For what seems like the first time in ages we are back in league action, as we make a familiar trip to New Cumnock to take on our old friends at Glenafton Athletic for our 10th GreenVersity WOSFL Premier Division match of the season.
⚽️ Glenafton Athletic versus Troon F.C. ⚽️
Saturday 9th November 2024
GreenVersity WOSFL Premier Division
Loch Park, New Cumnock
Kick-off 2pm
We’re now nine league matches into the new season and we’re sitting fifth in the table and into the fourth round of both the Scottish Junior Cup & South Challenge Cup (and now the West), so it’s a promising start which demonstrates real progress from recent seasons. Our current points tally is 18, it took us until mid-February to register that tally last season.
Encouraging? Absolutely, but still plenty of big games to come & a lot of hard work ahead of us.
Glenafton have endured a frustrating start to the campaign after a difficult season last year, but are hoping for a new beginning under new Manager Paul Paton. Previous Manager Ryan Caddis departed in September following their defeat to Dalry in the Cup after less than a year at Loch Park and the Glens are looking towards the former Northern Ireland international to lead them into a new era.
N.B. With this being the match immediately before Remembrance Sunday, there will be a minute’s silence before kick-off.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Saturday’s match…
For the first time this season, we’re now having to look at a few injuries within the squad before team selection is made for Saturday’s match.
Ewan McLevy has had a scan on the knee injury he suffered against St Roch’s on 12th October & we are keeping our fingers crossed for some good news on that front, while Scott McLean is in a similar boat following a flare-up of the knee injury he suffered last season with Glenafton. Ben Black misses out with a groin injury.
On the more positive front, Jack Sherrie is hopeful of playing a part following an ankle issue, but he will be assessed by Darrell this week before being considered for inclusion.
Back to League duty this weekend for only the third time since August, which seems unbelievable, and it’s a visit to familiar surroundings this weekend.
We love a trip to Glenafton, always a warm welcome up there from Tarzan, Stew & everyone else & we like to reciprocate, so a good relationship between the clubs. We did the double over them last season, so I’m sure they will be as determined to put that right as we are to keep that run going. Billy tells me the Supporter’s Club bus is pretty much full already & we’ll have a healthy travelling support again this week, which will make a huge difference.
Last week’s win at Easterhouse was very pleasing, into the next round & we’re looking forward to another Cup draw & the next round on 7th December. Easterhouse were a good side, the football they played was excellent & we needed a superb goal from Leyton to set the tone. The boys did exactly what was required of them & they are showing that side to their game just now, which will stand us in good stead going forward this season.
Jimmy Kirkwood (Manager)
| Full Name | Glenafton Athletic Football Club |
| Nickname(s) | The Glens or The Afton |
| Founded | 1930 |
| Ground | Loch Park, New Cumnock |
| Capacity | 3,400 |
| President | John Stewart |
| Manager | Paul Paton |
| Captain | Craig Pettigrew |
| 2023-24 | WOSFL Premier Division, 13th from 16 |
⚽️️ OLLIE ROWE ⚽️
33 year old Ollie adds a touch of class to the Glens side, whether it be in his usual position in the middle of the park or strengthening the back line.
Began his career at Brighton & Hove Albion, Ollie moved north in the summer of 2021 and has consistently been a standout performer.
⚽️️ HUGH KERR ⚽️
The 34 year old has been one of the leading marksmen in the Junior leagues for years & he enjoyed a prolific partnership with Ian Watt at Lanark United, before making the step to join the Premier Division with Rossvale, Pollok & Glenafton.
Originally signed by Mick McCann, Shug’s all-action style is the focal point of the Glens attack alongside new signing Michael Mullen.
© Thanks to our club photographer Graeme McKenzie for his photos – fantastic, as always!
Glenafton Athletic
| WON | WON |