Season: 2019/20
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.”
Paul Young
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!
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!
Dylan Blair
ABOUT DYLAN BLAIR…
Dynamic midfielder who has really come of age at the team now after a fleeting earlier spell with the club. Strong, with a great ability to carry the ball, Dylan has the capability to take the game by the scruff of the neck when he wants to. Always capable of chipping in with goals as well as he manages to get himself forward and into dangerous areas in the opposition half.
BUSINESS SPONSOR OR CHOSEN CHARITY FOR SEASON 2019-20
AVAILABLE
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!
Ian Paterson
ABOUT IAN PATERSON…
Ian heads into his second season at the club after making an enormous impact during his first 12 months. Having played EVERY minute of EVERY game during the double winning campaign he will be looking to build on that with more calm and organised displays at the heart of the rearguard. Strong in the air and just as able with his feet, Ian is a fantastic player who gives everything to either training or games. A real asset.
BUSINESS SPONSOR OR CHOSEN CHARITY FOR SEASON 2019-20
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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!
Martin McInnes
ABOUT MARTIN McINNES…
Martin needs no introduction as an experienced Junior player with clubs including Clydebank – where he is in the Hall of Fame – and also Neilston where he also enjoyed success. Hard to describe someone with his incredible fitness levels and dedication as a veteran, however he truly adds value to the group and is a calming and organised presence at the back. Made a significant impact in his first season and is clearly enjoying his football again.
BUSINESS SPONSOR OR CHOSEN CHARITY FOR SEASON 2019-20
AVAILABLE
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!
Shaun Kelly
ABOUT SHAUN KELLY…
Shaun’s a highly tenacious and talented midfielder with various facets to his game both defensively and in an attacking sense. Ability to dictate and control that area if he’s at his patrolling best. Plays with his head up as all good midfielders do and also brings his character – and mouth – to the dressing room environment. You’ll hear him one way or another and thankfully he’s a player who is once again enjoying his football and is a big part of 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!
