Ryan’s Northern Light

THORN ATHLETIC skipper Ryan Crawford has picked up his third Scotland cap after facing the Northern AFL at the Falkirk Stadium at the weekend.

The Northern Irishmen eventually edged out the Scots 4-3 on penalties after a hard-fought 1-1 draw in normal time to lift the Jack Britton Rosebowl.
Crawford was called into the squad late on Friday by international manager Colin MacLeod and came on at half-time for Tollcross Thistle’s Stewart O’Neill with the side trailing by a goal to nil.
They eventually got back into the match with a leveller from Hurlford Thistle’s Steven Currie before going down after the lottery of spot-kicks.
Crawford was one of three players from the Caledonian League selected for the squad after a number of impressive displays for his club and the league’s representative side.
Last year he was selected for the Uefa Regions Cup in Slovenia and was involved in three games during that competition.
And he said: “It’s been a great experience being involved in the Scotland set-up and playing with such a good group. It’s been a busy time for Thorn Athletic but it’s also good to get the chance to be capped for your country.
“We were unfortunate to be on the losing side but anything can happen with penalties.”
The Caledonian Select side still have business to finish off after reaching the final of the Inter-League trophy after seeing off the Central Scottish, Kingdom of Fife and Lothian and Ediunburgh leagues on their way to a clash with the Ayrshire AFA.
That match is scheduled for Broadwood Stadium on Sunday, May 19 with a 4.00pm kick-off.

Silver Service for Adults

THORN ATHLETIC manager Johnny McEwan hailed his side after they brought the Caledonian League’s William Turner Challenge Cup back to Renfrewshire for the first time in 20 years.

The Johnstone club were celebrating after Tom Smith’s second half strike saw off the challenge of the Lanarkshire side at Broadwood Stadium on Friday night.

Viewfield Rovers were the last side from the area to bring the cup home and McEwan was delighted to finally land his first silverware.

He said: “It was a hard fought encounter but we created the better chances and ultimately deserved the win. Our keeper didn’t have a save to make although we soaked up some pressure in the latter
stages.

“For many of the younger players in our squad this was their first time getting over that winning line in a competition and hopefully they will want more now.

“We had a fantastic support there including fifty or sixty kids from our youth academy so it was a great experience for them and shows what the club is all about.

“It’s good for everyone associated with the club, sponsors, supporters and it keeps everyone motivated.”

 

Thorn were without the injured Connar McGregor and suspended Ross Horne which saw an opportunity for Bud McCann to come into the side on the right flank.

There were some early nerves as the league leaders took time to settle with Dalziel knocking the ball about and making Thorn work hard for possession.

Eventually a few decent half chances fell the Thorn’s way with Smith warming the keeper’s hands with some powerful efforts.

It was a case of creating a few more gilt edged opportunities after the break and the goal arrived just short of the hour mark when Smith made himself the hero with a low shot from inside the box.

Thorn could have doubled their lead soon after and again it was Smith who threatened but his shot was cleared off the line.

Some nerves kicked in as the game got tighter in the later stages with Dalziel given the opportunity to launch some high balls into the box. However the defence stood firm and the final whistle was greeted by jubilant cheers from the large travelling support.

Skipper Ryan Crawford was presented with the cup by the Caledonian League President Graeme Robertson while defender Ian Paterson received the man of the match award.