Author: Mark McGee

DONALD MORRISON and Michael McKinnon both impressed for the Caledonian League select side in a 3-1 win over Wishaw Juniors.

As the squad continued the build up to the Inter League tournament Morrison acquitted himself well in the opening 45 minutes before being replaced at the break.

McKinnon was also a solid performer during the second half at Dalziel Park in Motherwell.

A double from Doune Castle’s Alan Inglis and a strike from Niall McClure saw Raymond Masterson’s men home and dry.

Thorn manager James Donnelly, who took in the match, said: “Both players put in good performances and looked to enjoy it.

“It was a good result for the team on their first outing and from our point of view we were glad they came through unscathed.”

Striker Jordan Devine was forced out of the squad with an ankle injury but could get his chance when the select face another junior outfit Carluke Rovers on November 10.

THORN ATHLETIC pulled another home tie last night in the third round draw for the West of Scotland Cup.

James Donnelly’s side will host Dumbarton Harp Celtic of the Greater Glasgow Premier League Third Division.

They are in the same division as local sides Glentyan and Johnstone Thistle and will provide a stern test for the Caledonian League men.

Harp exited the Scottish Cup after a 5-1 defeat to former SAFL rivals Campbeltown Pupils but defeated Paisley and District side Glenvale 2-0 at the weekend.

Donnelly said: “It’s another home draw but another match against very competitive opposition. It’s not for a few weeks yet and we have massive league and Scottish Cup ties before then.”

The match is scheduled to take place on November 14 weather permitting.

STRIKER Craig McMahon is set to return to training this week after being given the all-clear by the hospital.

The former Ferguslie Star player has been out for two months after being crocked in the cup win over Westerlands at the McMaster Centre.

He suffered a fracture as a result of a synical tackle and was forced off work for a spell on top of missing a chunk of the season.

But following a couple of visits to physio Jim Fallon he is soon to resume light training.

McMahon, who had been free scoring in pre-season, will hope  to get back up to speed quickly.

It will also give the squad a huge boost as we prepare to enter an important phase of the season.

Everyone in the squad wishes him a speedy return to action.

 

 

CALEDONIAN League Select manager Raymond Masterton has named three of our players in his next squad.

Defensive duo Michael McKinnon and Donald Morrison along with striker Jordan Devine have been picked to face Dunipace Juniors at Dalziel Park in Motherwell on Tuesday, October 27.

Masterton watched the team for the first time since we joined the set-up when we beat Cambria 3-0 in the Scottish Cup second round.

Devine – who has now netted 12 goals in eight games – bagged a quick-fire double and we recorded a clean sheet. Afterwards he expressed an interest in several players.

The club are delighted that the players have been recognised and we wish them well for the match.

Kick-off for the match will be 8.00pm and we wish Raymond and his team all  the best.

Here is the squad in full: Kenny Feaks, Niall McClure, Sean Heaver, Alan Inglis (Doune Castle); Craig Marshall, Mark Shanta, David Neale (Giffnock North); Stewart Mitchell, John Cooper, Matthew Cooper (Milton); Michael McKinnon, Donald Morrison, Jordan Devine (Thorn Athletic); Mark McGinty, Gordon Dick (Larkhall Thistle); Kevin McCarron (Cambria); Stewart Wilson (Gartcosh United); Neil Moffat (Glasgow University) ; Andy Duff (Hamilton).

Our players are once again showing their support for deserving local charity St Vincent’s this season.

The adult squad have recently purchased new training kit for their regular sessions throughout the season.

And whilst the jersey would normally be blank across the front, the club decided it would be a good place to promote the Hospice.

The new white/grey jerseys are emblazoned with the words ‘We’re Supporting’ alongside the well-know Hospice logo.

And all the players are proudly looking forward to wearing the jerseys and raising awareness about one of the most deserving charities in the area.

A club spokesman said: “We were keen to make use of the space on the front of the Umbro training kit and decided to utilise it.

“What better way to do this than to help raise awareness of the vital work the charity does for patients and their families.

“It’s a cause close to many of our hearts and we’ll gladly do anything we can to help.”

Just before Christmas 2014 the team unveiled their ‘Thorny Devils’ naked calendar which was sold to raise funds for both the club and the Hospice.

And the lads are looking to do something similar ahead of Christmas 2015 – perhaps wearing the new St Vincent’s jerseys this time!

Keep your eyes peeled for these hitting the shelves in the weeks and months ahead.