Eaglesham Amateurs Football Club                      RED and BLACK

Shandy, Barclay, Williams, Baird, Carlin, Kyle, Dahms, Gallagher (Biggins), Mellis, Sloan, Wallace

Shandy, Barclay, Williams, Gavin (Paul), Davie, Kyle, Dahms, Dunning (McNairn), Mellis, Sloan (Gowans), Wallace

Shand, Barclay K, Dunning, Williams, Carlin, Mellis (Paul), Kyle, Birrell (Johnny), Anderson (Barclay J), Sloan, Wallace.

Shand, Barclay, Williams, Kyle, Carlin, Dahms, Davie (Stevie), Mellis, Lappin (Barr), Sloan (Inglis), Wallace.

Shand, Barclay, Williams, Kyle, Carlin, Mellis, Dahms (Barr), Gallagher (Baird), McNairn (Inglis), Wallace, Dunning. Subs Not Used: Lappin

Shand, Barclay (s/o), Williams, Baird, Carlin, Kyle, Dahms, Gallagher (Barr), Lappin, Inglis (Mellis (s/o)), Wallace. Subs Not Used: Davie

Shand, Barclay, Baird, Williams, Carlin, Lappin (Davie), Kyle, Dahms, McNairn (Inglis), Wallace, Mellis. Subs Not Used: Barr, Sloan.

Shand, Barclay, Baird, Gallagher, Carlin, Dahms, Kyle, Mellis, McNairn (Lappin), Dunning (Inglis), Wallace. Subs Not Used: Biggin

Shand, Barclay, Gallagher, Kyle, Carlin, Dahms, Lappin, Biggin, McNairn, Dunning (Inglis), Wallace (Sloan)

Shand, Barclay, Kyle, Gallagher, Carlin, Dahms, Lappin (Baird), Mellis, McNairn, Dunning (Inglis), Wallace. Subs Not Used: Biggin

Shand, Barclay, Kyle, Gallagher, Carlin, Dahms, Lappin, Mellis, McNairn (Baird), Dunning (Biggin), Wallace.

Eaglesham 9 v 0 Carfin
West of Scotland Cup, Second Round
Eaglesham Park
16/10/2010 2pm

After a bye in the first round Eaglesham faced Carfin in round 2 of the West of Scotland Amateur Cup looking to record their 5th win on the trot.

Keeping the same starting eleven from the previous week manager Billy Whiteford sent his troops out to start quickly and put the game to bed as early as possible. Carfin matched the high tempo that Eaglesham tried to set and forced a string of early corner kicks with one resulting in their big centre forward heading wide from close range.

This seemed to spark Eaglesham into pressing their opponents back with attack after attack and forcing a number of corners themselves. It was from one of these corners that the first clear cut chance was created, but this was on the counter attack as Carfin quickly broke from their own box to the home teams and found their number 7 through 1 on 1 with Eaglesham goalkeeper Steven Shand. Shand kept up his excellent recent form by smothering the striker’s effort and conceding a corner to which nothing came.

Eaglesham kept pressing and this resulted in Alan Dunning scoring an excellently taken solo goal. Spinning the centre half he closed in on the keeper from an angle, sold him a dummy and slotted home. Eaglesham didn’t look back.

Carlin mesmerized two defenders before being felled in the box, penalty. After getting his first Hams’ goal from the spot the previous week, skipper Kevin Barclay stepped up and slotted home – this was to become a common sight in this match. Before half time Eaglesham had chances to go further ahead through Kyle and McNairn, but neither were taken due to lackluster finishing.

This was to be corrected by Eaglesham in the second half as they put the game well and truly beyond doubt with Alan Dunning stabbing home his second of the match and Eaglesham’s third and Andy Wallace slotting home the fourth calmly after some poor defending.

Carfin’s number 10 decided to take a swipe at Dunning and rightly found himself being shown the red card and leaving his teammates to the slaughter. Another penalty was won and Barclay grabbed his 3rd goal in two games from the spot before Andy Biggin who had come on for Dunning showed his finishing abilities and pace to cause the Carfin defence endless problems. He took three chances in quick succession grabbing himself an excellent hat-rick as well as winning yet another penalty which again Barclay took expertly, completing his hatrick and giving Eaglesham a 9-0 victory that sees them safely into round 3.

Next week will see a stiffer test as early pace setters and league leaders Finnart come to Eaglesham in what should be a tasty and tight affair. Kick off is 2pm at Eaglesham Park.

Kris P Bacon

Shand, Barclay, Kyle, Baird, Carlin, Mellis, Dahms, Lappin (Inglis), McNairn, Dunning, Biggins.

Shand, Barclay, Kyle, Baird, Carlin, Mellis (Gallacher), Dahms, Lappin, McNairn, Dunning (Inglis), Biggins (Anderson).

Scottish Cup Replay – Firhill Utd. V Eaglesham

After Eaglesham’s draw with Firhill Utd. in the Scottish Cup two weeks ago, both teams met for the replay at Lochend, Easterhouse. Eaglesham took the game to their hosts in the first 10/15 minutes, although they did not present any real danger to the home team. The home keeper had a few long range shots to deal with and had to clutch a few crosses from corners and free kicks, but to be honest wasn’t really under much pressure. Mid way through the half however, the “Hams” should have gone one up. After a good move down the left involving Baird and Dunning, the ball ended up with McNairn, who placed a lovely ball into the feet of Mellis. The ball was waiting to be slotted home from just inside the box, however he contrived to mishit it, allowing the home keeper to simply pick it up.

With six or seven minutes till half time the game looked like ending the period with a nothing each score line. This however, all changed in a five minute spell with a wonderful three goals in 5 minutes from Allan Dunning.

His first started off with a great diagonal ball from the right back position by Kyle, which Dunning brought down expertly, cut inside the full back and simply drilled the ball in off the left hand post from 18 yards, with the keeper having no chance.

His second was a ball out of defence by Lappin, which sailed over the heads of the Firhill back four and as the keeper ran out of his box towards the ball, Dunning lobbed it over his head from at least 35 yards.

Eaglesham’s third and Dunning’s hat-trick, was again a ball played over the top by captain Barclay and as Dunning ran into the box, the keeper came out to narrow the angle and Dunning lifted the ball over him into the empty net.

As soon as the home team kicked-off, the referee blew for half time and Firhill, having given their all, looked a dejected team as they left the park.

The second half had Eaglesham on top and although they did not manage to score again, lady luck wasn’t on their side. Inglis, who had come on for Dunning, could have scored a hat-trick, but the keeper managed to push one away for a corner, a defender had a last gap clearance on another and after a great cross from the left by McNairn, he was unable to keep his header down and it sailed over the bar. Mellis also had two chances in the second, one of which beat the keeper all ends up, but came crashing off the bar and away to safety.

In the end the “Hams” came out worthy winners and progress to the next round of the Scottish Cup.

Shand, Kyle, Barid, Barclay, Gallagher (Lappin), Carlin, Dahms, Biggin, McNairn, Dunning, Wallace. Subs not used: Inglis

Shand, Barclay, Kyle, Baird, Carlin, Dahms, Lappin, Biggin, McNairn, Wallace, Dunning (Mellis).

Eaglesham made the 40 - mile round trip back to Kirkintilloch to meet the Miners Welfare in the 3rd round of the West of Scotland Cup. The two teams had met in October 2010 in the Scottish Cup, when the “Hams” had recorded 3 – 0 away win. On that occasion the opposition had thought themselves hard done by and in this latest encounter, they ended up with that same old feeling.

Due to the adverse weather over the past few days, the game took place on 4th generation Astro Grass and the “Hams”, who don’t normally make things easy for themselves, proved that adage once again. The “Hams” kicked off with the wind and should have scored in the opening minutes, but it took until the 15th minute, when Wallace played a great ball in from the left, allowing Dunning to trap the ball and strike it passed the defender and the goalkeeper. Although Eaglesham had a lot more of the play it looked as if they would only take a slender lead into the second half, until Wallace robbed the last defender on the halfway line and headed towards goal. As the keeper came out, he coolly slid it passed him and into the net. Half-time 2 – 0 to the “Hams”

Within the first 5 minutes of the second half, Biggin was hauled down at the corner of the box and Lappin struck a low ball in, which everyone, including the home keeper, missed and the ball nestled in the net. The home team then made a couple of substitutions and with the help of the wind, started to play the long ball. This action paid off for them with a knock down allowing one of their midfield players to strike the ball through a crowd of players and into net. The “Welfare” was now up for it and scored another 2 goals in the final 20 minutes. The “Welfare” was flying at this point and their boisterous home support thought their team would surely go on and win the game.

Fortunately for Eaglesham, they forgot about the never say die attitude and fitness of Eaglesham, who managed to awaken from their nightmare and caused the home defence a multitude of problems, with goal line clearances and blocked shots. With under 5 minutes left and extra time looming, Eaglesham’s midfielder Mellis, won the ball and drove towards goal and his shot took a “nick” off a defender and although the home keeper got a hand to it, it nestled in the net giving the Hams a 4 – 3 lead. The referee somehow managed to find 6 minutes of injury time, although Eaglesham held out without too much difficulty winning the match 4 -3.

Eaglesham now play Craigie – Ayrshire – at home in the next round, which should be at the Burnside on Saturday 12 February 2011.

Shand, Baird, Anderson, Gallagher, Carlin (Magoo), Lappin (Scott), Mellis, Nelson (Connelly), McNairn, Wallace, Biggin (Inglis)

Shand, Barclay (Inglis), Kyle, Gallagher, Carlin, Mellis, Dahms, Biggin (Lappin), McNairn, Wallace, Dunning.

Eagelsham took on Craigie, from Ayrshire, in the 4th round of the West of Scotland Cup on Saturday at the Burnside and finished up easy winners with a 9 – 1 scoreline. Having said that, the first 10/15 minutes were evenly matched, although neither keeper had really anything to do. The game changed however in the 25 minute, when Dunning controlled the ball from a McNarin throw in and sent a screaming 25 yard drive into the top corner.

Dunning was to then to double his and Eaglesham’s tally, with a neat far post drilled finish after a tight one two with Wallace in the penalty area. The Hams were to be 3 up soon after, quickly turning defence into attack. A Craigie corner landed at the edge of the box where their number 6 created himself a yard to get a shot off, however four “Hams” defenders threw themselves at the ball and scrambled it clear, where it broke and was cleared down the wing for Dunning to chase. He beat the keeper who had raced out from his goal and clipped the ball into the area for Wallace to tap home. It could have been four just before the break but Wallace was adjudged to be offside as he tapped in Kyle’s shot after the defender had rounded the goalkeeper and shot from a tight angle.

At the break manager Whiteford hammered home the fact that the Hams had been 3 up the previous week only to throw it away before winning late on and did not want a repeat performance. In truth though, there was never any chance of this happening again.
The recurring story of this match was the Craigie defence trying to play a high line and catch Eaglesham offside, but failing to do so. With the Eaglesham forwards running onto the ball played over the top, the visiting goalkeeper continued to rush from his goal and on many occasion was second best.

The fourth, fifth, eighth and ninth goals came from such a scenario. Lappin rounded the keeper for his second goal in two games and Dunning took two further opportunities taking his tally to four for the game, before also winning a penalty which Captain Barclay finished off to keep his 100% ratio from the spot this season. Another Dunning breakaway resulted in Mellis ‘stealing’ a goal by getting the final touch before the ball crossed the line and Wallace grabbed his second of the game to compound the visitors to a heavy defeat. In the closing stages the referee took some pity on the hapless Ayrshire side, allowing the forward to finish after being in an offside position.

It’s Giffnock North away in the fifth round next for the Hams, which is scheduled for next Saturday with a 1:30pm kick off.

To add to a good weekend for the “Hams”, Eaglesham “B” won 3-1 at home and moved to fourth in their league in the Greater Glasgow League. They are also away from home next week.

Shand, Barclay, Kyle, Baird, Carlin, Dahms, Lappin (Steve), Mellis, McNairn, Wallace, Biggin (Inglis). Subs Not Used: Gallagher

Shand, Barclay, Baird, Kyle, Carlin, Mellis, Dahsm, Biggin (Lappin), McNairn (Gallagher), Dunning (Scott), Wallace. Subs Not Used: Inglis

Shand, Barclay, Kyle, Baird (Scott), Carlin, Mellis, Lappin, Dahms, McNairn (Gallagher), Dunning (Biggin), Wallace. Subs Not Used: Inglis

GAME OFF

Shand, Baclay, Kyle, Scott, Carlin, Dahms, Lappin, Gallagher (Barr), McNairn (McArthur), Biggin, Wallace.

Game V Dunoon
Last Saturday Eaglesham travelled “Doon the Water” for this league game against Dunoon. The home team were sitting just 3 points behind the “Hams”, having played one game more, so it was important, after their last few results that Eaglesham kept on the winning trail.

The first half was pretty even, although Eaglesham took the lead through Wallace. Lappin played Biggin in on the right and he beat the full back on the bye-line, before sliding a great ball into the middle where Wallace struck it perfectly, with the ball going through the keeper’s legs.

Shortly after Dunoon made a good move down their right and the ball was played into the middle where the number 9 met it on the volley. The ball looked like it was heading for the net until Shandy produced a great save to touch the ball onto the bar. As it came off the bar the centre forward followed up his strike and was about the head the ball into the empty net when Eaglesham’s centre half Kyle came from nowhere to clear the ball. The first half finished with Eaglesham holding onto their narrow lead.

No sooner had the second half started than Dunoon pulled level and then within 5 minutes took the lead. Their first goal came as a result of a melee in the box and Dunoon’s midfield player struck the ball toward goal, where it took at least two deflections off Eaglesham defenders, which completed threw Shandy and the ball ended up in the net. Their second goal came from a corner on the right, which was dropped by Shandy and the Dunoon player had the simple task of tapping the ball into the net.

Manager Whitelaw made a change, taking off Gallagher and bringing on Barr and that change had the desired effect as with 15 minutes to go Eaglesham equalised. Biggin made a good run down the right and was chopped down near to the corner flag. Despite a couple of earlier wayward corners from Lappin, he sent over a precise nearside post cross and as the home keeper went to attempt to catch the ball, Wallace flicked it on and Kyle had the easy task of sliding the ball into the net from 6 yards.

Dunoon came at the Hams again and after a mistake in their defence, the home number 7 flicked the ball goal wards. For all the world, it looked as if it had beaten Shandy, but once again he showed his class, managing to fingertip the ball away from goal and the ball was eventually cleared. It really was some save and as a result he collided with the post, but was able to carry on.

That was Dunoon’s final fling. For the remainder of the game, Eaglesham showed their superiority and fitness with wave after wave of attack, although initially it looked like it was going to be “one of those days”. Biggin hit straight at the home keeper, Dahms attempted, woefully it must be said, to chip the keeper and Wallace shot over the bar when in a good position.

With 5 minutes remaining, McNairn took on the right back, leaving him trailing in his wake and as both the home keeper and the centre half came to close him down, he coolly chipped the ball over the keeper and into the net. That was a big relief to all, including the hardy travelling supporters and to add to their joy, in the final minute Lappin sent a ball over the top of the home defence and four Eaglesham players ran onto the ball with only the centre half to beat. As the keeper came out to narrow the angle, Dahms took the ball under control, coolly rounded him and rolled the ball into the empty net, although the Dunoon left back nearly cleared it off the line. Own goal or Dahmsy's? It must go down as Dahmsy's goal although he later admitted he had not seen the full back coming to attempt to clear the ball.

All in all a good result, but once again the Hams made it hard for themselves in the opening period of the second half. Next Saturday they are away to Port Glasgow, who has only been defeated once in their last 5 games, so another hard game is expected

Shand, Barclay, Kyle, Scott, Carlin, Dahms, Lappin, Gallagher (Dunning), McNairn, Biggin (Barr), Wallace. Sub Not Used: Baird

Team: Shand, Barclay, Kyle, Baird, Carlin, Dahms, Lappin, Biggin (Inglis), Gallagher (Barr), Dunning, Wallace

TARBERT 3 V EAGLESHAM 4

Eaglesham travelled to Tarbert for this important league game. After dropping 2 points in a disappointing away draw to Port Glasgow last week, it was important that they back got on their winning ways if they were to continue in their hunt for promotion.

Eaglesham started off playing “down the hill” with the breeze at their backs and despite taking the game to the home team in the first 10/15 minutes, on a quick break away by Tarbert, Biggin felled their number 10 just outside the box and he got up. The big striker dusted himself down and hit a great free kick over the 3 man wall and into the corner of the net. This had the desired effect on Eaglesham, who continued to throw everything at the home defence and within 5 minutes not only had they equalised, but had also taken the lead.

The “Hams” equaliser came as a result of a cross by Dunning from the right which was headed in powerfully from the penalty spot by Wallace. Their second was a quickly taken throw-in by Dahms to Biggin, who turned in the box and from an acute angle drilled a shot across the keeper and into the net. Eaglesham thereafter appeared to take their foot off the pedal, resulting in the home team scoring an equaliser, when their No.10 turned expertly in the box and fired a shot into the top corner.

Again Eaglesham took the game to the home team and from a brilliant cross from the right by Carlin, Dunning rose at the back post to head the ball down into the ground and into the net.

Half-Time 2 -3

The second half started with Tarbert using both the slope and the breeze and threw everything at the “Hams” defence. They won a few corners but did not really create any real chances until about 15 minutes into the half, when their No. 10 once again used his skill and pace to hold off two defenders and fire a shot in from the left corner of the box. The shot took a slight deflection causing the “Hams” keeper Shandy to be wrong footed and the ball bounced into the net off an Eaglesham defender who had tried in vain to clear it off the line.

This equalising goal, together with the support of about 30/40 locals, spurred on the home team but Eaglesham’s defence managed to deal with their attacks and came back into the game.

With about 15 minutes to go, Lappin played a ball down the right side, which Kyle ran onto and managed to beat the home left back on the line with some neat footwork before sliding the ball into the 6 yard box where Wallace side footed it into the net.

Tarbert had one more chance from a throw-in on the right, which was headed goalwards by their No. 9, only for Shandy to throw himself to his right and push the ball away. This was truely a magnificent save.

Although that was the end of the scoring, in the final 10 minutes Eaglesham could and should have scored at least three more goals, but pitiful finishing coupled with resolute defending, kept the score at Tarbert 3 Eaglesham 4.

Tarbert had one more chance from a throw-in on the right, which was headed goalwards by their No. 9, only for Shandy to throw himself to his right and push the ball away. This was truely a magnificent save. All in all a great win, but in truth Eaglesham should have won the game more convincingly.

Next Saturday Eaglesham are at home to Dunoon and the following Monday evening they are again at home to the run away leaders of the Division, Finnart, so two huge games coming up.

Shand, Barclay, Baird, Gallagher, Carlin, Dahms, Lappin, Barr (Inglis), McNairn, Wallace, Mellis. Subs Not Used: Biggin, Kyle

Shand, Barclay, Baird, Gallagher, Carlin, Biggin, Lappin (Kyle), Mellis, McNairn, Wallace, Dunning (Inglis). Subs Not Used: Dahms

EAGLESHAM 3 DUNOON 2

Eaglesham had to pay 2 home games in 3 days with the first of these games against Dunoon at the Burnside on Saturday. The visitors were smarting from a 4-2 beating at Dunoon 4 weeks ago and were right up for this encounter taking the game to Eaglesham in the first few minutes. The home team, who looked pretty lethargic in their play took almost 25 minutes to get going and scored 2 goals within a 5 minute period.

The first goal was a great ball swung over from the left by Gallagher onto the head of Mellis who easily beat the Dunoon keeper from 6 yards. The second goal was down to the tenacity and never say die attitude of Wallace who ran into the left corner for a ball most players would not have bothered attempting to retrieve. He cut inside the full back and sent a ball into the middle where both Lappin and Mellis were lurking and it was the former who got his toe to the ball sliding it in past the helpless keeper. That should have been that, but Dunoon got a goal back with the last kick of the first half when from a corner on the right their centre half headed the ball across goal for the number 7 to tap it into the net.

The second half had Eaglesham playing up the hill and they managed to grab a third goal when McNairn brought the ball down onto his left foot from the edge of the box and send a screamer into the opposite corner of the net. Eaglesham seemed to take their foot off the gas and Dunoon came right back into the game and scored a good goal, when the Hams defence allowed their stocky No. 9 to weave into the box where he sent Carlin the wrong way twice and then struck a good shot past Shandy into the net.

The final 15 minutes saw Dunoon throw everything at Eaglesham and in the final minutes the away centre had a excellent chance from the penalty spot with a header that beat the Hams defence and keeper all ends up, but the ball slid past the outside of the right hand post.

Shand, Barclay, Kyle, Gallagher, Carlin, Dahms, Lappin (Dunning), Barr, McNairn, Wallace, Mellis. Subs Not Used: Inglis, Biggin

EAGLESHAM 1 FINNART 1

The second home game in three days had Finnart arriving at the village. They had been beaten in extra time on Saturday in the quarter final of the Scottish Cup by Drumchapel Utd and were ahead of the Hams in the league. Finnart played down the hill and with the wind in the first half and although they had most of the play, the Hams defence limited them to very few chances and on the break had a couple of good chances themselves. The halftime whistle was only a few minutes away when Finnart took the lead. A cross from the left was headed back across goal by their No. 9 and although Shandy and Kyle made an attempt to prevent the ball crossing the line, they failed to do so and Finnart went into the half time break 1 up.

The second half Eaglesham took the play to the away team and despite several half chances, with 15 minutes to go it looked like one of those games where they were destined not to score. Lappin, who had been carrying a knock came off and Dunning took his place and within 5 minutes he set up the equalising goal. Collecting the ball on the right he evaded two tackles and drove the ball along the 6 yard line where it was turned into the net by Wallace.

Eaglesham mounted wave after wave of attacks and with 3 minutes to go were awarded a dubious penalty when the referee deemed that the Finnart centre half had handled the ball. There was no doubt it had come off his hand, but it looked a soft penalty. Captain Barclay had to wait several minutes before taking the penalty as the referee booked 3 Finnart players for complaining. Unfortunately for the Hams, Barclay’s poor penalty was easily saved by the keeper and the game finished shortly thereafter.

A huge disappointment for the home team and more importantly 2 points dropped in their quest for promotion.

Next Saturday the Hams are away to Celtic in the league.

Shand, Barclay, Kyle (Gallagher), Scott, Carlin, Dahms, Lappin (Barr), Mellis, McNairn, Dunning (Biggin), Wallace. Subs Not Used: Baird

Celtic Community Academy 0 v 6 Eaglesham Amateurs

Eaglesham kept their hopes of gaining promotion, and their slim chance of a second SAFL Premier 2 title in 6 years, alive with a comprehensive victory over a poor Celtic side. They now have 4 games remaining - win them all and they will be promoted - have other results go their way too, and they will be champions.

On a very bumpy and vast playing surface in Milton the game started at a frantic pace, with both sides unable to create any clear cut openings. The all important breakthrough came on the half hour mark, when Carlin whipped in a near post corner, which Wallace dummied allowing Kyle to sweep home with his left foot. The second was to come from similar circumstances. Another Carlin corner from the left came into the front post area. This time the keeper claimed unchallenged but made a meal of his catch and allowed the ball to bounce off him and into the net, giving Eaglesham a 2 nil half time lead.

All the talk at half time was about ensuring Eaglesham got the 3rd goal of the game and put the three points in the bag. They managed this within the first 5 minutes of the second half. Quick thinking down the right allowed Dunning to cross, causing havoc in the defence at the back post, before the ball broke free to Scott Lappin, who clinically drilled the ball into the bottom right hand corner.

From this point on the game was never in doubt. The only question was how many Eaglesham could score to aid their less superior goal difference in the race for the top positions in the league.

The Hams top scorer was yet to get in on the act and after 67 minutes he was to get the first of two goals, moving him onto 24 for the season. A Celtic corner was thumped clear by the excellent Dahms to the half way line where the home defence had left Dunning all alone. His first touch sent him clear down the inside left channel, where the only defender able to keep up came to meet him. This allowed him to slip in his strike partner Wallace whose composed lofted finished gave the keeper no chance.

Andy Mellis then got in on the act, scoring a wonderful team goal. Substitute Craig Barr picked out Wallace after at least 10 passes, whose deft touch sent Mellis into the box where he beautifully lobbed the onrushing keeper scoring the goal of the game. Wallace bagged a late penalty after Mellis was felled when in a similar position to the one which he had just scored.

There were numerous more chances for Eaglesham to add to their six goals, but either last ditch defending, poor finishing or a poor final pass meant they had to make do with half a dozen goals.

Eaglesham’s next game comes this Wednesday, away to bottom club Rutherglen. This could prove to be a tricky game as Rutherglen’s position may be a false one due to their lack of games played thus far. They have also picked up two wins in their last 3 games, but the Hams are now undefeated in their last 10 league games and need to keep the winning going if they are to have any chance of glory this season.

Shand, Barclay, Kyle, Scott, Carlin, Dahms, Barr (Lappin), Mellis, McNairn, Dunning (Biggin), Wallace. Subs Not Used: Gallagher, Baird

Eaglesham made the short journey to Rutherglen for this important league game. Rutherglen were lying bottom of the league, but this in main was due to their run in the West of Scotland Cup, which took precedence over league games. They still had several league games to play and were right up for this game.

The pitch was extremely hard and dry with not much grass and Eaglesham found it hard to play their normal passing game. Rutherglen, however played “up and at them” football, with the defence hitting high balls into the Eaglesham goal area at every opportunity. The opening goal was a huge disappointment for the Eaglesham defence as they failed to clear a through ball, which the Rutherglen No. 9 controlled, cut inside and hit a good shot into the roof of the net. For the remainder of the first half it was all Rutherglen with their aggressive play and after a corner on the left they were unlucky not to go two up, when their No. 10 hit a shot that came back off the post. The half-time whistle was a relief for Eaglesham and manager Whiteford had a go at the team for both their play and lack of fighting spirit.

Within 10 minutes of the restart, Eaglesham had gone 2 – 1 up. The equalising goal was scored by Mellis and if the BBC cameras had been there, it would have no doubt been nominated for, not only goal of the month, but perhaps goal of the season. Mellis picked the ball up about 10 yards inside the opposition half, turned his marker beautifully and as the ball bounced off the hard surface he hit an unstoppable shot from all of 35 yards into the postage stamp of the Rutherglen goal. The home keeper did not move and even if he had seen the ball, there is no doubt he would not have got anywhere near it.

Eaglesham’s second goal came from the penalty spot. A through ball was played by Kyle and the home defence stopped as Eaglesham’s No 9 Wallace was offside, but Wallace showed an awareness of his surroundings and stood with his hands in the air indicating that he was not moving for the ball and Scott, the “Hams” central defender, ran through the home defence onto the ball from an onside position. Only then did the Rutherglen centre half realise what was happening and as he attempted to close down Scott, he pulled him down in the box. A clear cut penalty, although why the centre half was not red carded is a mystery.

Wallace’s strike from the spot wasn’t his best, but somehow the keeper, who had dived the right way, was unable to stop the ball and the Hams led 2 – 1. After that Rutherglen had a real go, punting high balls into the area and they had an expert at the long throw in, which also caused the Hams defence problems.

After having played at least 5 minutes injury time, the referee brought the game to an end with Eaglesham more than happy to leave with the 3 points.

Shand, Barclay, Kyle, Scott, Carlin, Dahms, Lappin, Mellis (Barr), McNairn (Baird), Biggin (Inglis), Wallace.

Eaglesham kept their hopes of promotion alive after this emphatic home win. Tarbert were sitting second bottom of the league, but were coming off a narrow loss to second placed EK Rolls Royce, who are a league above both teams, in the Cup last week. They travelled to Eaglesham with hope and a fair number of supporters.

Within 4 minutes both the away team and their supporters were in the depths of despair as Eaglesham went two up. The first came after a corner was initially cleared with the ball finding Carlin on the left. His deep cross was met by Kyle who headed the ball across goal for Scott to nod in an easy opening goal. The second was similar, with a cross to the back post where Mellis out jumped the centre half to nod in. Tarbert regrouped and showed a bit more effort, but in fairness did not bother the home goal. The third goal came again from Mellis. Carlin ran onto a great ball played over the top by Kyle, beat the left back and crossed a deep ball, which was brought down by Mellis, who struck a glorious shot from the edge of the box, across the keeper and into the far corner of the net.

The final 20 minutes of the first half, with the exception of a lapse of concentration by the home defence, was the Andy Wallace show, in which he scored a hat-trick. His first was a cross from the right which was expertly turned into the corner of the net to make it 4–0. The “lapse of concentration” mentioned was when Tarbert scored after a corner on the right was cleared by Dahms only for the away team’s No. 7 to strike a ball through the defence, which found its way into the net.

Wallace’s second goal was scored after a good team movement, finishing with Mellis playing a ball through the middle, which Wallace ran onto and he beat the goalkeeper easily and his hat-trick was complete when the centre half failed to control a through ball and Wallace calmly waited for the keeper to make a move, side-stepped him and despite a defender on the line, calmly stroked the ball into the net. Half time 6-1.

The second half started with Tarbert showing a bit more fight and although Eaglesham had the vast majority of the ball, their only goal of the second half game via the goal the game. Lappin picked up the ball just inside the half and strode forward unleashing a tremendous shot from all of 35 yards, which the Tarbert keeper had no chance of saving.

With important games coming up, Manager Whiteford changed things round making three substitutions and that seemed to initially throw Eaglesham as Tarbert scored their second goal, when the big No.10, who was by far their best player, struck a shot past the Eaglesham keeper and in off the far post. In the final 15 minutes Eaglesham, who had used all their subs, had to play with 10 men as their Captain, Kev. Barclay had to go off injured, but despite the number advantage, Tarbert failed to make any more chances and the game finished with score Eaglesham 7 – Tarbert 2.

Eaglesham’s next league game is on Wednesday 11 May, when they are away to Finnart, one of the teams challenging them for promotion. So a big game coming up, which will have a 6.30pm kick-off and be played at Glasgow Green. The team would appreciate as many home supporters as possible travelling to see this game.

Shand, Kyle, Baird, Scott, Carlin, Barr, Lappin, Mellis, McNairn, Inglis (Biggin), Wallace

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