League: Caledonian Premier League
Glasgow Harp v Thorn Athletic
THORN ATHLETIC manager Johnny McEwan watched his side kick-off their Caledonian Premier League title defence with a solid 3-0 victory against new-look Glasgow Harp.
After having to wait an extra week to start their competitive season following the poor weather, Thorn were raring to go with a number of new signings.
McEwan has added defenders Alan Deans and Niall Ferguson along with midfielders Mickey Wilson and Craig Chisholm and two new striking options in Jay Burns and Nick Cusack.
Goalkeeper Robbie Kelly has also come into the squad after the retirement of Tony McWilliams at the end of last season’s double winning campaign.
A tough pre-season campaign against top junior and amateur sides saw the Johnstone outfit with just one win to show for their six warm-up outings.
However, the team bedded in well to the new campaign and after a fairly even first half at Allan Glens in Bishopbriggs it was level at the break.
But with seven minutes of the second period on the clock Thorn were awarded a penalty when Tom Smith’s shot was handballed on the line by Harp defender Mark Shanta who escaped with a yellow card.
Skipper Ryan Crawford stepped up and converted to the keeper’s left sending him the wrong way.
Four minutes later and the lead was doubled after a sublime bit of skill from Dean Scott who controlled a ball over the top before expertly lobbing the keeper from more than 20 yards.
Darren Lamont and Jamie White had been introduced to the play for the injured Ferguson and Martin McInnes in between the first and second goal.
The two-goal cushion took the sting out of the game and it was left to last season’s top scorer Tom Smith to round it off on 84 minutes with a nice finish to get his tally off an running for the campaign.
Further late chances fell the way of Smith and sub striker Jay Burns but the damage was already done.
Boss McEwan said: “Although our results had been indifferent during pre-season, the level of opposition was high and the boys had worked hard.
“It was a tricky first match against a side under new management who had brought a lot of experience into their team.
“But the boys coped well, were organised and strong and managed to limit Harp to only a couple of half chances.”
Craig Chisholm
ABOUT CRAIG CHISHOLM…
Chissy arrives with a solid pedigree as an integral part of the Bridgewater AFC team from recent years. A livewire on the ball and very nippy going forward we are looking forward to seeing him settle in and excel at the club over the next few months and hopefully years. Fits the bill perfectly for the type of player we are looking to bring to the club.
BUSINESS SPONSOR OR CHOSEN CHARITY FOR SEASON 2019-20
AWAITING CONFIRMATION
Each player has recruited their own sponsor this season to help the club develop and have continued stability. Without this support from individuals and businesses then the grassroots football community simply couldn’t continue. So if you can, please support the businesses or charities that support us. Thank you!
Mickey Wilson
ABOUT MICKEY WILSON…
Classy midfield talent who makes great use of the ball and knows the value and importance of possession. Has every range of passing in his artillery and uses it to great effect going forward, often bringing others into the game. Has experience from the Junior ranks with a couple of local sides and looks like he could be a major asset and bring some real craft to the team.
BUSINESS SPONSOR OR CHOSEN CHARITY FOR SEASON 2019-20
Each player has recruited their own sponsor this season to help the club develop and have continued stability. Without this support from individuals and businesses then the grassroots football community simply couldn’t continue. So if you can, please support the businesses or charities that support us. Thank you!
Jay Burns
ABOUT JAY BURNS…
Jay has been around the Juniors for the last few seasons with Newmains and Muirkirk and has been tried in a couple of positions, however he is likely to be utilised in attack for the Thorn. Nippy and with a clear eye for goal as he’s already proven himself more than useful in attack. Neat and tidy touch. Still young and a bit of an unknown quantity so it will be exciting to see what he can bring to the team.
BUSINESS SPONSOR OR CHOSEN CHARITY FOR SEASON 2019-20
AWAITING CONFIRMATION
Each player has recruited their own sponsor this season to help the club develop and have continued stability. Without this support from individuals and businesses then the grassroots football community simply couldn’t continue. So if you can, please support the businesses or charities that support us. Thank you!
Nick Cusack
ABOUT NICK CUSACK…
Big, bustling, old fashioned type of centre forward who plays with his back to goal, holding the ball up and bringing others into play. Offers a different approach to what we have been used to over recent years but adds dynamic to the squad and comes with no shortage of experience from playing at a higher level. Hopefully can keep himself fit and involved in the squad and he should deliver goals.
BUSINESS SPONSOR OR CHOSEN CHARITY FOR SEASON 2019-20
AWAITING CONFIRMATION
Each player has recruited their own sponsor this season to help the club develop and have continued stability. Without this support from individuals and businesses then the grassroots football community simply couldn’t continue. So if you can, please support the businesses or charities that support us. Thank you!
Niall Ferguson
ABOUT NIALL FERGUSON…
Niall has made an immediate impact on the team with some strong performances. His versatility has already come in useful during pre-season and he has proved himself able in both defence and midfield. Despite just returning from a spell abroad he’s quickly become part of the group and his strong tackling and fitness are sure to be vital attributes during a long campaign.
BUSINESS SPONSOR OR CHOSEN CHARITY FOR SEASON 2019-20
Each player has recruited their own sponsor this season to help the club develop and have continued stability. Without this support from individuals and businesses then the grassroots football community simply couldn’t continue. So if you can, please support the businesses or charities that support us. Thank you!
Alan Deans
ABOUT ALAN DEANS…
Alan comes to us with a solid reputation having played at a good level throughout most of his playing days. With a good pre-season under his belt he’s already showing that he will be a great addition to the team with his defensive capabilities and energy going forward. Previously played against ‘The Thorn’ for Vale of Leven Juniors but is now looking forward to helping bring more honours to the Johnstone outfit.
BUSINESS SPONSOR OR CHOSEN CHARITY FOR SEASON 2019-20
Each player has recruited their own sponsor this season to help the club develop and have continued stability. Without this support from individuals and businesses then the grassroots football community simply couldn’t continue. So if you can, please support the businesses or charities that support us. Thank you!
