FOOTBALL — Update From Port Glasgow Boys’ Club2008s — The squad were back in action on Saturday at Seedhill for a tough match against Giffnock,minus goalkeeper Euan who injured his finger and was forced to sit out. Leo took on the role in Euan’s absence. Play was quick and straight from kick-off. Giffnock scored a very early goal with Leo still coming to terms with his new position. The team rallied and dominated play with Cameron working extremely hard in centre midfield to link up with Sam, Logan and Kieran.
There were loads of chances and, although the equaliser didn’t come quickly, the boys never gave up. Oliver and Louis were in complete control at the back displaying great positional sense and dogged defending all day. Late on in the half, Sam was able to capitalise on more pressure and finish with a fine low shot and there was even time for Leo to pull off save of the day with a fine stop low to his right.
In the second half, Michael and Ben came in to the team and they both played really well. Once Michael moved to right midfield he began to probe and create lots of opportunities. Giffnock scored with a cracker of a goal to go 2-1 ahead midway through but again the heads didn’t go down, an attribute which is commented on every week by spectators.
Logan was able to complete a great move with a cultured left foot finish to draw the teams level and, for the last quarter of the match, the boys pushed for a winner. This was a great game to watch and both sets of players deserve credit for their play and sportsmanship throughout.
2004s Orange v Giffnock North
The boys kicked off with a different formation playing a 3-5-2. Defensively, the boys didn’t look comfortable at all and the shape of the team appeared disjointed, but the team persevered with it till half-time.
Going forward the boys did well, creating a few chances before a quick-fire John Rodgers double gave the Port the advantage. This settled the Port more and they started to pass the ball about, trying to build from the back and play football. A bit of slack play allowed Giffnock to pull one back. A tremendous through-ball from Paddy Gault sent Sean Gault racing down the right to shoot from the angle of the box and into the top left corner, making it 3-1 for the Port.
After half-time saw the Port revert to their favoured 4-4-2 with Paddy Gault and Peter Ingram now having the freedom to express themselves down both wings and both players gave the Giffnock full-backs a torrid time.
The Port pressed the Giffnock defence back and starting to create plenty of chances. David Watt added a fourth before Scott Mckay scored the pick of the goals, catching the ball on the half-volley to beat the Giffnock keeper. More goals were to follow with Kyle Fuller and Declan Byrne adding to the tally.
Callum Brown, who has been doing tremendously well for the boys, finally got the goal that his play has merited over recent weeks. Niall Brady, a second half sub, had a lot of joy down the left side putting a few decent crosses in and had a chance or two to extend the Port’s lead.
Port Boys hope the injury suffered by the Giffnock player who collided with the goal post isn’t too bad and wish him a speedy recovery.
The team thank sponsor Marcus Humphrey for their continued sponsorship.
Goal-scorers: John Rodgers, Kyle Fuller, Declan Byrne, David Watt, Sean Gault, Scott McKay, Callum Brown
Man of the match: Peter Ingram
2004s Port Glasgow BC (Black) v Giffnock Thistle
Port Boys 2004s (Black) with their new strips courtesy of Ian Millar of Millar Property
The Port travelled to play Giffnock Thistle in a league match at Cowan Park on Saturday. The game started with both teams struggling to get control of the ball and play any football, however Giffnock took the lead when the Port failed to deal with a corner and the Giffnock forward was given time to turn and fire into the net. This was the only goal of the first half as both teams struggled to create clear chances at either end.
The second half saw the Port on the front foot and, despite having plenty of possession, they struggled to create any real chances. They were made to pay when Giffnock were awarded a corner — one of many decisions made by the referee that were debated by both sidelines after the game — from which they added a second. The Port kept trying and were unlucky not to get on the scoresheet when McDonald shot found the side netting, and then had a further headed effort saved by the Giffnock keeper. Despite the 2-0 deficit this was a much better team performance. The side host Westerton at home next weekend.
The team thank sponsors Ian Millar of Millar Property and Michael Stevenson
2003s Port Glasgow BC 4 Hillwood BC Thistle 1
Port welcomed Hillwood to Parklea for a Scottish Cup tie. Port had made a few changes with Ryan O’Connor playing in goal for the first time this season and Lewis Ramsey starting up front. Hillwood had the first shot on target but this was well held by Ryan O’Connor. Ciaran McLees then played a great ball to Lee Finlay who was unlucky when the ball went out of play. Lewis Leitch then forced the keeper into a great save. Owen O’Rourke was having a good game, organising the defence and dealing with any through balls, and after 30 minutes Port took the lead. Lewis Kerr won a header and then the second ball and passed to Lewis Leitch who scored after a run into the box.
Port started the second half strongly and Lewis Kerr saw his shot saved. Five minutes later Lewis Kerr and Lewis Leitch linked up and Lewis Leitch scored after the keeper saved his first shot. Lee Finlay then beat the defender and crossed and Lewis Kerr made no mistake to score from six yards out. Lennon Crawley scored the best goal of the game from 30 yards giving the keeper no chance as the ball went into the top corner. Hillwood’s midfielder then scored from 25 yards. Lennon Crawley hit the post in the last minute as the Port deservedly went through to the next round.
The team thank sponsor Ensite Business Technology
Under-17s Port Glasgow BC 1 Larkhall Thistle 4
Larkhall were the visitors to Parklea on Sunday for a Scottish Cup clash. In a very even first half, both teams seemed to cancel each other out defensively without creating many chances. Not long before half-time, Larkhall caught Port out on a fast counter-attack to take a 1-0 lead in to half-time.
The second half started much the same as the first but Port got caught out with some poor defending to lose two goals in quick succession. Port pulled one back and gave themselves a lifeline when Ryan Phillips put in a deep cross to the back post where it was met by Lewis Lafferty. Lewis headed back across the goal where Josh Brolly was on hand to put the ball past the keeper. Port had a chance to drag their opponents closer but Josh Lafferty saw his penalty come back off the post.
Larkhall found the net once more with a great strike from about 25 yards in to the top corner.
Referee’s Man of the Match: Ciaran Gavin
The team thank sponsors JD External Building Services and Inverweld
