Newmains United on Saturday
Forth will entertain Newmains United at Kingshill Park this coming Saturday, 3rd December kick-off 13:45.
Royal Albert 0 Forth Wanderers 1
A late Kris Jarvie goal edged a tough encounter with Royal Albert at Gasworks Park today. The Albert had their chances however and will be disappointed not to take something from the game.
Forth were without Chris McGroarty and Bryan Felvus, with Martin Harty and Kris Jarvie deputising.
Kenny Wright had a couple of early chances for the Wanderers but slipped the ball past the post on both occasions, the second after a perfect pass from Gordon Murphy. Royal Albert then created several chances as the half wore on but a combination of poor finishing and stout defending kept the scoreline blank. The Albert also had a squeak for a penalty but the player went down in instalments and was booked for his efforts. As half time approached, Kris Jarvie just failed to connect with a Kenny Wright cross and then the same player flashed a header over from a pinpoint Barry Canning cross.
Royal Albert started the second half in determined fashion and soon forced Forth keeper Chic Clark into a fine save and only a great block from Gordon Murphy stopped them from going in front minutes later. As the game wore on though Forth began to assert themselves and Kenny Wright broke through and forced the keeper into an excellent save at the expense of a corner. The Albert continued to press however and only a mis-kick in front of goal allowed keeper Clark to gather. Forth were beginning to create chances now and the Albert keeper, who had an excellent game throughout, saved well from Kris Jarvie and then comfortably held a cheeky chip from Kenny Wright. Another fantastic save from a Chris Newall shot suggested he was going to remain unbeaten but the ball broke back out and was centered for Kris Jarvie to send a looping header into the net. Cue wild Forth celebrations culminating in a pile on on top of the unfortunate Jarvie ! Forth played out the remaining couple of minutes to record a third consecutive away victory.
Overall, a great victory over a decent Albert side who will take points off other teams. I'd rather have the points in the bag than the games in hand, that's for sure.
Forth team : Clark,Napier,Gemmell (Traynor),Grant,McKinlay (Newall),Stevenson,Canning,Harty,Wright (Mathers),Jarvie,Murphy
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| Kris Jarvie is under there somewhere ... |
Kenny Wright had a couple of early chances for the Wanderers but slipped the ball past the post on both occasions, the second after a perfect pass from Gordon Murphy. Royal Albert then created several chances as the half wore on but a combination of poor finishing and stout defending kept the scoreline blank. The Albert also had a squeak for a penalty but the player went down in instalments and was booked for his efforts. As half time approached, Kris Jarvie just failed to connect with a Kenny Wright cross and then the same player flashed a header over from a pinpoint Barry Canning cross.
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| Gordon Murphy Tussles in midfield. |
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| Kenny Wight is brought down. |
Forth team : Clark,Napier,Gemmell (Traynor),Grant,McKinlay (Newall),Stevenson,Canning,Harty,Wright (Mathers),Jarvie,Murphy
Leamahagow at home next Saturday ?
Forth are provisionally scheduled to face Lesmahagow at Kingshill Park next Saturday with a 1:45 kick off.
However, the 'Gow have an outstanding Cup match against Whitehills to play tomorrow and a further postponement, a draw or a 'Gow victory will result in the cancellation of the 'Gow v Forth game.
As the 'Gow are 2/7 to win, I'm thinking it's unlikely we'll have a league match next weekend.
However, the 'Gow have an outstanding Cup match against Whitehills to play tomorrow and a further postponement, a draw or a 'Gow victory will result in the cancellation of the 'Gow v Forth game.
As the 'Gow are 2/7 to win, I'm thinking it's unlikely we'll have a league match next weekend.
Royal Albert Preview
The Wanderers will hope to celebrate three away victories on the bounce when they take on Royal Albert at Gasworks Park, Larkhall on Saturday. The teams have yet to meet this season, with two previously scheduled
games at Kingshill Park cancelled due to failed pitch inspections.
Last season, there wasn't much to separate the teams, a 1-1 draw at Kingshill being followed with a 1-0 victory at Gasworks Park courtesy of a Gordon Murphy strike in one of Wanderers better performances of the season.
The Albert have recovered after a disappointing start, registering a goalless draw with Johnstone Burgh and a one goal victory away to Blantyre Vics in their last two matches.They currently sit eighth in the division with 2 wins, a draw and 6 defeats having scored 14 and conceded 22.
Forth manager Jamie McKenzie has injury doubts over goalkeeper Chic Clark and striker Kenny Wright while Bryan Felvus will be sidelined for at least three weeks with medial ligament damage. Here's to a speedy recovery Felvy !
Think this will be a tough one, but with some enforced changes necessitating a personnel reshuffle, I'm sure those who've been waiting patiently on the sidelines will take their chance to come in and get the job done.
McBookie Odds :
Royal Albert : 3/1
Draw : 9/2
Forth : 4/9
'Mon the Forth.
games at Kingshill Park cancelled due to failed pitch inspections.
Last season, there wasn't much to separate the teams, a 1-1 draw at Kingshill being followed with a 1-0 victory at Gasworks Park courtesy of a Gordon Murphy strike in one of Wanderers better performances of the season.
The Albert have recovered after a disappointing start, registering a goalless draw with Johnstone Burgh and a one goal victory away to Blantyre Vics in their last two matches.They currently sit eighth in the division with 2 wins, a draw and 6 defeats having scored 14 and conceded 22.
Forth manager Jamie McKenzie has injury doubts over goalkeeper Chic Clark and striker Kenny Wright while Bryan Felvus will be sidelined for at least three weeks with medial ligament damage. Here's to a speedy recovery Felvy !
Think this will be a tough one, but with some enforced changes necessitating a personnel reshuffle, I'm sure those who've been waiting patiently on the sidelines will take their chance to come in and get the job done.
McBookie Odds :
Royal Albert : 3/1
Draw : 9/2
Forth : 4/9
'Mon the Forth.
Carluke Rovers 0 Forth Wanderers 1
The Wanderers eeked out a hard fought victory at the John Cumming Stadium yesterday, courtesy of an early Bryan Felvus goal in a match where clear cut chances were at a premium.
Forth manager Jamie McKenzie named an unchanged side for this vital derby match knowing three points were vital to peg back Carluke and keep the Wanderers title aspirations on track. A decent crowd had gathered in the winter sun to witness proceedings, including a healthy contingent from Forth.
Forth started brightly with Bryan Felvus prominent and after having a header saved and a free-kick blocked, he opened the scoring on 10 minutes with a deflected shot. In reply, Carluke won a free kick in a good position but the shot was dragged wide. The Rovers tactic seemed to be long balls over the defence but these were dealt with expertly by Forth keeper Clark, who was almost playing as a sweeper at times.
Forth then their first penalty shout when a Gordon Murphy cross was met by the head of Barry Canning and his header seemed to strike a Carluke hand but the referee waved away the appeals. Bryan Felvus then had an excellent opportunity to double the lead but he flashed his header narrowly wide. Carluke pressed when they could without creating any clear cut chances although Chic Clark had to be alert to thwart an excellent run from their number 11.
If the first penalty shout was a tad soft, the second should have been a stonewaller. Bryan Felvus rose to meet a Chris McGroarty cross and was blatantly pushed in the process but again the whistler was having none of it.
McGroarty then had a shot saved before Carluke had an effort deflected narrowly wide with keeper Clark wrong-footed. Kenny Wright then hit the side netting before Bryan Felvus was substituted on the cusp of half-time after failing to shake off an earlier knock, Kris Jarvie replacing him.
The second half continued in the same vein as the first with some feisty tackles and scrappy play, particularly from the Carluke number 8, who wasn't afraid to dish it out but not so happy to be on the receiving end.
Alan Stevenson had a shot deflected over and Kris Jarvie had a close range effort turned away by the Rovers keeper while at the other end Clark was saving whatever Carluke could throw at him.
Gordon Murphy shot narrowly over before a cross cum shot from him was misjudged by the keeper and hit the top of the bar. Kenny Wright then shot tamely at the keeper after failing to spot a lung bursting run from Chris McGroarty.
Alan Stevenson picked up a second yellow card on 75 minutes leading to a nervy finish for all those of a Forth persuasion. Carluke hit the top of the bar with a lob and despite some late pressure the Forth defence was resolute, a Chris Newall block was particularly timely, and held out for a deserved victory.
Overall, a great victory over a Carluke team which had previously won ten on the spin, putting the Wanderers six points behind with a game in hand. Onwards to Gasworks Park on Saturday to play the Albert.
'Mon The Forth
Forth team : Clark,Napier,Gemmell,McKinlay,Grant,Stevenson,Canning,McGroarty,Wright (Crawford),Felvus (Jarvie),Murphy(Newall)
Forth manager Jamie McKenzie named an unchanged side for this vital derby match knowing three points were vital to peg back Carluke and keep the Wanderers title aspirations on track. A decent crowd had gathered in the winter sun to witness proceedings, including a healthy contingent from Forth.
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| Bryan Felvus's deflected shot finds the net |
Forth then their first penalty shout when a Gordon Murphy cross was met by the head of Barry Canning and his header seemed to strike a Carluke hand but the referee waved away the appeals. Bryan Felvus then had an excellent opportunity to double the lead but he flashed his header narrowly wide. Carluke pressed when they could without creating any clear cut chances although Chic Clark had to be alert to thwart an excellent run from their number 11.
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| Chris McGroarty flights in a free kick. |
McGroarty then had a shot saved before Carluke had an effort deflected narrowly wide with keeper Clark wrong-footed. Kenny Wright then hit the side netting before Bryan Felvus was substituted on the cusp of half-time after failing to shake off an earlier knock, Kris Jarvie replacing him.
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| Paul Gemmell tussles in midfield. |
Alan Stevenson had a shot deflected over and Kris Jarvie had a close range effort turned away by the Rovers keeper while at the other end Clark was saving whatever Carluke could throw at him.
Gordon Murphy shot narrowly over before a cross cum shot from him was misjudged by the keeper and hit the top of the bar. Kenny Wright then shot tamely at the keeper after failing to spot a lung bursting run from Chris McGroarty.
Alan Stevenson picked up a second yellow card on 75 minutes leading to a nervy finish for all those of a Forth persuasion. Carluke hit the top of the bar with a lob and despite some late pressure the Forth defence was resolute, a Chris Newall block was particularly timely, and held out for a deserved victory.
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| Forth mount a second half attack. |
'Mon The Forth
Forth team : Clark,Napier,Gemmell,McKinlay,Grant,Stevenson,Canning,McGroarty,Wright (Crawford),Felvus (Jarvie),Murphy(Newall)
Carluke Rovers Preview
First takes on second at the John Cumming Stadium in Carluke on Saturday when Forth visit Carluke on league business in what should be a mouthwatering encounter and which should hopefully attract a decent crowd. Although the weather forecast is good, the 3G surface should ensure the game goes ahead whatever the weather.
This will be the fourth time the teams have met this season although the first at Carluke's new stadium. Pre-season the sides fought out a draw in the Clydesdale Cup with the Wanderers winning on penalties while Forth also won the Sectional League Cup tie by three goals to two, after coming back from two down. The latest game at Kingshill in September was the proverbial game of two halves with Forth dominating the first half and scoring twice, while Carluke came roaring back to score four without reply.
The Rovers have won 10 games on the bounce including 8 of their 9 league games to date, which is a fantastic achievement and will certainly present a stern test for the Wanderers. They've recently added three players to their squad, strengthening it further and will no doubt feel confident on their home patch.
However, Forth have been playing well of late, discounting the Camelon Cup match, and put in a tremendous team effort at Blantyre last week. Although we have a small squad, the starting 11 last week didn't include the likes of Craig Crawford, Martin Harty, Tony Traynor, Chris Newall or Kris Jarvie so we've certainly quality within it. I also think we'll enjoy the Carluke pitch, which should allow us to play a more expansive passing game. Manager Jamie McKenzie has a full squad to choose from for our biggest match of the season to date.
Finally, to my mind, we're the best team in this league, certainly of the ones we've played, and this is an opportunity for us to finally get the credit we deserve. A chance to silence the naysayers, the begrudgers, the "it's all down to their pitch brigade" and the condescending "only little Forth" know it alls, once and for all.
I believe we can win. The money is down to back it up.
McBookie Odds :
Carluke : 10/11
Draw :7/2
Forth : 13/8
'MON THE FORTH
This will be the fourth time the teams have met this season although the first at Carluke's new stadium. Pre-season the sides fought out a draw in the Clydesdale Cup with the Wanderers winning on penalties while Forth also won the Sectional League Cup tie by three goals to two, after coming back from two down. The latest game at Kingshill in September was the proverbial game of two halves with Forth dominating the first half and scoring twice, while Carluke came roaring back to score four without reply.
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| The teams pay their respects to Clara Kay earlier in the season. |
The Rovers have won 10 games on the bounce including 8 of their 9 league games to date, which is a fantastic achievement and will certainly present a stern test for the Wanderers. They've recently added three players to their squad, strengthening it further and will no doubt feel confident on their home patch.
However, Forth have been playing well of late, discounting the Camelon Cup match, and put in a tremendous team effort at Blantyre last week. Although we have a small squad, the starting 11 last week didn't include the likes of Craig Crawford, Martin Harty, Tony Traynor, Chris Newall or Kris Jarvie so we've certainly quality within it. I also think we'll enjoy the Carluke pitch, which should allow us to play a more expansive passing game. Manager Jamie McKenzie has a full squad to choose from for our biggest match of the season to date.
Finally, to my mind, we're the best team in this league, certainly of the ones we've played, and this is an opportunity for us to finally get the credit we deserve. A chance to silence the naysayers, the begrudgers, the "it's all down to their pitch brigade" and the condescending "only little Forth" know it alls, once and for all.
I believe we can win. The money is down to back it up.
McBookie Odds :
Carluke : 10/11
Draw :7/2
Forth : 13/8
'MON THE FORTH
Royal Albert away on November 19th
Forth will play Royal Albert at Gasworks Park on Saturday November 19th 2pm ko.
Forth at home to Maybole in 2nd round of WOS Cup
Forth have been given another home draw in the 2nd round of the West of Scotland Cup. The Wanderers will take on Maybole Juniors, currently top of the Ayrshire District League with 8 wins out of 9, at Kingshill on a date to be arranged.
Their website can be found here.
Their website can be found here.
Blantyre Victoria 1 Forth Wanderers 2
A thoroughly deserved victory for the Wanderers at Castle Park yesterday although the 2-1 margin didn't reflect the overall superiority of the Forth.
A goal in each half from Kenny Wright ensured the points went back to Kingshill and despite the Vics pulling a goal back, Forth were under more threat from the fog causing an abandonment.
Forth opened brightly and could've been ahead in the first minute when a fine move ended with the Vics keeper blocking a shot from Bryan Felvus with his legs. The Wanderers continued to dominate and it was no surprise when they took the lead. Kenny Wright seized upon a mistake from a Vics defender and fairly leathered the ball past the helpless keeper. The same player went close with a chip shot and also hit the woodwork minutes from the break. Gordon Murphy, playing in a more advanced role than of late, was also causing the Vics defence problems as was Bryan Felvus. Blantyre didn't show much in the first half mainly due to an excellent team performance from the Wanderers, who closed them down quickly and denied them space.
The second half began with Forth again on the front foot and they were handed a further advantage when the Vics were reduced to 10 men on the hour mark. However, just after this, the Vics created an opening which was screwed wide by their number 11. Forth then went two up through a Kenny Wright penalty and the same player had the opportunity to bag another hat-trick when Forth were awarded another penalty. However, this time his weak kick was saved by the Vics keeper.
By this point the fog was beginning to engulf parts of the ground, raising unfounded fears of an abandonment and during this time the Vics pulled a goal back although how and by whom I've no idea as it was lost in the fog. Forth had further chances notably from Craig Crawford who had an excellent free kick well saved by the home keeper. The same player had earlier had three attempts to beat the Vics keeper who did well to block the first two but his third effort appeared to be heading in before Kenny Wright took a touch in an offside position. Mr Wright was insistent it was going wide but I'm not so sure.
Overall, another great three points for the Forth on their travels although their play merited a bigger winning margin. A great team effort in which everyone played their part and sets us up nicely for a vital game away to league leaders Carluke next Saturday.
'Mon the Forth
Forth team : Clark,Napier,Gemmell,McKinlay,Grant,Stevenson,Canning,McGroarty,Wright,
Felvus(Crawford),Murphy
A goal in each half from Kenny Wright ensured the points went back to Kingshill and despite the Vics pulling a goal back, Forth were under more threat from the fog causing an abandonment.
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| Kenny Wright breaks for goal. |
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| Gordon Murphy attempts to block. |
By this point the fog was beginning to engulf parts of the ground, raising unfounded fears of an abandonment and during this time the Vics pulled a goal back although how and by whom I've no idea as it was lost in the fog. Forth had further chances notably from Craig Crawford who had an excellent free kick well saved by the home keeper. The same player had earlier had three attempts to beat the Vics keeper who did well to block the first two but his third effort appeared to be heading in before Kenny Wright took a touch in an offside position. Mr Wright was insistent it was going wide but I'm not so sure.
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| Craig Crawford's goalbound shot is about to be converted by an offside Kenny Wright. |
'Mon the Forth
Forth team : Clark,Napier,Gemmell,McKinlay,Grant,Stevenson,Canning,McGroarty,Wright,
Felvus(Crawford),Murphy
Blantyre Vics Preview
Forth take on the Vics for the second time this season, at Castle Park, Blantyre on Saturday.
The Vics have amassed 11 points so far in the league, starting strongly by inflicting Carluke's only defeat on the opening game of the season by 6 goals to 4. In their 8 games they have scored 19 goals and conceded 20 including 4 to Maryhill in their last league match. However, they had an excellent result in the Junior Cup last week knocking out Jeanfield Swifts by two goals to one and I believe there have been some changes to the squad which faced Forth back in September.
That match ended in a 4 nil victory to the Wanderers, with Kenny Wright and Bryan Felvus both notching doubles, and resulted in Vics manager Alan Shields describing his team as "hopeless" on the Pie and Bovril Junior Forum. He also commented that "the park is a shithole", referring to Kingshill, so I'm sure the Forth lads will be relishing the opportunity to play on, what one would assume to be, a bowling green like surface on Saturday ...
Forth manager Jamie McKenzie has injury doubts over Chris McGroarty and Martin Harty while Marc Napier may also be unavailable. Goalkeeper Glenn Weir returns to the squad.
McBookie Odds :
Blantyre 5/4
Draw 7/2
Forth 6/5
On a final note, I know the scheduling of Junior matches is no picnic, but after playing the Vics for the second time, we're due to face Carluke for the second time despite still having to play Lesmahagow, Wishaw, Royal Albert and Rossvale. Surely there must be a better way ?
'Mon the Forth
The Vics have amassed 11 points so far in the league, starting strongly by inflicting Carluke's only defeat on the opening game of the season by 6 goals to 4. In their 8 games they have scored 19 goals and conceded 20 including 4 to Maryhill in their last league match. However, they had an excellent result in the Junior Cup last week knocking out Jeanfield Swifts by two goals to one and I believe there have been some changes to the squad which faced Forth back in September.
That match ended in a 4 nil victory to the Wanderers, with Kenny Wright and Bryan Felvus both notching doubles, and resulted in Vics manager Alan Shields describing his team as "hopeless" on the Pie and Bovril Junior Forum. He also commented that "the park is a shithole", referring to Kingshill, so I'm sure the Forth lads will be relishing the opportunity to play on, what one would assume to be, a bowling green like surface on Saturday ...
Forth manager Jamie McKenzie has injury doubts over Chris McGroarty and Martin Harty while Marc Napier may also be unavailable. Goalkeeper Glenn Weir returns to the squad.
McBookie Odds :
Blantyre 5/4
Draw 7/2
Forth 6/5
On a final note, I know the scheduling of Junior matches is no picnic, but after playing the Vics for the second time, we're due to face Carluke for the second time despite still having to play Lesmahagow, Wishaw, Royal Albert and Rossvale. Surely there must be a better way ?
'Mon the Forth
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