negative the continued losing off soft goal from high balls which continues

to be a concern. Goal against last season proved 'Wood's' downfall and with 10

against after only three matches it's clearly an area that still needs improving.

Thorniewood: Gallacher, Logan, Wharton, Trialist A, Daly, Little,

Stevenson(Lafferty68), McGowan, Fallon(Murray83), Trialist B, Hughes(Trialst C 68).

not used Bradshaw.

WOOD NOT AT RACES!

 

Thorniewood United 1v5 Shotts Bon Accord

 Trialist72 Barker 4, Mclaughlin 18,25,48

  Duffy 52

 

As comprehensive a defeat suffered at home by 'Wood' in recent times as title

favourites Shotts coasted to victory in ruthless fashion.

Going behind as early as the 4th minute to a Barker strike Thorniewood seemed

strangely subdued and somewhat off the pace with the lively visitors threatening

with every attack. Number due duely arrived in 18 minutes when Brian Wharton was

short with a header back to Gallacher allowing McLaughlin to nip in and lob home

from the edge of the area. The killer third arrived soon after in 25 minutes when a

promising looking United break by Des Bradshaw broke down in midfield only for

Shotts to turn defence into attack finding McLaughlin between 'Wood's' central

defence and the big strike done the rest firing a low 18 yard shot into the corner.

Thorniewood's best!

  chances came in the 12 minute when Shotts keeper Gray miskicked infront of his

goal and an audacious Darren Miller quick free kick from 25 yards which the alert

Gray managed to claw out low to his left.

 

ht 0v3

 

The second period began as disastrously as the first and within seven minutes Shotts

had increased their lead to 5v0 when in 48 minutes a move on the left involving

Duffy and McLaughlin ended with the later side footing from 14 yards to complete

his hat-trick and then in 52 minutes when rolls were reversed McLaughlin

outstripping Stuart Little on 'Wood's' left flank before crossing for Duffy to nip

in at the near post to give Gallacher no chance form point blank range.

Thankfully Thorniewood at last steadied the ship somewhat after this and were

rewarded in 72 minutes when a Paul Stevenson corner on the right was volleyed home

from the edge of the box by Trialst C to get 'Wood' off the mark.

Johnny Fallon came close to getting a second in 88 mins when his defle!

 cted shot came off the far post with Gray beaten.

But it was a!

 ll littl

e to late as Thorniewood now find themselves at the foot of the table in what has

been a poor start.

 

Thorniewood: Gallacher, Wharton, McGuinness, Daly, Little(Logan), Trialist A,

McGowan, Bradshaw(Trialist C), Miller(Stevenson55), Fallon, Trialist B.

WOOD LOSE LEAGUE OPENER

 

Glasgow Perthshire 3v1 Thorniewood United

27, 51, 70 Daly 8

 

Thorniewood produced a Jeykl and Hyde performance to lose by 3v1 at Keppoch Park on

Saturday in a disappointing league opener.

Starting well and playing neat passing football 'Wood' went infront in 8 minutes

when Mark Daly headed home from close range from a Barry McGowan shy on the left to

take a deserved lead. Danny Gallacher in the United goal then had to be alert to

superbly tip over a netbound 'Shire' header in the very next attack as the home side

responded. The resultant corner was worryingly headed past by the home central

defender completely unmarked by a static looking visiting defence.

Barry McGowan had a decent 20 yard effort in 22 minutes before Perthshire equalised

against the run of play in 27 minutes when a move on the left resulted with a well

hit shot in the area going into the net via both posts.

Gallacher was again called into action in !

 the 29th minute after a slip by Andy Stewart but the young keeper done well

knocking past for a corner.

A turning point in the match was undoubtedly was the denying of a 35th minute

penalty claim by 'Wood' when Darren Miller was clearly impeded.

Encouraged by this let off the home side began to come more into the game and

finished the half well.

 

The long ball woes of Thorniewood continued six minutes after the restart when a

routine looking ball through the middle wasn't dealt with allowing the striker

through to slip through the legs of the advancing Gallacher.

This signalled a major change in the game with Perthshire by now looking the more

likely team. Thorniewood continued to try and play but on a desperately tight

playing area they were finding the creating of space a problem. Perthshire added a

third in the 70th minute after McGowan had lost out in midfield when their centre

forward shrugged of the attentions of two 'Wood' central defenders before firing a

stunnin!

 g strike from the edge of the area into the top corner.

Thorni!

 ewood th

en nade several changes in an attempt to claw back the result but were by now a

shadow of the side that had dominated in the early exchanges and Perthshire ran out

comfortable winners.

A match similar to that at Shettleston were early promise was replaced by later

dispair.

 

Thorniewood: Gallacher, Stewart(Devenney77), Wharton, McGuinnesss, Little, Daly,

McGowan, Miller(Stevenson75), Devlin(Murray69), Fallon, Bradshaw.

Shettleston Town 2v2 Thorniewood United

  McEwan 32,38 Mullen 11,20

Thorniewood's brave sectional league cup run came to an end against a useful looking

Shettleston side in a pulsating contest at Greenfield park on wednesday evening. Out

the blocks fast 'Wood' were soon dominating and a Stephen Mullen drive from 20 yards

in 5 minutes signalled the Viewpark sides intent. The pressure paid off in 20

minutes when a superb 60 yard Brian Wharton pass found Stephen Mullen who sprung the

home offside trap to slot home. A moments later the home side came close when a well

hit shot fromthe edge of the area had to be wathced carefully by Danny Gallacher in

the 'Wood' goal. Town again came close in 19 minutes when a ball in the box wasn't

dealt with by the United defence allowing the home striker in on goal but after

rounding Gallacher he shot tamely into the side netting with the goal at his mercy.

Thorniewood's response was swift !

 and in the next attack doubled their lead when Barry McGowan and Johnny Fallon

combined well in midfield to put Stephen Mullen through who again finished with

aplomb.

Playing with confidence United nearly got a third in 30 minutes when a superb run

from Brian Wharton ended with the defenders 30 yard shot blazing just wide with the

keeper rooted.

Against the run of play Shettleston were given a lifeline in the 32nd minute when

a rash challenge from Mark Devenney onthe edge of the area resulted in a soft

penalty which McEwan accepted gratefully giving Gallacher no chance with a well

struck shot. Thorniewood were then denied when their keeper pulled off a stunning

save to deny a Des Bradshaw bullet header from a Barry McGowan throw.

Visibly encouraged by this Shettleston began taking the match to United and were

rewarded with a 38th minute equaliser when a cross from the right was slipped home

by McEwan although Thorniewood may feel better defending could have prevented t!

 he outcome.

United centre back Kieran McGuinness then had to !

 retire i

n 47 minutes with what looked like a nasty groin strain as Thorniewoods evening

continued to get darker. Danny Gallacher had to be at his best in 55 minutes pulling

off a superb save to thwart a growing in confidence home side.

'Wood' sub Frankie Murray had a chance in 72 minutes following a mistake by the home

defence but the striker could only find the side net from 14 yards.

With Shettleston reduced to nine men for the final 15 minutes it was disappointing

not to see Thorniewood go on and win the game but credit must go to a doggish

display to a very much improved Glasgow side.

Johnny Fallon had an 85th minute strike blocked and Andy Stewart came close with a

header in 89 minutes before the home keeper pulled off a great save at his near post

from Stepehn Mullen in the 91st to earn his side a dramatic point.

Thorniewood:Gallacher, Devenney(Stewart57), McGuinness(Little48), Daly,

Devlin(Murray65), Miller, Bradshaw, Wharton, McGowan, Fallon, Mullen.

WOOD'S DERBY WOE'S CONTINUE

 

Thorniewood United 1v3 Bellshill Athletic

  Fallon Miles, Fleming, Trialist

 

Thorniewood's poor derby record continued when losing to local rivals Bellshill on

Friday evening. Played infront of a healthy crowd early exchanges were even in what

was an important match for both clubs. Thorniewood's first chance came in 12 minutes

when a long shy into the box fell to Barry McGowan who fizzed a great effort just

over.Daniel Gallacher in the 'Wood' goal then pulled off a wonder save to deny

Athletic the opener in 16 minutes when somehow stopping a point blank effort on the

goaline. Bellshill took the lead in the next attack when a high ball in the box

wasn't dealt with allowing Miles to place into the corner in 18 minutes.

Thorniewood were then denies a stonewall penalty in the 24th minute when striker

Stephen mullen was hauled down when breaking in the box but to everyones amazement

the match official waved play on. !

 In a typically bustling derby Thorniewood were giving as good as they were getting

against a side two divisions higher and were awarded a penalty in 38 minutes when

Barry McGowan was fouled in the area in what admittedly was a much softer looking

award than the previous one which had been denied. Up stepped the normally clinical

Stephen Mullen to blast wildly over the bar and into the nursery beyond.

Just before the break Thorniewood cam agonisingly close to equalising when Mark Daly

got on the end of a Martin Devlin cross but steered the ball just wide from six

yards.

Thorniewood began the second half in good order winning a number of corners. The

equaliser cam in 69 minutes when a Devlin cross from the right was headed back

across goal by Daly to Mullen who found Johnny Fallon who bundled the ball home from

close range.

With the match set up for a thrilling end it was disappointing to see United lose to

two soft

goals inthe closing stages. The first whena throw deep in A!

 thletic territory was intercepted allowing Fleming to run full!

 y 80 yar

ds before dispatching Belshill's second and then 'Wood's" failure to deal with a

high ball on the left allowing the visiting trialist to hit his sides third.

 

Thorniewood co manager Johnny Fallon commented: 'The effort and commitement was

first class. When you switch off at vital times against premier oppostion they

punish you. Two high profile matches in two days where we had to put in so much

effort perhaps took it's toll and the edge of us tonight but we certainly didn't

look out of place in either of these matches and I'm proud of the lads".

 

Pool: Gallacher, Daly, Ward(Murray68), McGuinness, Wharton, Hughes(Bradshaw55),

McGowan, Devlin(Logan85), Stewart, Fallon, Mullen.

Petershill 0v1 Thorniewood United

  (Bradshaw 35)

Thorniewood continued their recent good form against super premier opposition with a

hard fought, well deserved victory at new petershill park on wednesday evening.

After a competitive opening 'Wood' were first to threaten when home keeper Nugent

superbly tipped over Stuart McCormacks dipping 20 yard effort in 13 minutes. A

minute later a Stephen Mullen strike from a Phil Hughes cross was headed off the

line as 'Wood' pressed. The pressure continued moments later with a net bound Des

Bradshaw shot being blocked.

Petershill's first opportunity arrived in 23 minutes when a cross from the right was

knocked over their own bar by a relieved United defence. 'Wood' then survived a

frantic goalmouth scramble before on the half hour Stephen Mullen dispossesed the

home centre half before firing narrowly over.

Thorniewood deservedly took the lead in 35 minutes when Des Brdshaw superbly drilled

low int!

 o the net from 12 yards after Nugent had flapped at a Hughes corner.

Thorniewood started the second half with a purpose and good play on the left by

Barry McGowan created an opportunity for Johnny Fallon with the United skipper,s 25

yard strike going just over.

'Peasy' had a chance in 52 minutes when a free kick 35 yards on was flicked on then

headed wide.

Des Bradshaw could and probably should have made it two nil in 70 minutes when

getting his head to an inch perfect McGowan free kick but faile to find the target.

Mullen then had a decent strike curling a free kick wide in 73 minutes before

Petershill finished with a late flurry. When in their best spell of the match they

had a chance knocked over from inside the 6 yard box in 85 minutes following a long

throw from the left and a point blank shot coming off the face of the crossbar in

the final minute.

A superb team performance from Thoriewood who thoroughly deserved their first

victory at the North Glasgow venue for many!

  a year.

Pool: Gallacher, Devenney, Wharton, McCormack, Ward,!

  Daly, M

cGowan, Bradshaw(Stevenson82), Hughes(Lafferty84), Mullen(Murray84), Fallon

WOOD RETAIN JACKIE BLOWER MEMORIAL SHIELD

MUIRKIRK 0V1 THORNIEWOOD UNITED

  McCormack

Thorniewood retained the annual jackie blower memorial trophy at sunny, blustery

muirkirk on saturday.

Enjoying most of the early play 'wood' took the lead in 18 minutes when stuart

mccormack glanced a header into the far corner from 6 yards following a long throw

on the right.

Number two was almost added in 26 minutes when a superb mcgowan pass put logan in

but the 'kirk' keeper done well deflecting past for a corner.

Thorniewood remained on top for the remainder of the half and went in at the interal

1v0 up.

Thorniewood took to the field for the second period with an almost totally

unrecognisable line up as co manager johhny stevenson gave youth and inexperience

it's chance.

With both sides struggling with the wind it was 'wood' who almost added a second in

57 minutes when the young trialist playing on the right tried a sunlime 25 yard chip

only to see the im!

 pressive home keeper pull off a wonder save and tip over.

moments later a markey shot was blocked and a net bound header turned over as 'wood'

looked to add.

Muirkirk had an opportunity in 61 minutes when getting in behind the united defence

but the striker dragged his shot wide of the far post.

The home side came closer still in 75 minutes but a combination of post and keeper

kept 'woods' lead intact.

Thorniewood responded well and great cross from the right met the head of paul

stevenson who could only look on in frustration as the excellent home keeper

produced yet another fine stop.

In a match short of any real quality 'wood' can be pleased with a winning outcome

and having given so many youngsters an outing.

WOOD HIT NINE!

THORNIEWOOD UNITED 9V0 HOLYTOWN AMS

Mullen3, McCormack 2,

Bradshaw, Stewart,

Pretswell, OG.

thorniewood ran out comfortable winners in this friendly at robertson park last

wednesday evening.

going behind to a 5th minite og didn't help the visi!

 tors cause and when des bradshaw headed home number two in 7 m!

 inutes f

rom a superb martin devlin cross the writing was on the wall.

To their credit holytown plugged on manfully and only conceeded once more in the

half when stephen mullen clinically dispatched into the top corner from 12 yards.

Holytown started the second half well and had a decent 20 yard effort in 46 minutes

before a devlin corner on the left was headed home by stuart mccormack for a 54th

minute fourth before a minute later adding his second and 'woods' fifth with a well

placed header as the visitors fitness started to be tested to the full.

Good play on the right by andy stewart was rewarded with stephen mullem tapping his

70th minute cross into the empty net.

Five minutes later mccormack blow a hatrick opportunity when his spot kick was saved

after mullen had been upended in the box.

Mcormack made amends in 79 minutes breaking out of defence to find pretswell in the

box with the striker lashing high into the rigging for number seven.

Stewart added an eigth from close rang!

 e in 85 minutes before mullen got his hat-trick and thorniewood's ninth with a 25

yard free kick high into the top corner.

A good result and another opportuity used to try out the youngsters.

WOOD GIVE PREMIER LEAGUE YOWES THE WOES!

LANARK UNITED 1V4 THORNIEWOOD UNITED

  Hughes, McCormack, McGowan

  Fallon.

thorniewood produced a superb display to dump premier league new boys lanark at

sunny moor park on saturday.

Going behind to a harty strike in 6 minutes

'wood' got into their stride and played more than their part in a fast flowing,

competitive contest.

Changes were made at half time and soon benefits were reaped with a 52nd minute phil

hughes equaliser. His 18 yard free kick taking a deflection on rout to nesstle in

the far corner.

Clearly boyed by this thorniewood upped the tempo and took a deserved lead in 77

minutes when a martin devlin corner on the right was headed home by stuart mc co!

 rmack.

Barry mc gowan added a quality third in 83 minutes - ru!

 nning 40

 yards before cooly slotting past the advancing keeper.

the scoring was completed in the 90th minute when good play on the right by devlin

was rewarded with johnny fallon slamming home a fourth.

This was an excellent display by thorniewood and areal confidence booster before

their opening sectional league cup match at home to st. Rochs on wednesday evening.

Pool: gallagher, devenney, wharton, little, ward, logan, mc gowan, miller, fallon,

mullen, mc cormack, hughes, devlin, daly, bradshaw, stevenson, stewart.

wood hit rock for seven

Thorniewood united 7v1 st.rochs

thorniewood went top of their league cup section group after this impressive and

comprehensive display on wednesday evening.

In a lively opening fifteen minutes 'wood' looked dangerous at every set piece and

it was no surprise when darren miller fired them into a deserved 17th minute lead

when placing a 25 yard free kick into the top left hand corner.

A good move on the left in 24 minutes created a chance !

 for brian wharton who could only steer his 15 yard effort high and wide.

St. Rochs much improved from last season were giving a good account of themselves

and were rewarded by winning their first corner in 36 minutes.

A cross from the right in 38 minutes found johnny fallon but the strikers effort was

somehow saved by the keeper at the expense of a corner. The kick wasn't clleared by

the 'rock' defence allowing an alert miller to get there before the keeper to toe

poke a second into the bottom corner.

Miller then became provider curling a42nd minute free kick on the left onto the head

of des bradshaw who headed home from 6 yards to complete the first half scoring.

Thorniewood began the second half confidently and a superb defence splitting pass

from stephen mullen put in mark daly to score a 52nd minute fourth with ease.

 

Darren miller then completed his hat trick with a 14 yard strike before stephen

mullen made it six when hitting home from the spot after mikey boyle ha!

 d been upended.

Boyle himself came close hitting the bar from !

 the edge

 of the area after a move involving miller and mullen as thorniewood pushed on.

St rochs gained a consolation in the 82 minute with a close range header after a

long shy from the right wasn,t dealt with by the 'wood' rearguard.

Stephen mullen came close with a lob from twenty yards going jusr over in 85 minutes

before a minute later completing his hat trick and thorniewood's scoring

when rounding the keeper to slot home.

An excellent performance from thorniewood who are looking more useful by the game.

Thorniewood: gallagher, daly, little(stewart), mc guinness, mc cormack(boyle),

wharton, bradshaw(devlin), miller, mc gowan, mullen, fallon

WOOD CLAIM ANOTHER PREMIER SCALP

THORNIEWOOD UNITED 2V1 VALE OF CLYDE

Stewart, Murray

Thorniewood 2v1 Vale of Clyde

 

The second win against premier league opposition ended Thorniewood's pre-season

frendlies at Robertson Park on Saturday afternoon.

In a lively encounter Vale were first to threaten when Gallacher i!

 n the 'Wood' goal was called into action in the 10th mninute to superbly tip over a

rasping 10 yard effort. The visitors came closer with a headed attempt hitting the

back post.

Martin Devlin tested the visiting keeper from 25 yards with Thorniewood's first

attempt on target in 28 minutes. As the fiesty contest ensued it was Thorniewood who

took the lead in 42 minutes when a well struck Barry McGowan shot was blocked and

fell to new signing Andy Stewart who dispatched a stunning strike into the top

postage stamp corner.

 

ht 1v0

 

A disastrous mistake by the visiting defence and keeper 30 seconds after the

restart allowed Frankie Murray to tap into the empty net to put 'Wood' 2v0 up.

Vale reduced the leeway on the hour mark when firing home from the spot after a very

soft award.

Both sides took the opportunity to use their quota of subs with the match ending

with no further scoring.

Another confidence boosting win against a good side will do Thorniewood no harm as

they pl!

 ay another two premeir league sides in the space of three days!

  in sect

ional league cup duty.

 

Pool:Gallacher, Devenney, Ward, Wharton(Daly), Mc Guinness, McGowan(Miller),

Devlin(Bradshaw), Stevenson(Boyle), Lafferty(Little),Murray(Mullen),

Stewart(Fallon).

 

Robertson Park Old Edinburgh RD, Viewpark Uddingston.

© 2007 Thorniewood United ® All Rights Reserved www.thorniewoodunited.com