Match Reports

April 19th at home against Blanefield Thistle

postponed because of Easter Sunday

April 26th away against Drymen United

Gargunnock went 2 goals down in the first 20 minutes and tried hard to overturn the score and created several good chances to draw level or even take the lead, however a combination of poor finishing and inspired goalkeeping by the Home goalie denied Gargunnock.

Final score, Drymen United 2, Gargunnock 0.

April 29th at home against Kippen

This was the first game in Gargunnock's Section of the Margaret Whyte trophy, the other teams in the Section are Kippen and Drymen United. Gargunnock started well shooting down the hill and after a spell of pressure on the Kippen defence, Neil Sherrif opened the scoring for Gargunnock after 10 minutes, shooting home from inside the penalty box. Gargunnock maintained the pressure on the Kippen defence for the rest of the first half and created many scoring chances but were unable to add to their single goal due to a combination of inspired goalkeeping and poor finishing. In the second half Kippen, shooting down the hill, started to put the Gargunnock defence under pressure and mid-way through the half this paid off, when Gargunnock, unable to clear the ball from the six-yard box, allowed Kippen to equlise from close range. This woke Gargunnock up and they then created several good scoring chances, hitting the woodwork on several occasions, before with about 10 minutes to go and a draw looking on the cards, Hector Petrie picked up a loose clearance from Kippen and crashed a tremendous shot from around 20 yards high into the net for the winner.

Final Score; Gargunnock 2, Kippen 1

Gargunnock now play Drymen United on Tueasday, 6th May at Drymen (ko 7.30pm) and if they win will progress to semi-final of the competition.

May 3rd at home to Killearn

On a what was a thoroughly miserable night weather-wise last Saturday, Gargunnock played host to Killearn. Killearn had the advantage of shooting down the slope in the first half and after 20 mins of fairly even play eventually took the lead when the home defence failed to clear a corner kick, which left a tap in at the back post.

Killearn, physically much bigger than Gargunnock, continued to press but failed to add to their lead in the first half. After half-time Killearn broke away and scored their second when their right winger managed to shoot home from close range and what seemed an impossible angle. However, with the slope in their favour Gargunnock started to put pressure on the Killearn defence and after a good move, John Lamond scored a tremendous goal from around 18 yards. The home side grew in confidence and again after some good football, a drive from the left wing was diverted into goal the Killearn defence with about 10 minutes left to play. The game ended all square and Gargunnock can take heart from a good performance against what will be one of the stronger teams in the league.

Final Score: Gargunnock 2, Killearn 2

May 7th away to Drymen United

On yet another night when the weather was more akin to October rather than May (did someone say something about Summer football !!), Drymen played host to Gargunnock in the Margaret Whyte Trophy where a victory for Gargunnock would seal a semi-final place for them.

Gargunnock could not have asked for a better start when, straight from the kick-off they sliced through the home defence and John Lamond slotted the ball home from around 10 yards. This obviously shocked Drymen and playing with a near gale force wind and driving rain in their backs, they laid siege to the Gargunnock goal, eventually equalising in around 20 minutes. Gargunnock again took the lead, 5 minutes after the re-start when Colin Ferguson used all his experience to force an error in the home defence and scored from around 12 yards. This lead was short-lived as Drymen again equalised before half time.

In the second half Drymen hit two quick goals in succession which knocked the heart out of Gargunnock a bit, however they fought back and in the last 10 minutes a second goal for John Lamond raised the spirits. But it was too late and Drymen held on for the victory.

Final Score: Drymen Utd. 4, Gargunnock 3

May 28th home to Gartocharn (rescheduled from Tues May 20th)

This game was rescheduled from last Tuesday and was played at Gargunnock on Wednesday 28th May as Gartocharn's pitch was still suffering from the weather. It was Gargunnock's first game for around 3 weeks.

Gartocharn fielded what was probably their strongest team, however, shooting up the hill it was Gargunnock who looked the more likely to score in the early stages of the game. Gargunnock took the lead midway through the first half, when John Lamond, running on to a through pass slid the ball under the Gartocharn 'keeper from just inside the penalty area to open the scoring. Gargunnock continued to play some good football and went further ahead when a great cross from the right by Craig Ritchie was met at the back post for John Lamond to notch his second goal. Just before half-time Gartocharn pulled when back when they scored from close range.

The second half saw Gartocharn shooting up the hill use the pace of their front players on the break and it wasn't long before they equalised. Gargunnock continued to press down the hill, but another break saw Gartocharn go ahead for the first time in the game. Late on in the game
Gartocharn stretched their lead as Gargunnock pushed for an equaliser.

Final Score: Gargunnock 2, Gartocharn 4

May 31st home to Thornhill

On Saturday Gargunnock played hosts to current league leaders, Thornhill and for once the game was played in summer football conditions. Thornhill started off shooting up the slope and it looked very bad for Gargunnock as the visitors were 2 - 0 up before Gargunnock had settled. However, as has been shown in earlier games, Gargunnock's young team have a bit of fight in them now and they started to play some good football as they tried to get back in the game before half-time. This payed off and goals from Craig Ritchie, Mark Clarkson and Andy Flett capped a great comeback for the home side. The score could have been greater if Hector Petrie had been a couple of inches taller as he stretched for a Stuart McPhate free kick at the back post, just narrowly missing.

In the second half, Thornhill shooting down hill started to put pressure on the home defence and eventually equalised. Gargunnock continued to try and play their passing game in an attempt to get the winner, however the Thornhill 'keeper made some great stops, particularly from a strike from Stuart McPhate from just outside the box, which looked goal bound until the
'keeper just tipped it over. Gargunnock's patience payed off when, from a cross on the right, Hector Petrie headed home at the back post, scoring what proved to be the winner. In a good game against a good team, this was probably Gargunnock's best performance so far and hopefully confidence will grow from this.

Final score: Gargunnock 4, Thornhill 3

Tuesday, 3rd June - Rescheduled match from May 17th aginst Deanston

This was the match which was postponed on Saturday May 17th. Gargunnock, having had a good result on Saturday hoped to build on this for this game, although we knew games against Deanston were normally close and hard fought. However this was not to be the case as Gargunnock raced into a four goal lead before half-time, shooting up the hill. A further two goals were scored in the second half before, with Gargunnock easing off, Deanston pulled two back.

Final Score: Gargunnock 6, Deanston 2

Saturday, 7th June - Fintry vs. Gargunnock

Due to the absence of some key players and Gargunnock Show being held, Gargunnock tried to have this game brought forward or postponed, however Fintry couldn't move the game and didn't want it postponed, so it was with the bare minimum of eleven players that Gargunnock travelled to Fintry. Expectations were not particularly high and damage limitation was the aim. The game started fairly evenly with Fintry maybe just shading the early exchanges, however after around 20 minutes, John Lamond opened the scoring when he ran on to a through ball from David McPhate and rounded the keeper to score. Fintry levelled the scoring after around ten minutes, but before half time, Craig Ritchie had restored the lead after some good play down the right wing. A further two goals in the second half from John Lamond put the game beyond Fintry's grasp giving Gargunnock their third win on the trot. This was also John Lamond's second hat-trick in two games as he had scored 3 in the game against Deanston.

Final Score: Fintry 1, Gargunnock 4

Tuesday, 10th June - Buchlyvie Utd. vs. Gargunnock

 This game was due to be played at Buchlyvie, but when Gargunnock arrived the referee was unhappy at the fitness of the Buchlyvie pitch, so both teams agreed to come back to Gargunnock and play the game there. The slope at Gargunnock has it's advantages as very rarely is it unplayable.

In light of the previous results, Gargunnock were very keen to continue their recent run of good form, again games against Buchlyvie were usually fairly close encounters. However confidence is growing on a game by game basis and Gargunnock were three nil up by half time. A further goal for Gargunnock allowed them to ease to their fourth win in a row.

Final Score: Gargunnock 4, Buchlyvie Utd. 0

Saturday, 14th June - Gargunnock v Balfron Rovers

Having won their previous four games on the trot, Gargunnock were hoping to extend this to five against Balfron. The game started off fairly even with Balfron looking slightly more dangerous shooting up the hill, having the better chances. However, Gargunnock settled down and started to play some good football which payed off mid-way through the first half with John Lamond netting twice for the home side. Gargunnock were forced to replace Hector Petrie before half time due to injury and this unsettled the home team for a while. Building on this, Balfron came back strongly and only some heroic defending by Nicky Anderson and Kieron Malone in the home goal kept Balfron at bay.

In the second half, Balfron shooting down the slope, raised their game and this was rewarded as they scored three without reply. Gargunnock had a chance to pull level when they were awarded a penalty, but John Lamnd's effort was well saved by the Balfron 'keeper. Balfron added  further two goals before late on, Derek McGlashan pulled one back, converting an Andy Flett free-kick at the back post.

Final Score: Gargunnock 3, Balfron Rovers 5

Wednesday, 18th June Aberfoyle Rob Roy

Gargunnock travelled to Aberfoyle on Wednesday to play this re-arranged game which had been postponed earlier in the season. Injuries from the game on Saturday meant that Gargunnock just managed to get together 11 fit players, so it was a young, inexperienced team that travelled.

The game opened fairly evenly with Gargunnock possibly having slightly the edge. Aberfoyle were playing with a strong wind in their backs and from an inswinging corner-kick about 20 minutes into the game, opened the scoring, the ball looping directly into the net at the back post. This shook Gargunnock up and 5 minutes later they equalised, when Colin Ferguson hit a tremendous shot from the edge of the penalty area into the net. Aberfoyle continued to press and went ahead again when a deflection off Nicky Anderson deceived the Gargunnock goalie and the ball ended up in the net. Gargunnock lost yet another player at half time, when Andy Flett had to be replaced due to injury. This upset the shape of the team and although they tried hard for an equaliser, which would have been deserved, they were unable to do so.

Final Score: Aberfoyle rob Roy 2, Gargunnock 1

Saturday 21st June - Blanefield Thistle

On Gala Day, Gargunnock made the journey through to Blanefield for this League game, which marked the half-way point in the League fixtures.Unfortunately, due to call-offs and injuries, it was a much weakened team that travelled. In fact we just managed to scrape 11 players together. The shortage of players was reflected in the game as Blanefield, fielding a very experienced side were just too strong and experienced for the young Gargunnock team.

In the first fifteen minutes or so, Gargunnock created two or three good chances but were unable to find the net. They paid dearly for this as Blanefield went 3 up before half-time. The second half was no better as the Gargunncok heads went down and Blanefield hit the net a further four times, without reply. Thankfully there was no further scoring and the referee blew for full-time, saving us from more misery, not only on the pitch, but from what was possibly the worst plague of midges the fans have had to endure all summer !!

Final Score: Blanefield Thistle 7, Gargunnock 0

Tuesday 24th June - Drymen United

Gargunnock faced Drymen United on Tuesday, hoping to recover from 3 defeats on the trot and in particular, from the heavy defeat by Blanefield on Saturday. Some of the injury worries had cleared up, with the return of Hector Petrie and Andy Flett to the team. However, there was a blow just before kick-off when it looked like Gargunnock would be without a goalkeeper, but Team Manager George Lamond stepped in and ably filled the gap in goals.

Gargunnock were looking for a bit of revenge against Drymen as they had already beaten us twice this season, in the League and the Margaret Whyte Trophy. In the first half, shooting down hill, Gargunnock settled into their game early on and started to play some good football, which was rewarded when Hector Petrie opened the scoring. Drymen were dangerous on the break and with some tall players in their team, were dangerous at set pieces, but the Gargunnock defence marshalled by Nicky Anderson and Stuart McPhate held firm. I the second half, further goals from Hector and Colin Ferguson put Gargunnock 3 up before Drymen's veteran striker John Allan pulled one back for the visitors. Gargunnock continued to play good football on the break shooting up the hill, with Andy Flett and Hector Petrie controlling the midfield and the forwards of Stuart Kirkpatrick, Colin Ferguson and Kenny Mailey looking capable of scoring with each attack. Further goals from Colin Ferguson and Kenny Mailey sealed the game for the home team.

Bearing in mind the last three results, this was a very good performance by Gargunnock and showed what they are capable of when they are all on their game.

Final Score: Gargunnock 5, Drymen United 1

Saturday 28th June - Killearn

Gargunnock travelled to Killearn on Saturday night looking to build on their good mid-week result against Drymen. After heavy rain on Friday, the Killearn pitch was soft, but because of this, the grass was on the long side as Council couldn't get it cut in time. The game started fairly evenly with Gargunnock creating the better chances early on, but it was Killearn who took the lead on the break when Gargunnock, failing to clear their lines properly, allowed Killearn to score from around 8 yards. This boosted Kilearn and they extended their lead before half-time, when James Beaton scored from a free kick, although there seemed to be some confusion as almost every one except the referee, thought it was an indirect free-kick. Gargunnock got off to a flyer at the start of the second half, when within a minute they had levelled the score. Colin Ferguson tapping in after the goalkeeper had dropped the ball and Craig Ritchie scoring from close in after good work by Stuart Kirkpatrick and Colin Ferguson. However, after such as great start to the half, Gargunnock almost immediately let Killearn back in when they scored at the back post following a free kick. Gargunnock continued to press and again drew level when Colin Ferguson scored from just outside the box, although again the the Killearn goalie should have done better. Gargunnock should have learned their lesson, but they again allowed Killearn to take the lead almost immediately. The Gargunnock heads went down now and Killearn added a further two goals before full time, the final score slightly flattering Killearn.

Although the result was disappointing, Gargunnock certainly competed for most of the game and on their day can hold their own with most teams in the League. It should be said though, that the game was almost spoiled by the antics of a dictatorial referee, who appeared to lose all idea of common sense and incensed both sets of players with his attitude towards them.

Final Score: Killearn 6, Gargunnock 3

Tue 22nd July: Buchlyvie Utd vs. Gargunnock

Just to confuse people, this game was sceduled to be played at Buchlyvie as the earlier fixture had been reversed due to the Buchlyvie pitch being unplaybale. Both teams were stripped when the referee after an inspection, declared that the pitch was yet again unplayable. So it was everyone back in cars and back to Gargunnock!!

The game started well for Gargunnock playing up the slope and they looked dangerous on the break. They took the lead early when John Lamond hit a great shot from about 18 yards into the back of the net. Buchlyvie began to play a bit better and equalised before taking the lead, however Gargunnock settled down again and from a low corner, John Lamond did a neat step-over allowing the ball to run to Hector Petrie who crashed the ball home from around six yards. This was short lived though as again Buchlyvie went in front before half-time.

Gargunnock seemed to lose the place a wee bit as Buchlyvie went further ahead shortly after the break. With about 25 minutes left, Gargunnock seemed to wake up to the fact they were getting beaten and started to force the play downhill. This was rewarded when Hector Petrie struck a 20 yard free home and shortly afterward Neil Sherrif nodded an eqauliser home at the back post. Heavy pressure on the Buchlyvie defence was rewarded when another free kick was given away from almost exactly the same spot as the first. Hector again stepped up and this time crashed the ball home off a defender. Buchlyvie tried hard for an eqauliser for the last six or seven minutes, but the home defence held firm.

This was a hard fought win, coming back from 2 goals down, however it keeps Gargunnock in the hunt for qualification for the Telfer Cup semi-finals. The Telfer Cup is played between the 2 top teams in the Forth side and the top 2 in the Endrick side.

Result: Gargunnock 5, Buchlvie United 4

Tuesday 5th August Re-arranged game vs. Aberfoyle Rob Roy

Gargunnock went into this game needing only a draw to qualify for the semi-finals of the Telfer Cup which runs in parallel with the League campaign. The top 2 sides from the Forth side and the top 2 from the Endrick qualifying for the semis.

Gargunnock started off shooting up the hill and looked the more likely to score in the early stages and indeed took the lead with Neil Sherrif opening the scoring. This was short lived though as Aberfoyle were awarded a soft penalty to equalise. Gargunnock had several chances to kill the game in the first half, but a combination of excellent goalkeeping, the woodwork and missed chances meant the scores remained level at half-time. Shooting down the hill, Gargunnock upped the tempo and regained the lead when Hector Petrie scored from around 6 yards following good work on the left. Aberfoyle again got back into the game when a cross from the right was deflected into his own net by Andy Martin, George Lamond in goals having no chance of stopping it. Gargunnock pressed hard for the winner that would take them to the semi-final and after a quick breakaway, Kenny Mailey hit a tremendous lob over the goalkeeper from around 25 yards to restore their lead. This seemed to relax Gargunnock and Colin Ferguson increased the lead when he went on a mazy run down the left and slotted the ball home from around 6 yards. With about 5 minutes to go Derek McGlashan replaced Andy Flett and made an immediate impact scoring with almost his first touch of the game. To round it off Derek added his second and Gargunnock's sixth almost immediately after the restart. Talk about inspired substitutions!! This was a good team performance from Gargunnock with no failures in the team and it's worth noting that the back four of David McPhate, Nicky
Anderson, Stuart McPhate and Andy Martin have an average age of 19 between them, so the future’s looking good.

Final Result: Gargunnock 6, Aberfoyle Rob Roy 2

Gargunnock's next game will be on Sunday 10th August at 4.30pm when they take on Gartocharn at home in the Quarter finals of the Cameron Cup.

Sun 10th August - Gargunnock vs. Gartocharn Cameron Cup 2nd Round

This 2nd Round Cameron Cup tie kicked off at 4.30 in blazing sunshine. The game also doubled up as a re-scheduled League game, so there was a double reward of a place in the Cameron Cup semi-final and 3 points up for grabs.

Gargunnock started the first half shooting up the hill and had the better of the early exchanges with a combination of excellent goalkeeping and poor finishing keeping the score sheet blank. At the other end, the young Gargunnock defence held firm against any attacks Gartocharn mounted. The game reached half-time with the score 0-0. Shooting down the hill Gargunnock now upped the pace, pushing forward for the opening goal. This came after about 10 minutes when great work on the left by Hector saw his cross crashed home at the back post by Colin Ferguson. This lead was short lived however, Gartocharn pushed hard for the equaliser which came as Gargunnock didn't clear their lines properly and the Gartocharn sub scored form around 10 yards. This was a testing time for Gargunnock as Gartocharn, lifted by the goal, came more into the game. However, John Lamond broke away down the left to fire the ball home from close in to restore Gargunnock's lead. This knocked the heart out of Gartocharn and following a tremendous cross field pass by Stuart McPhate, Kenny Mailey crashed a shot home from 18 yards out to put the game beyond Gartocharn. Gargunnock survived a late penalty claim by Gartocharn to claim their palce in the semi- final of the Cup.

This again was an outstanding performance by Gargunnock's young team, who seem to be growing in confidence with each game. Normally at this time of the season, we are looking for it to end fairly quickly, but not this season, as the team sit proudly in the semi-finals of both the Telfer Cup and the Cameron Cup and also look to have finished in a very respectable mid table position in the League. All of which is a tremendous improvement on last season.

Final score: Gargunnock 3, Gartocharn 1

Telfer Cup Semi-Final, Blanefield Thistle vs. Gargunnock at Fintry

On a glorious sunny day Gargunnock travelled to Fintry to play Blanefield in their first Telfer Cup semi-final appearance in 10 years, with the good weather bringing a large travelling support. To quote an old football adage, this was definiteley a game of two halves. In the first half Gargunnock settled well and put the more experienced Blanefield, who had just been pipped to the League title, under pressure. Gragunnock had several real goal scoring chances, but failed to put these away and as the game unfolded,
these misses would prove very costly. At half time, the teams turned round level at 0 - 0. Blanefield started the second half more positively, obviously slightly shaken that the score was still level and after 10 minutes they scored the opener with a header from close range. They increased their lead shortly after and the Gargunnock heads went down, their efforts of the first half now took their toll in the heat and they visibly tired. Blanefield added two more before the end in a scoreline which slightly flattered them.

This was a good first half performance from Gargunnock, but a combination of missed chances and the effort they put in to the first half ultimately took their toll. However, the season is not over yet, as on Sunday 31st August they take on Buchlyvie United in the sem-final of the Cameron Cup. This game will be played at Thornhil, with a 4.30pm kick-off. So there is still the possibility of a Cup Final appearance to be anticipated.

Final Score: Blanefield Thistle 4, Gargunnock 0

Sunday 31st August. Cameron Cup Semi-Final, Gargunnock vs. Buchlyvie United (at Thornhill)

This was Gargunnock's first appearance in the Cameron Cup semis for 10 years and they were trying to reach the Final for the first time in 21 years. I will apologise up front now as although I know the scorers, I have no idea I which order they were scored, such was the nature of this amazing game. The game started fairly evenly, although Buchlyvie started to take control and took the lead after about 20 minutes. This woke Gargunnock up and they equlised thorugh Kenny Mailey. Buchlyvie were still the stronger team and took the lead again, however Gargunnock again equalised. In the second half Buchlyvie scored twice to seemingly put the game beyond Gargunnock, but with less than 10 minutes remaining, Gargunnock scored twice to level the game and take it to extra time. Gargunnock, having seemed out of it, now were the stronger side and took the lead early in the 1st period of extra time when Derek McGlashan, who had come on as a sub, scored from close in. Now it was Buchlyvie's turn to fight back and they did so with two goals to again take the lead 6 - 5. This was now a case of who wanted to be in the Final the most and it was Gargunnock who again fought back and hit a stunned Buchlyvie with two late, late goals to again take the lead 7 - 5. This time Gargunnock did not let it slip and they held on to go into the Final. The scorers for Gargunnock were Kenny Mailey and Derek McGlashan with one each, Andy Flett with two goals and Colin Ferguson who hit a hat-trick, including the winner. Although at times the football wasn't particularly pretty, for sheer goals, twists and turns and excitement, this game was pretty hard to beat. Gargunnock, while not playing too well, showed their grit and determination by twice coming back from the dead to rescue the game and keep their season going to the end.

Final Score: Gargunnock 7, Buchlyvie United 6 (aet)

The Cameron Cup Final will take place on Sunday 21st September against Blanefield Thistle, who defeated Balfron 3 - 2 in the other semi. The Kick-off and place has yet to be decided. We are looking forward to the Final now and hope that the large support that were there yesterday can stand another game and follow us to the Final.

Sunday 21st September. Cameron Cup Final, Gargunnock v Blanefield Thistle

On probably the wettest day for a while, Gargunnock took on Blanefield Thistle in this year's Cameron Cup Final at Balfron. This was Gargunnock's first Cameron Cup final in 21 years and this was reflected in a full coach load of supporters going to the match, with many other Gargunnock supporters taking their cars.

The game started evenly and was fairly open for the first 25 minutes or so, with both teams having chances to open the scoring, but the conditions were causing problems as the ball was skidding fast of the wet surface. Blanefield eventually took the lead when the Gargunnock defence didn't clear their lines properly and Blanefield scored from close range. Gargunnock lifted their game and probably had the best of the rest of the first half, but again missed chances were to prove very costly.

With the second half barely started, Blanefield broke down the left and Gargunnock stopped thinking the ball had gone out of play, however the referee waved play on and the ball squirmed under Nicky Anderson for Blanefield's second. The Gargunnock heads dropped, having lost a second goal so quickly and this became worse when a cross into the six-yard box was deflected past the keeper into the net to make it 3 for Blanefield. Gargunnock tried hard to get into the game and were rewarded when Stuart Kirkpatrick beat the offside trap to break through the centre of the Blanefield defence to slot the ball coolly home. However, as Gargunnock pushed forward to and close the gap, they were caught out as Blanefield notched a fourth goal. This killed the game off for Gargunnock as the game was now beyond them, with the Cup destined for Blanefield.

Final Score: Gargunnock 1, Blanefield Thistle 4

There was some reward for Gargunnock at the presentation ceremony however, as Andy Martin was awarded the Billy Gordon Memorial Shield for Man of the Match and John Lamond was voted runner up in the Stirling Observer Shield for Forth and Endrick Player of the Year.

The Club returned home to a reception in the Community Centre which was well attended by Players and supporters alike. A 'pot luck' buffet and drinks were enjoyed by all. On behalf of the Club, I would like to thank all the supporters who followed the Team, not only on Sunday, but throughout the year. It was much appreciated. So lets look to the the good things this year, semi-final of the Telfer Cup and runners-up in the Cameron Cup and build on this for next season.