Juniors start season on a win

Gary Pews • Published 23 Aug 2010 11:00 0 Comments

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JOY OF SIX: Greenock started their season with a bang on Saturday.

A RAMPANT Greenock hit Perthshire for six to get their league campaign off to the best possible start.

The visitors were expected to provide stuffy opposition, but were simply steamrollered by a magnificent attacking display by the Ravenscraig men.

Skipper Thomas Docherty led the way with a fine strike from outside the box to get the opener after just 15 minutes, and a diving header from Jason McLaughlin doubled Greenock’s advantage on the half- hour mark.

Docherty then capitalised on a defensive mistake to get his second, closely followed by a Kenny McKay strike to give Greenock a commanding 4-0 lead at the interval.

McKay then grabbed his hat-trick with another two goals early in the second half to seal victory.

Stunned Perthshire had no answer to the onslaught, although they were thwarted from getting a consolation goal near the end by Greenock keeper Mark Monk, who pulled off a great double-save.

Having scored for fun in their League Cup Section, Greenock have now netted 18 goals in just five matches and sit proudly on top of the Central League First Division after the opening day. McKay’s hat-trick sees him take his personal tally to seven.

The striker said: ‘’The whole team is playing well, not just up front but in defence and in midfield as well.

“The attitude throughout the club is superb. We have a laugh together but we also put the work in, and it shows in the results.’’

Manager Stevie Mooney said: “That was an outstanding performance by the whole team.

“They play at a great tempo, and they are now getting the goals to go with it.’’

The gaffer now has the task of focusing his players’ minds on their big League Cup quarter-final tie against Shotts at Ravenscraig on Wednesday evening.

He added: “We all enjoyed the victory on Saturday, but will get the players in on Monday and get them grounded again for Wednesday’s game.’’

GREENOCK: Monk, Irvine, Stirling, B. McLaughlin, M. Docherty, Fleming, Kearns (R. Jamieson 71), J. McLaughlin, McKay, T. Docherty (Bradley 64), A. Jamieson (McCormick 71). Subs not used: Crawford, K. Docherty, Mooney, Waterson.

•Greenock Juniors are sponsored by Regents Vehicle Sales, Greenock, Kingsley Wood Solicitors and Notaries, and the Lighthouse Bar.

TWIN strikes from Jonathan Donnelly and Joe Donnachie saw Port Glasgow return from Cambuslang with all three points after a fine performance.

The Port had to do it the hard way after conceding a goal within 60 seconds for the third time this season. Home striker McLeod was pulled down in the box and Cambuslang converted the spot-kick.

But the Port settled and Donnelly levelled the scores after 20 minutes.

However, slack marking allowed Cambuslang to regain the lead just before half-time.

Donnelly equalised for a second time early in the second period, after which Port Glasgow had the bulk of the play.

The woodwork then robbed Donnelly of his hat-trick, but substitute Donnachie gave the visitors a deserved lead with nine minutes left, and he struck again five minutes later to put the result beyond doubt.

Scott Wilson looked certain to make it five right at the death, but was cruelly deprived of the goal when the referee blew for full-time as the ball was netbound.

Port boss Craig Brown was delighted at his team’s great showing.

He said: “Some people may be surprised at this result, but not me. We have been playing well without getting much reward, but today was better still. We had nine players under 21 today. I think we will surprise a few people this season.”

PORT GLASGOW: Tucker, McGarrigle, Joyce, Brown, Beckley, K. McKay, F. McKay, Wilson, Nugent (Donnachie 70), Donnelly (B. Stanton 85), A. McEwan. Subs not used: Stinson, C. McEwan, Forsyth, Kidd.

•Port Glasgow Juniors are sponsored by 5 Star Plasterers, and WJ.

This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 23 Aug 10

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