Cumnock Juniors 0 Irvine Meadow 6
(Strain 12′, Fleming 23′, Hamilton 50′, D. McGowan 64′, Eels 80′, Miller 90).
Stagecoach West of Scotland Super League Premier Division.
Saturday 7th January 2012.
Thanks to Bobby Graham for this report.
Irvine Meadow are among the favourites for the Premier Division title and on this performance demonstrated why. From start to finish they were well on top so the end result only emphasised the away sides dominance. Cumnock were never in the contest and the six goal defeat was a true reflection of the way the game developed over the 90 minutes.
Willie Howie passed a late fitness test so slotted into a midfield slot. Defender Gary Lynn was in central defence with Gary McMenamin filling the left back position.
After kicking off, Meadow were almost gifted an early goal as Gary McMemamin misplaced a pass back which rolled passed the keeper and over the bye-line. Atoning for his mistake, McMemamin recovered to head away the resultant corner. With both Steve Murray and Gary Lynn clashing while attempting to clear, Mark McLennan lifted the free kick over the bar. After 12 minutes, the away side took the lead when David Hamilton fed a nice pass into the box. A race between keeper Stuart Watterson and Chris Strain resulted in the Meadow striker first to re-act and he had the simple task of tapping into an empty net.
Cumnock tried hard to get back into the game as time ticked on but Meadow continued to enjoy the bulk of possession.
A penetrating run from Gary Fleming and a cut back was eventually booted clear.
Ex-Cumnock favourite Chris McGowan attempted a lob from distance which caught the swirling wind and drifted goal-wards landing on the roof of the net.
Midway through the half and the visitors went two ahead. David McGowan provided the cross and Gary Fleming added the close range header. With their confidence on the up, Meadow pushed hard and Cumnock can thank keeper Watterson for a trio of super stops. He palmed a Chris Strain power drive round the post, punched the in swinging corner clear and produced a spectacular save with his feet to deny Mark McLennan’s free kick from the edge of the box.
The blustery conditions were making things tricky for both sides but Meadow seemed to adapt better to the conditions.
Brian Miller limped off replaced by another new player Sean Quinn. Approaching the interval, Cumnock did exert a bit of pressure. From a free kick on the left, Gary McMenamin caused problems and when the ball broke back to Chris Mc Knight , he took aim only to fire well past Irvine Meadow started the game well. They passed the ball about and were superior in every area of the field. Cumnock hardly got a sniff.
Half Time: Cumnock 0 Irvine Meadow 2
After the break, Aaron Connolly dribbled in but his left foot chip sailed over. Hopes of a comeback disappeared 5 minutes into the second half when Meadow added to their tally. Zander Ryan‘s 40yard cross was perfect landing at the feet of Davie Hamilton. Totally unmarked, his first touch took him clear and he quickly dispatched the ball behind the keeper. Steve Farrell responded with the introduction of Ally Patrick, withdrawing Willie Howie. The substitute was quickly involved as he chested the ball down and hit a shot on the drop which sailed over. Assistant Referee Craig Winning reported Cumnock’s Manager for a verbal blast. A quick word to Farrell from referee Don Robertson soon defused the situation.
One minute later, Meadow scored goal number 4. Davie Hamilton hit the bye-line and threaded it low with a defence splitting pass to David McGowan who had an easy tap in at the far post. Meadow had another opportunity as Steve Murray slipped but recovered to clear for a corner.
With 15 minutes left, Simon Eels was sent on and with his first touch added goal number 5. Picking up a long pass 40 yards out Eels produced a super solo effort. Controlling quickly he slipped the ball under the advancing keeper .Quality finish from the Medda substitute.
Another substitute, Steven Miller added goal number 6 right on the final whistle. Simon Eels set it up squaring unselfishly for a tap in for Miller.
Meadow had a solid defensive line that provided the bedrock for victory. Cumnock did have a couple of half chances even though they lacked accuracy and conviction. Brian Hewitt between the sticks for Meadow was never really troubled over the 90 minutes and that was the measure of the visitor’s dominance.
Cumnock – Watterson , McDonald , McMenamin, Lynn , Murray , Howie , C.Connolly , McKnight , A .Connolly ,
Wilson , Miller .
Subs – Patrick , Quinn , Kennedy , Farrell
Meadow - Hewitt , Ryan , N. McGowan , McDonald , C.McGowan , Turner , McLennan , D. McGowan , Fleming , Strain , Hamilton.
Subs - Barr , Eels , Robertson , Miller , McLaughlin, McGuinness , Dillon .
Referee – Don Robertson (Glasgow).
