MATCH REPORTS     

BY

THE WISHAE RAVEN

In the late 60's THE WISHAE RAVEN made its home at Recreation Park and was often seen sitting on a crossbar watching the pitch being cut and rolled. Sometimes it would even sit on the crossbar during matches and on occasions it even dived at players from visiting teams.

We originally thought that the raven was a crow but we were taken to task on this by an ex-player who clearly remembered the raven and put us right on the matter - we know the pictures are of crows  - we will get that sorted as soon as we can.

Here 'The Wishae Raven' will give you a blow by blow match action from every Game throughout the season.

Season 2008/09

Shotts 6 Wishaw 1 Wed 06/08/08 - Sectional League Cup

The match kicked of 10 minutes late but it only took 2 minutes before the home side set the tone for the rest of the evening. Nisbet conceded a free kick just outside the box and although Brunton palmed away the kick he could do nothing about the resultant corner headed home by Ferguson wouthout any real challenge. A minute later Bell had a shot on goal from a quick break followed seconds later by an attempt by Murdoch which was easily dealt with by the Shotts keeper. In 10 mins Kelly showed how to put the ball in the net drilling  home from 15 yds. With the home side running the midfield it was shaping up to be a difficult night for Wishaw and it was no surprise when Ferguson got his second in 22mins to put the game well beyond the visitors. In 25 mins no fewer than 4 Shotts players broke through the off-side trap with Gardiner leading the chase before clinically sending the ball past the helpless Brunton. in 35 minutes coffey completed the first half scoring after latching on to a Burns through ball before sending it wide of the keeper.                                       HT Shotts 4 Wishaw 1                                                                                

After a early scare in the first minute of the second half when Brunton just managed to prevent a quick goal, Wishaw settled a bit and had a short spell of pressure moving the ball well but only Coffey managed to get a shot off before normal service was resumed at the other end with Kelly getting his second from a free kick which ping ponged across the goal before being fired in from close range. Wishaw's Murdoch was booked  for interfering with the kick being taken but despite protesting the ball had been kicked before the whistle was blown, the referee was having none of it. In 80 minutes Gardiner completed the scoring after the proverbial goalmouth stramash when the ball broke to Shotts players 3 times as Wishaw failed to clear their lines. Late on Wishaw forced a succesion of 4 corners but the home defence held firm. Burns was then booked for a tackle before having to take over in goals for Wishaw in the final minute when Brunton received his marching orders for handling outside the box as he attempted to head of a quick Shotts breakaway, and despite furious protests that the referee had failed to stop the Shotts breakaway after the far side linesman had clearly flagged offside - a harsh decision indeed by the  referee and one with which even the partisan home fans clearly disagreed.

 

 

Blackburn 2 Wishaw 0 Sat 02/08/08 -friendly

This was a tough test for Alex Young's side. Blackburn had a number of matches under their belts already and were clearly a lot sharper than Wishaw in the early part of the game. The match opened with a flurry of attacks by the home side. However, despite creating several good scoring opportunities, including a 20 yard free kick which just inched over the bar, the Wishaw goal remained intact.  James Coffey had an opportunity to put the visitors in front against the run of play but his shot flew over. Midway through the half Robert Young pulled of a stunning reaction save from an acrobatic overhead kick from only 8 yards. Coffey and Bell then combined but the latter’s  curling shot was headed clear with the keeper looking beaten. Before half time Blackburn almost took the lead as a 25 yard strike crashed off the bar but the Wishaw defence was quick to clear the rebound.

 

The second half started with the visitors taking the initiative and enjoying a long spell of pressure with first Coffey coming close then a powerfull run and shot by Burns which went narrowly past. When it looked as if Wishaw would take complete control and totally against the run of play the home side’s Williamson was first to react in 70 minutes when a long ball forward fell between the visitors last man and goalkeeper and the striker nipped in to lob over the keeper Young and high into the net. Shortly after Wishaw came close to an equaliser but McCann's shot was stopped by the keeper and the follow up by Miller went over. Seconds later Miller did manage to get the ball in the net but was adjudged offside. Ten minutes from the end, a hotly disputed decision by the referee not to give offside allowed Blackburn to break forward and win a corner which was duly headed home for a rather fortunate second goal. In the final minute Bell hit a powerfull shot from the edge of the box which brought out a fine save by the home keeper who  touched the ball over at full stretch.

 

Wishaw 2 Dunoon 2  Sat  26/07/08- friendly

This was a good pre season workout against a lively Dunoon side out to show that they will be a force this season in their own league. Wishaw took an early lead after Bell took on several players before sidefooting to ball into the net. A second was added by a trialist shortly after.  Despite creating  a lot of chances Wishaw couldn't add to their lead. Dunoon pulled one back before half time although play really should have been stopped  as a trialist defender had gone down injured. The second half was a bit scrappy as Wishaw made a number of substitutions which unsettled the pattern of play. However the visitors stuck to their own task equalising after a long kickout caught the home defence napping although there was just a wee suspicion of offside. Dunoon almost netted the winner in the closing stages and wishaw's trialist keeper pulled off a fine save to deny what had looked to be a certain goal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

end Season 2007/08

 Central District League Div 2
 Wishaw 1  Shettleton 0

3/5/2008

 As you would expect the home side started the brightest and it wasn’t long before they tested the visiting goalkeeper Hutichison, when he had to look lively, when man of the match Burns fire a long range shot from 25 yards out, he managed to get his fingers to it and touch it over the bar. Wishaw were on top at this point and looked the more likely to score, but they got a fright on 23 minutes when Shettleston Thomson was through one on one with goalkeeper, but could not get it past Brunton as he made himself big and he managed to turned it past the post for a corner. Wishaw had another shot saved by Hutichison after Bell found Coffey with a superb long range past, which he volleyed straight at the keeper. Just before have time Wishaw defence were called into action when Shand past two defenders before Wishaw Hunter through himself in front of the shot which was net bound and Ralston cleared the rebound

HT 0 - 0    

After the break Wishaw’s brought out a great save from Shettleston keeper after some fine play by bell in the middle of the park and his past was inch perfect for Stewart to run onto and his strike looked net all the way but Hutichison got his hand to it and turn it round the post for a corner. Wishaw continued to press for the opening but the Shettleston were solid in defence with McArthur & McIntosh moping up everything that Wishaw could throw at them. Shettleston had another chance when Wilson’s long range past was headed just wide of the post by Thomson who was a threat in the air through out the game. The breakthrough came on the 78th minute when burns collected a past in the middle of the park from Ralston which he found Substitute McCann on the right and he fired a low cross into the feet of the on rushing Coffey and he fire a hard and low shot past the diving Hutichison into the right hand corner of the net. At this point Wishaw were the dominant team, and When Substitute McIduff replaced Stewart in the last 10 minutes he caused the Shettleston defence problems in the air which lead Coffey to have a thunderous shot from the edge of the box to which keeper Hutichison parried to safety, further shots from Bell, Hunter, Burns and Coffey were all just wide of the goal, it finished 1-0 to the home team.

Wishaw may not be it the hunt for promotion, but they will have a say as to who go up as champions when they entertain Second Place Vale of Leven in their last game of the season at home next Saturday.

TEAMS

WISHAW:

Brunton, Burns, Bell, Hunter, Stewart, McIntyre, McLaughlan, Ralstion, Nisbet, Murdoch, Coffey.

SUBS

McCann, Noble, McIduff.  

 SHETTLESTON:

Hutichison, Cahill, Murphy, McArthur, Currie, McIntosh, Stevenson, McIntyre, Thomson, Wilson, Shand.

SUBS

John Williams, James Williams, Clark, Rahmani, Da Silva.

 

 

 

Wishaw v Thorniewood

better performance from us as we made 'wood battle all the way for the three points which secured promotion for them. frantic last ten minutes.

Carluke 4 Wishaw 1 

report to follow but we shot ourselves in the foot in this one by allowing passes to be intercepted and Carluke as ever don't miss easy chances.                                                                                     

 

 

Stonehouse 5 Wishaw 3

After racing into a 2 goal lead after only 8 minutes through goals by Coffey and Hunter wishaw completely took their eye of the ball and allowed the home side to dominate play for most of the rest of the half going into the interval 3 - 2 down. Worse was to follow as the home side showed Wishaw how to convert chances into goals to lead 5 - 2.   6 Minutes from the end Miller got the last touch to make the score a bit more respectable. Truth be told both sides created a lot of chances but Stonehouse's finishing was better and that aided by a fine performance by the home no 5 mopping up every high ball sent in by Wishaw meant a relatively easy 3 points for Violet.

 

 

KIRKINTILLOCH ROB ROY 3 WISHAW 1

An absolutely shamefull piece of play by the home side ruined what had been an engrossing Central League cup tie.  With Wishaw leading by one goal and half time approaching, Wishaw's Ralston took a knock deep in his own half and had to receive treatment. With Ralston standing on the touchline waiting on the referee's permission to re-enter the field the referee restarted the game with a bounce ball. Instead of returning the ball to Wishaw and giving Ralston an opportunity to come back on - the home side simply raced into attack forcing a bizarre goal-line hand ball save from Brian Hanlon who was immediately sent of for doing so and a penalty was awarded. With Ralston still waiting to come on the Rob Roy penalty taker managed to hit the post so justice of a sort was done albeit Wishaw were now down to 10 men. Furious exchanges between the two benches saw Alex Young receiving a warning by the referee.

Earlier Wishaw had totally belied the two division gap between the two sides and had outplayed their opponents for most of the half with Jamsie Coffey lobbing the keeper from 20 yds after half an hour to give the visitors a well deserved lead.

In the second half with a man advantage the home side pressed forward seeking the equaliser. Wishaw held out for 15 mins but lost out to a well worked move. With their tails up and Wishaw missing Hanlon's height at the back the home side took full advantage scoring two further goals from headers. To their credit Wishaw never gave up and continued to play their usual passing game and despite the disparity in numbers still managed to force a few attacks. Noble just missing with one effort with the keeper beaten. However, the course of the match was really determined in the  few ninutes before half time.  Wishaw left the field with their heads high which is more than can be said for the home side. In fairness to Rob Roy,  Wishaw were advised the players responsible had been spoken to severely.

CAMBUSLANG RANGERS 3 WISHAW 2

WE WUZ ROBBED

 

WISHAW 1 GREENOCK 4

Well it has to be said this was not one of our better performances this season.  Greenock who still harbour hopes of promotion were clearly up for the match and started strongly creating several chances in the opening 10 minutes. Had it not been for some pretty wild shooting the visitors could easily have put the game beyond doubt before Wishaw could even mount their first attack.  In fact fully 25 minutes elapsed before Wishaw seriously threatened the Greenock goal with easily their best move so far, Stewart sending in a perfect cross for Coffey who just failed to connect with the goal beckoning.  However, Greenock failed to take advantage of their superiority and despite several close efforts somehow Wishaw managed to finish the half still on level terms.

The second half started in a similar fashion to the first  but this time the visitors found the target after only two minutes play Brunton parrying a shot only for the ball to be driven home from 6 yds. five minutes later it was 2 - 0 when a long ball from the right found an unmarked attacker in a suspiciously offside position as the home defence waited on the whistle the Greenock lad took two steps and drove the ball home.  More pressure from the visitors forced a third as the home defence failed to shut down a greenock attack ending in the ball being blasted in from 12 yds.  Wishaw dis pull one back when Miller was brought down in the box. Debutant Andy Hunter stepped up to place the ball to the keepers left leaving him no chance. Greenock finished the scoring five minutes from time  from what once again appeared to be a clear offside position . However the referee who was well behind play allowed the goal to stand to end a forgetable match for the home side.

 

ROYAL ALBERT  1  WISHAW  3                                                                                          The match actually kicked of about 4 mins early so a few fans missed the early action. Wishaw started brightly with an early Bell effort touched over for a corner.  Murdoch then latched on to an Edward pass but was adjudged offside. At the other end Albert forced a succession of corners before the Wishaw defence finally managed to clear their lines.  Wishaw were playing the better football with some neat passing moves but the home side were proving to be difficult to break down.  In 15 mins Albert's Reid was booked for a challenge on Murdoch.  Stewart had a shot deflected past and Bell delivered the resultant corner to Stewart on the edge of the box who hammered in a blistering first time shot only to see it rebound clear off an Albert defender.  After 35 mins Wishaw finally opened the scoring with Coffey netting from a floated Bell cross.  3 minutes later Wishaw added a second Coffey strongly side footing a Murdoch pass beyond home keeper Smith. With half time looming and the aroma of the traditional Bovril wafting from the pie stall, Wishaw lost their concentration and Mark Weir nipped in to send a glancing header beyond Brunton while the visiting defence dithered.                                                                                                                                                    

H.T.  Royal Albert 1 Wishaw 2

Early in the second half Wishaw almost went further ahead a long upfield punt from Brunton finding Edward who tried a clever flick over the advancing Smith only to see the ball skim over the crossbar. With Paul McCann coming on for Chris McIntyre Wishaw pushed forward for a goal to seal the win and McCann duly delivered in 72 minutes following up on a Bell free kick which deflected of a defender allowing McCann to race in and slot the ball home.  With the points now safe Wishaw brought burns on for Hanlon and shortly afterwards McLaughlin came on for Stewart. To their credit Albert continued to battle on but with both teams tiring there was little more serious threats posed by either side and with the exception of a brief flare- up which saw Burns and Albert's 8 booked and a few others lucky not to be so the game drifted towards the final whistle.

F.T. Royal Albert 1 Wishaw 3

Wishaw -  Brunton, Duddy, McIntyre, Docherty, Hanlon, Ralston (C), Edwards, Murdoch, Coffey, Bell, Stewart, (Subs McCann, Mclaughlan, Burns)

Royal Albert -  C. Smith, Stokoe, Johnstone, Nelson, P. Smith, Reid, Dickson, Dorrans, Morrison, McLachlan, Mc Millan (subs Longmuir, Lippiat, Adair)

Referee Paul Robertson


 

 

James Coffey about to head the opener for Wishaw despite being surrounded by Albert defenders.

Albert's keeper looks on helplessly as Paul McCann follows in Davie Bell's free kick to net Wishaw's 3rd.

FORTH WANDERERS 2  WISHAW 1

Where on earth has the Crow got to ???? - probably sitting on one of those windmill things on the moors outside Forth having a wee hurl round and round and round - same effect really as having a brandy or two too many??? Anyway - Forth were a much improved side from our last two meetings and it was clear from the outset that there would be no repeat of the drubbing we handed them last time out. The home line up featured former Wishaw players David Grant and Brian McCloy helping  keep the home defence solid. Nos 10 and 11 were causing particular problems with 11 powering home a goal  in each half to earn the home side their win. Our goal came from a penalty by Burns after a hand ball incident about 10 minutes from the end .  With Coffey and Hanlon unavailable Alex was forced to shuffle the side with Mclaughlan and Miller starting and Liam Edwards playing at the back  In fairness, we never really started to play as well as we are capable of untill the last half hour of the match. Our goal set up a frantic last 10 as we chased an equaliser but Forth held out for three points to take them to the top of the table.

The referee was asked about the Forth pass-back incident in the second half  - in his view the defender sclaffed the ball and it ended up in the keepers hands but it was not intentional. At least the pies were good.

CUMBERNAULD UTD  2   WISHAW 0

AH Ha!  the Crow is still winging its way back from Cumbernauld is it.  Well I'll just have a wee sit in the nest and give you a couple of details re todays match

Anyway, very briefly we played well enough but we were a bit rusty after the long lay off. We had a good first half and could have netted a couple of times. The pace of young Paul and James was causing quite a few problems for the home defence

In the second half we did tire a bit. but right up to the second goal which came about 8 mins from the end, we were always in the match and could have snatched an equaliser to take the game into penalties. We are a bit upset at the first goal scored fairly early in the  half as the referee missed a clear corner for us and allowed C'Nauld to clear and run up the park to score.

Beaten but in no way disgraced.

SCOTTISH CUP 3rd Replay

Wishaw 1 Lugar Boswell Thistle 5

This was (as they say) a game of two halves. Wishaw got off to a great start  -with only 4 minutes on the clock they were awarded a penalty when Coffey was pushed in the back as he attempted to get on to a cross from Bell.  Robbie Burns stepped up and fired th ball hard and low to the keeper Gall's right. Wishaw had another chance ten minutes later when Coffey's cross was nicked off the head of Edwards by the goalkeeper, it really was all Wishaw at this point and Burns almost doubled his tally when his shot from 30 yards out clipped the cross on the way over. Lugar's first attempt did not come until 38 minutes when they beat the offside trap but McCluskie's shot was just over the bar.

HT 1-0

After the interval Lugar were quickly on level terms with a well worked throw-in. The ball was given back to the thrower and his cross was met on the edge of the six yard box by McCluskie and his glancing header wrong footed keeper Brunton. It was game on now, and it got worse for Wishaw on 54 minutes when they were reduced to 10 men for a 50-50 challenge on the keeper outside the box which the referee deemed a bookable foul and as Edwards was already booked he had to go. Most spectators were of the opinion the referee got this one wrong so for the second time in this tie Wishaw found themselves playing ten against eleven.  Lugar took the lead for the first time in this tie on 74 minutes when Mulgrew's shot from just at the edge of the 18 yard box seemed to be heading into the arms of keeper Brunton but  took a wicked deflection and ended up in the net. With the home side clearly starting to tire 4 minutes later Lugar were 3-1 in front as poor defending in the box allowed McCluskie to fire home from close range. The game was effectivelyover but further goals from Morrison and hat trick hero McCluskie put this well beyond Wishaw in the final minutes.

Wishaw have a break now over the Christmas and New Year period and this will be needed to get themselves ready for a push up the league and hopefully into contention for promotion.

TEAMS:

Wishaw: Brunton, Duddy, Nesbet, Ralston, Hanlon, Paterson, Coffey, Burns, Docherty, Bell, McCann.

Lugar: Gall, M. Doolan, McDonald, McCluskie, Mulgrew, Dunlop, Auld, McManon, Thorburn, Grosart, Morrison.

 

SCOTTISH CUP 3rd  

Lugar Boswell Thistle 1 Wishaw Juniors 1

1/12/2007

As you would expect the home side attacked from the off but it was Wishaw who had the first shot on goal as Coffey’s well placed pass found Bell and his drive from 20 yards out  brought out a great one handed save from the home goalkeeper Gall.  That fired up Lugar and in 14 minutes they almost scored from a long range effort but keeper Brunton was equal to it and  turned the ball round the post.  At this point Lugar were the better team and they were firing on all cylinders so much so that 7 minutes later their Auld found himself one on one with the Wishaw keeper but when he tried to chip him keeper Brunton tipped it over the bar.

Wishaw were awarded a free kick 25 yards out on the left.  Bell’s shot was well saved by the keeper but the only man following up was McCann and he headed home the rebound from 6 yards. This was just what Wishaw needed and they started to pass the ball better, and further shots from Bell and Coffey were saved by the home keeper. By now this was a good cup-tie and both teams went for it, Lugar had chances to equalize but keeper Brunton was on form and it would take something special to beat him.

H-T 0-1   

After the break Lugar won a Penalty in the 46th minute after McCann was given his marching orders for handled the ball in the box and McCluskie slotted the ball away giving keeper Brunton no chance. Wishaw hit back and won a corner on the right.  The ball was fired into the box and after a mix up in the Lugar defence it was sent just past the post by Coffey.

On 50 minutes Lugar striker Auld fired a shot from all of 35 yards out which beat Brunton but crashed of the top of the crossbar. It was all Lugar now as the extra man was beginning to tell and they pressed forward looking for the winner. On 75 minutes Lugar’s Morrison fired a shot from 20 yards out and it went just over the bar - two minutes later McCluskie missed an open goal after he miss-kicked from 6 yards out.

Wishaw were denied a Penalty when Coffey seam to be pulled to the ground but the Referee waved play on. With 10 minutes to go Wishaw were reduced to 9 men after Ralston was given his second yellow card. In the final 10 minutes Wishaw were all out on their feet and if it was not for keeper Scott Brunton they could have lost by a barrel load, but the home side failed to capitalise on thir two man advanrage and Wishaw survived to fight another day.

The game finished 1-1 and the replay is on Saturday 8th Dec at Wishaw Sport Centre with a 1.30 kick-off.

      

TEAMS:

Lugar: Gall, M. Doolan, McDonald, McCluskie, Mulgrew, Dunlop, Auld, McManon, Thorburn, Grosart, Morrison.

SUBS: Roy, Millar, C. Doolan, Cameron, Fraser.

 Wishaw: Brunton, Duddy, Nesbet, Ralston, Hanlon, Paterson, Coffey, Burns, Docherty, Bell, McCann.

SUBS: Murdoch, Edwards, Stewart, McDowall, Cleland (gk).


Central District League Div 2
Wishaw 5 Carluke Rovers 4
17/11/07

Wishaw stun Carluke in 9 goal thriller. Two sendings off and bookings galore as league leaders Carluke lose the plot and the points as Wishaw get 4th win in five games.

Carluke started brighter but had to wait until 21 minutes to break the deadlock. Wishaw  keeper Cleland saved from a corner but ball breaks back out to the left and is lobbed back in and headed home by unmarked forward (1 - 0). As Carluke try to increase their lead Wishaw battle to get level and do so in 34 minutes when Robbie Burns blocks a clearance -the ball broke to Coffey who slips it back to Burns to slam home (1 -1).  5 minutes later it is the home side's turn to take the lead when a burns back heel finds Bell who drifts across the front of penalty box leaving two defenders in his wake and blasts home from 15 yds. (2 - 1). Almost before the ink dries in the referees book Carluke are back level breaking forward quickly and winning a corner which is promptly headed home. (2 - 2). After such a frantic first half both sides could be forgiven if they welcomed the half time whistle.

The second half started at a blistering pace with another headed goal putting the visitors ahead again (2 - 3) only for Hanlon to level 2 minutes later forcing home a Bell free kick after Carluke again fail to clear. (3 - 3). In 58 minutes Carluke regain the lead with another headed goal (4 - 3) but Wishaw storm back in 63 minutes when a Noble cross finds Paul McCann on hand to head home (4 - 4). On 70 minutes Wishaw grab the winner when a Bell free kick is headed home by Coffey (5 - 4). The end of the goals but not the end of the action. With the home side pressing for a killer 6th goal Daryl Docherty is brought down in the box in 84 minutes. After Rover's Mark Weir is given his marching orders for a second bookable offence Bell steps up to take the penalty but the visiting keeper pulls of a great save to keep Carluke's hopes alive. Two minutes later the visiting no 5 also receives his marching orders and Wishaw see the game out comfortably.
Burns, Duddy, Nisbett and Hanlon of Wishaw all booked whilst Carluke have 4 booked including Weir sent of for a second yellow and a further red for no 5. to be fair this was never a dirty match but the referee was determined to keep control from the outset and carluke have only themselves to blame for losing the plot in a match which they clearly expected to win easily. Robbie Burns can probably feel aggrieved at his booking.



Central District League Div 2
Wishaw 4 Forth Wanderers 2
10/11/2007


Wishaw had a blistering start winning there first corner in just twenty seconds, and a shot from Davie Bell when close from just outside the box.

But it was that man James Coffey that put the home side in front after he won a 50 – 50 ball and he found himself one on one with the forth keeper and he kept his cool and slotted it home on 14 minutes, eleven minutes later he doubled his and Wishaw tally after Lyndsay Nesbit through pass found Robbie Burns and his pass was laid into the path of Coffey who fired it hard and low into the net.

Wishaw had to make substitution on the half hour mark when Bell limped off and he was replaced by Paul Noble, and it remained 2-0 at the interval.

 

H-T 2-0

 

After the interval it was Forth that took the game to Wishaw and they were rewarded when they scored with only 6 minutes played, but that was the wake up call that Wishaw needed as they continue to put pressure on a Wanderers team that were now out of ideas and Substitute Craig McLachlan sent a great pass down the left to Paul Noble who got to the bye line and his cut back found Coffey and he scored from close in to complete his hat-trick, the score then turn provider two minutes later when he won a takle just outside the box and then beat two defenders and squared the ball to Paul Noble who netted from 5 yards.
this was a battling display from Wishaw and they continue to grow in stature.


1Broxburn Athletic 0 Wishaw 1
Scottish Cup Rd 2

Wishaw Stun East(south Division) Leaders Broxburn to pull of a fine away Scottish Cup second round win. Scorer for Wishaw - Brian Hanlon in 14 minutes with a well placed header from a corner kick. Brian had to go off injured shortly after and was replaced by Lindsay Nisbet.

full report to follow when the Crow stops celebrating   hic!

BRIAN Hanlon’s 14th-minute strike was enough to book Wishaw’s place in this Sunday’s draw for the third round of the Scottish Junior Cup disposing of East Region South outfit Broxburn, managed by former Motherwell favourite Jamie Dolan. Wishaw made a positive start to the match and  had the first scoring chance when David Bell forced the Broxburn goalkeeper into a good save on six minutes.That near miss inspired Wishaw to greater efforts and they went in front soon afterwards when Bell fired in a free kick from the left which was laid back to Hanlon who headed home at the back post. It proved to be his final contribution to the game as he injured an ankle in a tackle as the half reached its midway stage and had to be replaced by Lindsay Nesbit. Joining him in the treatment room 10 minutes after the interval was goalkeeper Davie Cleland, who was unable to continue after sustaining a kick to the calf in a goalmouth scramble just before the break and was replaced by Scott Brunton.

Wishaw had further chances to increase their lead and James Coffey had a header cleared off the line after the home goalkeeper just turned away a Liam Edwards shot.Broxburn moved to a three-pronged attacking formation but were unable to break through for the equaliser Brunton made an excellent save from a  10-yard shot as the game entered its final quarter and the back line of Paul McCann, Scott Paterson and new captain Derek Ralston held firm.




Wishaw 4 Stonehouse 5
League Div 2

report to follow


Wishaw 3 Whitletts Victoria 2 20/10/2007
White and Mackay West of Scotland Cup Rd 1

Both sides started nervously and the early play was very scrappy with not a lot of football to be seen The visitors probably had the better of the early exchanges although the few chances which were created were fortunately being missed due to poor finishing by the Vics forwards. The game was played mostly with long balls from keeper to keeper with the midfield being missed out entirely.

The match remained goalless until the 35th minute when a corner came into a group of players in the 6yd box. Wishaw keeper Clelland tried to punch clear but the ball skimmed of his fist and ended up in the net. Vics added a second a minute later with a mistake in midfield where Gary Murdoch lost possession and Whitlets broke away and scored to make it 2-0.

At half time Wishaw manager Alex Young rang the changes with Duddy and Murdoch being replaced by Burns and Noble while Docherty moved to centre mid .The changes certainly brought a new life into Wishaw and in 55 mins a run and shot from the right by Noble came off the post and was cleared only as far as Scott Paterson who opened his account for this season with a drive from 20 yards. The equalizer came 5 mins later with a long throw from Wishaw captain Chris Merrilees was headed goalwards by Jay Miller and the Vics defender could only head it into his own net . That gave Wishaw the shot in the arm they needed to go for the winner and a shot from Miller in 63mins brought out a great save by the visiting keeper who also saved the resultant corner. Miller had another header saved by the keeper who followed that up with a fine stop from a well struck Paul McCann shot in 67 mins. In 73 mins the winner came with Noble setting up Liam Edward for a shot which the keeper failed to hold and there was Coffey on hand to tap in. The match continued for a full 5 mins of injury time with Vics trying desperately to find an equaliser. Davy Clelland pulled of 3 saves in a as many minutes the last of which in the final minute was world class with the ball being driven through a ruck of players giving the keeper only a split second to react.



 
Central District League Div 2
Thorniewood United 4 Wishaw 2
13/10/2007

The home side started the brighter with only 7 minutes on the clock Thorniewood’s Queen beat the advancing keeper Cleland but McLaughlan cleared off the line. Two minutes later Wishaw played a fine one two and Coffey’s shot from the edge of the box was just wide of the left hand post.

Wishaw continue to press and on 14 minutes Miller beat the fullback and was brought down in the box, the referee pointed to the spot, but Coffey spot-kick beat keeper Hunter and the left post as well. A minute later Wishaw’s Coffey made up for his penalty miss when headed home from 6 yards at the back post after fine play on the right by Docherty, Wishaw’s  tails where up, and they had shots by Burns and Coffey saved by the keeper,  On 27 minutes against the run of play United won a corner on the right and as the cross came in the Wishaw defence were static and Fallon had a free header inside the 6 yard box to leave keeper Cleland no chance to level the score, and a minute later they were two up when playmaker Tobin lifted his pass over the Wishaw’s defence and Logan beat the offside trap to slot the ball past the advancing Cleland.

Just before haft time Wishaw players thought they had another penalty as Thorniewood Defender Newman looked to have handled the ball at the bye line but Referee wave play on.

H-T 2-1

As the second haft started Wishaw were on the back foot and United should have gone further ahead on 51 minutes after Logan reached the bye line and his cut back was right into the path of Tobin but his shot was fire high over the bar. On the hour mark Wishaw Keeper had to look lively and tip Tobin’s header over the bar after a great cross on the run from Stevenson.

Thorniewood were on fire now and as they press for the all important third goal Wishaw hit them on the break and they were awarded a free-kick on the left and Duddy’s cross found Ralston free at the back post and he fire his shot hard and low into the net from 8 yards out, it was all Wishaw now and Coffey was put through by Burns but his shot was tip onto the crossbar by keeper Hunter and on 71 minutes Merrilees found Miller wide on the right and he tried to lob the keeper only to see his effort hit the bar and go out for a bye-kick, but game changed on the 73 minute after a poor refereeing decision saw Wishaw’s Hanlon sent off for violent conduct after a foul on Dias which looked more like hand bags at fifty paces, even with only 10 men Wishaw were the better team and still created chances from Murdoch who’s shot was just wide of the right hand post and again Wishaw hit the crossbar when Merrilees thunder drive beat the keeper all ends up but the rebound was cleared into the path of Tobin and he found Logan who head home unchallenged from 6 yards, Wishaw had United under pressure looking for the equalizer when Thorniewood’s Newman found Duncan free on the right and head fired home from the edge of the box.

TEAMS  
Thorniewood: Hunter, Deveney, Dias, Graham, Newman, Bradshaw, Stevenson, Tobin, Logan, Fallon, Queen.
SUBS: Duncan, Miller, Doogans, Combie,

Wishaw: Cleland, Duddy, Merrilees, Ralston, Hanlon, McLaughlan, Coffey, Burns, Miller, Docherty, Noble.
SUBS: McCann, Nesbitt, Paterson, Murdoch, McLachlan (GK)



Central District League Div 2
Wishaw 2 Cambuslang Rangers 2
6/10/2007

This game started slowly - but that only lasted for about 10 minutes before Cambuslang had a great chance to score when a defence splitting pass found Ogilvey and his hard and low effort went just wide of the far post. Five minutes later Wishaw’s James Coffey's well placed shot was tipped over the bar for a corner. Wishaw manager Alex Young had to make a substitution after Paul McCann was elbowed in the face and he had to go to hospital for treatment and he was replaced by Paul Noble.

In the 38th minute Wishaw trialist Keeper Cleland brought of a great save at his right hand post and the rebound was hammered onto the crossbar by Cambuslang’s Kennedy when it was easier to slot it home.

Both teams were making chances but it was Wishaw who broke the deadlock in the 44th minute when Miller won the ball in midfield - his 5 yard pass found Bell whose first touch pass was right into the path of Coffey who fired it beyond the reach of Cambuslang’s keeper Smith.

A minute later Wishaw made it two after some fine play in the middle of the park by Millar and Noble and there was that man again Coffey to slot the ball passed the stranded keeper into the bottom left hand corner on the net.

Cambuslang drew one back 4 minutes into injury time in the first haft when Ranger's Bruce got to the bye-line - although  the ball appeared to have crossed the line the referee waved play on and the cross was only cleared as far as the 18 yard line from where Ferguson fired it hard and low through a ruck of players. Keeper Cleland managed to get a hand to the shot only to see it sneak inside his right hand post.  

H-T 2-1

Into the second half and Wishaw stated the brightest as Coffey had a shot just inches wide of the right hand post and Burns had a shot which was just over the bar. On the hour mark Cambuslang were on level terms when Wishaw's midfield never shut down Barton and he was allowed a shot from 35 yards out which bounced just in front of Wishaw's diving keeper Cleland and landed in the left hand corner of the net.

Wishaw upped the tempo and  were unlucky not to go in front after some fine play by Merriless and his cross found Edwards who fired wide of the mark, and Wishaw continued to keep up the pressure when Noble brought out a great save from Smith from all of 20 yards out.

Wishaw had the ball in the net in the 78th minute but it was ruled offside as Edwards pass was adjudged to be a forward pass. The Wishaw players thought they had scored again when Noble's cross was headed goal ward by Ralston - a  Cambuslang defender headed of the line but the Wishaw players were incensed as he was a yard over his own line but the referee waved play on once more.

Wishaw were again unlucky as a drive from Hanlon beat the keeper but not the post and it rebounded to safety, in the end Wishaw were the better team and they deserved more from the game but it was not to be.               

Teams
Wishaw: Cleland, Burns, Merriless, Coffey, Ralston, Duddy, Hanlon, Bell, Miller, McCann, Docherty.
SUBS: Noble, Murdoch, Nesbit, Edwards.  

Cambuslang: Smith, Doak, Bruce, Kanamagh, Barton, Hewitt, Ferguson, Bonnar, Ogilvey, Kennedy, Wallace.
SUBS: Smith, Cameron, lynch, Branagan, Devine.



Central District League Div 2
Greenock 3 Wishaw 0
29/09/2007
Home side started the brighter and were rewarded in the 4th minute when a short pass back by Gary Murdoch was pounced on by Dow and he fire it high into Smith top right hand corner of the net.

Wishaw did not test the Greenock Keeper until the 14th minute of the game when Dave Bell shot from 20 yards out warm the hands of goalkeeper Scott. 6 minutes later it was that man Bell again this time from a free-kick just outside the box and his daisy cutter was just wide of the keeper’s left hand post. Wishaw were pushing for the equaliser but it was Greenock who when further ahead on 39 minutes when Greenock’s full Campbell’s cross into the box was not cleared and McLaughlan had an easy head at the back post.

Wishaw almost pulled one back after some fine play on the left as Bell and Noble played a neat one two and Bells shot was tip over the bar for a corner.In 44 minutes Wishaw keeper Smith had to look sharp after a mix-up in the defence let Greenock’s Ross fire hard and low to the keepers near post which he tip round the post for a corner.

 H-T 2-0

3 minutes into the second haft and Wishaw almost pulled one back when Coffney cross was dummied by Edwards and Bells drive from 18 yards looked goal bound but the keeper some how managed to get a hand to it and tip in over the bar. Wishaw had two great chances to score from Merriless and Burns but the shot let them down, it was Greenock who wrapped-up the scoring with three minutes left to play when Dow’s shot brought out a great save from keeper Smith who turn it our the bar for a corner and the resulting corner was not cleared and McLaughlan nip in to head home from close in.

Wishaw will have to up there game it they are to get back onto winning ways.

 TEAMS 

GREENOCK: Scott, S Campbell, Gallaghar, Eadley, Malding, Stanley, T Docherty, McLaughlan, Dow, Ross, Barnes.
SUBS: Rodgers, S Docherty, Gilmour, Fleming, M Campbell   

WISHAW: Smith, Duddy, McLaughlan, Ralston, Hanlon, Merriless, Coffney, Murdoch, Edwards, Bell, Noble.
SUBS: Burns, Docherty, Herron, McLaughlan, Miller.




Central District League Div 2

Shettleston 3 Wishaw 1
15/09/2007

Wishaw started the brighter side but it was Shettleston who opened the scoring in their first attack when, in 7 minutes, they were awarded a corner on the left and McArthur headed home at the back post - after the referee completely missed the foul on Wishaw keeper McLauchlan who was obstructed and couldn’t get to the cross. That incensed the Wishaw players and they upped the tempo and were almost rewarded minutes later when a well placed  Noble shot brought out a great save from keeper Hutchison who tipped the ball over the bar.  At this point it was all Wishaw and after some fine play on the left a Bell cross found Coffey at the edge of the six yards box but his header went inches wide of the keeper's right hand post.  On the haft hour mark it was that man Coffey whose shot from 18 yards out brought out another great save from the keeper as he turned the ball round the post.

Four minutes later Shettleston took the lead with there second attack of the game when Shand fire a hopeful cross into the box and keeper McLauhlan punch landed at the feet of Stevenson who volleyed it home from just inside the 18 yard box.

Wishaw still continued to press for a goal to bring them back into the game, but shot from Burns, Noble and Ralston were just off target, and just before the break on Shettleston third attack they extended their lead when a misunderstanding between and keeper McLauhlan and defender McCann result in a throw-in on the Right and Martin’s throw-in was flicked on at the near post by A Cahill and Thomson who had the easies of chances to head home from 2 yards at the back post.

H-T 3-0

10 minutes into the second haft and Wishaw pulled one back with some excellent play down and the right, when Coffney Cross was turn into his own net by full back Stevenson from close-in.

Wishaw almost closed the gap when a Ralston cross was laid back by Noble into the path of striker Burns and his shot grazed the keepers left hand post, it was all Wishaw now and they piled on the pressure there were further shots from Ralston, Bell, Noble and Substitute McLaughlin but to no avail as they lacked precision and the keeper was never troubled.

It end 3-1 to the home side but if Wishaw continue to play like that they will be up challenging for promotion come the end of the season.

TEAMS     

Shettleston: Hutchison, Kassim, Stevenson, Martin, Currie, McArthur, A. Cahill, Dick, Thomson, S. Cahill, Shand.
SUBS: McIntosh, Reid, Da Silva, Espener.

Wishaw: McLauhlan, Burns, Merriless, Coffney, Ralston, Duddy, Noble, Hanlon, Edwards, Bell, McCann.
SUBS: Miller, Murdoch, Docherty, McLaughlan, McDougall.



Central District League Div 2

Vale of Leven 2 Wishaw 1 
08/09/2007

After being delayed with road works on the M8 Wishaw only managed a 5 minute warm-up before the game commenced and not surprisingly Vale were the sharper side from the off and apart from an early run and shot from Paul Noble which brought out a great save from Vale’s goalkeeper Vale had the better of the first half,. In 19 minutes Wishaw Keeper McLauchlan had to look lively from a long range shot from their striker after he dispossessed Merrilees 25 yards out but Alan  tipped it onto the bar and over for a corner.

The visitors came close on the half hour mark when Bell’s free-kick was fired in hard and low but slipped past the keeper right hand post.

H-T 0-0

3 minutes after the restart Wishaw went one down when their defence were caught flat footed after a great save from McLauchlan, but only to see the ball fall to Vales striker and he hammered it home from 10 yards, that goal seemed to galvanise the Wishaw players into action and with the slope in their favour they started to move the ball with more conviction . in 51 minutes the home goalkeeper had to look sharp as Duddy sent in a clever long range effort, Bell again came close in 56 minutes with another free-kick before Wishaw equalised 66 minutes after a through ball from that man Bell found Edwards and he slotted the into the path of Burns who blasted it home from 12 yards.   

 Wishaw were now chasing the winner, with shots from Bell, Burns and Merrilees all coming close but the Vale’s defence held firm.  Against the run of play Vale won a corner on the left and took full advantage when the smallest player on the park was allowed a downward header to snatch what turned out to be the winner in 84 minutes. Wishaw  never gave up and pressed for the equaliser but despite further efforts from Merrilees and Bell it finished 2-1 to the home side.




Central District League Div 2

Wishaw  3 Royal Albert  1
 01/09/07

 Wishaw got of to a flyer as they take all three points in the first league game of the new season.

In the first 45 mins Wishaw took the game to Albert and they had several chances to open the scoring but they failed to find the net with shots from Burns, Edwards and Stewart.

Wishaw opened their account in 32 minutes with Paul Noble robbed one of Albert’s defenders and made it to the bye line before squared it to Liam Edwards who coolly sided the ball into the bottom left hand corner. Albert had a couple of chances to get back on level terms but the lack the killer touch in front of goal.

 Wishaw should have extended their lead on the 40th minute when David Bell slotted the ball through the Albert’s defence for only to watch Edwards fire if high over the bar.

 HT 1-0  

 Wishaw started the brighter in the second half as they piled on the pressure but Albert’s defence held firm until the 64th minute when a Bell shot was adjudged to be handled in the box and the referee pointed to the spot and up stepped Wishaw’s penalty taker David Bell and he fire his shot into the top left hand corner giving the keeper no chance of reaching it.

 Wishaw continue to press forward looking for a third but on 75 minutes they were caught on the break and Albert were awarded a free-kick just outside the box, the free-kick was not cleared by Wishaw defence and it fell to Albert’s striker who had the easies of chance to fire home from 6yards. 

 At this point Wishaw were holding on and they needed a third to settle their nerves and they got just that in the 87th minute when a Chris Merriless clearance found James Coffney free in the centre circle and he race towards Pather end of the ground with two defenders chasing him but he remained clam to slotted the ball past the advancing keeper.

 Three one it finished but Wishaw should have won by more as Edwards, Noble, Coffney and Burns all miss chances but in the end Wishaw were happy with the win, and after only one game they sit second top of the league and it’s up to them now to keep it going.



Sectional League Cup

25/08/2007

 Carluke Rovers 5 Wishaw Juniors 1

This was the final game of the league cup section for Wishaw who had a chance to go through the section undefeated for the first time in several years. However,  it was not be as their opponents were up for this game right from the start. Carluke when ahead after five minutes with some fine play on the left with Mark Haddow 's cross finding Gary Fleming unmarked at the edge of the box who volleyed a right foot shot past goalkeeper Alan McLachlan at his near post.

On the second wave of attack Carluke almost when further ahead when their striker Stephen Ferguson turn and fired a shot in the direction of the top left corner but keeper McLachlan pulled off a great one handed save to turn it over the bar for a corner. Wishaw looked to be struggling at this point and they were second to every ball and they did look a patch on the team that came back from two down last week.

 Wishaw had to make a substitution on 27 minutes when Paul McCann who was suffering from a heavy cold was replaced with Gary Murdoch who had just returned from holiday.    Carluke went further ahead on 34 minutes with another slick piece of play on the right as ex-Wishaw player Kris Jarvie laid the ball into the path of Mark Weir who fired home from the edge of the box. Wishaw responded with shots from Robert Burns and Daryl Docherty but to no avail.

 H-T 2-0    

 Right at the start of the second half Carluke were awarded free-kick 20 yards out and Gary Fleming shot was high and wide of the mark, minutes later Carluke Ferguson brought out another great save from Keeper McLachlan as he tip the goal bound shot over the bar.

On the hour mark Wishaw were awarded a penalty after Carluke’s Gary Frame brought down Martin McAteer in the box and David Bell sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to reduce the deficit, 14 minutes later Carluke restored their two goal advantage after Javie was tackled from behind in the box and the referee had no option but too point to the spot and Fleming fire his high into the top left corner.  

 Andrew Barr put Carluke further ahead with a spectacular scissor-kick from a Ferguson cross.
The final goal was a break away with Frame clearing his lines found Scott Belvue free and he fire his shot hard and low past the advancing McLachlan.The score could have been higher if it was not for keeper McLachlan who brought off three great saves, on this showing Carluke will be the team to beat in the league this season.

 TEAMS

Carluke Rovers: McFarlane, Moffat, Wallace, Keenan, Frame, Haddow, Fleming, Barr, Ferguson, Jarvie, Weir.
SUBS: McGowan, McAuley, Slater, Belvue. Shaw.

 Wishaw: McLachlan, Burns, Merriless, Ralston, Duddy, Hanlon, Bell, Nesbit, Miller, McCann, Docherty.
SUBS: Noble, Murdoch, McAteer, Coffey.


Sectional League Cup

Saturday 18/08/2007

WISHAW 4 FORTH WANDERERS 4 

 This was a pulsating game despite the weather, both teams gave their all and the fans who braved the rain were entertained from start to finish.

Wishaw opened the scoring on 15 minutes after some fine play in midfield when a Bell pass found Coffey at the edge of the box and he rifled left foot drive high into the roof of the net. But it didn’t take Forth long to draw level - 4 minutes in fact. The visitors were awarded a free kick twenty yards out, B Crawford 's shot was well placed and well out of the reach of Wishaw keeper McLachlan.

Forth then took the lead 3 minutes later when a mix-up in the Wishaw defence allowed Murphy to fire home from 6 yards.  The visitors extended their lead on the half hour mark after Currie skipped past Paterson on the left and drove his shot high into the net at the keeper's near post.

At this point Wishaw manager Alex young had to make an enforced change when goal scorer Coffey injured his thigh and was replaced by Noble.

Wishaw reduced the deficit on 37 minutes when Edwards was sent clear and slotted home past the advancing Forth keeper Wilson. In injury time Wishaw were back on level terms with some fine play by Noble who took the ball to the bye-line and somehow  managed to slot it home in off the back post.

 H-T 3-3

Three minutes into the second half Wishaw took the lead after Bell found Noble free on the right and his well placed cross was headed home at the back post by in-form Stewart.  Both teams then had chances to score but the respective defences held firm.

Two of Wishaw's players were injured after colliding going for a header mid-way through the second half. After a five minute stoppage  both players, Liam Edwards and Paul Noble had to be taken to Wishaw General Hospital for treatment  - Edwards with a suspected broken nose and Noble with a nasty head wound.  

Forth's  equaliser came late in injury time and it was a mix-up in the defence yet again that allowed Dunnachie through one on one with the keeper - he was pushed to the ground by McLachlan and the referee pointed to the spot and Currie converted the penalty.

After the restart the referee immediately blew for full time.

TEAMS

WISHAW: McLachlan, Nesbit, Paterson, Ralston, Merriless, Duddy, Coffey, Edwards, Stewart, Bell, Burns.
SUBS: Noble, Hanlon, McCann, Docherty, Millar.

FORTH: Wilson, Devine, Hallford, A Murphy, Napier, Dunnanchie, Burns, C Crawford, B Crawford, Currie, G Murphy.
SUBS: Mullen, Knight, McNeice, Stillie, Nesbit.



Sectional League Cup 
 Saturday 11/08/07
WISHAW JUNIORS 2 SHOTTS BON ACCORD 2 

 Wishaw’s new look team were unlucky not to take all three points in this hard fought Sectional League Cup game.

For the second time in two season Shotts failed to Beat Wishaw and they were made to look like a second division outfit as Wishaw took the lead inside 5 minutes when Bells terrific pass found Stewart unmarked on the edge of the box, but he still had work to do as he rounded the advancing keeper Andy McCondichie to slot home into an empty net.

 Wishaw came close to extending their lead when a Burns shot clipped the crossbar, but it was Bon Accord who levelled when they broke down the left and forced a corner 10 minutes into the first half and from the resulting corner Chris Gardiner head home from close in.  

Bon Accord were denied a Penalty on the half hour mark when Paterson looked to have taken Allison’s legs from behind but the referee waved play on and as Wishaw cleared their lines Merriless found Ralston on the right and his cross was headed in of the post by an on form Stewart, but four minutes later Shotts were back on level terms again and it was that man Gardiner who fire home a Sneddon cross from all of 20 yards out and that’s how it finished at Half time.

 H-T 2-2

 With only 4 minutes of the second half gone Bon accord’s Hugh Kelly saw red as he was sent off for dangerous play, Wishaw had 10 man Shotts on the back foot and on 52 minutes Bell worked his way into the box but his shot was blocked by Bon Accord’s captain Graeme Gaffney, it was all Wishaw at this point and they were unlucky not to go ahead after Edwards broke into the box and his first shot was blocked by keeper McCondichie, but the rebound landed at Edwards feet and as the Shotts Defence were looking for the cross he fired hard and low to the keepers right but he managed to get his foot to it and as it broke out, Wishaw’s Bell right foot his shot was deflected for a corner.

 As you would expect Shotts came back and were awarded a free kick 25 yards out but McLintock’s shot went high and wide.

 Shotts continued to press but Wishaw’s defence held the Bon Accord strikers to shots from outside the box and Wishaw’s keeper Derek Smith was never troubled.  At the end it was the Wishaw Management team who were the happier as the match finished honours even

 TEAMS

WISHAW: Smith, Nesbit, Paterson, Ralston, Merriless,(capt) Duddy, Coffey, Edwards, Stewart, Bell, Burns.
SUBS: McAteer, Miller, Hanlon, McLauchlan.(GK)

SHOTTS: McCondichic, Gaffney, Brown, McLintock, White, Herriot, Allison, Gardiner, Kelly, McInally, Sneddon.
SUBS: Boyack, Jack, Crumley, McInulty.



Second pre-season friendly 4th Aug 2007

DARVEL 3       WISHAW 3 

Wishaw had to comeback three times to earn a draw, in this second pre-season friendly.

It was Wishaw who started the brightest and should have take the lead after 7 minutes,  when Robbie Burns found himself one on one with the goalkeeper, but his shot rebounded off the crossbar and was cleared to safety.

11 minutes later Wishaw were behind when a defensive error allowed Darvel’s Steven Robb in to slot the ball past the advancing Keeper Craig Brown. Straight from the kick-off Wishaw were back on level terms after a terrific defence splitting pass by Gary Murdoch set Jay Miller on his way to fire home from 8yards.

Darvel kept plugging away but found it difficult against a Wishaw midfield which was well marshaled by Gary Murdoch and Davie Bell. Bell was unlucky not to put his team ahead on 34 minutes when he broke from midfield only to fine his effort blocked at the near post.

HT: 1-1

At the start of the second half Wishaw made two changes Thomas McKenna on for Craig Brown and Liam Edwards replacing Neil Herron. It was a positive start to the second half for Darvel, so much so they took the lead on 49 minutes when they were awarded a free-kick just outside the box, Paul Magee shot struck the post and rebounded into the path of Steven Robb which he side footed it into the net for his second of the day.

It took Wishaw until 56th minute to equalise when Robbie Burns fired home from 6 yards, after a powerful shot from Craig McLaughlin was spilled by keeper Kirkland, at this point Darvel were pined down in there own half as Wishaw pushed for the winner, but a clearance from defence found Ryan Drummond free on the right and his shot was fumbled by keeper McKenna and allowed substitute Jamie Paterson to tuck the ball into an open net.

Wishaw were back on level terms again after some excellent play down the right and a cross from Graeme Stewart found Liam Edwards at the back post and he fired his shot hard and low into to the empty net.  

Wishaw were unlucky not to take the lead when a Scott Paterson 40 yard bullet all must deceived the goalkeeper, further shots from Robbie Burns, Martin McAteer and Liam Edwards tested the keeper but in the end it was a good workout for both teams.

TEAMS 
Darvel: Kirkland, West, Lyndsay, Holland, Mullen, J. Drummond, Magee, Parkerson, Robb, Stewart, R. Drummond,
SUBS: Patterson.

WISHAW: Brown, Stewart, Paterson, Burns, Nesbit, Bell, Herron, Murdoch, McLaughlin, Ralston, Miller.
SUBS: Donagury,McAteer, Edwards,McIntyre, McKenna (GK)




First up we are away to East Kilbride for a Friendly on Wed July 25th 2007 Kick Off 7pm.

East Kilbride 3 Wishaw Juniors 0 
HT 1-0

Wishaw found the gulf in class between themselves and their two divisions higher opponents just too much to bridge in this friendly at East Kilbride. the home side - fresh from their own tournament last week against Hamilton Accies and Stirling Albion - were eager to show and soon mounted a series of attacks on the visitors goal tended by a trialist keeper. However, good running up front by Burns and Noble kept the home defence on their toes and Wishaw's best chance of the first half fell to Burns after a cross field diagonal ball from his running mate. Unfortunately, Burns had to watch as his shot slipped past the far post when a goal looked certain. EK opened the scoring just 2 mins from half time when a seconds hesitation between Nesbitt and the trialist keeper allowed a home forward in to steal the opener.

Wishaw’s Bell came close with a low shot early in the second half. However, as the half progressed and both teams used their full quota of substitutes play became a little scrappy and the pace of the game dropped. Thistle always looked the more likely to score and a well place shot from 20yds in 65 mins put the game beyond Wishaw’s reach. In 76mins the home side netted direct from a corner as the ball bouncing of the hard surface eluded everyone. A final flurry by Wishaw won them a free kick on the edge of the box but Bell's shot was easily saved by the home keeper. After the match Wishaw manager Alex Young was still upbeat. ‘’I thought we played well in the first half and were unlucky not to score. I had a number of trialists out including a keeper and we can take a lot of positives from our performance against a well organised home side. I thought the keeper did well, we caused their defence a few problems with our running particularly in the first half, we had several good personal performances and I am pleased at the overall effort put in by the team.’’