Newmains United Preview

Forth take on Newmains United tomorrow in a match switched from Victoria Park to Wishaw Sports Centre.

Newmains hold a bit of an indian sign over the Forth at the moment, having triumphed in the last three encounters. Last season they won both matches 4-1 and in the league cup this season a late late penalty secured a 2-1 victory. The 4-1 defeat at Victoria Park was a particularly sore one, especially for Forth winger Gordon Murphy who recieved an additional 3 red cards after 'questioning' his initial sending off, which to be fair seemed harsh.

Newmains have only played three league matches this season, with the other three being postponed, and have so far registered a victory over Royal Albert and two defeats.

Since the league cup game, Forth have been in high scoring form and hopefully this will continue tomorrow with Kenny Wright, Bryan Felvus and Tony Traynor looking to add to their recent strikes.

David Grant is missing due to work commitments, but other than that manager Jamie McKenzie has a full squad to choose from.

'Mon the Forth.

Newmains Game Switched to Wishaw Sports Centre

The Wanderers game at Newmains on Saturday has been switched to Wishaw Sports Centre.

Twitter Feed

I've added a Twitter feed to the blog, which should hopefully allow the latest score and scorers to be updated directly from the games. Will find out on Saturday at Newmains whether or not this has been successful ...
The twitter handle is @montheforth should anyone wish to follow directly.

Royal Albert Game Confirmed for 8th October

Forth will play Royal Albert at Kingshill Park on Saturday 8th October at 2pm. 

Good Luck Mr President !

On behalf of everyone at Forth Wanderers, I'd like to express sincere thanks and wish all the best to our President Jim Boyd and his wife May who are retiring to Spain on September 30th.

Jim saw his first Wanderers game over 50 years ago (I know, he doesn't look old enough...) and has been a Committee man for the past 30 years, becoming Vice-President and then President over time. He has carried out many functions at the club, painting the pavilion, cutting the grass, taking down the nets and latterly running the pie-hut serving supporters and the players after the match.

Jim with his long service diploma from the SJFA

From a personal perspective, in my more 'sporadic' appearances at Wanderers matches over the years, he was always there with a smile, a handshake and a blether. It's fair to say without the friendliness of Jim all those years ago, along with a couple of others, I probably wouldn't be writing this blog today.

Without a doubt, he'll be a huge loss to the club he's served so well over the decades but perhaps he can put this new chapter of his life to good use and detail some of his memories of the Wanderers for me ! Regardless, I'm sure he'll keep in touch from sunnier climes.


Mr President, we salute you !

Forth Wanderers 4 Johnstone Burgh 1

A Kenny Wright hat-trick and a single from Tony Traynor gave the Wanderers an excellent victory today at Kingshill.

Many thanks to Stuart for the photographs.

Forth team : Clark,Gemmell,Murphy,Grant,L.McKinlay,Stevenson,Traynor (B.McKinlay),McGroarty(Crawford),Felvus,Wright,Harty

Johnstone Burgh Preview

Forth entertain Johnstone Burgh on Saturday in what promises to be a another tough encounter.
The Burgh have started the season well, registering two wins, a draw and one defeat so far. They've scored 13 goals, including four away to Stonehouse and six away to Rossvale last weekend. Their one reverse came against Carluke by the odd goal in five. Having been relegated from the Central 1st last season, they'll undoubtedly be focused on a quick return.
Forth are missing Martin Harty, Marc Napier and Chris Newall but have signed trialist Bryan Felvus from Fauldhouse in what I see as a great piece of business.
Mon the Forth.

Further Fixtures Announced

Saturday September 24th - No Game
Saturday October 1st - Newmains United (A) 2pm

Forth Wanderers 2 Carluke Rovers 4

Forth lost 4-2 to Carluke today despite holding a two goal half time advantage courtesy of Kenny Wright and Chris McGroarty.  It was the proverbial game of two halves, with Wanderers bossing the first half and Carluke storming back in the second.

 

Forth started brightly and Martin Harty hit the side net within 5 minutes before Chic Clark made a decent save after 8 minutes. Forth were then denied what appeared a stonewall penalty when Kenny Wright was fouled in the box but the referee inexplicably waved play on. Forth continued to press and Alan Stevenson brought out a great save from the Rovers keeper, then the same player shot over as did Chris McGroarty. At this stage Forth were seeing plenty of the ball but it looked as though a goal just wouldn't come. That changed on 38 minutes when Kenny Wright was sent through and despite a great save from the keeper followed up to net the rebound with aplomb. Five minutes later Chris McGroarty doubled the advantage with a deflected shot, which he cetainly seemed to enjoy. Chic Clark had one further save in the first half but overall the Wanderers were good value for their lead and had succeeded in keeping the free scoring visitors relatively quiet.

Carluke started the second half in a much more positive manner, and despite a Chris McGroarty shot which went over, began to dominate a lacklustre Forth. It was no real surprise when they pulled a goal back in the 54th minute and it took a string of excellent blocks from Chic Clark to keep the equaliser at bay. Forth had a couple of forays at the other end, a Kenny Wright effort slipping narrowly past and a Craig Crawford shot which was cleared but despite this Carluke always looked dangerous. They bagged the equaliser their play deserved on 69 minutes and from then on there looked likely to be only one winner. Forth to their credit pushed three up front, replacing midfielder Alan Stevenson with Kris Jarvie, in a bid to find a winner but it was Carluke who struck two goals in the last five minutes to seal the win. I believe the Carluke goals were scored by Arnott (2), Dickson and Grant.

A disappointing result from a Forth perspective, but credit to Carluke for an excellent second half performance. To think at half time I was wondering where their goal threat was ...

Finally, cheers to Ricky and Catherine for transport, alcohol and craic after the match.

'Mon The Forth

Forth team : Clark,Canning,Gemmell,Grant,Napier,Stevenson (Jarvie),Traynor (Crawford),McGroarty,Harty(McKay),Wright,Murphy

Carluke Rovers Preview

Forth entertain Carluke Rovers tomorrow in another match which promises to be a cracker.

The teams have already met twice this season, Forth edging the Clydesdale Cup match on penalties and then coming from 2 down to win the League Cup tie.

Rovers however, have started the season superbly. An opening 6-4 defeat to Blantyre Vics was followed by three straight wins, scoring 18 goals in the process.
With the Wanderers bagging 13 in the last two matches, everything is set for a classic derby match, weather permitting.

Jamie McKenzie has a full squad to choose from this week with no injuries or suspensions.

'Mon the Forth.

Forth Wanderers 4 Blantyre Victoria 0

I'm abroad so no photos or report.
However, I'm sure the pitch was to blame...
Then again, maybe we'll get some credit this week.
In what was described as a "great performance" by manager Jamie McKenzie, Kenny Wright and Bryan Felvus both notched doubles.
Forth team : Clark,Canning,Gemmell,Grant,Napier,Stevenson,Traynor,McGroarty,Wright,Felvus,Murphy  (B.McKinlay) 

Blantyre Victoria Preview

Forth entertain Blantyre Victoria on Saturday in what promises to be a stern test. The Vics have started the season well, taking 7 points in their Surridge League Cup group and then getting their league campaign off to a flyer with a 6-4 victory at Carluke. They followed this up with a 1-1 draw at Johnstone Burgh and a 3-0 home victory over Rossvale, leaving them undefeated after three games. They are currently the bookies favourites to win the league having been relegated from the Central First last season.

Forth manager Jamie Mckenzie reports that Barry Canning is an injury doubt and Craig Crawford is still suspended. Other than that the Wanderers are at full strength.

'Mon the Forth.