Dalry Thistle 1 v 3 Beith Juniors

Beith Manager John Millar rang the changes for the second game in this seasons Ardagh league cup, with no less than five given a rest from their comfortable 5-1 victory over Kilwinning Rangers.

 

The visitors started strongly pushing Dalry back into defence and putting the centre back paring of Robbie Cochrane and Bryan Slavin under pressure. Beith created a number of opportunities in the opening 15 minutes, and it was no surprise when a cross played into the box bounced awkwardly and David McGowan nodded the ball confidently over the advancing Dalry goalkeeper Brian Hewitt to open the scoring. Dalry were finding it difficult to get into the game and were not creating any chances or putting Beith goal keeper Strain under any pressure who was dealing comfortable with any balls getting put into the Beith danger area.

 

The main tormentor of Dalry was Joe Bradley who was having a lot of success on the right and putting dangerous crosses in the Dalry box, from one of these cut backs Beith thought they should have had a penalty when Hobbs went down in the area after what appeared top be a barge in the back.

Five minutes before half time Beith Doubled their lead after Charlie Hobbs broke down the right and crossed the ball in to the six yard area where it was met by Beith’s summer signing Paul Craig who confidently hammered the ball into the net leaving Hewitt stranded.

 

The second half started much as the first had ended with Beith the dominant side, but Dalry were showing signs of improvement a forced a series of corners that strain did well to punch away.  The match then turned into a midfield battle, and a bit more physical with players on both sides being booked for rash challenges.  This culminated with a Dalry player being red carded after three very heavy tackles on different Beith players.  Beith made all three substitutions in a five min period around the seventy five minute mark, with McKay, Mclean and Frize replacing Hobbs, Craig and the impressive Storrie.  The changes had an immediate impact as Mclean played the ball to Andy Reid who was coming in from the left wing and from eighteen yards curled the ball into the postage stamp top corner.  Only a Minute later Beith had the chance to extend their lead further when Daniel McKay was fouled in the box. Kenny Mclean stepped up to take the resultant penalty and stroked the ball wide of the right hand post after Hewit had gone the other way.

 

Dalry got a consolation goal with only a couple of minutes to go a ball over the top had Beith centre back Donnelly challenging with the Dalry striker as he ran into the box, the defender made a great tackle to win the ball, however, the ball headed into the Beith net past goalkeeper strain as he advanced to help his centre back.

 

The only blip on another good performance for Beith, with practically the last kick of the game Zander Ryan was unlucky to receive a second yellow card for a mistimed tackle on the Dalry winger.

 

A lot of positives for the Beith manager as he rebuilds his squad after the disappointment of relegation last year.  Stand out performers for Beith were Storrie, Hobbs Bradley and Craig

 

Beith Juniors 6 v 0 Saltcoats Victoria

Ardagh Cup

 

Beith were strongly fancied to win this encounter and they kept their 100% record going easily with a comfortable win against a predominantly young Vics side who were also restricted with several injuries. Beith also made a late change to their line up when defender Donnelly picked up an injury during the warm up.

 

The home side were quick out of the blocks and steady pressure led to Kenny McLean arriving in the box to sweep home a tempting cross after neat build up on the right wing from Gibson and Ryan. McLean turned provider in the 15th minute when he zipped in a cross from wide for Davie McGowan to fire past keeper Lundie. The contest was effectively over 3 minutes later when Paul Frize stole possession from the toiling Vics defence and found McLean in the box where the little striker smartly shot home.

 

One way traffic continued with McLean terrorising the Vics defence and he unselfishly set up Andy Reid in the box to power away a shot high into the net for goal number four.

It looked a question of how many at this stage but Vics worked hard to resist the onslaught and this effort and some close misses from Beith kept the score respectable and allowed Vics a much needed rest at the interval.

 

Beith kept their quick passing tempo up after the break but they had little really to play for while Vics focused on defending to keep the score down which meant they never really had a shot at goal in the whole match. McLean deservedly bagged his hat trick on the hour when he pounced to fire a corner home close in. Beith made changes up front withdrawing McGowan and McLean to give McKay and Bradley a run out. McDonald and Ferris of Vics collected yellow cards but the visitors tried hard to compete without resorting to any crude tactics as Reid and Frize in particular gave them a tough time.

 

Vics keeper Ross Lundie played his part with some fine stops including spectacularly touching over a net bound Gibson free kick and clattering into the post in the process.

Fortunately he was able to continue after treatment but could do nothing to prevent Joe Bradley adding another when he sped through and finished confidently.

 

The last period saw several near misses for Beith and another good save from Lundie to deny Bradley as the game frittered out. The Beith management will probably have learned little from this game as they look for their starting line up for the league campaign while Vics will have easier days as they try to build a new side.

 

Beith: Greenwood, Ryan, Docherty, Wild, McShane, McGowan, Gibson, McDonald, McLean, Reid, Frize. Subs: McKay, Craig, Wilson, Bradley.

Saltcoats: Lundie, Monan, Easdon, McDonald, Murphy, Paterson, Hands, Ferris, McLelland, Davidson, Havlin. Subs: Quinn, Knight, Stewart.

Ardrossan Winton Rovers 0 v 4 Beith Juniors

 

Match reports and images to follow.

Rutherglen Glencairn 0 v 1 Beith Juniors

 

Stagecoach Super League First Division

 

Beith managed to get their campaign for a return to the top league of to a winning start albeit via a late and fortunate winner. The bookie's favourites know they will have to grind out results over the season to achieve promotion and this visit to Rutherglen will certainly have underlined this.

 

Beith kicked off into a blustery wind on a difficult surface and quickly found themselves on the back foot. Glens welcomed back players missing from League Cup campaign and McCarry was unlucky with a measured lob that just cleared the bar.

 

The referee made several unfathomable decisions during the match and the first was booking Glens forward Downs for simulation in a clash with Marc McShane. Glens continued to cause Beith problems but the cause wasn't helped when they had to replace striker McCarry following a nasty clash of heads.

 

Beith gradually worked their way into the game and Daniel McKay found himself through on keeper Bell but failed to find a finish. They went close a few minutes when Andy Reid had a shot deflected narrowly over the bar. The ref then left spectators bemused again when he booked Kenny McLean for simulation when he too was clearly impeded. Andy Reid continued to look the most likely for Beith and he volleyed narrowly over the bar following a fine move involving McLean and Gibson.

 

The home side missed a great chance to go in front just before the interval when Downs pounced on a McShane mistake and found himself through on Adam Strain. The keeper saved McShane's blushes with a double block before Sullivan blasted the lose ball over the bar.

 

Glens carved out the first chance after the restart win the dangerous Downs forcing Strain into another good save. Beith replaced McKay and the injured Reid with Bradley and Hobbs as the first goal increasingly looked like being the winner. Kenny McLean and Marc McShane went close with headed efforts that went just over the bar as Beith tried to up the ante. The home side also made changes before Beith made their last change with David McGowan replacing Paul Frize in midfield. The latter change proved crucial with McGowan finding the net with his first touch of the ball. Glens defender Muir put his keeper under a bit of pressure with a short pass back which was chased down by McGowan and he blocked the clearance which then rebounded towards goal before the happy sub won the race with the keeper to prod their the ball over the line.

 

The Glens keeper then kept his side in the contest with a fine save from a Wild free kick and followed this up minutes later stopping a net-bound Hobbs shot. Beith keeper Adam Strain was not to be overshadowed however and he played a major part in making the points secure for his side with good saves from Downs and McVey efforts before the end.

 

Rutherglen: Bell, Ballantyne, Neil, Aitchison, Schoneville, Muir, Donaghy, Sullivan, Downs, McCarry, McKay. Subs: McAlpine, McCulloch, McVey, Eadie, Crawford (gk)

Beith: Strain, Ryan, Wilson, Wild, McShane, McDonald, Gibson, Frize, McKay, McLean, Reid. Subs: McGowan, Bradley, Hobbs, Docherty, Craig

 

 

Betting

 

Book makers William Hill have got Beith down as the 7/4 favourites to scoop the West First Division League title this season, this follows a run of great results by The Mighty. If you fancy a wager on the mighty then please click on the William Hill logo on this page to go through to their website.

 

Beith 7/4, Shotts 6/1, Troon 8/1, Ashfield 12/1, R. Glencairn 12/1, Cumbernauld 14/1, Renfrew 14/1, Thorniewood 14/1, Kilwinning 16/1, Yoker 16/1, Greenock 20/1, Kilsyth 20/1, Maybole 25/1, Lesmahagow 33/1

 

Beith Juniors 4 v 2 Renfrew

Stagecoach  Super League First Division

Beith ran out more comfortable winners than the score line suggests at the end of a disjointed performance against a distinctly average Renfrew side.

 

The home side shuffled their line up from their midweek cup victory and started well playing down the slope with Daniel McKay forcing Frew keeper Black into early action to stop a well struck free kick. At the other end Graham Mort shot over from a corner against his old team.

 

Beith continued to have the bulk of the play with Kenny McLean and David McGowan  narrowly missing the target before they took the lead in the 18th minute when Joe Bradley made space for himself to fire a great shot into the top corner from 20 yards.

Beith could have doubled their lead when McGowan ran into the box onto a Ryan pass but he was forced wide and Black managed to block his shot.

 

Beith continued to dictate play and little was seen of Renfrew in attack until they levelled on the half hour when a free kick was delivered into the box and missed by David McGowan which in turn caught out Gary Wilson and the ball broke off him to fall kindly for well travelled striker Alain Kinney who gratefully shot home. The home side had a great chance to strike back almost immediately but Joe Bradley shot wide from a good move with only the keeper to beat. Referee Munro was making himself unpopular with both sides by this point stopping the play for trivialities. Before the interval he had further impact first waving away a penalty claim when McKay went down under a challenge in the box when the defender looked to have got nothing of the ball then awarding one at the other end when Kinney made the most of a coming together with Marc McShane. Kinney duly converted from the spot to send his side for the break with an unlikely lead.

 

Beith wasted no time after the interval drawing level in the first minute when Frew's Mort could do nothing else but help home a driven Kenny McLean cross. Beith were enjoying the bulk of the possession again and the ref continued to infuriate, ignoring another penalty claim when McLean was downed in the box. Both sides made substitutions - Beith to try to win full points - Renfrew pretty much to try to hold on to one point. Beith were creating chances but not converting them but almost got caught on the break and had to scramble a ball off the line when the defence was caught in some disarray.

 

Beith continued to press and they got the breakthrough in the 72nd minute, ironically, from the penalty spot after substitute Charlie Hobbs was barged over by keeper Black. Kenny McLean duly clinically dispatched the spot kick. The resistance drained from Renfrew with Beith now ahead and they increased the lead soon after when Nicky Docherty arrived in the box to head home another tempting Bradley cross to all but secure the points.

The home side were reduced to 10 men two minutes from time when the referee again took centre stage to show Gary Wilson a straight red card for a challenge where probably technically he showed his studs in a challenge but there was absolutely no intent to injure and no contact made with the opposing player and no furore whatsoever - alas no room for common sense in this rule bound age.

 

Beith: Strain, Ryan, Wilson, Wild, McShane, McDonald, Gibson, McGowan, McLean, McKay, Bradley. Subs: Reid, Donnelly, Hobbs, Docherty, Frize

Renfrew: Black, Mulgrew, Caldwell, McCuish, Mort, Gilmour, Chang, McDade, Kinney, Benton, Forbes. Subs: Boyd, Dempsey, Clark, Perry

 

 

Betting

 

Book makers William Hill have got Beith down as the 7/4 favourites to scoop the West First Division League title this season, this follows a run of great results by The Mighty. If you fancy a wager on the mighty then please click on the William Hill logo on this page to go through to their website.

 

Beith 7/4, Shotts 6/1, Troon 8/1, Ashfield 12/1, R. Glencairn 12/1, Cumbernauld 14/1, Renfrew 14/1, Thorniewood 14/1, Kilwinning 16/1, Yoker 16/1, Greenock 20/1, Kilsyth 20/1, Maybole 25/1, Lesmahagow 33/1

 

 

This week's Home / Draw / Away odds from William Hill

 

West Region

4/9 Petershill 10/3 Glenafton 4/1

2/1 Pollok 11/4 Auchinleck 10/11

7/4 Arthurlie 5/2 Clydebank 11/10

17/10 Rob Roy 13/5 Kilbirnie 11/10

1/2 Cumnock 10/3 Largs 10/3

1/3 Beith 19/5 Renfrew 5/1

8/13 Troon 16/5 Kilsyth 11/4

13/5 Maybole 11/4 Kilwinning 8/11

6/5 Yoker 5/2 R. Glencairn 13/8

4/9 Shotts 10/3 Ashfield 4/1

8/13 Thorniewood 16/5 Cumbernauld 11/4

10/11 Lesmahagow 11/4 Greenock 2/1

 

East Region

2/1 Armadale 11/4 Camelon 10/11

7/5 Bonnyrigg 12/5 Newtongrange 7/5

11/10 Kelty 5/2 Hill of Beath 7/4

2/5 Linlithgow 10/3 Ballingry 9/2

7/5 Lochee Utd 12/5 Tayport 7/5

11/10 Musselburgh 5/2 Broxburn 7/4

11/4 Sauchie 16/5 Bo'ness 8/13

17/10 St Andrews 13/5 Carnoustie 11/10

7/5 Arniston 12/5 Kirkcaldy 7/5

5/4 Dundee Violet 13/5 Kirriemuir 6/4

1/2 Fauldhouse 10/3 Livingston Utd 10/3

8/13 Glenrothes 16/5 Jeanfield 11/4

11/5 Kinnoull 11/4 Oakley 5/6

7/5 Montrose R 12/5 Broughty 7/5

1/2 Penicuik 10/3 Dalkeith 10/3

10/3 Pumpherston 10/3 Bathgate 1/2

 

North Region

4/1 Banchory 10/3 Hermes 4/9

1/4 Culter 9/2 Longside 6/1

9/2 East End 10/3 Banks O'Dee 2/5

6/4 FC Stoneywood 13/5 New Elgin 5/4

11/4 Hall Russell 16/5 Dyce 8/13

11/8 Ellon Utd 5/2 Stonehaven 11/8

 

Highland League

11/4 Buckie Thistle 16/5 Cove Rangers 8/13

11/4 Clachnacuddin 16/5 Forres Mech 8/13

7/4 Deveronvale 14/5 Wick Academy EVS

1/5 Formartine Utd 5/1 Keith 7/1

10/3 Fraserburgh 10/3 Brora Rangers 1/2

1/14 Huntly 15/2 Fort William 12/1

1/14 Nairn County 15/2 Lossiemouth 12/1

12/1 Rothes 15/2 Inverurie Loco 1/14

1/14 Turriff Utd 15/2 Strathspey 12/1

 

Lowland League

11/8 East Kilbride 5/2 Vale of Leithen 11/8

2/1 Gala Fairydean 11/4 Preston Athletic 10/11

Kilwinning Rangers 2 v 4 Beith Juniors

 

League toppers

 

 

A Kenny McLean predators hat trick ensured Beith kept their 100% start to the season intact at Kilwinning.

 

Beith started best and swept into a 7th minute lead from a well worked move where McKay held the ball up on the edge of the box and slipped a pass to David McGowan who in turn squared for McLean to shoot home from a few yards. The visitors continued to press with a tricky wind at their backs and McKay headed wide after a McLean cross held up and McLean himself saw a powerful shot from the edge of the box beaten away by Connoly.

 

Buffs gradually got into the match and Beith keeper Strain was called into action to touch a Hannah shot over. The hosts lost Ben Lewis to injury, replacing him with Bryan Boylan before they got themselves level midway through the half. A mystery free kick was awarded to Buffs fully 25 yards out and after the bickering died down Craig Connell dispatched a fine shot over the defensive wall into the bottom corner. Beith keeper Adam Strain looked to have the effort covered but didn't get there and will perhaps feel he shouldn't have been beaten from that distance out.

Chances were created and missed at both ends with the combination of the wind and bumpy playing surface offering some excuse. It was the visitors however who crucially got themselves in front just before the interval with another free kick. In a quick break forward David McGowan was brought down by Smith just outside the box and Andy Gibson curled a fine dipping effort over the wall that found the net despite Connoly getting a hand on it.

 

There was some controversy after the restart when Kevin Burgess pulled back Reid as the Beith forward broke clear. The defender looked on anxiously as referee Mr Dunne deliberated over whether he was the last man or not and was relieved only to see yellow. Beith were looking dangerous in attack with the Buffs defence stretched and a McKay shot went narrowly over when he got on the end of a Reid cross. Buffs were creating little themselves with only a Cashmore header forcing a save from Strain. It was no real surprise when Beith increased their lead when McKay threaded a clever pass into the path of Kenny McLean for the striker to beat the keeper at his near post. Cashmore fired a speculative volley wide before he made way for substitute Browning as Buffs tried to fight back. Beith continued to take the game to Buffs and Connoly did well to save a powerful McGowan shot before they effectively ended the contest when McLean again added the finish after good work by McKay and McGowan when the latter slipped a fine pass into his path in the box.

 

Mark McShane should have added another for Beith but he missed a Gibson centre completely with the goal gaping. The miss was punished at the other end when Buffs sub Connor Browning poked a loose ball home after keeper Strain hesitated coming out to clear after his defence got in a tangle.

There was no time remaining for Buffs to mount any fight back as the game soon came to a close. Referee Dunne would probably be as tired as any player as he blew his whistle continuously and managed to wave his yellow card 7 times in what, could not by a long way, have been considered a dirty game.

 

Kilwinning: Connoly, Smith, Gilmour, Burgess, Miller, Potter, Connell, Hannah, Cashmore, Lewis, Parris. Subs: Boylan, Browning, McLean, Quinn, McGee (gk)

Beith: Strain, McDonald, Docherty, Donnelly, McShane, McGowan, Gibson, Frize, McLean, McKay, Reid. Subs: Wild, Bradley, Craig, Sheridan, Greenwood (gk)

 

Beith Juniors 4 v 3 Thorniewood United

Beith managed to continue their unbeaten run against a good Thorniewood side but they needed a dramatic last minute goal to snatch the win from an action packed game that looked lost.

 

Wet conditions made things tricky for the players and this showed early when home keeper Adam Strain struggled to put a Crawley free kick over bar. Beith gradually picked up the pace and David McGowan forced keeper Fraser to make a fine save touching his left foot shot round the post. Joe Bradley almost opened the scoring when he jinked into the box and smashed a shot off the base of the post from a tight angle and Andy Gibson also went close with a free kick that went inches over.

 

Thorniewood were breaking forward quickly when they could and Adam Strain again got himself in trouble dropping a cross and had to thank Marc McShane for saving his blushes managing to put the ball out for a corner. Joe Bradley was giving the visitors defence a hard time and he burst clear in the box but shot over with just the keeper to beat. Beith kept up the pressure and it told in the 28th minute when Bradley put in a great cross for Kenny McLean to head down for Andy Reid to turn the ball home close in.

 

Wood keeper Fraser was relieved to receive a yellow card when he charged out of his box to foul Kenny McLean as he burst through and could well have seen a red for the offence. The goalie then made a magnificent save a few minutes later to touch a great McLean shot over the bar.

 

Beith had a lot of possession at the start of the second half and won numerous corners but failed to add to their slender lead. The visitors drew level in their first real attack of the half when, the best player afield, midfielder Murphy slid a pass forward to Queen who finished with a good shot albeit from picking up the pass in an offside position. The home side were further rocked a few minutes later when O'Donnell reacted quickest in the box to turn a Morgan cross home.

 

The shocked home side replaced Gibson with McKay in an effort to beef things up but it was Andy Reid who dragged them level in 70 minutes when he made space in the box to get in a shot that went under the diving keeper. The joy was short lived however as the visitors regained the lead a few minutes later when they broke forward after McGowan lost possession on the halfway line and O'Donnell shot home after Strain failed to hold on to his initial effort.

 

The action continued thick and fast and Beith clawed their way back again when David Donnelly forced the ball home in a goalmouth scramble from a corner. Both side were then reduced to 10 men for the closing stages. First Wood forward Queen collected a straight red for lifting his hands in a silly tussle for the ball at a throw in and he was followed a few minutes later by Beith midfielder McGowan who collected a second yellow for a foul adding to a stupid first half yellow for talking.

 

Beith went for a winner but their luck looked to be out when a McLean shot from a McKay pass was cleared off the line. The home side battled away right to the end however and got their reward in the last minute when Daniel McKay's driven cross was turned over his own line by unlucky defender Brophy.

 

This was far from Beith's best performance but another three points will be gratefully accepted against difficult opponents who could do well in this very competitive league. Best for Beith were Joe Bradley and Stuart MacDonald.

 

Beith: Strain, Mac Donald, Docherty, Donnelly, McShane, Frize, Gibson, McGowan, McLean, Reid, Bradley. Subs: McKay, Wild, Storrie, Sheridan, Craig.

Thorniewood: Fraser, Green, Crawley, Brophy, Daly, Murphy, Loghlin, Dalzell, O'Donnell, Queen, Morgan. Subs: Miller, Mullan, McGowan, Duffy, Bradshaw

 

 

 

Betting

 

Book makers William Hill have got Beith down as the 10/11 favourites to scoop the West First Division League title this season, this follows a run of great results by The Mighty. If you fancy a wager on the mighty then please click on the William Hill logo on this page to go through to their website.

 

Beith 10/11, Shotts 6/1, Troon 10/1, Ashfield 16/1, Cumbernauld 16/1, Thorniewood 16/1, R. Glencairn 20/1, Greenock 25/1, Kilsyth 25/1, Kilwinning 25/1, Lesmahagow 25/1, Maybole 25/1, Renfrew 25/1, Yoker 25/1

 

 

This week's Home / Draw / Away odds from William Hill

 

West Region

11/4 Arthurlie 16/5 Petershill 8/13

7/5 Cumnock 12/5 Clydebank 7/5

4/9 Hurlford 10/3 Largs 4/1

7/5 Irvine Meadow 12/5 Kilbirnie 7/5

2/5 Pollok 10/3 Glenafton 9/2

4/1 Rob Roy 10/3 Auchinleck 4/9

2/7 Beith 4/1 Thorniewood 6/1

5/4 Greenock 13/5 Cumbernauld 6/4

6/5 Lesmahagow 5/2 Ashfield 13/8

4/5 Maybole 13/5 Kilsyth 12/5

2/5 Shotts 10/3 Renfrew 9/2

10/11 Troon 11/4 R. Glencairn 2/1

5/4 Yoker 12/5 Kilwinning 8/5

 

East Region

7/5 Ballingry 12/5 Hill of Beath 7/5

11/4 Camelon 16/5 Bo'ness 8/13

8/13 Carnoustie 16/5 Tayport 11/4

4/5 Kelty 11/4 Armadale 23/10

1/2 Lochee Utd 10/3 St Andrews 10/3

11/4 Musselburgh 16/5 Bonnyrigg 8/13

1/2 Newtongrange 10/3 Broxburn 10/3

10/3 Sauchie 10/3 Linlithgow 1/2

1/3 Penicuik 19/5 Arniston 5/1

7/5 Dalkeith 12/5 Kirkcaldy 7/5

2/1 Jeanfield 11/4 Oakley 10/11

13/8 Kinnoull 13/5 Fauldhouse 23/20

6/4 Kirriemuir 13/5 Broughty 5/4

9/2 Livingston Utd 10/3 Bathgate 2/5

11/4 Montrose R 16/5 Dundee Violet 8/13

10/3 Pumpherston 10/3 Glenrothes 1/2

 

North Region

11/10 Ellon Utd 5/2 New Elgin 7/4

10/11 FC Stoneywood 11/4 Longside 2/1

2/1 Stonehaven 11/4 Hall Russell 10/11

12/1 Buchanhaven 6/1 Dyce 1/10

7/4 Colony Park 14/5 Banchory EVS

10/3 Deveronside 10/3 Culter 1/2

1/2 East End 10/3 Dufftown 10/3

1/2 Hermes 10/3 Inverness City 10/3

10/3 Portgordon 10/3 Maud 1/2

6/1 Sunnybank 9/2 Banks O'Dee 1/4

 

Minimum Trebles Accepted

 

Maybole Juniors 0 v 3 Beith Juniors

 

Beith maintained their excellent 100% start to the season with an impressive performance at Maybole where, once they overcame spirited resistance, ran out comfortable winners. A late change saw Zander Ryan return to the defence in an attacking Beith line up at a sunny Ladywell Park and they started well with Joe Bradley prominent in up front. Beith were dominating proceedings and should have taken the lead from a corner when Andy Reid turned the ball back into the danger area but Kenny McLean made poor contact with the ball in front of goal and glanced his header wide.

 

The visitors continued to dictate play and Paul Frize couldn't have gone closer when his header rebounded off the crossbar after great play by Bradley and Reid to create the opening. Bradley shot wide and keeper Johnstone blocked a McLean shot with Maybole pinned in their own half. Another great chance came and went when Andy Gibson headed a Ryan cross over with only the keeper to beat. Next up the keeper somehow turned a Frize shot wide with his legs after the midfielder had left five players in his wake with a mazy run.

 

It was the 36th minute before the home side managed to mount any real threat and their corner kick was comfortably cleared. Beith received a setback when Joe Bradley limped out of the action after failing to recover from a hefty challenge with David McGowan replacing. Kenny McLean and Paul Frize both went close before the half time whistle came to the rescue of the the beleaguered home side who were delighted to go in all square.

Beith deservedly collected the fruits of the labour a minute after the restart when Paul Frize controlled a fine Gibson centre and made space to fire a shot into the roof of the net from 6 yards.

 

The home side tried hard to respond for a brief spell but claims for a penalty for hand ball were rightly ignored by referee Haswell when a loose ball ricocheted around the Beith box. Maybole made a double substitution to try to make an impact but it was the visitors who doubled their advantage in the 63rd minute when Andy Reid converted a neat McGowan cut back after another patient build up.

 

Maybole's resistance was well and truly broken now with Beith's movement and passing creating openings all over the park. Home keeper Johnstone made a brave save at Paul Frize's feet before Beith added a third when Kenny McLean crossed to the back post for Andy Reid to head home albeit with the last touch appearing to be off Bole defender McKissock. With the points definitely in the bag Beith gave John Sheridan and Paul Craig a run for the last 20 minutes . The visitors continued to dictate right to the end and could have added more goals with Andy Reid narrowly missing out on a hat trick, hitting the post with a shot after again being teed up by his strike partner McLean.

 

Beith had no failures on the day and keeper Adam Strain would be delighted to have as little to do as this every week. Stand out performances were Paul Frize and Stuart McDonald in midfield who controlled proceedings throughout.

 

Maybole: Johnstone, McKissock, Whittaker, Maxwell, McGrady, Dinwoodie, Love, Forde, Cunningham, Paterson, Dempster. Subs: Nairn, Nisbit, Allan

Beith: Strain, Ryan, Wilson, Donnelly, McShane, McDonald, Gibson, Frize, McLean, Reid, Bradley. Subs: McGowan, McKay, Sheridan, Craig, Hobbs

 

 

 

Betting

 

Book makers William Hill have got Beith down as the 10/11 favourites to scoop the West First Division League title this season, this follows a run of great results by The Mighty. If you fancy a wager on the mighty then please click on the William Hill logo on this page to go through to their website.

 

Beith 10/11, Shotts 4/1, Ashfield 12/1, Troon 12/1, Cumbernauld 14/1, Yoker 16/1, Thorniewood 20/1, Maybole 25/1, R. Glencairn 25/1, Greenock 33/1, Kilsyth 33/1, Kilwinning 33/1, Lesmahagow 33/1, Renfrew 50/1

 

 

This week's Home / Draw / Away odds from William Hill

 

West Region

EVS Clydebank 14/5 Irvine Meadow 7/4

1/2 Glenafton 10/3 Largs 10/3

17/10 Kilbirnie 13/5 Hurlford 11/10

10/11 Petershill 11/4 Rob Roy 2/1

8/13 Pollok 16/5 Arthurlie 11/4

1/2 Ashfield 10/3 Greenock 10/3

7/5 Kilsyth 12/5 Cumbernauld 7/5

11/4 Kilwining 16/5 Shotts 8/13

10/3 Maybole 10/3 Beith 1/2

6/5 R. Glencairn 5/2 Lesmahagow 13/8

7/4 Renfrew 14/5 Troon EVS

7/4 Thorniewood 5/2 Yoker 11/10

 

East Region

8/13 Musselburgh 16/5 Ballingry 11/4

1/2 Armadale 10/3 Dalkeith 10/3

1/2 Arniston 10/3 Lochore 10/3

1/14 Bathgate 15/2 Scone 12/1

7/4 Blackburn Utd 14/5 Kirkcaldy EVS

8/13 Blairgowrie 16/5 Crossgates 11/4

1/10 Bo'ness 6/1 Pumpherston 12/1

1/6 Bonnyrigg 11/2 Haddington 8/1

1/16 Camelon 15/2 Steelend 14/1

11/4 Downfield 16/5 Broughty 8/13

8/13 Dunbar 16/5 East Craigie 11/4

1/2 Dundee Violet 10/3 Kirriemuir 10/3

11/1 Forfar Albion 11/2 Dundee NE 1/8

10/3 Forfar WE 10/3 Sauchie 1/2

1/8 Glenrothes 11/2 Brechin Vics 11/1

8/13 Hill of Beath 16/5 Lochee Utd 11/4

4/6 Jeanfield 14/5 Arbroath Vics 14/5

9/2 K Star Hearts 10/3 Broxburn 2/5

4/1 Kinnoull 10/3 Kelty 4/9

1/7 Lochgelly 11/2 Coupar Angus 9/1

7/5 Luncarty 12/5 Fauldhouse 7/5

2/1 Newburgh 11/4 Edinburgh Utd 10/11

6/4 Oakley 13/5 St Andrews 5/4

4/11 Penicuik 7/2 Dundonald 5/1

10/3 Rosyth 10/3 Montrose R 1/2

9/2 Stoneyburn 10/3 Livingston Utd 2/5

1/5 Tayport 5/1 Lochee Harp 7/1

13/5 Thornton 11/4 Falkirk 8/11

9/1 Tranent 11/2 Newtongrange 1/7

9/1 West Calder 11/2 Carnoustie 1/7

1/8 Whitburn 11/2 Harthill 11/1

 

North Region

2/5 Deveronside 10/3 Banchory 9/2

11/4 Ellon Utd 16/5 FC Stoneywood 8/13

10/11 Longside 11/4 Stonehaven 2/1

10/3 Inverness City 10/3 Maud 1/2

4/9 New Elgin 10/3 Sunnybank 4/1

1/5 East End 5/1 Fochabers 7/1

6/1 Nairn SN 9/2 Hall Russell 1/4

1/2 Buckie Rovers 10/3 Buchanhaven 10/3

 

Minimum Trebles Accepted

 

William Hill Scottish Cup First Round

 

2/5 Brora Rangers 10/3 Vale of Leithen 9/2

5/1 Coldstream 19/5 Wick Academy 1/3

8/13 Deveronvale 16/5 Clachnacuddin 11/4

10/3 Edinburgh Uni 10/3 Spartans 1/2

11/8 Forres Mechanics 5/2 Keith 11/8

2/1 Fort William 11/4 Newton Stewart 10/11

4/9 Fraserburgh 10/3 CS Strollers 4/1

1/2 Gala Fairydean 10/3 Glasgow Uni 10/3

12/1 Girvan 6/1 Auchinleck 1/10

6/1 Golspie Sutherland 9/2 Edinburgh City 1/4

10/3 Hawick Royal Albert 10/3 St Cuthbert Wanderers 1/2

1/1 Huntly 14/5 Preston Athletic 7/4

1/8 Inverurie Loco 11/2 Burntisland Shipyard 11/1

4/9 Linlithgow Rose 7/2 Nairn County 19/5

11/4 Lossiemouth 16/5 Culter 8/13

9/2 Selkirk 10/3 Turriff Utd 2/5

11/10 Threave Rovers 13/5 Rothes 17/10

2/1 Wigtown & Bladnoch 11/4 Buckie Thistle 10/11

 

Beith Juniors 4 v 1 Troon

 

Stagecoach Super League First Division

 

WHEN referee Nicky Walsh blew the whistle for half-time EIGHT minutes early Troon will be wishing he had stuck by his gaffe.

 

However, the young ref resumed play when being told of his mistake and it helped set up Beith for their 13th straight victory of the season.

 

Minutes after restarting top scorer Kenny McLean raced into the box to collect a Paul Frize pass to fire past keeper Fraser.

 

To be honest, things had been fairly even up to that point with Beith being booed by the home crowd for poor passing, and Troon looking more likely to strike.

 

Troon almost scored in the 10th minute when Gareth Armstrong tried an audacious back-heel which Zander Ryan had to clear from the goal-line, and then a David Gillies effort was saved by keeper Adam Strain.

Strain also dived full-length to save from Chatham with Armstrong putting the rebound over the bar.

 

There were half-hearted attempts at the other end with a McLean shot deflected for a corner and then a Joe Bradley run and cross which Donnelly headed over.

Even when McLean made the breakthrough Troon tried to hit back with Strain turning a Gillies header from a Keenan freekick round the post.

 

Half-time pies and bovril were just being finished when Troon did equalise straight into the second half. Gillies was upended in the box by Gary Wilson who was booked and watched as his namesake, Steve, placed the spotkick past the keeper.

 

Troon brought on the tricky Dale Moore who had a run and shot which was blocked by Strain.

You wouldn’t have thought that Beith were hitting up the Bellsdale slope as they began to put their passing game together.

 

From a move on the left wing McLean laid on a good chance for Andy Gibson to pick his spot for the second goal.

There was further excitement for Troon as scorer Wilson had another chance but Strain made a point blank save.

However, Beith were now the attacking force and they brought on big, bustling teenager Daniel McKay in place of Reid. First, McKay sent a shot whistling inches past the post and then he was in perfect position to meet Stuart MacDonald’s cross to head the third goal.

 

Troon introduced former Ayr striker Roddy Paterson and Robbie McKay to add some zest but Beith were on a roll and got a final goal when McKay was bundled to the ground by Neale Gilmour in the box. Although McKay threw a strop when penalty taker McLean took the ball to the spot he realised the error of his ways when Kenny cracked home the kick in his normal immaculate fashion.

 

The match summed up the differences in the First Division. Unbeaten Premier class Beith will be staying at the top while Troon will be content to consolidate a midfield position.

by Drew Cochrane at Bellsdale Park

 

BEITH: Strain; Ryan, Wilson, McShane, Donnelly; MacDonald, Frize, Gibson, McLean, Reid, Bradley. Subs: McGowan, McKay, Sheridan, Hobbs, Docherty.

TROON: Fraser; Gareth Armstrong, Keenan, Gilmour, McKinnell, Chatham, Hardie, Turner, Gillies, Gareth “Bo” Armstrong, S Wilson. Sub: Moore, Sanderson, McKay, Paterson, Bain.

 

 

 

 

Betting

 

Book makers William Hill have got Beith down as the 10/11 favourites to scoop the West First Division League title this season, this follows a run of great results by The Mighty. If you fancy a wager on the mighty then please click on the William Hill logo on this page to go through to their website.

 

Beith 10/11, Shotts 6/1, Troon 10/1, Ashfield 16/1, Cumbernauld 16/1, Thorniewood 16/1, R. Glencairn 20/1, Greenock 25/1, Kilsyth 25/1, Kilwinning 25/1, Lesmahagow 25/1, Maybole 25/1, Renfrew 25/1, Yoker 25/1

 

 

This week's Home / Draw / Away odds from William Hill

 

West Region

7/10 Hurlford 11/4 Petershill 11/4

13/5 Irvine Meadow 11/4 Auchinleck 8/11

8/13 Rob Roy 16/5 Arthurlie 11/4

1/2 Beith 10/3 Troon 10/3

10/11 Cumbernauld 11/4 Ashfield 2/1

17/10 Greenock 13/5 R. Glencairn 11/10

10/11 Lesmahagow 11/4 Renfrew 2/1

4/11 Shotts 7/2 Thorniewood 5/1

1/2 Yoker 10/3 Kilsyth 10/3

 

East Region

6/4 Armadale 13/5 Lochee Utd 5/4

1/4 Bo'ness 9/2 Ballingry 6/1

2/5 Bonnyrigg 10/3 Sauchie 9/2

11/10 Broxburn 5/2 Carnoustie 7/4

7/4 Hill of Beath 5/2 Camelon 11/10

3/10 Linlithgow 4/1 Musselburgh 11/2

6/4 St Andrews 23/10 Kelty 11/8

23/10 Tayport 11/4 Newtongrange 4/5

1/4 Bathgate 9/2 Jeanfield 6/1

8/13 Broughty 16/5 Dalkeith 11/4

7/5 Dundee Violet 12/5 Kinnoull 7/5

1/2 Fauldhouse 10/3 Montrose R 10/3

4/9 Glenrothes 7/2 Arniston 19/5

5/4 Kirkcaldy 13/5 Kirriemuir 6/4

4/11 Oakley 7/2 Livingston Utd 5/1

2/9 Penicuik 5/1 Pumpherston 6/1

 

North Region

5/1 Banchory 19/5 Banks O'Dee 1/3

10/3 FC Stoneywood 10/3 Hermes 1/2

2/7 Hall Russell 4/1 Longside 6/1

2/1 Stonehaven 11/4 New Elgin 10/11

1/20 Deveronside 17/2 Newmachar 14/1

7/4 Glentanar 14/5 Bridge of Don EVS

10/11 Islavale 11/4 Parkvale 2/1

10/3 Maud 10/3 Dyce 1/2

12/1 Whitehills 15/2 Ellon Utd 1/14

 

Minimum Trebles Accepted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beith Juniors 1 v 0 Kilbirnie Ladeside

 

Ardagh Glass League Cup

This derby will be remembered for being a close, hard fought and exciting encounter and not for any other reasons. Thankfully younger fans heeded the clear warnings following previous unsavoury incidents which resulted in the last two contests between the sides being played behind closed doors.

 

With Kilbirnie newly promoted to the Premier Division and having allegedly splashed a large amount of cash on players, they fully fancied turning over their lower league opponents. Instead it was the home side who notched up their third derby win on the trot with a determined performance to earn a home semi-final clash with Hurlford next week.

 

Beith opened well playing down the slope on the immaculate Bellsdale playing surface and swept ahead in the 9th minute when Zander Ryan played Andy Reid forward and he cut the ball back into the path of Kenny McLean who promptly fired an unstoppable shot past Robertson into the top corner. A minute later Andy Reid had another good opportunity but he was forced wide and fired his shot into the side net.

 

Kilbirnie gradually forced their way into the match and a good contest developed between Beith's Marc McShane and Ladeside's big signing Michael Moore. The former however picked up a yellow card that added more pressure. Kilbirnie had their first attempt on goal in the 18th minute when Adam Strain beat away a shot from Darren McLean. They had an other opportunity soon after when Craig got on the end of a back post cross but his shot went across goal and wide of the post.

 

Kilbirnie were enjoying plenty of possession in midfield and McGuinness shot over the bar from a corner as Beith defended their lead. Beith were dangerous on the counter attack however and Paul Frize fizzed a low shot from outside the box a yard wide after running onto a McLean pass. Zander Ryan fired a free kick over the bar after McLean had been brought down and then Robertson had to sprint out of his box to clear after a mistake in defence almost allowed Beith another chance.

 

Moore continued to be a handful for the Beith defence and an equaliser looked on the cards as half time approached. Kilbirnie looked set to score when Moore burst into the box but he dallied slightly on his shot allowing Strain just enough time to bock his effort before the lose ball was scrambled away from McLean's feet as he was about to shoot. In the last action in a quick counter attack Beith could have increased their lead but for a brave save by Robertson at Joe Bradley's feet.

 

It was Beith who carved out a good opening a minute after the restart a fine Ryan centre found McLean in box but he had two efforts blocked before Frize hurriedly shot over. The tempo of the match remained high and play swung from end to end with both sides guilty of giving away possession in the final third. The home side had a set back when scorer McLean failed to recover from an injury and had to be replaced by Daniel McKay. McKay posed a different threat however and his strength allowed him to hold off challenges to swing a cross into the box that Joe Bradley just failed to reach.

 

Ladeside were getting most success down their right flank with impressive wing back Mullin bombing forward at any opportunity but despite having a lot of the ball the Beith defence was offering them few clear opportunities. Kilbirnie brought on pacey striker Boyle while Beith replaced McShane with young centre back Donnelly. On the hour mark a jinking run and cross from Joe Bradley presented Andy Reid with a good chance but he headed inches when he looked certain to score. The referee continued to steadily collect names from both teams for his notebook but it was far from a dirty match and most were decisions of the harsh variety.

 

The frantic pace continued and both sides made further changes with Davidson replacing Moore for Kilbirnie and Beith swapping Andy Reid for the fresh legs of Nicky Docherty. Subs Donnelly and Docherty had the greater impact and Beith now looked to have pretty well stifled the visitors attack. A Docherty cross gave McKay a chance to finish the contest but he also headed just over with only the keeper to beat. McKay burst through again minutes later but Robertson managed to block his powerless shot.

 

Kilbirnie's last opportunity fell to Liam McGuinness from a corner but he volleyed over the bar a few minutes before the contest was brought to an end. Both sides put plenty into the match with Beith narrowly claiming the spoils with a solid display and they can look forward confidently to their main task of reclaiming a place back in the top division. The valley in general appears to be on the up with Kilbirnie clearly also a decent side capable of doing very well.

 

Beith: Strain, Ryan, Wilson, Wild, McShane, McDonald, Bradley, Frize, McLean, Reid, McGowan. Subs: Docherty, McKay, Donnelly, Craig, Storrie

Kilbirnie: Robertson, Mullin, McGuinness, MacDonald, McShane, Blair,Hamilton, McLean, Craig, Barclay. Subs: Boyle, S Davidson, M Davidson, Gair, McLeay (gk)

 

Beith Juniors 1 v 3 Rangers

Friendly

 

Rangers sent down a young side to Bellsdale for a friendly against the Juniors and both sides provided an entertaining match for spectators on a sunny afternoon.

 

The Bellsdale playing surface was in immaculate condition and Beith showed they were up for the challenge winning five corners in the opening spell. Rangers looked nice on the ball but their only early effort, a shot from Andy Mitchell, was well saved by Neil Greenwood.

 

Beith scorned a really good opportunity to go in front in the 18th minute when Andy Gibson picked out Paul Craig with a cross in front of goal but his week header was stopped by keeper Kelly.

There was little in it through the first half with both sides passing the ball well but creating few real scoring chances. The most noteworthy were another Mitchell shot that went a yard over and a Paul Frize effort for Beith that could have went close until a deflection sent the ball  straight into the keepers arms.

 

Rangers took the lead in the first minute of the second half when Andy Murdoch found Callum Gallagher in space in the box and the striker headed powerfully into the net. Beith made 4 personnel changes including withdrawing their league winning captain Brian McKeown who guested, and performed well, while on a visit 'home' from Australia.

Beith worked hard to get back on level terms and a McGowan shot brought out a good save before Donnelly headed the resulting corner over the bar. They persisted however and the double act of Reid and McLean made the breakthrough when the latter found space to head home a fine cross.

The celebrations had hardly finished when Rangers swept back in front when Gallagher netted his second when he strode clear and finished confidently after Beith surrendered possession in midfield. Chances were now coming along at either end but the visitors struck again before the end when they again punished another midfield mistake finished off when Barry McKay shot home after Greenwood fumbled.

 

Beith: Greenwood, McKeown, Docherty, Donnelly, Sheridan, Storrie, Gibson, Frize, Craig, Hobbs, Reid. Subs: McLean, McDonald, McGowan, Bradley, McShane, Strain

Rangers: Kelly, Sinnamon, Mills, Pascazio, Gibson, Mitchell, McKay, Murdoch, Gallagher, Telfer, Walsh. Subs: Wilson, Dykes, Ramsey, Storey

Beith Juniors 2 v 0 Hurlford United

Ardagh Glass Semi-Final

 

 

A sparkling midweek performance saw Beith claim a place in their first cup final for four years overwhelming a good Hurlford side who, like Beith, came to the contest unbeaten so far this season.

 

Beith took the field with three changes from the  side that beat Renfrew, with Ryan and Wild unavailable and McKay dropping to the bench, in came Donnelly, Frize and Andy Reid. The reshuffle produced only positive outcomes as Beith opened strongly and blew Hurlford away in a whirlwind start.

 

With the visitors on the back foot Beith were awarded a free kick in the 4th minute and Marc McShane almost got on the end of curling Gibson delivery but a defender just managed to turn the ball past the post. The resulting corner saw another tremendous centre from Gibson headed powerfully into the net by David Donnelly.

 

Beith continued to press and a fine run and shot from Paul Frize brought out a good save from ex Beith keeper Stevie O'Neill and a speculative shot from David McGowan from an acute angle flew across the face of goal and behind. Hurlford were principally defending and only had a free kick from Masterton that went over the bar to note before Beith increased their lead in the 18th minute. Andy Gibson and Andy Reid exchanged some nice passes before the ball was crossed for Kenny McLean to steer past O'Neill. McLean tried to repay his strike partner minutes later when he crossed for Reid in the box and he went close with a shot on the volley.

 

Hurlford eventually managed to stem the tide they created  few chances with McKenzie in particular looking dangerous going forward. Danny Mitchell headed over a McKenzie cross and new big signing Neilson headed narrowly over from a corner.

 

Beith continued to look the more dangerous however and Ford keeper O'Neill kept his side in the contest with two fine saves from McLean headers before half time.

 

Hurlford's chances of a fight back were set back significantly 10 minutes into the second half when centre back Glen Mitchell lost the plot in some pushing and shoving in the box as a free kick was being lined up and elbowed Marc McShane in full view of the ref who promptly showed him a red card. The visitors tried hard to fight back but too hard in the cases of Neilson and Dempster who could well have joined their team mate in the clubhouse when the former took Paul Frize out of the play and the latter followed through with a straight leg challenge on Gary Wilson, both surprisingly only brought yellow cards from referee Napier. Beith never really looked like relinquishing their grip on the game and could have increased their lead on several occasions and when called upon Adam Strain dealt well with shots from McKenzie and Kean.

 

Beith had no failures in the match and their confidence will surely be high as they look forward to a cup final and continuing their impressive form in their league campaign.

 

Beith: Strain, McDonald, Wilson, Donnelly, McShane, McGowan, Gibson, Frize, McLean, Reid, Bradley. Subs: McKay, Hobbs, Docherty, Storrie, Sheridan

Hurlford: O'Neill, McGregor, Sullivan, Neilson, G Mitchell, Masterton, McKenzie, D Mitchell, Keane, Dempster, Watt. Subs: Paterson, Wilson, Eels, Cameron, Brown

Kilsyth Rangers 0 v 5 Beith Juniors

 

Stagecoach Super League

 

 

Beith got back to winning ways with a good victory at Duncansfield against bottom side Kilsyth. Changes were made to last weeks cup final line up with Daniel McKay and David McGowan replacing injured pair Reid and Gibson. It took a while for Beith to get in front but once they managed that the points were never in any doubt.

 

Beith opened positively without creating any real chances and the home side had the first effort at goal when the well travelled Simon Eeles got a speculative overhead kick on target after Marc McShane lost possession, but keeper Strain saved comfortably. Beith were seeing a lot of the ball and decent efforts from McGowan and Frize narrowly missed the target. The home side could only mount the occasional counter attack but in one quick break Eeles had a decent effort from the edge of the box that went over the bar. Beith's best chance so far came along in the 36th minute when McGowan was played through the middle but he couldn't apply the finish and his weak effort was turned behind by big keeper Duke. A frustrating first half duly ended goalless with Beith failing to capitalise on their overwhelming possession.

 

Words were obviously said at the interval and Beith upped the pace after the restart with the home side somehow surviving a goalmouth melee that ended when a McKay effort was deflected past. A McKay free kick also went close finding the side net as the home side clung on with Doyle picking up a yellow card for wasting time. Beith replaced Zander Ryan with Nicky Docherty and this move paid off minutes later when a nice move resulted in Docherty arriving at the back post to head a McKay cross home. The goal was vociferously contested by the home side but the ref's assistant was in a good position to judge and he was in no doubt the ball had definitely crossed the line.

 

Kilsyth tried to respond and Adam Strain was called into action to get down smartly to save a good 25 yard effort from McPeake. Beith kept up the tempo however and went two up in the 74th minute when McGowan arrived in the box to touch home a cut back from a great McLean run into the box. The contest was all but ended two minutes later when Paul Frize latched onto a poor clearance 20 yards out and promptly drilled a fine low shot into the bottom corner.

 

Beith made further changes giving run outs to forwards Hobbs and Craig and the latter got on the score sheet after only a few minutes on the field when he despatched a penalty award after McShane was chopped down in the box by Hogg. The league leaders added a fifth before the end when Craig finished off a nice move involving McDonald and Bradley, shooting high into the top corner. Kilsyth continued to look for a consolation but it was not to be with Strain making a good save from Kelly and Eeles hitting the post in the closing minutes.

 

Kilsyth: Duke, Waters, Carr, Doyle. Hogg, McLaren, McKenzie, McPeake, Dolan, Eeles, Kelly. Subs: Duncan, Kouider-Aissa, Desmond, Kerr (gk)

Beith: Strain, Ryan, Wilson, Donnelly, McShane, McDonald, Bradley, Frize, McLean, McKay, McGowan. Subs: Hobbs, Sheridan, Docherty, Reid, Craig

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Betting

 

Book makers William Hill have got Beith down as the 10/11 favourites to scoop the West First Division League title this season, this follows a run of great results by The Mighty. If you fancy a wager on the mighty then please click on the William Hill logo on this page to go through to their website.

 

Beith 10/11, Shotts 4/1, Ashfield 12/1, Troon 12/1, Cumbernauld 14/1, Yoker 16/1, Thorniewood 20/1, Maybole 25/1, R. Glencairn 25/1, Greenock 33/1, Kilsyth 33/1, Kilwinning 33/1, Lesmahagow 33/1, Renfrew 50/1

 

 

This week's Home / Draw / Away odds from William Hill

 

Scottish Junior Cup First Round Replays

11/4 Falkirk Juniors 16/5 Kirkcaldy 8/13

1/10 Tranent 6/1 Islavale 12/1

1/2 Dyce 10/3 Maryhill 10/3

4/11 G. Perthshire 7/2 Cruden Bay 5/1

1/2 Thornton 10/3 Vale of Leven 10/3

 

West Region

7/5 Arthurlie 12/5 Glenafton 7/5

EVS Cumnock 14/5 Kilbirnie 7/4

8/13 Irvine Meadow 16/5 Rob Roy 11/4

2/5 Petershill 10/3 Largs 9/2

11/10 Ashfield 5/2 Thorniewood 7/4

6/1 Kilsyth 9/2 Beith 1/4

2/1 Kilwinning 11/4 Cumbernauld 10/11

7/4 Renfrew 14/5 Greenock EVS

11/10 R. Glencairn 5/2 Maybole 7/4

2/1 Troon 11/4 Shotts 10/11

2/5 Yoker 10/3 Lesmahagow 9/2

 

East Region

2/1 Carnoustie 11/4 Newtongrange 10/11

1/5 Bathgate 5/1 Montrose R 7/1

7/5 Dundee Violet 12/5 Livingston Utd 7/5

EVS Kirriemuir 14/5 Dalkeith 7/4

5/4 Brechin Vics 13/5 Blairgowrie 6/4

7/1 Forfar Albion 5/1 Downfield 1/5

10/11 Jeanfield 11/4 Forfar WE 2/1

2/5 Lochee Utd 10/3 Arbroath Vics 9/2

1/20 Tayport 17/2 Coupar Angus 14/1

8/13 Luncarty 16/5 Dundee NE 11/4

1/10 Broughty 6/1 Scone 12/1

1/6 Kinnoull 11/2 East Craigie 8/1

11/10 Fauldhouse 5/2 Ballingry 7/4

7/4 Blackburn Utd 14/5 Dundonald EVS

9/1 Rosyth 11/2 Sauchie 1/7

11/4 Whitburn 16/5 St Andrews 8/13

1/2 Hill of Beath 10/3 Armadale 10/3

1/2 Lochore 10/3 Stoneyburn 10/3

11/1 Steelend 11/2 Arniston 1/8

11/4 Dunbar 16/5 Glenrothes 8/13

9/2 Edinburgh Utd 10/3 Musselburgh 2/5

 

North Region

1/2 Deveronside 10/3 Ellon Utd 10/3

1/5 Hall Russell 5/1 FC Stoneywood 7/1

1/3 Hermes 19/5 Stonehaven 5/1

7/1 Longside 5/1 Banks O'Dee 1/5

11/10 Maud 5/2 East End 7/4

1/4 New Elgin 9/2 Banchory 6/1

 

Minimum Trebles Accepted

Beith Juniors 2 v 0 Ashfield FC

 

Beith continued their unbeaten league run, making it 8 wins from 8 games, with a victory over difficult opponents who competed well from start to finish.

 

The league leaders were forced into a late personnel change when Gary Wilson was injured in the warm up. Zander Ryan replaced with Stuart McDonald dropping into a full back role. A scrappy opening spell produced a few half chances at both ends but little to trouble the keepers. Adam Strain was the first to be called into serious action in the 12th minute producing a good save to stop a Gilmartin shot that was on target. At the other end Andy Reid cut in from the left onto his right foot and forced Ashfield keeper Prior to make a good stop. Ex Beith centre back Lee McShane was up for the challenge but a bit too much so and he collected the first yellow card for showing dissent after 22 minutes.

 

Beith continued to press and Andy Reid opened the scoring in the 24th minute when he picked up a ball in the box, jinked across the 6 yard line until he bought enough room to clip a shot across the keeper and into the far corner. Beith were playing some decent football trying to breakdown the visitors defence while they tried a more direct route with balls thrown up to striker Gilmartin who was well policed by the home defence. Ashfield collected another yellow card when McKay was fouled just outside the box but they got a bit of luck when Zander Ryan's well flighted free kick hit the bar and came down just the right side of the line for them. Ashfield had a wee chance just before the break when a quickly taken corner caused a panic in the box but the danger was eventually cleared and allowed the home side to go in with their lead intact in a half that had lots of effort but few clear chances.

 

Ashfield continued to make life difficult after the restart but a long range free kick effort from David McGowan forced keeper Prior to make a good save and then another to deny Kenny McLean when he latched onto the rebound. McGowan had another opportunity soon after when he was played through after a nice one two with Paul Frize but he couldn't finish and the keeper turned his effort behind for a corner.

 

Ashfield were not going to go down without a fight, competing well in midfield, and Strain was pleased that a free kick from danger man Gilmartin was straight down his throat. Beith's discomfort continued with Chalmers shooting inches wide of the post from a great position. Beith also went close when substitute Gibson made keeper Prior make a good save to touch his free kick effort round the post but they got their reward from the corner when Gibson's fine in swinging delivery was tucked home by another sub Paul Craig.

On another day Beith could well have dropped points in a match like this with some players significantly under performing but they gratefully managed to scramble home with a win.

 

Beith: Strain, MacDonald, Wilson, Donnelly, McShane, McGowan, Bradley, Frize, McLean, Reid. Subs: Hobbs, Ryan, Gibson, Craig, Sheridan, Wild

Ashfield: Prior, McGhee, Mangan, Marshall, McShane, McKay, Chalmers, Ferguson, Gilmartin, Barclay, Wright. Subs: McCrone, Highlands, Niven, Kirkwood, Howie (gk)

 

 

Betting

 

Book makers William Hill have got Beith down as the 10/11 favourites to scoop the West First Division League title this season, this follows a run of great results by The Mighty. If you fancy a wager on the mighty then please click on the William Hill logo on this page to go through to their website.

 

Beith 2/7, Cumbernauld 10/1, Shotts 10/1, Troon 16/1, Yoker 16/1, Ashfield 20/1, Maybole 25/1, Thorniewood 33/1, Greenock 40/, R. Glencairn 50/1

 

This week's Home / Draw / Away odds from William Hill

 

Scottish Junior Cup First Round Replay

21/20 Bo'ness  12/5 Bonnyrigg 19/10

 

Revised Scottish Junior Cup Odds

Auchinleck 4/1

Linlithgow 7/1

Petershill 14/1

Bo'ness 16/1

Bonnyrigg 16/1

Pollok 16/1

Camelon 20/1

Clydebank 20/1

Hurlford 25/1

Newtongrange 25/1

Arthurlie 33/1

Cumnock 33/1

Irvine Meadow 33/1

Kilbirnie 33/1

Rob Roy 33/1

Bathgate 40/1

Beith 40/1

Glenafton 40/1

Hill of Beath 40/1

Lochee Utd 40/1

Sauchie 40/1

Tayport 40/1

Ballingry 50/1

Carnoustie 50/1

Fauldhouse 50/1

Largs 50/1

Musselburgh 50/1

Penicuik 50/1

Armadale 66/1

Ashfield 66/1

Cumbernauld 66/1

Kirkcaldy 66/1

Livingston Utd 66/1

R. Glencairn 66/1

Shotts 66/1

St Andrews 66/1

Thorniewood 66/1

Yoker 66/1

Banks O'Dee 80/1

Broxburn 100/1

Cambuslang 100/1

Culter 100/1

Dalkeith 100/1

Deveronside 100/1

Dundonald 100/1

Forfar WE 100/1

Greenock 100/1

Hermes 100/1

K Star Hearts 100/1

Kilsyth 100/1

Kilwinning 100/1

Kirriemuir 100/1

Lanark 100/1

Larkhall 100/1

Maybole 100/1

Montrose R 100/1

Oakley 100/1

Renfrew 100/1

Shettleston 100/1

Troon 100/1

Whitburn 100/1

Whitletts 100/1

Ardrossan 150/1

Bellshill 150/1

Broughty 150/1

Lesmahagow 150/1

Neilston 150/1

St Anthonys 150/1

Dalry 200/1

Dunbar 200/1

Dunipace 200/1

Downfield 250/1

Dundee NE 250/1

Girvan 250/1

Haddington 250/1

Lugar 250/1

Maryhill 250/1

Pumpherston 250/1

Stonehaven 250/1

Tranent 250/1

Benburb 500/1

Carluke 500/1

FC Stoneywood 500/1

Johnstone 500/1

Each Way 1/2 1-2

 

West Region

7/5 Arthurlie 12/5 Irvine Meadow 7/5

2/5 Auchinleck 10/3 Glenafton 9/2

10/11 Clydebank 13/5 Petershill 21/10

7/2 Largs 16/5 Kilbirnie 1/2

4/7 Pollok 3/1 Cumnock 16/5

13/8 Rob Roy 5/2 Hurlford 6/5

4/9 Beith 10/3 Ashfield 4/1

4/9 Cumbernauld 10/3 Renfrew 4/1

11/10 Greenock 5/2 Kilwinning 7/4

1/3 Shotts 7/2 Kilsyth 11/2

EVS Thorniewood 11/4 R. Glencairn 9/5

6/5 Troon 5/2 Yoker 13/8

2/7 Lesmahagow 4/1 St Rochs 6/1

 

East Region

13/8 Ballingry 5/2 Tayport 6/5

8/5 Hill of Beath 12/5 Newtongrange 5/4

7/4 Kelty 14/5 Carnoustie EVS

6/4 Musselburgh 12/5 Camelon 13/10

8/13 Sauchie 16/5 Armadale 11/4

7/4 St Andrews 14/5 Broxburn EVS

8/13 Arniston 16/5 Dundee Violet 11/4

5/4 Dalkeith 13/5 Oakley 6/4

13/5 Jeanfield 11/4 Broughty 8/11

11/2 Kinnoull 4/1 Penicuik 3/10

9/2 Kirriemuir 10/3 Bathgate 2/5

4/7 Livingston Utd 16/5 Kirkcaldy 3/1

23/10 Montrose R 11/4 Glenrothes 4/5

10/3 Pumpherston 10/3 Fauldhouse 1/2

 

North Region

4/9 Culter 10/3 Hall Russell 4/1

11/5 FC Stoneywood 11/4 Stonehaven 5/6

6/1 Banchory 9/2 Banks O'Dee 1/4

4/7 Cruden Bay 16/5 Parkvale 3/1

1/4 Deveronside 9/2 Longside 6/1

9/2 East End 10/3 Hermes 2/5

4/5 Ellon Utd 11/4 Maud 23/10

1/2 Islavale 10/3 Burghead 10/3

11/4 New Elgin 16/5 Dyce 8/13

 

Minimum Trebles Accepted

Beith Juniors 2 v 3 Pollok FC

 

New Coin Holdings West of Scotland Cup

 

 

Beith will undoubtedly feel hard done by to have gone out of the second most prodigious cup competition at the hands of Premier opponents Pollok. The match officials will certainly not have won any popularity contest with the Bellsdale faithful with several match changing decisions contributing to Beith seeing a two goal advantage disappear.

 

Both sides started positively with Beith first to threaten with a McGowan shot that forced Murdoch into a fine save before the visitors went even closer with a thumping shot that smashed off the crossbar. The action continued and Beith took the lead in the 9th minute when good interplay between Gibson and Frize allowed latter to slot home after keeper Murdoch collided with the former.

Beith continued to have the upper hand playing up the slope and they deservedly doubled their lead on the half hour when the old double act of Reid and McLean struck when the latter squared across the 6 yard line for Reid to shoot home confidently at the back post.

 

Pollok remained dangerous however and Bradley should have scored when he was played through one on one with Strain but shot wide of the upright. With Beith playing some fine football controversy reigned 5 minutes before the interval when the home side thought they had scored a third goal their play deserved.  McLean chased down a short pass back to the keeper and the ball broke to Andy Reid who probably could have scored but he decided to square the ball back to McLean to shoot home past a defender on the line. The referee gave the goal but with Beith back in their own half to restart the referee changed his decision and disallowed the goal after Lok players surrounded the linesman forcing the ref to intervene. As often happens following a controversial decision things change and Pollok got themselves back into the match when a long ball over the Beith defence found Sinclair speeding clear and he shot home past the advancing keeper and sent his team in for the break on much healthier terms.

 

Beith had great chance to draw clear 10 minutes after the restart when Frize found Gibson who crossed early only for McGowan to shoot over the bar. At the other end Lok again hit the frame of the goal when goalscorer Sinclair saw his free kick hit the bar and rebound down and clear. In the proverbial game of two halves Lok were now on the ascendancy and Diack made Strain produce a great save to turn his lob round the post. The visitors pulled level a few minutes later when substitute Waddell swept home a cross at the near post with the stunned defence claiming what looked a clear offside.

 

Kenny McLean then had a chance for Beith to retake the lead when he turned and shot in the box but his effort unfortunately went straight to the keeper. If Beith felt aggrieved at the equaliser they had even more grounds to be at the goal that won the match for Pollok. A long ball forward had the Beith defence stopped with Diack yards offside but the linesman failed to raise his flag when he tried get involved again from the offside position and Waddell again took advantage with Beith not playing to the whistle and advance to roll the ball past Strain.

Beith's best opportunity to level slipped away in the closing minutes when sub Hobbs sliced his effort wide from a good position when the ball found him in the clear at the back post.

 

Beith: Strain, Ryan, Wilson, Donnelly, Sheridan, MacDonald, Gibson, Frize, McLean, Reid, McGowan. Subs: Craig, Hobbs, Wild, McKay, Greenwood (gk)

Pollok: Murdoch, McLennan, McGillion, McGowan, Reilly, Howie, Bradley, Hamilton, Diack, Sinclair, McVey. Subs: McAleenan, Waddell, Andrioni, Hepburn, Robertson (gk)

 

Arbroath Victoria 1 v 2 Beith Juniors

Scottish Junior Cup 2nd Round

 

Beith are in the hat for the next round of the Scottish after safely coming through a tricky away fixture in what will probably only be remembered as the proverbial 'scrappy' affair.

 

The Bellsdale side had selection problems with Kenny McLean joining Marc McShane and Nicky Docherty on the injured list so Paul Craig was given a start leading the line and John Sheridan continued at centre back.

 

As the sides tested each other in the opening exchanges Beith keeper Adam Strain was first into action to turn a shot from Njie behind for a corner. Beith were getting space however on the big, undulating playing surface and Joe Bradley found room just inside the box and fired a shot across the face of goal and wide when a pass to Craig would have been a better option. The visitors continued to press with Bradley and Ryan causing problems on the flanks but Arbroath were working very hard and managing to get tackles and blocks in at crucial times. Old fashioned square goalposts also came to the home sides rescue on the half hour when a Gibson free kick smashed off the face of the crossbar and rebounded clear. A goal looked on the cards but Andy Reid passed up a great chance when sent through on the keeper, lifting his shot over the bar. Arbroath were defending doggedly and occasionally threatening through slippery forward Njie. Corners came and went for Beith as the interval approached and a frustrating half ended goalless with a Bradley effort curling just wide of the post.

 

Beith started off where they finished - going forward, but had to make a quick change with David McGowan replacing Joe Bradley who failed to recover from a dead leg injury picked up before the break. Vics keeper Whitton remained busy and he made a brave stop at Paul Frize's feet as he bore in on goal. Efforts from McGowan and Frize missed the target before the boss made another change up front, introducing Charlie Hobbs at the expense of the pretty ineffective Craig. Beith kept the tempo high and made their last substitution with Daniel McKay replacing Andy Gibson. McKay was quickly into action winning a corner and there were loud appeals for a goal when McGowan's whipped in corner was hacked off the line. The referee waved play on, probably rightly, as he had no official assistants to advise him.

 

The breakthrough was finally made in the 70th minute when sub Hobbs latched onto a through ball in a quick move and despite his shot being blocked by desperate defending it had enough on it to take it over the line. Hobbs pace continued to trouble the tiring home side, he had another effort blocked before Beith added another when Zander Ryan found the net with a great free kick from 20 yards out after Frize had been fouled.

 

A coast through to the end wasn't to be however because the home side rallied and after a header from sub Kenny had hit the crossbar they pulled a goal back with 8 minutes remaining when Warren shot home with the aid of a deflection off Gary Wilson after the Beith defence failed to clear their lines. Players and the healthy Beith following managed to cope with the nervous closing minutes however and the victory was duly secured. Best for Beith, as he has been consistently from the start of the season, was Stuart MacDonald who worked tirelessly throughout and hardly wasted a ball.

 

Beith: Strain, Ryan, Wilson, Donnelly, Sheridan, MacDonald, Gibson, Frize, Craig, Reid, Bradley. Subs: Hobbs, McKay, McGowan, Wild, Greenwood (gk)

 

 

Betting

 

Book makers William Hill have got Beith down as the 10/11 favourites to scoop the West First Division League title this season, this follows a run of great results by The Mighty. If you fancy a wager on the mighty then please click on the William Hill logo on this page to go through to their website.

 

Beith 2/7, Cumbernauld 10/1, Shotts 10/1, Troon 16/1, Yoker 16/1, Ashfield 20/1, Maybole 25/1, Thorniewood 33/1, Greenock 40/, R. Glencairn 50/1

 

This week's Home / Draw / Away odds from William Hill

 

Scottish Junior Cup 2nd Round Odds

 

7/1 Arbroath Vics 5/1 Beith 1/5

1/5 Auchinleck 5/1 Broxburn 7/1

11/4 Banchory 16/5 Pumpherston 8/13

1/2 Bellshill 10/3 Deveronside 10/3

10/11 Benburb 11/4 Lochgelly 2/1

10/3 Blantyre 10/3 Broughty 1/2

4/9 Brechin Vics 10/3 East End 4/1

9/1 Buchanhaven 11/2 Banks O'Dee 1/7

8/11 Burghead 11/4 Parkvale 13/5

1/10 Cambuslang 6/1 Portgordon 12/1

12/1 Carluke 15/2 Linlithgow 1/14

13/8 Culter 5/2 Ashfield 6/5

4/11 Cumnock 7/2 Troon 5/1

2/7 Dalkeith 4/1 Vale of Leven 6/1

1/6 Dalry 11/2 Buckie Rovers 8/1

EVS Darvel 14/5 Wishaw 7/4

9/2 Downfield 10/3 Arthurlie 2/5

14/1 Dufftown 17/2 Pollok 1/20

9/1 Dundee NE 11/2 Bo'ness 1/7

8/13 Dunipace 16/5 Dunbar 11/4

7/1 EK Thistle 5/1 Montrose R 1/5

11/1 Forfar Albion 11/2 Lanark 1/8

9/1 Forres Thistle 11/2 K Star Hearts 1/7

12/1 Fraserburgh Utd 6/1 Ballingry 1/10

8/1 Glentanar 11/2 Fauldhouse  1/6

1/8 Greenock 11/2 Royal Albert 11/1

9/1 Haddington 11/2 Newtongrange 1/7

4/11 Hall Russell 7/2 Cruden Bay 5/1

1/3 Harthill 19/5 Craigmark 5/1

1/10 Hermes 6/1 Newmachar 12/1

1/20 Hurlford 17/2 New Elgin 14/1

7/5 Irvine Meadow 12/5 Clydebank 7/5

8/1 Johnstone 11/2 Hill of Beath 1/6

1/8 Kilbirnie 11/2 Newburgh 11/1

11/5 Kilsyth 11/4 Shettleston 5/6

1/14 Kilwinning 15/2 Nairn SN 12/1

1/7 Kirkcaldy 11/2 Longside 9/1

8/13 Largs 16/5 Oakley 11/4

7/4 Larkhall 14/5 Kirriemuir EVS

5/1 Lesmahagow 7/2 Camelon 4/11

11/4 Lewis Utd 16/5 Colony Park 8/13

2/5 Livingston Utd 10/3 Vale of Clyde 9/2

9/1 Lochee Harp 11/2 Rob Roy 1/7

EVS Lochore 14/5 Ellon Utd 7/4

5/1 Maryhill 19/5 Carnoustie 1/3

17/10 Maybole 13/5 Cumbernauld 11/10

1/2 Musselburgh 10/3 Armadale 10/3

1/2 Neilston 10/3 Maud 10/3

1/8 Penicuik 11/2 Sunnybank 11/1

1/3 R. Glencairn 19/5 Annbank 5/1

5/1 Rossvale 19/5 Dundonald 1/3

6/1 Rosyth 9/2 Lochee Utd 1/4

1/4 Sauchie 9/2 Tranent 6/1

1/12 St Andrews 7/1 Whitehills 12/1

11/2 St Anthonys 4/1 Petershill 3/10

6/1 St Rochs 9/2 Thorniewood 1/4

6/4 Stonehaven 13/5 Forfar WE 5/4

7/1 FC Stoneywood 5/1 Shotts 1/5

1/2 Tayport 10/3 Renfrew 10/3

1/2 Whitburn 10/3 Forth 10/3

11/2 Whitletts 4/1 Bathgate 3/10

2/5 Yoker 10/3 Ardrossan 9/2

 

9/2 Lugar 10/3 Glenafton 2/5

 

East Region

1/2 Bonnyrigg 10/3 Kelty 10/3

EVS Arniston 14/5 Glenrothes 7/4

8/13 Dundee Violet 16/5 Jeanfield 11/4

 

 

Minimum Trebles Accepted

Beith Juniors 0 v 1 Shotts Bon Accord

Match abandoned 75th minute

Stagecoach Premier First Division

 

 

Despite heavy rain Bellsdale was definitely playable at kick off, for the contest against the side who, when they last met, put the final nail in Beith's relegation coffin last season.

 

Shotts, playing up the slope, started rightly with centre Sean McKenna causing early problems for the home defence. Shotts continued to be the more fluent side with Beith struggling to get their passing game going. Only half chances were created by the home side while Strain had to be smart to turn away a Hanlon shot after a good move sent him through on the keeper. Beith's best chance came 20 minutes in when Hobbs forced White to turn his shot past the post and from the resulting corner Bradley curled a decent effort from a tight angle just over.

McKenna continued to cause danger whenever he was in possession as the visitors pushed for an opener but, against the run of play, Beith nearly stole a lead when Zander Ryan burst through the middle from the halfway line and unleashed a shot from 30 yards that rattled off the crossbar. Ryan was involved again minutes later on defensive duties when he put in a desperate last ditch challenge to turn a McKenna effort over the bar.

Beith were second best for most of the half but rallied somewhat at the end when McKay forced White into a save to touch his shot over the bar and McDonald saw a spectacular bicycle kick effort from the edge of the box deflected past.

 

Rain had increased steadily throughout the first half and the downpour was unrelenting after the restart as Beith started positively with McGowan pulling a shot wide from a good opening. At the other end Burns forced Strain to touch his curling shot over the bar. Beith were looking far more like the thing however and Hobbs had two decent on target efforts deflected wide by last ditch blocks. The home side upped the ante further replacing Hobbs and McKay with the fresh legs of Frize and Reid as they went all out for a goal. Referee Mr Napier waved away claims for penalty's when a Gibson effort appeared to be stopped by an arm and then when McGowan appeared to be checked in the box as he burst through. Shotts still looked dangerous in an odd counter attack and they hit Beith with a sucker punch in the 63rd minute when a loose ball was picked up and sent forward quickly for Gary McStay to nip in at the near post to squeeze the cross past Strain.

 

Beith continued to press for a goal, but now an equaliser, as the incessant rain started to lie on the pitch. The referee really had no alternative except to bring the contest to a close in the 75th minute as play became impossible. Shotts were understandably upset at the decision as they clung to their lead but it was the correct decision no matter what the score was. Beith on the other hand will no doubt be giving thanks to the rain gods for keeping their unbeaten league run intact with time running out to get the goals they required.

 

Beith: Strain, Ryan, Wilson, Donnelly, Sheridan, McDonald, Gibson, McGowan, Hobbs, McKay, Bradley. Subs: Frize, Reid, Wild, McShane, Docherty

Shotts: White, Finnigan, Burns, Wharton, Walker, S Marriott, Hanlon, McStay, McKenna, J Marriott, Canning. Subs: Raulin, Miles, Falconer, J White

 

 

Renfrew 2 v 2 Beith Juniors

 

League leaders Beith visited the now dilapidated Western Park as overwhelming favourites in a top versus bottom clash but the outcome will, no doubt, have burst a few coupons with the visitors only collecting a point courtesy of a late equaliser.

 

The treacle like playing surface impacted from the off and the visitors found themselves very much in a contest when Renfrew forged ahead after only 3 minutes when Ramsay shot home across Strain after he was allowed to break into the box from a quick move up the left side.

 

Beith had four changes to last weeks line up but they gradually recovered from the shock start to build up some steady pressure with ex Beith keeper Stevie O'Neil making two good stops from McKay efforts. The home side missed the best chance however when Nicholson somehow missed the target with a free header from a corner.

 

Beith retained the bulk of possession and they should have had a penalty when Paul Frize was clearly pulled back as he burst into the box and shot past the post. The home side continued to be dangerous on the break and they hit the post with an opportunist shot on the half hour. Beith got the breakthrough a minute later however when Marc McShane got forward to play a one-two with Andy Reid before planting a good shot beyond O'Neil. It was all Beith now but passing football was a huge task on the surface with players slipping continuously. Andy Reid managed better than most and he opened up the home defence on numerous occasions without getting reward. Corners came and went with Sheridan heading over in front of goal and Marc Shane bringing out a magnificent one handed save from O'Neil to keep his side level at the break.

 

The game pattern continued after the restart but they again found the target hard to hit with McGowan volleying over a Gibson cross with just the keeper to beat. Play flowed almost continuously towards the Renfrew goal but misses, fine goalkeeping by O'Neil and dogged defending kept Beith at bay. A goal did come in the 73rd minute but it was, totally against the run of play, for the home side. Substitute McDade pushed forward down the right and Stuart MacDonald backed off allowing him to take a shot from the edge of the box that was going wide until it hit the unfortunate Gary Wild and spun into the opposite corner.

 

It looked as if it was going to be one of those days when nothing goes your way as Beith again pushed forward without reward until they got themselves level from the penalty spot with 6 minutes remaining. Daniel McKay collected a pass in the box and was pulled down from behind as he held up the ball. Substitute Kenny McLean duly dispatched the award before aggrieved Frew sub Armstrong was sent off for verbally abusing the referee. Beith pressed for a winner in the closing minutes but the resilient home side managed to hold out. Best for Beith on an extremely frustrating day were Andy Reid and Paul Frize.

 

Renfrew: O'Neil, Mulgrew, Stobo, Chalk, Nicholson, Mort, Forbes, Gilmour, Barbour, Chang, Ramsay, Boyd, Dempsey. Subs: Armstrong, McDade, Doherty

 

Beith: Strain, McShane, Wilson, Wild, Sheridan, MacDonald, Gibson, Frize, McKay, Reid, McGowan. Subs: McLean, Hobbs, Donnelly, Docherty, Bradley

 

 

Betting

 

Book makers William Hill have got Beith down as the 10/11 favourites to scoop the West First Division League title this season, this follows a run of great results by The Mighty. If you fancy a wager on the mighty then please click on the William Hill logo on this page to go through to their website.

 

Beith 1/4 Cumbernauld 9/1 Shotts 9/1 Troon 14/1 Yoker 16/1 Ashfield 25/1 Maybole 25/1 Thorniewood 40/1 Greenock 50/1R. Glencairn 100/1

 

This week's Home / Draw / Away odds from William Hill

 

Scottish Junior Cup 2nd Round

5/1 Lesmahagow 7/2 Camelon 4/11

 

Scottish Junior Cup Second Round Replays

1/4 Montrose R 9/2 EK Thistle 6/1

1/5 Carnoustie 5/1 Maryhill 7/1

 

Scottish Junior Cup Outright

Auchinleck 4/1

Linlithgow 6/1

Bo'ness 12/1

Hurlford 14/1

Petershill 14/1

Pollok 16/1

Camelon 20/1

Irvine Meadow 20/1

Newtongrange 20/1

Arthurlie 25/1

Cumnock 25/1

Glenafton 25/1

Kilbirnie 25/1

Rob Roy 25/1

Beith 33/1

Hill of Beath 33/1

Largs 33/1

Lochee Utd 33/1

Musselburgh 33/1

Sauchie 33/1

Tayport 33/1

Ashfield 40/1

Fauldhouse 40/1

Penicuik 40/1

Ballingry 50/1

Carnoustie 50/1

Cumbernauld 50/1

Kirkcaldy 50/1

Livingston Utd 50/1

R. Glencairn 50/1

St Andrews 50/1

Yoker 50/1

Banks O'Dee 66/1

Cambuslang 66/1

Dundonald 66/1

Shotts 66/1

Thorniewood 66/1

Whitletts 66/1

Kilwinning 80/1

Dalkeith 100/1

Dalry 100/1

Deveronside 100/1

Hermes 100/1

K Star Hearts 100/1

Kilsyth 100/1

Lanark 100/1

Larkhall 100/1

Montrose R 100/1

Lesmahagow 150/1

Neilston 150/1

Stonehaven 150/1

Dunbar 200/1

Benburb 250/1

Girvan 250/1

Maryhill 250/1

Banchory 500/1

Blantyre 500/1

Darvel 500/1

Forth 500/1

Lochore 500/1

Burghead 1000/1

Colony Park 1000/1

Cruden Bay 1000/1

East End 1000/1

EK Thistle 1000/1

Harthill 1000/1

Royal Albert 1000/1

 

West Region

11/4 Arthurlie 16/5 Hurlford 8/13

7/5 Glenafton 12/5 Clydebank 7/5

4/5 Irvine Meadow 13/5 Pollok 12/5

4/9 Rob Roy 10/3 Largs 4/1

11/10 Petershill 5/2 Cumnock 7/4

10/11 Ashfield 13/5 Maybole 21/10

2/5 Kilwinning 10/3 Kilsyth 9/2

5/1 Renfrew 7/2 Beith 4/11

2/7 Shotts 7/2 Greenock 7/1

8/13 Troon 16/5 Thorniewood 11/4

1/4 Cumbernauld 9/2 Vale of Clyde 6/1

11/4 Dunipace 16/5 R. Glencairn 8/13

1/7 Yoker 11/2 Annbank 9/1

 

East Region

11/4 Armadale 16/5 Broxburn 8/13

1/2 Kelty 10/3 Ballingry 10/3

11/5 Dundee Violet 11/4 Oakley 5/6

8/13 Kirkcaldy 16/5 Pumpherston 11/4

2/5 Arniston 10/3 Dunbar 9/2

11/4 Bathgate 16/5 Bonnyrigg 8/13

9/1 Blackburn Utd 11/2 Linlithgow 1/7

5/4 Blairgowrie 13/5 Newburgh 6/4

8/13 Bo'ness 16/5 Newtongrange 11/4

4/1 Broughty 10/3 Sauchie 4/9

2/7 Dalkeith 4/1 Lochgelly 6/1

4/1 K Star Hearts 10/3 Fauldhouse 4/9

7/4 Kirriemuir 14/5 Kinnoull EVS

1/5 Penicuik 5/1 Dundee NE 7/1

2/5 Tayport 10/3 Arbroath Vics 9/2

9/2 Thornton 10/3 Livingston Utd 2/5

4/9 St Andrews 10/3 Glenrothes 4/1

6/1 Whitburn 9/2 Hill of Beath 1/4

 

North Region

EVS Dyce 14/5 Stonehaven 7/4

1/2 Ellon Utd 10/3 East End 10/3

7/5 FC Stoneywood 12/5 Deveronside 7/5

11/4 Hall Russell 16/5 Banks O'Dee 8/13

1/2 Hermes 10/3 Maud 10/3

1/2 New Elgin 10/3 Longside 10/3

 

Minimum Trebles Accepted

Beith Juniors 1 v 2 Sauchie

Scottish Junior Cup Rd 3

 

Beith defeated the East of Scotland side at the same stage last season in a tight contest so the in form visitors needed little motivation for the tie. Beith had regulars Gibson and Donnelly unavailable so the side, whose form has dipped since the Ardagh final defeat, had to be rejigged accordingly.

 

A decent crowd saw a scrappy start as the sides probed away without troubling either keeper. The visitors gradually began to look the more dangerous and won a couple of corners and from the second Hendrie missed the target with a virtual free header. Paul Frize had an opportunity for Beith from a corner but his shot was turned behind by the keeper. Back at the other end Hendrie got clear but a poor touch allowed Strain to make a good block to clear the danger.

 

Kenny McLean did well to make room in the box from a Wilson cross but the striker smashed his shot over the bar. Morgan was showing up well for Sauchie and he put his side ahead on the half hour when more sloppy set piece marking was punished when he was allowed a free jump to head home from a corner.

 

Beith tried to respond and Andy Reid saw his well struck free kick from 25 yards fly inches over. Beith continued to struggle to find any real fluency and they couldn't find any luck either when first a McGowan shot hit the post and Paul Frize following up saw his effort hit the crossbar and fly over. The visitors finished the half back on top however and they could have increased their lead but for Strain making a good stop to deny Hendrie and Bownes shooting over after a fine run.

 

Beith had to find something in the second half and they did, starting well and pegging the visitors back. Keeper Halliwell was almost caught out with a McGowan free kick that he struggled to to turn round the post. Next up a 30 yard thunderbolt from Zander Ryan smacked off the crossbar with the keeper beaten. Paul Frize also shot over as Beith pushed for the equaliser. Sauchie were not out of it though and they got openings with Beith pushing men forward and Strain did well to turn a Samuel shot behind.

Beith looked to have got the breakthrough in the 64th minute when Kenny McLean cut in from the left and curled a shot into the far corner only to see the ball rebound off the inside of the post straight into the keepers arms. The real sucker punch came soon after when, cruelly against the run of play, the visitors doubled their advantage. Adam Strain came for a high free kick into the box and dropped the ball right at the feet of Colin Samuel and the senior internationalist gratefully shot home with the keeper in a heap on the ground. Strain played no further part after a lengthy injury delay, substituted by Neil Greenwood. Beith threw on their other two permitted subs as a last throw of the dice. Sauchie were now more than happy to defend their lead and their luck also continued when a John Sheridan header from a corner hit the upright with the keeper again beaten.

 

Beith eventually managed to find the net with time running out when sub McKay forced the ball over the line in a scramble from a corner. This set up a tense last 7 minutes as Beith pressed for a deserved leveller but Sauchie managed to hold onto their lead to gain revenge for last seasons defeat by the same 2-1 score line.

 

Beith: Strain, Ryan, Wilson, Wild, Sheridan, MacDonald, Bradley, Frize, Reid, McLean, McGowan. Subs: McKay, Hobbs, Docherty, McShane, Greenwood

Sauchie: Halliwell, Rennie, Syme, King, Tully, Morgan, Winters, Comrie, Samuel, Hendrie, Bownes. Subs: Morrison, Kiczynsky, Stevenson, Cummings, Carroll

 

 

 

Betting

 

Book makers William Hill have got Beith down as the 10/11 favourites to scoop the West First Division League title this season, this follows a run of great results by The Mighty. If you fancy a wager on the mighty then please click on the William Hill logo on this page to go through to their website.

 

Beith 1/4 Cumbernauld 9/1 Shotts 9/1 Troon 14/1 Yoker 16/1 Ashfield 25/1 Maybole 25/1 Thorniewood 40/1 Greenock 50/1R. Glencairn 100/1

 

This week's Home / Draw / Away odds from William Hill

 

Scottish Junior Cup 2nd Round

5/1 Lesmahagow 7/2 Camelon 4/11

 

Scottish Junior Cup Second Round Replays

1/4 Montrose R 9/2 EK Thistle 6/1

1/5 Carnoustie 5/1 Maryhill 7/1

 

Scottish Junior Cup Outright

Auchinleck 4/1

Linlithgow 6/1

Bo'ness 12/1

Hurlford 14/1

Petershill 14/1

Pollok 16/1

Camelon 20/1

Irvine Meadow 20/1

Newtongrange 20/1

Arthurlie 25/1

Cumnock 25/1

Glenafton 25/1

Kilbirnie 25/1

Rob Roy 25/1

Beith 33/1

Hill of Beath 33/1

Largs 33/1

Lochee Utd 33/1

Musselburgh 33/1

Sauchie 33/1

Tayport 33/1

Ashfield 40/1

Fauldhouse 40/1

Penicuik 40/1

Ballingry 50/1

Carnoustie 50/1

Cumbernauld 50/1

Kirkcaldy 50/1

Livingston Utd 50/1

R. Glencairn 50/1

St Andrews 50/1

Yoker 50/1

Banks O'Dee 66/1

Cambuslang 66/1

Dundonald 66/1

Shotts 66/1

Thorniewood 66/1

Whitletts 66/1

Kilwinning 80/1

Dalkeith 100/1

Dalry 100/1

Deveronside 100/1

Hermes 100/1

K Star Hearts 100/1

Kilsyth 100/1

Lanark 100/1

Larkhall 100/1

Montrose R 100/1

Lesmahagow 150/1

Neilston 150/1

Stonehaven 150/1

Dunbar 200/1

Benburb 250/1

Girvan 250/1

Maryhill 250/1

Banchory 500/1

Blantyre 500/1

Darvel 500/1

Forth 500/1

Lochore 500/1

Burghead 1000/1

Colony Park 1000/1

Cruden Bay 1000/1

East End 1000/1

EK Thistle 1000/1

Harthill 1000/1

Royal Albert 1000/1

 

West Region

11/4 Arthurlie 16/5 Hurlford 8/13

7/5 Glenafton 12/5 Clydebank 7/5

4/5 Irvine Meadow 13/5 Pollok 12/5

4/9 Rob Roy 10/3 Largs 4/1

11/10 Petershill 5/2 Cumnock 7/4

10/11 Ashfield 13/5 Maybole 21/10

2/5 Kilwinning 10/3 Kilsyth 9/2

5/1 Renfrew 7/2 Beith 4/11

2/7 Shotts 7/2 Greenock 7/1

8/13 Troon 16/5 Thorniewood 11/4

1/4 Cumbernauld 9/2 Vale of Clyde 6/1

11/4 Dunipace 16/5 R. Glencairn 8/13

1/7 Yoker 11/2 Annbank 9/1

 

East Region

11/4 Armadale 16/5 Broxburn 8/13

1/2 Kelty 10/3 Ballingry 10/3

11/5 Dundee Violet 11/4 Oakley 5/6

8/13 Kirkcaldy 16/5 Pumpherston 11/4

2/5 Arniston 10/3 Dunbar 9/2

11/4 Bathgate 16/5 Bonnyrigg 8/13

9/1 Blackburn Utd 11/2 Linlithgow 1/7

5/4 Blairgowrie 13/5 Newburgh 6/4

8/13 Bo'ness 16/5 Newtongrange 11/4

4/1 Broughty 10/3 Sauchie 4/9

2/7 Dalkeith 4/1 Lochgelly 6/1

4/1 K Star Hearts 10/3 Fauldhouse 4/9

7/4 Kirriemuir 14/5 Kinnoull EVS

1/5 Penicuik 5/1 Dundee NE 7/1

2/5 Tayport 10/3 Arbroath Vics 9/2

9/2 Thornton 10/3 Livingston Utd 2/5

4/9 St Andrews 10/3 Glenrothes 4/1

6/1 Whitburn 9/2 Hill of Beath 1/4

 

North Region

EVS Dyce 14/5 Stonehaven 7/4

1/2 Ellon Utd 10/3 East End 10/3

7/5 FC Stoneywood 12/5 Deveronside 7/5

11/4 Hall Russell 16/5 Banks O'Dee 8/13

1/2 Hermes 10/3 Maud 10/3

1/2 New Elgin 10/3 Longside 10/3

 

Minimum Trebles Accepted

Beith Juniors  3 v  2 Cumbernauld United

 

Beith got back to winning ways, securing the points to maintain their challenge to return to the top league. The win, however, was not plain sailing with the visitors mounting a spirited comeback from 3 goals down leaving the hosts happy to hear the final whistle.

The Beith line up was again reshuffled with Neil Greenwood replacing Adam Strain in goals, Marc McShane and David Donnelly filling the centre back berths and Daniel McKay leading the line in the absence of suspended Kenny McLean.

 

The home side started well attacking up the slope and the visitors managed to get bodies in the way of shots from McKay and Bradley in a goalmouth scramble. Beith continued to press and really should have taken the lead when Marc McShane somehow completely missed a McGowan cross that was begging to be headed home. The visitors then nearly took a shock lead when Foley was allowed space to turn inside and shoot from a throw in, only to see his speculative effort rebound off the post. The Bellsdale side continued to enjoy the bulk of possession but McKay was often isolated up front with support slow to arrive with the visitors working hard.

The scrappy game was massively brightened up on the half hour mark with a wonder goal from Paul Frize when the midfielder picked up the ball on the half way line and strode forward to unleash a thunderbolt from almost 30 yards that found the top corner.

 

The visitors were finding David McGowan and Joe Bradley a real handful now as they got forward up the flanks and Bradley went close with a delicate chip that went inches over and was then denied by a last ditch tackle following a trademark mazy run. As half time approached Beith's pressure told when David McGowan picked out Andy Reid with a driven cross for him to guide home a nicely controlled header. Cumbernauld had a chance right on the whistle but Boreland blazed wide from the edge of the box and Beith went in with a well deserved advantage.

 

Beith restarted pretty much where they left off and they quickly added a third when Andy Reid whipped in a testing cross that defender Uaxton could only turn into his own net as he tried to clear. Spectators at this point were expecting Beith to boost their goal difference and they really should have with McKay volleying over in front of goal and Bradley shooting over from another great position in the box.

 

A goal totally against the run of play put paid to any thoughts of a coast over the line when journeyman striker Chris Zok, from a suspiciously offside looking position, sped clear of a square Beith back line and rounded advancing keeper Greenwood to give his side hope. With their confidence clearly boosted the visitors grabbed the midfield advantage with Upton now running the show and put Beith on the back foot and they missed a great opportunity to pull another back when sub Brown somehow shot past after he was picked out in the clear by McCafferty. The rattled Bellsdale side were now trying to see things through without further damage but they conceded another right on time when sub Fitzgerard slung a speculative cross into the box whereupon defenders and keeper all left it to each other and in, what seemed slow motion, the ball ended up in the far corner of the net.

 

Fans nails were well and truly chewed over the injury time minutes before the ref thankfully brought proceedings to a halt.

 

Beith: Greenwood, Ryan, Wilson, Donnelly, McShane, MacDonald, Bradley, Frize, McKay, Reid, McGowan. Subs: Hobbs, Sheridan, Docherty, Craig, Wild

Cumbernauld: Quinn, Boreland, Fraser, Uaxton, Boyce, Foley, McCafferty, Upton, Zok, Steele, O'Halleron. Subs: Brown, Fitzgerard, Ward, Buchanan

 

 

 

Betting

 

Book makers William Hill have got Beith down as the 10/11 favourites to scoop the West First Division League title this season, this follows a run of great results by The Mighty. If you fancy a wager on the mighty then please click on the William Hill logo on this page to go through to their website.

 

Beith 4/11, Shotts 5/1, Troon 15/2, Cumbernauld 12/1, Maybole 20/1, Yoker 20/1, Ashfield 66/1,  R. Glencairn 66/1

 

This week's Home / Draw / Away odds from William Hill

 

Scottish Junior Cup 3rd Round

5/1 Dalkeith 19/5 Hill of Beath 1/3

 

Scottish Junior Cup Third Round Replays

11/4 Girvan 16/5 Ashfield 8/13

1/16 Hurlford 15/2 Forth 14/1

 

Scottish Junior Cup Outright

Bo'ness 9/2

Hurlford 7/1

Camelon 10/1

Irvine Meadow 10/1

Petershill 10/1

Pollok 10/1

Cumnock 16/1

Glenafton 16/1

Tayport 16/1

Hill of Beath 20/1

Largs 20/1

Musselburgh 20/1

Sauchie 20/1

Ashfield 33/1

Carnoustie 33/1

Penicuik 33/1

Shotts 33/1

St Andrews 33/1

Cumbernauld 50/1

R. Glencairn 50/1

Whitletts 50/1

Yoker 50/1

Cambuslang 66/1

Dundonald 66/1

Kilwinning 66/1

Larkhall 66/1

Dalry 80/1

Dalkeith 100/1

Dunbar 100/1

Kilsyth 100/1

Montrose R 100/1

Neilston 150/1

Benburb 250/1

Girvan 250/1

Forth 500/1

Each Way 1/2 1-2

 

West Region

2/5 Clydebank 10/3 Arthurlie 9/2

2/1 Cumnock 11/4 Auchinleck 10/11

7/5 Kilbirnie 12/5 Irvine Meadow 7/5

5/6 Pollok 11/4 Petershill 11/5

13/8 Rob Roy 5/2 Glenafton 6/5

1/2 Beith 10/3 Cumbernauld 10/3

7/4 Greenock 14/5 Kilsyth EVS

5/4 Kilwinning 13/5 Maybole 6/4

7/4 Renfrew 5/2 R. Glencairn 11/10

10/3 Thorniewood 10/3 Shotts 1/2

EVS Troon 14/5 Yoker 7/4

 

East Region

4/11 Bonnyrigg 7/2 St Andrews 5/1

7/5 Broxburn 12/5 Tayport 7/5

2/5 Camelon 10/3 Ballingry 9/2

1/4 Linlithgow 4/1 Armadale 7/1

9/5 Musselburgh 13/5 Sauchie 21/20

7/4 Newtongrange 14/5 Bo'ness EVS

7/4 Arniston 14/5 Oakley EVS

7/5 Bathgate 12/5 Penicuik 7/5

1/5 Fauldhouse 5/1 Dundee Violet 7/1

6/4 Jeanfield 13/5 Glenrothes 5/4

6/4 Kinnoull 13/5 Livingston Utd 5/4

10/3 Kirkcaldy 10/3 Broughty 1/2

EVS Forfar WE 14/5 Kirriemuir 7/4

11/10 Lochee Utd 13/5 Carnoustie 17/10

1/2 Montrose R 10/3 Blairgowrie 10/3

7/1 Pumpherston 5/1 Kelty 1/5

 

North Region

2/5 Banks O'Dee 10/3 Ellon Utd 9/2

2/5 Culter 10/3 Deveronside 9/2

1/2 Dyce 10/3 New Elgin 10/3

13/8 FC Stoneywood 13/5 East End 23/20

EVS Hall Russell 14/5 Maud 7/4

1/3 Hermes 19/5 Banchory 5/1

1/5 Stonehaven 5/1 Longside 7/1

 

Minimum Trebles Accepted