Rutherglen Glencairn 2 Forth Wanderers 2 (5-4 pens)

Forth lost on penalties to Rutherglen Glencairn at the Clyde Gateway Stadium after fighting back from 2 goals down. The Wanderers goals were scored by Gordon Murphy and Martin Harty.

Great credit has to go to the Glens ground staff for actually getting the match on despite the recent weather and the pitch didn't detract from an entertaining cup tie.

The Wanderers selected the same starting line up as at Yoker back on the 17th of November, but it was the home side who started the brighter. A couple of early chances were spurned, one fired straight at keeper Hutchison before Agnew beat the Forth offside trap only to screw the ball wide. In reply, Chris McQuade found himself in a good position but blasted high and wide. The home side were dominant at this stage and it was no surprise when they took the lead on 22 minutes when a corner from the right was met by the head of Agnew, who narrowly beat Hutchison to the ball and headed home from a couple of yards. Martin Harty was next to try his luck for Forth but although his shot beat home keeper Montgomery it was also wide of the post.

Just after the half hour, Jamie McKenzie was booked for a foul on Agnew as he ran through on goal and from the resultant free kick McAlpine gave Hutchison no chance, finding the net via the inside of the post with the keeper rooted to the spot. The home side then tried to make the tie safe with a string of chances but Hutchison was in excellent form and was equal to whatever the Glens could throw at him. Forth went close just prior to half time when a Craig Crawford free kick had Montgomery scrambling across his line but it ended just the wrong side of the post.

The Glens began the second half again on the front foot but the Wanderers gradually worked their way back into the game aided by a couple of substitutions. Stephen McQuade came on for Crawford, and slotted in at left back allowing Scott Gibb to move to his favoured position at centre back and Jamie McKenzie to move into midfield. Gordon Murphy had also come on for Chris McQuade and it was Murphy who reduced the deficit on 67 minutes with a sublime chip. A McKenzie free kick into the box was only half cleared and fell to Murphy who made space for himself and then deftly chipped the ball into the corner of the net giving Montgomery no chance. Just prior to this Martin Harty had gone close from a Chris Gordon cross and two minutes after the goal,Chris McGroarty was presented with an opportunity following another Gordon cross but fired wide.

Forth were playing with far more confidence now and a good run from Tony Traynor saw him elect to pass when a shot looked like the better option and the chance was gone. Chris Gordon then just failed to connect with a great Murphy cross as the Wanderers went all out for an equaliser. Agnew could however have confirmed victory for the home side in the dying minutes but despite rounding Hutchison, the keeper managed to get back and block for a corner. Forth were not to be denied though and a cleverly weighted ball from McKenzie found Harty in the box and his accurate header found the corner of the net for the equaliser. Penalties it was.

Glencairn scored first before McKenzie missed for Forth. Hutchison saved the next Glens penalty allowing Harty to even things up. The home side then scored their third before Murphy missed for Forth. Incredibly, the next Glens kick came off the bar and McGroarty restored parity. The next five penalties were scored, Gordon and Traynor netting for Forth, before David Grant struck the final penalty high over the bar giving Glencairn the victory, 5-4 on penalties.

Considering the long lay off and the fact that Glencairn are two divisions above the Wanderers, Forth can take a lot of positives into the next match at home to Maryhill.

Some further photos can be found here.

Forth team : Hutchison,Howson(Traynor),Gibb,McKenzie,Grant,Crawford(S.McQuade),Canning, McGroarty,Harty,Gordon,C.McQuade(Murphy)

Game On !

After a 9am pitch inspection, today's game against Rutherglen Glencairn is on. Amazed but delighted !

Tomorrow's Game

I was down at the Clyde Gateway Stadium this morning and had a chat with the Glencairn secretary, Alex Forbes, who invited me to take a walk on the pitch and see conditions for myself. Currently sodden with small patches of surface water so, unless the rain ceases and the wind gets up, it's looking like another blank Saturday for the Wanderers.

Away to Rutherglen on Saturday 29th

The West of Scotland Cup tie away to Rutherglen Glencairn will now take place this Saturday, 29th December, at the Clyde Gateway Stadium  ko 13:45. This replaces the scheduled league match away to Cambuslang.

Glencairn Game Off

Today's game with Rutherglen Glencairn has been called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

Johnstone Burgh at home on 12th January

Forth will play Johnstone Burgh at Kingshill Park on Saturday 12th January 2013 ko 13:45.

Weather permitting of course ...

Vale of Leven Game Off

Today's game against Vale of Leven has been called off.

Vale of Leven Game

Kingshill Park is still frozen, see photos below, and it looks certain that the game against Vale of Leven tomorrow will be postponed. Official confirmation of the postponement will be given once received.

New Year Draw Tickets Now Available

Tickets are now available for the Forth Wanderers New Year draw and can be obtained from any of the committee. The recent lack of home games and resultant income means that this is a welcome source of revenue for the club and all tickets purchased are greatly appreciated.

Central League Cup Draw

The Wanderers have been drawn at home to Lanark in the first round of the Central League Cup. The winners are away to Renfrew in the second round. Dates to be announced.

First Fixture of 2013 Announced

The Wanderers will play Maryhill at Kingshill Park on Saturday 5th January 2013 ko 13:45.

Forth v Maryhill - Game Off

Today's game against Maryhill, due to have been played in Carluke, has been called off as the park is virtually a solid sheet of ice.

Maryhill Match - Venue Switch

Saturday's match against Maryhill has been moved from Kingshill Park to the John Cumming Stadium in Carluke, kick off 13:45.

New Fixtures

Forth v Maryhill Saturday 8th December 13:45 ko

Forth v Vale of Leven Saturday 15th December 13:45 ko

Maryhill Game Off

Despite the venue change, tomorrow's match with Maryhill has been called off.

Maryhill Game Switched to Lochburn Park

Saturday's match against Maryhill has been switched to Lochburn Park with Kingshill unplayable. The game going ahead is obviously weather dependent although the park was playable last night. Updates when we get them.

Kenny Wright Returns to Kingshill

The Wanderers are delighted to announce the signing of striker Kenny Wright from Shotts Bon Accord on a two year deal. Kenny was a prolific scorer in his first spell at the club and his signing underlines the club's ambition to move forward on all fronts.
The striker said, "I'm glad to be back and can't wait to get back to scoring goals."
Welcome back to Kingshill, Kenny !

Yoker Athletic 2 Forth Wanderers 1

Despite an excellent performance, the Wanderers exited the Scottish Junior Cup yesterday, going down 2-1 to Yoker at Holm Park in a pulsating match.

Forth made two changes from the Vale of Leven match, Scott Gibb coming in for the injured Stephen McQuade and Chris McQuade replacing Gordon Murphy wide on the left.

The Wanderers began brightly taking the game to the home side but it was Yoker who struck first, scoring in 8 minutes. A corner from the right evaded the Forth defence and deflected off the Yoker number 5 and into the net although he didn't seem to know much about it. Undeterred the Wanderers continued to press and forced a couple of corners before being awarded a penalty on 16 minutes when a home defender was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box. Manager Jamie McKenzie stepped up but the home keeper got down to his left to save and also managed to block the rebound from Chris McGroarty.

On a rare Yoker foray up the park, Forth keeper Hutchison saved well before ,at the other end, a McKenzie corner found McGroarty in space outside the box but the keeper blocked his shot. Good play between the Yoker 7 and 8 saw the latter with a clear sight of goal but he shot wide.

Forth levelled on 26 minutes when good work from Chris McGroarty found Chris McQuade wide on the left and his cross was turned into the net by the Yoker number 4, with Chris Gordon waiting to pounce. This was no more than Forth deserved for their positive play, belying the fact that Yoker were two divisions above them.

The Yoker number 3 hit the top of the crossbar with a rising shot while their number 8 beat Hutchison to a cross ball but headed narrowly wide. Forth had a McGroarty shot which he sent wide after good work by Canning and a Crawford attempt which flew over and overall could be happy with a positive first half performance.

The home keeper, who had an excellent game throughout, blocked a Harty shot with his feet at his near post early in the second half as the Wanderers again began on the front foot. The big striker had another shot blocked for a corner as Forth continued to press although as the half wore on Yoker were seen more as an attacking force and Hutchison was called into action on a couple of occasions. Good work by McGroarty, who was on the receiving end of several hefty challenges throughout the game, set up Chris Gordon but again the home keeper blocked the resultant shot with his legs. The keeper was called into action again minutes later rushing from goal to block a McGroarty chip as Forth searched for the lead.

However, it was Yoker who regained the advantage when a free kick from the left again evaded both Hutchison and his defence and was bundled in at the back post. Forth re-doubled their efforts and went all out for an equaliser, utilising all 3 substitutes as the game ticked on. Manager McKenzie was sent off, receiving a second yellow for simulation after going down in the Yoker box to add to the one received earlier in the half for a late challenge, but still the 10 men pressed forward. Goalkeeper Hutchison came up for a late corner to no avail but the Wanderers created one final chance deep into injury time. Gordon Murphy bent a tremendous shot from out on the right, which looked to be heading in but hit the inside of the post instead and when Chris Gordon's follow up was saved the Wanderers cup challenge died.

Overall, a game Forth never deserved to lose after playing some excellent passing football throughout but goals win games and Yoker scored one more. This Saturday the Wanderers face the current league leaders Maryhill at Kingshill Park in what should be an intriguing game.

'Mon the Forth

A few other photos can be found here.  

Forth team : Hutchison,Howson,Gibb(Storrie),Grant,McKenzie,Canning,Crawford(Misanjo), McGroarty,Harty,Gordon,C.McQuade(Murphy)

Glencairn Away in the West

Forth have been drawn away to Rutherglen Glencairn in the 2nd Round of the West of Scotland Cup. Date tba.

Cambuslang Game Off

Today's match against Cambuslang has been called off after a 10am inspection by the match referee. Despite all the hard work put in by the committee throughout the week and no water lying on the park, the ref deemed it unplayable citing health and safety concerns.

Yoker Away in the Junior Cup 3rd Round

The Wanderers have been drawn away to Yoker Athletic in the Scottish Cup 3rd Round. Tie to be played on Saturday 17th November at Holm Park. The Yoker website can be found here.

Wishaw Game Called Off

Today's game at Wishaw has been called off.

Cambuslang at home on Saturday 10th

Forth will play Cambuslang at Kingshill Park on Saturday 10th November with a 2pm kick off.

Vale of Leven 1 Forth Wanderers 1

The Wanderers drew 1-1 with Vale of Leven at Millburn Park yesterday, Chris McGroarty netting the Forth goal. Martin Harty saw red in the first half but ten man Wanderers will feel it was two points dropped as they had the better of the game and played some excellent passing football at times.

Forth unsurprisingly kept faith with the starting eleven which won in Lanark last week and began brightly with only a fanatastic save by home keeper Charles Smith stopping Martin Harty from opening the scoring in the 2nd minute. The move began with good work between McKenzie and Howson, the former playing the ball into the Vale box where an excellent Chris Gordon knock-down set Harty free and the big hitman's shot looked netbound until the intervention of Smith. Forth were playing some neat passing football at this stage while the Vale were countering by trying to get the ball out to David McNaught on the left. Martin Harty was booked on 12 minutes after a late tackle, a card which took on added significance when the same player received a second yellow for dissent on 38 minutes. Forth continued to press for the opener and a McGroarty shot flew over before a Murphy back header from a McKenzie free kick went just over the bar with Smith rooted to the spot.

Chris McGroarty was pulling the strings for Forth in midfield and fired over when a free kick broke out to him and Craig Crawford was next to go close when he got his head to a McKenzie free kick but the ball went wide. McGroarty then played a neat one two with Howson and drove towards goal but his shot was easily collected by Smith. McNaught then cut in from the left as Vale threatened but the resultant shot was high and wide.

There was some tough tackling going on as both teams fought for supremacy and home debutant Kieran Docherty was forced to go off after 35 minutes with what turned out to be a broken arm - we wish him a speedy recovery. Barry Canning then appeared to be flattened although the referee waved play on, much to the consternation of Martin Harty who received a second yellow after voicing his concerns to the whistler. With Forth down to 10, Vale had an excellent opportunity almost on the whistle but as the forward broke through, David Grant executed a superb last ditch tackle and the danger was cleared. Scoreless at half time then, with Forth having the better of the play and Wanderers keeper Hutchison a virtual spectator.

Undeterred by the numerical disadvantage, the Wanderers began the second half on the front foot and Craig Crawford went close with a dipping free kick from the edge of the D. The same player tested Smith 5 minutes later but his 25 yard shot was easily held. The home side countered through David Telfer, who cleverly cut inside and made space for himself but his final shot was well wide. On the hour mark good work from Chris Gordon setup Gordon Murphy but his final shot was wide. However, the opener was only delayed one minute. Again Gordon did well out on the left and his cross was met by the onrushing Chris McGroarty who dispatched the ball into the corner of the net with the minimum of fuss. Forth continued to cause problems for the Vale defence every time they attacked and another great ball from McGroarty sent Gordon Murphy away but his attempted chip of the keeper went wide.

As the match moved into the final quarter, the home side enjoyed their best spell of the match as they sought to make their one man advantage count. Firstly, Hutchison had to punch away a rasping free kick from Alan Brown, then Mark Bowie skewed a header wide before Hutchison saved well from Gordon Martin. However, the home side were not to be denied and substitute Hugh Ward scored from close range on 80 minutes after the Forth defence failed to clear their lines.

The Wanderers were not happy to settle for a point though and continued to press and the tireless Chris Gordon went close as the match ended with Forth continuing to press for an elusive winner.

More photos from the match can be found here.


Forth team : Hutchison,Howson,S.McQuade,McKenzie,Grant,Canning,Crawford(Misanjo),
McGroarty,Harty,Gordon,Murphy(Stevenson)

Vale of Leven Match Switched to Millburn Park

This Saturday's match against Vale of Leven has been switched from Kingshill Park to the Vale's Millburn Park. This is due to Kingshill currently being unplayable and hopefully the early decision to switch will allow the match to go ahead.

Minute's Silence Before Vale of Leven Match

There will be a minute's silence before the Vale of Leven match on Saturday to allow the club to pay it's respects to lifelong supporter and programme editor Dougie Bryce who died suddenly last week.

The thoughts of everyone at Forth Wanderers are with Dougie's family and friends at this difficult time.

Lanark United 0 Forth Wanderers 3

The Wanderers progressed to the 3rd Round of the Junior Cup with an excellent 3-0 victory over local rivals Lanark United at Moor Park yesterday.

The Forth goals came from Craig Crawford and a Chris Gordon brace.

Manager Jamie McKenzie declared himself proud of his players and dedicated the win to supporter and programme editor Dougie Bryce who died suddenly during the week. Said McKenzie, "The thoughts and prayers of players and management are with his family at this time."  RIP Dougie, you'll be missed by everyone at the Forth.

Considering the recent weather Moor Park was in excellent condition, a credit to the Lanark groundstaff.
Forth made two changes to the side which overcame Girvan a fortnight ago, Stephen McQuade and Martin Harty coming in for Scott Gibb and Chris McQuade respectively.

Forth began brightly and took the lead after 6 minutes through Chris Gordon. Gordon picked up the ball just outside the box, cut inside and made space for himself before expertly curling the ball into the net, giving the home keeper no chance. Lanark responded by forcing several corners and Forth keeper Hutchison did well to block a net bound shot with his legs as the home side continued to press.

Although Lanark had plenty of possession, the Wanderers looked dangerous whenever they attacked and they almost doubled their lead on 17 minutes. Again it was that man Chris Gordon who latched on to a Gordon Murphy through ball and shot low to the keepers left but the stopper got a strong hand to it and kept it out. Chris McGroarty then went close for Forth before Martin Harty headed a Jamie McKenzie free kick narrowly over.

Lanark went close when their number 10 shot wide from a good position before a neat turn and shot from Martin Harty slipped just past the post with the keeper struggling. Chris McGroarty then went close with a shot and although Lanark forced further corners as the interval approached there was no further scoring in the half.

Forth wasted no time in increasing their lead at the start of the second half, notching a second through Craig Crawford on 47 minutes. A quick break found Crawford and McGroarty onside just inside the Lanark half and a neat one two sent Crawford bearing down on goal. As the home keeper advanced, Crawford executed a deft chip over him and into the net. Cue an interesting celebration from the scorer, who informs me that it's called the "helicrawfter", so who am I to argue !

Chris Gordon then shot narrowly past with the keeper beaten but he was not to be denied and made it 3-0 on 58 minutes. Martin Harty was sent clear on the right and elected to cut it back rather than shoot and although the initial shot was blocked, the ball feel to Gordon who buried it from 20 yards. Lanark were a beaten side at this point, although they kept plugging away and Forth keeper Hutchison was called into action on several occasions, but was equal to whatever the home side threw at him. The Yowes went down to 10 men when McCrum was sent packing for dissent and although Forth were seeing plenty of the ball and substitute Yamikani Misanjo was causing the home defence untold problems, there was no further scoring.

Overall, a disciplined performance with some resolute defending when required and some clinical finishing, which augurs well for the season ahead.

'Mon the Forth


More photos can be found here.

Forth team : Hutchison,Howson,S.McQuade,McKenzie,Grant,Canning,(Storrie),Crawford(C.McQuade),McGroarty,Harty,Gordon,Murphy(Misanjo)

Vale of Leven at home next Saturday

The Wanderers will play Vale of Leven at Kingshill Park this coming Saturday. Kick off is 2pm.

Friendly Result : Shettleston 1 Forth 1

Forth drew 1-1 with Shettleston at Glasgow Green Football Centre last night in a friendly match. Marc Storrie opened the scoring in the first half, pouncing as the 'Ton keeper failed to hold a free kick. Shettleston equalised through a penalty late in the game.

The Wanderers took the opportunity to run the rule over several trialists in the second half.

Cambuslang Game Called Off

This afternoon's match with Cambuslang has been called off.

Signing News

The Wanderers are pleased to announce Craig Crawford has re-signed for the current season and midfielder Chris McQuade, previously with Kilbirnie, has also signed for the club. Welcome aboard Chris.

Girvan 2 Forth 2 (Forth win 5-4 on penalties)

Forth overcame Girvan 5-4 on penalties yesterday at Hamilton Park, after the West of Scotland tie finished 2-2 after 90 minutes. The Wanderers scorers were Murphy and McGroarty.

Forth made four changes to the team which lost to Rossvale - Hutchison,Gibb,Chris McQuade and Crawford all coming in.

The Wanderers started well and Chris McQuade fired narrowly over before Chris Gordon won the ball in midfield, beat a defender and shot over the bar. Girvan were also contributing to an entertaining game and Forth keeper Hutchison had to look lively to block from the home number 10. A McQuade corner was then deflected by a Girvan defender onto the top of his own bar as Forth pressed for the opener. However, it was the home side who broke the deadlock. The lively Girvan number 10 timed his run down the right perfectly as an excellent through ball split the Forth defence and he gave Hutchison no chance with a clinical finish.

A McQuade corner was dummied by Gordon setting up a shot for Jamie McKenzie but the Forth manager fired over from a decent position. Barry Canning was then put through by McQuade but slipped before he was able to pull the trigger. At the other end, Hutchison again did well to save from the home number 10. Forth got the goal their play deserved on 33 minutes when Gordon Murphy bulletted a header past the home keeper from 12 yards. An entertaining half ended with both teams looking to attack but there was no further scoring.

The Wanderers created the first chance of the second half when a good run and cross by Gibb was just missed by Chris McGroarty with the goal at his mercy. Girvan then regained the lead on 53 minutes from the penalty spot, when McKenzie was adjudged to have handled in the box and the home player made no mistake. As Forth pushed further up the field in search of an equaliser, Hutchison was called into action on a couple of occasions as the home side broke quickly but the Forth keeper was more than equal to the task. On 73 minutes, the Wanderers drew level when the ball broke to Chris McGroarty 20 yards out and his shot seemed to take a slight deflection before nestling in the back of the net. That completed the scoring although Girvan had a couple of chances near the death, but overall the draw was probably a fair reflection on the game.

So on to penalties!  The first 6 penalties were scored before Hutchison saved Girvan's fourth and with the next two being scored Chris McQuade had the chance to win it for Forth but he screwed it wide. Fortunately, Girvan missed in sudden death leaving James Hughes to send the Wanderers into the next round.

Overall, decent weather, a friendly club and an entertaining match to boot.

More photos can be found here.

Forth team : Hutchison,McKenzie,Howson,Grant,Gibb(Traynor),Canning,C.McQuade,McGroarty,
Crawford(Hughes),Gordon,Murphy

Lanark Away in 2nd round of the Junior Cup

Forth have been drawn away to near neighbours Lanark in the 2nd round of the Scottish Junior Cup. The tie will be played on Saturday 20th October, weather permitting.

Rossvale Juniors 1 Forth Wanderers 0

Forth slumped to their first league defeat of the season at Petershill Park yesterday, Rossvale emerging victorious by one goal to nil. Although the Wanderers enjoyed the majority of the possession, Rossvale had the better chances, striking the woodwork on two separate occasions.

After an uneventful opening 10 minutes, Forth created the first opening when a Marc Howson throw found Martin Harty inside the box and his cross was met by the head of Gordon Murphy but his header flew over. Rossvale then went close when their number 9 cleverly made space for himself before unleashing a tremendous shot which rattled the Forth post with keeper Glenn Weir beaten. Tony Traynor then burst through the home defence but his shot was inches too high. Chances were at a premium in what was becoming a tight game and although the Wanderers had plenty of possession, they weren't troubling the home keeper. It was no surprise that the game remained scoreless at the interval.

Rossvale began the second half brightly and hit the crossbar soon after the restart before Forth keeper Weir spread himself well to block a shot from the 'Vale number 11 who found himself with a clear run on goal. Similar to the first half, Forth had the majority of the possession but Rossvale always looked dangerous on the break. And it was the home side who took the lead in bizarre circumstances. Forth were playing the ball out from the back when a misplaced pass allowed a Rossvale forward the opportunity to strike for goal and although the initial shot seemed to be going well wide, David Grant's attempted block deflected the ball wickedly and it found it's way into the Forth net. The Wanderers used all three substitutes in an attempt to level things up, but a Craig Crawford free kick which skimmed the top of the bar was the closest they came to equalising.

Overall, a bad day at the office for the Wanderers, who despite dominating possession, rarely troubled the home keeper.

Further photos from the game can be found here.

Forth team : Weir,Howson,McQuade(Trialist),McKenzie(Hughes),Grant,Canning,Traynor,
McGroarty,Harty,Gordon,Murphy(Crawford)

Player Sponsorship

The Wanderers are offering individuals and businesses the opportunity to sponsor one of our players for the season. Details can be found here. A chance for supporters near or far to help the club , all monies received go directly into the running of Forth Wanderers. All support is much appreciated !

Rossvale Away on September 29th

The Wanderers next match is against Rossvale Juniors on Saturday 29th September, kick off 2pm. The game will be played at Petershill Park, Springburn, Glasgow.

Forth Wanderers 2 Blantyre Victoria 0

Forth won a hard fought match against Blantyre Vics by two goals to nil at Kingshill Park this afternoon. A third consecutive clean sheet for the Wanderers who have now gone 348 minutes without conceding a league goal.

Forth made two changes to the team which defeated Vale of Clyde a fortnight ago, Glenn Weir replacing the unavailable JC Hutchison in goal and Barry Canning coming in for Tony Traynor who dropped to the bench. Vics manager Davie Greig named no less than 6 players from his previous club St. Roch's in his starting eleven.  

 

The visitors began the game brightly and good play between Greg Harvey and Stephen Watson after 6 minutes forced home keeper Weir into a good save at full stretch from the latter's shot. Craig Fry was next to test Weir but again the big keeper got down well to block after 11 minutes. The Vics were certainly fired up for this game and Chris McGroarty was the recipient of a couple of hefty challenges during the opening exchanges. 

After 13 minutes visiting keeper Paul Burns was yellow carded for knocking the ball away with his hand outside the box as Forth threatened. The resulting free kick from Jamie McKenzie was certainly fizzing towards the target but the Vics wall stood firm and did it's job deflecting the shot away for a corner which keeper Burns dealt with comfortably.

There was a moment of controversy on 22 minutes when Vics stopper Alan Shields flattened Barry Canning with a shocking challenge, leaving the Forth player needing treatment and leading to his substitution minutes later, being replaced by Tony Traynor. Despite the majority of those present expecting a red card to be brandished, the referee decided a yellow would suffice deeming the challenge merely late. Not content with his good fortune, Shields then began remonstrating with the Forth bench but his colleagues were able to restrain him and the game continued.

An excellent three man move involving Canning,Murphy and Gordon ended with Chris Gordon having a clear sight of goal but visiting keeper Burns was equal to the shot from the Forth striker. Burns then held a McGroarty free kick before Gordon Murphy did well to win a header allowing Martin Harty to fire a first time shot narrowly over. Vics were causing problems on the break, with Greg Harvey prominent throughout the half, and only tremendous tackles from firstly Alan Stevenson and then Jamie McKenzie prevented them getting further shots away. The final chance of the half again fell to the visitors when a Craig Fry cross which seemed to be dipping in under the bar was touched over by Weir.

Presumably the Wanderers received a half-time tongue lashing from manager McKenzie for they began the second half in a determined manner. Martin Harty shot narrowly wide on 49 minutes as the home side enjoyed the lion's share of possession. The Vics were still dangerous on the break however and David Grant was on hand to clear when a Stephen McDonald cross took out keeper Weir.

Forth were beginning to find gaps in the Blantyre defence and Tony Traynor did well to create an opening for himself but keeper Burns blocked the initial shot and the rebound was cleared for a corner. Burns was again called into action minutes later when he showed excellent handling to hold a rasping McKenzie shot.

The Vics then had their best spell of the 2nd half, forcing a couple of corners and calling Weir into action to deal with a header. Then on 71 minutes, a neat one two between Gordon and McGroarty ended with Chris Gordon being tripped in the box and the referee awarded a penalty. Despite a delay while the Vics made a substitution and some verbals from Terry Hewitt, an unfazed Jamie McKenzie confidently stepped up and blasted the ball past the helpless Burns. Greg Hughes had an opportunity to level minutes later but he blasted wildly over from a good position inside the left of the box.

The Wanderers continued to push for second and Burns easily held a Murphy shot before Shields managed to deflect a Harty effort away for a corner with 10 minutes to go. Impressive Forth substitute James Hughes was tormenting the Vics defence with his pace and movement and good work between him and Chris Gordon set up a chance for Jamie McKenzie whose shot seemed to be heading into the top corner until the head of Mark Devaney diverted it for a corner. Chris McGroarty whipped in the corner and it was curling in at Burns' near post until the keeper managed to punch the ball clear but only to the unmarked Gordon Murphy who buried a header into the empty goal to seal the win.

An excellent three points for the Wanderers which the Vics certainly made them work for. On the evidence of this afternoon, Davie Greig will soon have the Vics climbing the table.

More photos from the game can be found here.

Forth team : Weir,Howson,McQuade,McKenzie,Grant,Canning(Traynor),Stevenson(Gibb),
McGroarty,Harty(Hughes),Gordon,Murphy

Vics team : Burns,Devaney,Gumley,McIntosh,Shields,Hewitt,Harvey,Green,McDonald,
Watson,Fry  Subs: Christie,Paterson,Mulholland,Cassidy,Gibson

Latest News

Barry Canning has extended his stay at the club by another year.

The Wanderers have signed midfielder James Hughes. Welcome to Kingshill James!

Striker Marc Storrie has joined Shettleston Juniors on a 4 week temporary transfer.

Bryan Felvus has completed his move to Kilsyth Rangers. We wish Bryan all the best at his new club.

Wishaw Game Called Off

This afternoon's match between Forth and Wishaw has been called off after an early morning pitch inspection.

Vale of Clyde 0 Forth Wanderers 2

Goals from Martin 'hitman' Harty and Chris McGroarty gave the Wanderers victory at a sunny Fullarton Park yesterday.

Forth began with new signing from Harmony Row, Chris Gordon, in the starting line up. Chris had played and scored as a trialist in a couple of earlier matches and looks to be another good addition to the new look Wanderers squad.

The home side started brightly and Forth keeper Hutchison had to look lively in the opening minutes to block at the feet of an advancing forward. Connelly was next to threaten for the Vale when a neat turn and shot skimmed the top of the Forth crossbar, although the referee, who had a decent match, pulled the play back and awarded the Vale a free kick for an earlier infringement. McMillan was next to try his luck for the home side but dragged his shot wide.

The Wanderers were seeing plenty of the ball at this stage without creating any clear cut chances although Martin Harty was leading the line well and causing problems for the home defence. Chris McGroarty almost broke the deadlock when his netbound shot was deflected narrowly over the bar by a defenders head but the opener was merely delayed and it arrived on 22 minutes. Martin Harty controlled the ball just inside the home box and seeing the keeper slightly off his line calmly lobbed his shot into the far corner of the net for a quality goal. Vale of Clyde pressed for an equaliser but Forth keeper Hutchison was equal to their efforts although John Connelly should probably have done better than heading over, when presented with a clear opportunity in the box. A fairly even first half then, with the home side perhaps having the better chances but the Wanderers with the only goal.

Forth began the second half purposefully and Chris Gordon flashed a header wide just after the restart. Martin Harty then found Tony Traynor in the box and the wingers header rebounded back off the post and appeared to strike a defenders arm but the Wanderers appeals for a penalty were waved away. Hepburn went close for the Vale as they attempted to get back into it but it was Forth who were looking the more likely at this stage.

A fine Jamie McKenzie ball then allowed Gordon Murphy to beat the offside trap but he screwed the ball wide with the goal at his mercy. The Wanderers finally doubled their advantage on 78 minutes when a cross come shot from Chris McGroarty took a deflection and evaded the despairing grasp of home keeper Gordon to nestle in the back of the onion bag. Forth comfortably saw out the remaining minutes to record a second consecutive clean sheet.

Overall, a close contest, with the Tin Pail having the better chances in the first half and the Wanderers controlling the second period for long spells.

Photos from the match can be found here.
 
Forth team : Hutchison,Howson,McQuade(Gibb),Grant,McKenzie,Stevenson(Storrie),Traynor(Canning), McGroarty,Harty,Gordon,Murphy

Bryan Felvus Available for Transfer

Forth have made striker Bryan Felvus available for transfer. Further details from secretary Jim Kelly.

Forth Wanderers 3 Newmains United 0

The Wanderers won 3-0 against Newmains at Kingshill Park this afternoon thanks to goals from Jamie McKenzie and a Martin Harty double. Newmains cause wasn't helped when their keeper was red carded when giving away the penalty which led to the Wanderers opener. Forth could have scored more in the second half but Newmains substitute goalkeeper was in fine form.

The visitors had the first chance of the match, flashing a header wide with only two minutes on the clock and the early exchanges suggested that they would be a much tougher proposition than the team Forth faced on Monday night. The Wanderers first real opportunity came after 15 minutes when Tony Traynor ran through and played in Martin Harty but the striker dragged his shot wide. Jamie McKenzie was next to show for Forth evading his man in the box but again he fired wide.

Forth were awarded  a penalty on 23 minutes when a Howson cross was headed into the path of Martin Harty by Gordon Murphy and the striker took a touch, rounded the keeper and was felled by the stopper who received a red card for his trouble. After a delay of a couple of minutes, Jamie McKenzie stepped up and dispatched the ball into the net with the minimum of fuss.

Newmains had a chance to level when Martin Daly controlled the ball well and ran clear of the Forth defence but his chipped shot just cleared the crossbar. On 35 minutes the Wanderers almost increased their lead when a great ball from McKenzie found David Grant in the box but his header came back of the keepers left hand post and was cleared. Undeterred, Forth doubled their lead soon after when Gibb found McKenzie who then threaded a perfectly weighted ball to Martin Harty who beat the keeper with ease. The Wanderers had further chances through Marc Howson,Chris McGroarty and Gordon Murphy but at the interval the score remained 2-0.

The visitors began the second half brightly and had a couple of chances in the opening minutes but one failed to hit the target and the other was comfortably saved by Hutchison in the Forth goal. As Newmains pushed up they were leaving gaps at the back and first Murphy then McKenzie went close for the Wanderers. The visiting keeper then saved well when Harty was through on goal and made another excellent block from Traynor as Forth attempted to kill the game off. The keeper made further good saves from Harty and McKenzie before saving well from Howson. It was all Forth at this stage but they were unable to turn the relentless pressure into goals. However on 83 minutes the Newmains resistance was finally broken. Good interplay between the two trialist substitutes resulted in a cross come shot being turned over the line by Harty to make it three and complete the scoring.

A comfortable win for the Wanderers in the end, helped in no small part, by Newmains going down to 10 men early in the match and although Forth really should have scored a few more, it was still 3 points and a clean sheet.

A final word concerning the Forth 'ultras' whose banner,songs and support throughout the game was much appreciated. I believe they plan to be regular attendees and I'm looking forward to seeing how they develop.
Small acorns and all that ...

More photos can be found here.

Forth team :
Hutchison,Howson,McQuade,Grant,Gibb(Trialist),Stevenson,Traynor(Trialist),
McGroarty(Mathers),Harty,McKenzie,Murphy

Royal Albert 2 Forth Wanderers 2

The Wanderers drew 2-2 with Royal Albert at Gasworks Park tonight, after fighting back from two goals down. The Forth goals were scored by Gordon Murphy and Jamie McKenzie.

A proverbial game of two halves at Gasworks Park with the Albert having the better of the first half and creating the better chances and Forth dominating the second against a ten man rearguard action.

The initial minutes saw the ball swing from end to end as both sides went in search of an early opener but it was the home side who took the lead on 5 minutes with a sweet 20 yard strike from James Nelson. The ball was played into the Wanderers box and Jamie McKenzie appeared to be impeded as he cleared but the ball fell to Nelson who wasted no time in dispatching past the despairing Weir in the Forth goal.

The Wanderers retaliated with a McGroarty shot which flew narrowly past the post with the home keeper Craig Smith scrambling to his right. A quick McKenzie free kick then found Harty but Smith blocked his shot and Storrie was unable to divert the rebound on target.

Royal Albert doubled their lead with barely 12 minutes on the clock, when Weir misjudged a tame Nelson shot, the ball going through the distraught keepers legs and into the net. Jamie McKenzie was beginning to pull the strings for the Wanderers and a great ball from him saw Murphy flash a shot wide with Smith beaten. Marc Storrie then had a shot saved before a Murphy cross just eluded McGroarty in the Albert box.

The home side were giving as good as they got though and nearly increased their lead when a deflected shot was headed off the line for a corner by McKenzie. The corner caused further problems for the Forth defence before being cleared as did a subsequent long throw. The Albert created another chance when a corner was dummied to leave a strike at goal, but the subsequent shot was miscued in the box when a cleaner connection would surely have resulted in a goal. The home side came close again when a deflected shot went just narrowly wide.   

Forth were never out of it though and after Storrie had volleyed over he played a fine pass to Gordon Murphy on the left hand edge of the box and his pile driver gave Smith no chance, to reduce the deficit on 41 minutes. Things went from bad to worse for Royal Albert when Craig Cooper was red-carded for what the referee signalled as a stamp although it looked little more than handbags to the fans in the enclosure.

The Wanderers began the second half in determined mood as they set about levelling the contest. Tony Traynor had a shot deflected for a corner before home keeper Smith excelled himself with tremendous close range stops from Traynor and Gordon Murphy. Albert scorer Nelson was on a hat-trick and his free kick from wide on the left flashed across the goal and wide to the relief of the Forth defence. This was a brief respite for Albert who were being increasingly pinned back by waves of Wanderers attacks.

Jamie McKenzie went close but his shot was touched away for a corner by keeper Smith. The Forth manager was not to be denied however and he duly notched the equaliser in the 70^th minute. Marc Storrie produced an excellent deep cross from the left which took out the home defence and McKenzie nodded home from 5 yards.

Forth now had the bit between their teeth and Harty came close after Smith spilled a vicious McGroarty shot before Storrie shot wide and Murphy narrowly over. As we entered the last ten minutes a great run from substitute Craig Crawford saw him round the keeper but he shot wide from a narrowing angle. Storrie then thought he had won it for Forth with a fierce drive but Smith again got down quickly to his left to make an excellent save. Despite further chances for Harty and McKenzie the elusive winner would not come and the honours ended even.

Albert player/coach Jamie Nesbitt was kind enough to provide a home perspective on the match saying "I thought we played some very good football up until the sending off. We just couldn't find the third goal. Forth battled well and used the extra man to their advantage in the second half. Our keeper was outstanding when called upon with a double save, so I suppose a point apiece was a fair result."

More photos can be found here.

Forth team : Weir,Howson,McQuade(Grant),McKenzie,Gibb,Stevenson(Crawford),Traynor,
McGroarty,Storrie,Harty,Murphy

Bye in Junior Cup 1st Round

The Wanderers received a bye in this afternoon's Scottish Junior Cup 1st round draw.

Newmains United 1 Forth Wanderers 4

Forth won 4-1 at Victoria Park tonight against Newmains United, the goals coming from a trialist, Tony Traynor and a Jamie McKenzie brace.

Forth welcomed back manager Jamie McKenzie for this match which only the Wanderers appeared to realise was a 6:30 kick off. Newmains seemed to think it was 6:45 and after some discussion the game finally got underway at 6:42.

Forth began the game purposefully and found themselves two goals up within 13 minutes. The opener arrived in the second minute when a short McGroarty corner found Howson in space and his pinpoint cross was headed neatly home by the trialist number 10. Two minutes later McKenzie fired a free kick over as the Wanderers continued their early domination. The lead was doubled on 13 minutes when some neat interplay on the right saw Storrie make for the bye line and his cut back was coolly finished by Tony Traynor.

Forth were passing the ball about well at this point and on 26 minutes a good Harty run found Storrie who hit his shot across the keeper,but the stopper did well to palm away at full stretch. Harty was again involved playing a neat 1-2 with Howson but the danger was cleared.Jamie McKenzie was next to threaten latching on to a McGroarty corner but his shot was easily saved by the home keeper.

Up to this point, Newmains hadn't been seen as an attacking threat but this changed when their number 10 fired over after a smart turn and shot.Glenn Weir in the Forth goal was then called into action, punching clear an inviting cross through a crowd of bodies as the home side began to gain in confidence. Forth were never under any real pressure however and saw the game out to half time with their two goal advantage intact. 

Forth made it three early in the second half after the referee adjudged a foul had been committed on the far side of the area. Jamie McKenzie made no mistake from the spot. Minutes later Newmains had a penalty of their own after their striker was brought down although they subsequently put the ball in the net after the whistle was blown. They were made to rue the lack of advantage played when Weir got down well to his left and saved the penalty taken by the hosts number 5. However, the home side did get back into the game with a well taken goal from their number 6 who gave Weir no chance from around 22 yards. This seemed to instill confidence in the home side, but a straight red card on 69 minutes for their number 3 put paid to any hopes of a fightback.

Forth had several further chances as the match wore on but managed only one further goal, although Storrie was unlucky on a couple of occasions. The goal came when Storrie latched on to a through ball and fired it across goal where McKenzie had the simplest of tasks to tap in from a yard.

A good victory for the Wanderers considering the 'dead-rubber' status of the match, hopefully a similar result can be achieved when the teams resume hostilities at Kingshill Park on Saturday.   

Further photos can be found here.

Forth team : Weir,Howson,McQuade,McKenzie,Mathers,Stevenson,Traynor(Lauchlan),
McGroarty(Grant), Storrie,Trialist(Felvus),Harty

Forth Wanderers 1 Livingston United 4

An experimental Forth side lost 4-1 to Livingston United at Airdrie Leisure Centre this afternoon. United scored two goals in each half, the Wanderers responded at the death through a Jamie McKenzie shot from fully 45 yards.

Friendly Opponents Changed

Forth will now face Livingston United at Airdrie Leisure Centre this Saturday(18th) with a 13:00 kick off.

Forth Wanderers 2 Wishaw Juniors 3

Forth lost 3-2 to Wishaw tonight at a rainy Kingshill Park. The Wanderers goals were scored by the trialist number 10 and Marc Storrie.

The Forth cause wasn't helped when Martin Harty saw red after 9 minutes for what was deemed to be a last man foul. To rub salt in the Wanderers wounds Wishaw scored from the resulting free kick after Hutchison had saved the initial effort. Barry Canning was also sent off late on to cap a disappointing night for the Forth.

Forth were without central defensive partnership Jamie McKenzie and Scott Gibb as well as the unavailable Gordon Murphy and the injured Bryan Felvus.

The first chance of the match fell to Wishaw after 2 minutes when Faulds beat the Forth offside trap and his cross from the right was just missed by onrushing strike partner Main. Chris McGroarty was first to threaten for Forth but his 20 yard strike flew over the bar. Then, on 9 minutes, a pivotal incident in the game. A long ball over the top of the Forth defence was chased by the visitors Main and Martin Harty and after a tangle at the edge of the box a free kick was awarded to Wishaw and Harty given his marching orders. A sense of deja vu descended on the Forth support as Shotts scored two from virtually the same position on Monday night and, sure enough, although Hutchison blocked the initial shot Jamie Main was on hand to sweep home the rebound.

The Wanderers could have gone further behind on 19 minutes when a long ball forced keeper Hutchison into a headed clearance just outside his box which fell to the lively Faulds, whose accurate lob hit both posts before being smothered by a relieved Hutchison. The ten men of Forth were beginning to pass the ball around well and were coming much more into the game and it was no surprise when they equalised. A good run from Tony Traynor ended him passing to the trialist number 10 inside the box and he swivelled and shot into the right hand corner of the net giving the keeper no chance. A McGroarty cross forced a defender to head over his own bar and Storrie put a chance by the post as the Wanderers sought to gain the advantage. The Wishaw keeper comfortably held a header from the Forth goalscorer before just beating Tony Traynor to an excellent cross from the right. At the other end home keeper Hutchison stood up well to make an excellent save as Wishaw threatened. The final chance of the half fell to Wishaw's Faulds but he fired over.

Wishaw regained the advantage two minutes after the break after some hesitant defending allowed Jason Lafferty to nip in and slip the ball past Hutchison from around 10 yards. Storrie had a shot deflected for a corner after 56 minutes and five minutes later the trialist number 10 dragged his shot wide from a promising position. The latter almost scored his second of the game but the visiting keeper did well to rush from his line and effect the block. Wishaw were still threatening on the break and Hutchison did well to clear the ball off the foot of the threatening Faulds. McGroarty then forced the visiting keeper into a fine save from a well taken free kick before he again made space for himself and shot narrowly over.

Time was running out for the Wanderers and with four minutes to go things got worse when Barry Canning was sent off for his second bookable offence. Wishaw then sealed the win when Eddie McCardle drifted in to meet a cross from the right and head neatly into the net to make it 3-1. Almost immediately Storrie pulled a goal back for the Wanderers despite the suspicion of offside and there was one final chance for Forth but the trialist substitute dragged the ball wide.

Overall, a disappointing result, but on a positive note several trialists had a decent run out ahead of the league season starting and the squad as a whole is beginning to take shape.

More photos can be found here.

Forth team : Hutchison,Howson,McQuade(Trialist(Trialist)),Harty,Grant,Canning,Traynor, McGroarty,Storrie,Trialist,Trialist(Stevenson)

Signing News

Forth Wanderers are pleased to announce the signings of Scott Gibb and Steven McQuade who were both previously with Shettleston Juniors, Marc Howson from Harmony Row and Marc Storrie from Knightswood. Along with goalkeeper JC Hutchison, who has already made an impressive start to his Wanderers career, this brings the number of new arrivals to five, with a couple more hopefully to come.
Welcome to the Wanderers boys !

Further good news is that Alan Stevenson and Tony Traynor have also agreed one year extensions to stay at Kingshill Park.

Forth Wanderers 1 Shotts Bon Accord 3

Forth went down by three goals to one against Shotts at Kingshill Park tonight, but a gutsy performance against the Junior Cup holders, who are three divisions above the Wanderers, augurs well for the forthcoming season. Forth held a one goal lead at the interval through a trialist striker, who netted in his second consecutive game, but a second half onslaught from the visitors proved just too much for a determined Wanderers rearguard well marshalled by manager Jamie McKenzie.

The Wanderers welcomed back captain David Grant, who was deployed in a midfield role, and Tony Traynor but were missing Gordon Murphy and Bryan Felvus from the team which started on Saturday.

Chris McGroarty had an early drive blocked for Forth before Tony Jaconelli had the ball in the next for the visitors only to be given offside. On 12 minutes the Wanderers took the lead when a long ball from Hutchison deceived the Shotts defence and the trialist striker stole in behind them and neatly lobbed the advancing keeper. Tony Traynor was next to have a go but his shot ended well wide. Hutchison then saved comfortably from a Goodall free kick as Shotts began to press and striker Allan McKenzie was unlucky to see his shot slip narrowly wide.  Hutchison then saved well at the feet of Allan McKenzie before turning away a rasping drive from Paul Finnigan for a corner. The Forth keeper then saved from Shotts substitute Gary Millar just before the interval as the Wanderers held on to their slender one goal advantage.

Forth began the second half brightly and Barry Canning made a good run before eventually being crowded out and then Shotts substitute Paul Burns passed back to his keeper who had to pick it up under pressure from Chris McGroarty. The resulting free kick was fired wide by Jamie McKenzie.

Shotts then began to dominate, forcing the Wanderers back deep into their own half, but resolute defending and inspired goalkeeping from Hutchison kept them at bay. Gary Millar was prominent for Shotts and was causing the home defence problems. The visitors then had a goal disallowed for offside after a superb shot smashed against the bar, Hutchison parried the rebound and the ball was forced home.

Shotts then won a series of free kicks on the edge of the Forth box and it was from these that they made the breakthrough. The first was well saved by Hutchison but the next,although initially well saved, came back out to Allan McKenzie who made no mistake from close range. Worse was to follow two minutes later when another free kick on the edge of the box was rifled home by Scott giving Hutchison no chance. Forth tried to get back into it but the visitors sealed the win when an Allan McKenzie cross was well controlled and expertly dispatched by Tony Jaconelli in the closing minutes.

Overall, on the evidence of the last two matches there is much to be optimistic about down Kingshill Park way, but on the night Shotts were deserved winners although the Wanderers can hold their heads high.

Forth team : Hutchison,Trialist,Trialist,McKenzie,Trialist,Canning,Harty(Trialist),McGroarty, Trialist,Traynor(Trialist),Grant
Shotts team : Murdoch,Finnigan,Goodall,Jaconelli,Ferguson,Kelly,Hanlon,McCafferty, McKenzie,Scott,Sideserf

Carluke Rovers 1 Forth Wanderers 3

The Wanderers ran out deserved victors by three goals to one against Carluke Rovers at the John Cumming Stadium yesterday. The Forth scorers were Jamie McKenzie from the penalty spot, a trialist striker and Bryan Felvus.

The first chance of the match fell to Forth when the home keeper got down well to a 20 yard shot from Chris McGroarty and pushed it away for a corner. Gordon Murphy then connected with a Jamie McKenzie free kick but headed wide of the post. Wanderers keeper Hutchison then had to look lively to turn a well hit shot around for a corner.

Forth took the lead on the half hour when a tremendous shot from Gordon Murphy was blocked by the Rovers keeper McLachlan only to fall to the trialist striker who was bundled to the ground before he could net. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and Jamie McKenzie made no mistake with the penalty.

Jackson then unleashed a vicious shot which Forth keeper Hutchison did well to turn away for a corner as the home side tried to get back on level terms. The same player then shot narrowly over before ex Forth striker Kenny Wright equalised on 44 minutes although there was a suspicion of handball as he ran through.

Forth began the second period brightly and Gordon Murphy volleyed wide on 48 minutes before Hutchison in the Forth goal was called upon to touch over a shot from Weir on 52 minutes. The Wanderers regained the lead when a fantastic Murphy cross field ball found the trialist striker running clear and he buried his shot with aplomb. Carluke then had a penalty shout denied before Weir shot narrowly wide. The Wanderers were next to threaten when a McGroarty shot was blocked before Carluke's Arnott headed over from a corner. Weir was next to threaten for the home side when he latched onto a cross at the back post but drove the ball into the side netting.

Forth continued to press, not content to sit on their lead, and a smart one two between the trialist striker and McGroarty led to the latter's shot being saved by McLachlan but the ball fell to Bryan Felvus who smashed an unstoppable shot into the net from 22 yards to make it 3-1. The Wanderers comfortably played out the remaining 20 minutes to record a well deserved victory.

More photos can be found here.

Forth team : Hutchison,Trialist,Trialist,McKenzie,Trialist,Canning,Harty (Trialist),McGroarty,Trialist(Mathers),Felvus(Trialist),Murphy

EGM - Sunday 12th August

An EGM is being held this Sunday(12th) at Kingshill Park beginning at midday. All welcome.

Newmains v Forth Game Off

Tonight's match between Newmains and Forth has been called off.

Forth Wanderers 1 Independent Amateurs 1

Forth drew 1-1 with Airdrie based Independent Amateurs at Kingshill Park this evening.

The visitors took the lead in the first half with a neat finish after a ball through the middle split the Forth defence and a perfectly executed chip beat home keeper Hutchison.

The Wanderers equalised through Bryan Felvus, keeping up his goal a game record for the season, and had chances to increase their lead through Felvus, Traynor and Harty. The visitors nearly won it near the end when an audacious shot smacked the top of the bar with keeper Hutchison off his line but in the end the honours were shared.

Forth team : Hutchison,Trialist,Harty,Mathers,Grant,McKenzie(Trialist),Traynor,Canning,Felvus,
McGroarty,Murphy

Friendly on Thursday 2nd August

The Wanderers will take on Independent Amateurs in a friendly at Kingshill Park on Thursday night, kick off 19:00.

Assistant Manager Departs

Assistant manager Paul McKinlay has left the club to take up the position of manager at Harthill Royal.

Thanks to Paul for his efforts over the last year and best wishes for his new role.

Livingston United 2 Forth Wanderers 1

A late goal saw the Wanderers go down to a narrow 2-1 defeat against Livingston United at Station Park this afternoon. Bryan Felvus netted the Forth goal, his third in three games.

Chances were few and far between in a first half where the weather fluctuated between sun and driving rain. The Wanderers best chance fell to Bryan Felvus who latched on to a Chris McGroarty free kick but the home keeper blocked his shot with his legs. For Livi, their number 10 was prominent and had a couple of chances both of which he put wide. Their best chance came on the stroke of half-time when a cross into the six yard box looked sure to be converted by their striker but somehow he contrived to miss and the ball was scrambled clear.

Forth began the second half brightly and a Chris McGroarty corner found Barry Canning free just outside the box but he fired well wide. However, it was Livingston who broke the deadlock when a perfectly flighted free kick from the left was met by Jaconelli who gave Hutchison in the Forth goal no chance.

This seemed to spur the Wanderers into action and they proceeded to have their best spell of the match. A fantastic crossfield ball from Martin Harty found Bryan Felvus in the box and his header beat the keeper but was unfortunately just wide of the left hand post. Undaunted, Forth levelled when a powerful Gordon Murphy shot was parried by the home keeper and Bryan Felvus was on hand to net from a couple of yards.

Barry Canning them came close to giving the Wanderers the lead after a strong run, but his shot was blocked by the keepers legs. The keeper then did well to block a close range Chris McGroarty header as Forth stepped up a gear.

It was the home side however who scored what proved to be the winner, when a free kick in front of the home dugout fully 35 yards out was powerfully struck by Wilson and somehow found it's way into the top of the Forth net.

Another good work out for the Wanderers with promising displays from the three trialists, especially the number 4.

More photos from the game can be found here.

'Mon the Forth  

Forth team : Hutchison,Mathers(Trialist),Harty,Trialist,Grant,Canning,Traynor(Trialist), Stevenson(McKenzie),Felvus,McGroarty,Murphy

Forth Wanderers 3 Lanark United 5

The Wanderers lost an entertaining Clydesdale Cup match to Lanark by 5 goals to 3 tonight at a sunny Kingshill Park. The Forth goals came courtesy of David Grant, a Jamie McKenzie penalty and Bryan Felvus.

Forth created the first chance within 4 minutes when a ball through to Bryan Felvus beat the visitors offside trap but the Yowes keeper did well to turn the sweetly hit shot over for a corner. A minute later a mishit Felvus shot had the keeper scrambling across his goal and happy to see it go just the wrong side of the post. 

New Forth keeper JC Hutchison then produced an excellent save to keep the scores level. An inviting cross from the left was met by a Lanark head and the ball looked to be heading into the top corner until the keeper managed to get a hand to the ball and turn it away for a corner. Lanark came even closer after a slack back pass from Gordon Murphy eluded the keeper and slid just the wrong side of the post. The Yowes were having a good spell at this point and a long ball over the top left their centre forward one on one with the keeper but again Hutchison produced a tremendous save, staying on his feet as long as possible and not giving the striker an easy option. 

Forth came roaring back into the game and took the lead on 19 minutes. Jamie McKenzie whizzed a dead ball in from the left eluding everyone apart from David Grant at the back post who finished neatly despite a valiant effort by a defender on the goal line. Just before the half hour, Hutchison again had to look lively to turn away a dangerous free kick from the Lanark number three at the expense of a corner.

Forth extended their lead on 41 minutes after a Bryan Felvus header sent Barry Canning racing into the box where he was clearly brought down. Manager Jamie McKenzie chipped in the resultant penalty to give the Wanderers a precious two goal advantage. A moment of controversy followed as the Lanark keeper appeared to thwart a Forth attack with a hand outside the box although the referee adjudged it to have been his chest and waved play on. Lanark took full advantage and raced up the field to level after a quick break left their forward clean through on the keeper and he made no mistake.

Forth began the second half on the front foot, the Lanark keeper having to look lively to turn over a Chris McGroarty free kick before a Bryan Felvus cross found Tony Traynor and his goal bound header was cleared for a corner. The Yowes keeper, who had a decent game throughout, was then forced to turn a dipping Chris McGroarty shot, which was heading just under the bar, over for another Forth corner. Bryan Felvus then went close with a volley from the edge of the six yard box which flashed narrowly wide.

Lanark had never been out the game however and a cross from the left was met by a forward only to be well saved by Forth keeper Hutchison, although it fell kindly to another Lanark player who took full advantage to level the scores. Lanark then took the lead on 72 minutes when a long ball was adjudged to have beaten the Forth offside trap, despite vehement protests from the Wanderers defenders, and the on rushing forward was brought down. Marriot made no mistake from the spot to put the visitors ahead. Forth didn't let the heads go down though and achieved parity when an excellent corner from the trialist substitute was hammered home by Bryan Felvus on the 6 yard box.

As thoughts in the crowd may have been drifting towards penalties, Lanark had other ideas and regained the lead when a pacy free kick by Rankin seemed to be missed by everyone before taking an awkward bounce past Hutchison. The icing on the cake for Lanark came when their trialist striker neatly finished after Hutchison had made another good block from the initial attempt. 

Overall, a far better performance from Forth than the one on Saturday in a game where they gave as good as they got against their higher league opponents. 

More photos can be found here.

'Mon the Forth

Forth team : Hutchison,Harty,Murphy,Grant,Mathers(Trialist),McKenzie,Traynor,

McGroarty,Canning,Felvus,Crawford(Stevenson)

Tonight's Match Off

Tonight's Clydesdale Cup match against Lanark United has fallen victim to the weather and will now be played at Kingshill Park on Wednesday 25th July at 19:00.

Whiteford Amateurs 5 Forth Wanderers 1

Forth lost 5-1 to Whiteford Amateurs in a friendly at the Keir Hardie Centre this afternoon. In a disappointing performance, Bryan Felvus notched the Wanderers goal in the second half, briefly cutting the deficit to 2-1. Manager Jamie McKenzie took the opportunity to play four trialists and new goalkeeper J C Hutchison also made his debut.

Forth team : Hutchison,Harty,Trialist,Grant(Trialist),Mathers(Trialist),Canning(Trialist),Traynor, McGroarty,Felvus,McKenzie,Murphy   More photos can be found here.

Friendly on Saturday 21st v Whiteford Amateurs

The Wanderers have arranged a friendly against Whiteford Amateurs for this Saturday, 21st July. The game will be played at the Keir Hardie Sports Centre, Holytown with a 12 noon kick off.

Clydesdale Cup

The Wanderers start their defence of the Clydesdale Cup with a home tie against Lanark United at Kingshill Park on Monday 23rd July with a 19:00 kick off.

The winners of this tie will play the winners of Carluke v Lesmahagow which is being played on Tuesday 24th July. The final will, I believe, be played on Monday 30th July with the venue being dependent on the finalists.

Opening League Fixtures Announced

The Wanderers opening Central League 2nd Division fixtures have been announced :

Sat 18th August No Game (Odd team out)
Sat 25th August Newmains United Kingshill Park 14:00
Sat 1st September Vale of Clyde Fullarton Park 14:00
Sat 8th September Wishaw Juniors Kingshill Park 14:00

Sectional League Cup Dates Announced

Dates for the Sectional League Cup matches have been announced as follows :

Monday 6th August Newmains United Victoria Park 18:45
Saturday 11th August Carluke Rovers John Cumming Stadium 14:00
Monday 13th August Shotts Bon Accord Kingshill Park 18:45
Wednesday 15th August Wishaw Juniors Kingshill Park 18:45

Girvan Away in the West of Scotland 1st Round

The Wanderers have been drawn away to Girvan Juniors in the 1st Round of the West of Scotland Cup.
Date tba.

Forth Appeal Rejected

The Wanderers appeal against their 3 point deduction was rejected this evening and means we continue in the Central 2nd Division next season.

The league table on the site has been amended to reflect this.

All the best to promoted teams Carluke, St.Roch's and Lesmahagow in the Central 1st.

Friendly away to Livingston United - Saturday 28th July

The Wanderers have arranged a pre-season friendly away to Livingston United on Saturday 28th July with a 2:30pm kick off. United play at Station Park which is situated in the Deans area of the town.

Forth Holding Open Trial on Saturday 7th July

Forth Wanderers are looking for new players to add to the squad for the upcoming season and will be holding an open training session at Kingshill Park, Forth on Saturday 7th July.
Interested parties should contact secretary Jim Kelly on 07715054638.

Squad News

Wanderers manager Jamie McKenzie has made defender Paul Gemmell available for transfer and Kenny Govan is also leaving the club. Jamie has also agreed to re-sign David Grant, Craig Crawford, Kris Jarvie, Gordon Murphy and Kenny Wright.

Message from the Manager

On behalf of myself, Paul and Martin I would like to thank our fans for their support during this season, a season which has brought a lot of change for the club as a whole.
We came to the club with a plan to stabilise the football side of things and I'm sure you will agree that the players we have brought to the club, along with the ones who stayed from last season, have been a credit to themselves. They have now given us a platform to build upon for the coming season.
Thank you for your continued support.
Jamie McKenzie

Johnstone Burgh 0 Forth Wanderers 0

Forth achieved promotion yesterday with a scoreless draw against Johnstone Burgh at Keanie Park. The home side shaded the first half but the second half was all Wanderers and several chances were spurned including a penalty miss from the normally reliable Kris Jarvie.

The celebrations at full time were non-existent, a telling reflection of the winning mentality manager Jamie McKenzie has instilled in the squad.

However, credit must be paid to Jamie, Paul McKinlay and Martin Harty and the 19 players in our squad for giving us a season to remember - take a bow every single one of you.

After a tentative start from both sides, perhaps understandable with what was at stake, Forth created the first real chance after 7 minutes. A Gordon Murphy cross from the left found Bryan Felvus who coolly lobbed the keeper and hit the net only to be adjudged offside. Burgh came roaring back and won a free kick 25 yards out but their number 2 blasted the kick over. After 14 minutes a great three man move involving Harty, Murphy and Felvus ended with a Murphy cross eluding the keeper but with no Forth player there to take advantage.

Burgh then began to have the better of the exchanges and an excellent cross from the right found no takers before their number 11 shot narrowly wide. The Wanderers had a couple of opportunities during this period, firstly when a McGroarty corner was headed on by Felvus to Jarvie who fired an overhead kick over the bar. Just after this, some great distribution by keeper Clark sent Tony Traynor scampering down the right wing and his pinpoint cross was headed into the net by Kris Jarvie but again the whistler blew for offside.

The Burgh number 10, who was prominent throughout, then broke through from a suspiciously offside position and only a well-timed block by Lewis McKinlay stopped him getting his shot away. From the resultant corner, the ball was cleared to the edge of the box and Clark got down well to save the subsequent shot. Another Burgh attack was thwarted by an excellent Marc Napier tackle before Forth keeper Clark produced another wonderful save down to his left from a powerful deflected shot from the edge of the box.

Forth were never out the game and the Burgh keeper had to look lively to save firstly from a Felvus overhead kick and then a McGroarty shot around the half hour mark. Burgh had an great opportunity to open the scoring on 39 minutes when tenacious play from their number 10 allowed him to break through the Forth defence but he shot against the outside of the post when he should really have hit the target. Half time arrived with Burgh perhaps just shading a fairly even half.

The first chance of the second half again fell to the Burgh number 10, but his diving header was just wide of the post. After this however, Forth took control of the match and created several good opportunities.

A 25 yard screamer from Gordon Murphy produced a tremendous save from the home keeper before Kris Jarvie shot narrowly wide. Murphy then fired over after a neat cutback before he played a one two with Barry Canning which sent the latter clear but the keeper rushed from his line to make an important block. On 64 minutes, a surging run from Marc Napier was brought to a halt but the ball broke to Tony Traynor whose cross was adjudged to have been handled by a Burgh defender and a penalty awarded. Kris Jarvie stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way but also the ball the wrong side of the post.

It looked like it wasn't to be Forth's day and a McGroarty shot which went narrowly wide and a Felvus header which hit the top of the bar seemed to confirm this. Still the Wanderers piled forward at every opportunity and a surging Tony Traynor run ended with his attempted lob sailing over the bar when perhaps he should've played in one of his colleagues. Gordon Murphy then connected perfectly with a Napier cross to send a powerful header into the top corner but again the home keeper was equal to it and turned it away for a corner.

The Burgh keeper then did well to hold a Felvus shot before a McGroarty effort finally had him beaten only to roll agonisingly past the post. As Forth pushed further and further forward the Burgh created a couple of chances in the final minutes but it would've been a travesty had either gone in. In the final seconds Forth were again in the Burgh box but the ball wouldn't fall for Chris McGroarty and was cleared just as the whistle sounded.

One of those days for the Wanderers who produced an excellent second half performance but just couldn't get the ball in the net.

As a footnote, everyone at Forth Wanderers would like to wish President Jim Boyd a speedy recovery after his recent accident. 

'Mon the Forth.

Forth team : Clark,Napier,Harty,McKinlay,Harty,Canning(Stevenson),Traynor,McGroarty,
Jarvie,Felvus,Murphy(Crawford)