MATCH REPORTS 
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 2009/10
WISHAW JUNIORS 5 FORTH WANDERERS 1 Central Div 2 6/03/2010
Damien Devanney was a hat trick hero as Wishaw demolished Wanderers despite the home side playing a significant part of the match with only 10 men, the unfortunate Jazza McBride being dismissed after receiving 2 yellow cards for tripping in what was a torrid and bad tempered first half during which Wishaw’s Stewart clashed heads with Forth’s Grant and receiving a nasty head wound which later required hospital treatment.
The home side had the better of the early exchanges but it was Forth’s Murphy who squandered the best chance of opening the scoring after a good run down the left but the shot was poorly placed. At the other end McGrotty made a fine run along the touchline before cutting the ball back to the edge of the box where Devanney was on hand to smash the ball low and hard into the bottom left hand side of the Forth goal. McGrotty had to go off injured and was replaced by Coffey. Minutes later Wishaw went futher in front Devanney again driving the ball home from after Forth failed to clear their lines during a frantic spell of action in the visitors penalty box. Murphy. Murphy had another chance for the visitors but the miss of the half came after a blistering run down the right by McKinven was cut across but both Coffey and Lynch failed to connect with the goal at their mercy.
Forth started the second half in determined mood a snap shot from Murphy forcing Weir to dive to palm the ball clear. Canning also went close but was booked for following through on the Wishaw keeper which was to cost him dear in the final minutes of the match when he received a second booking and had to go off. The Forth fight back came to an abrupt end ten minutes into the half when Lynch drove down the left before delivering the ball to the feet of Devanney to hammer home his third goal to complete his hat-trick. Stewart then broke clear before delivering the ball to the head of McKinven but his header went just over. Forth’s Murphy finally got his name on the score sheet in 72 mins but the home side restored the 3 goal margin when Gemmell sythed Lynch down some 25 yds out receiving a booking for his trouble. Brawley stepped up to drive the free kick home for Wishaw’s fourth. Brawley was again on hand 2 minutes from the end with another well struck distance free kick which McCurley failed to hold allowing James Coffey to nip in and prod the ball home.
Wishaw: Weir, Hughes, MacIntyre, Brawley, Ralston, McBride, McKinven, Devanney, Stewart, Lynch, McGrotty. Subs- Rocks, Docherty, McLaughlin, Duris, Coffey, Young, Stirling.
Sponsor; Ness Gallagher, Solicitors
Forth: McCurley, Reynolds, Gemmell, Grant, Cornwall, McLaughlan, mcghee, Nisbet, Docherty, Canning, Murphy. Subs- Stewart, Bryne, Murphy, Grant.
Referee: N Walsh
WISHAW 3 BENBURB 3 Central Div 2 13/02/2010
This was one of only 2 Central District matches to beat the frost on Saturday and for those neutral supporters without a match who found their way to Wishaw Sports Centre, it turned out to be a surprisingly entertaining game with no fewer than six goals, 4 players booked and one sent off and a frantic final 10 minutes during which Bens lost a man to a second caution and both teams had chances to snatch a win. However, a draw and a share of the points was probably just about the right result given the effort both teams put in.
Wishaw had the better of the early exchanges and in fact the home keeper wasn't called into action until nearly 8 minutes had gone. Graeme Stewart got the all important first goal for the homesters in 13 minutes, pouncing to drive a Coffey cut back home after the latter had carried the ball along the left touchline. The Bens then started to come into the game with Seenan firing just past Weir's left hand post followed shortly after by a moment of panic in the Wishaw defence when Brawley was dispossessed but Weir was on hand to smother the half hit shot. At the other end Stewart almost made it a double with a header which was just cleared of the line before Ben's Sheenan levelled racing clear to slot home despite the home sides protests that Hughes had been fouled. The visitors went further ahead minutes later after the home defence was posted missing allowing Sheenan through to net his second, easily driving the ball wide of Weir. HT 1-2
Benburb appeared content to sit on their lead and with the home side struggling to break through Wishaw manager Alex Young brought on Brian McKinven just back from suspension. Almost immediately a chance was created, Coffey being brought down just outside the box. Stewart took the resultant free kick but the keeper smothered the ball. As play moved upfield Ben's Tinney became embroiled in a confrontation with Devanney which saw the visitor booked. McGrotty came on for McBride as Wishaw pushed for an equaliser. The former St Mirren man was pulled to the ground as he broke clear resulting in Ben's McMillan receiving a Yellow card Brawley stepped up to take the free kick and the unfortunate Imrie headed past his own keeper in trying to clear. Wishaw now brought on Rocks for Lynch as the game swung into what would be a hectic last 10 minutes. A Wishaw move was broken up deep in the visitors half and Bens quickly launched the ball upfield for an attack of their own down the right. As the home defence raced back the ball was crossed into the middle where McKenzie was on hand to scramble it home. Minutes later Wishaw were back on level terms again. A Brawley free kick was cleared only as far as Coffey who slid the ball to Rocks who promptly rammed it home. As the clock ticked towards the end, Stewart raced clear beating the off side trap after the ball was lobbed high and deep into the Bens half. However, the ball bounced awkwardly and the chance was lost. Almost on the final whistle McKinven had one scrambled off the line before Coffey immediately won the ball back as the keeper fumbled and hammered it home for what looked to be a winning goal. However the celebrations were quickly ended as the referee adjudged McKinven to be off-side despite furious protest that the defender who had cleared McKinven's effort was still on the goal line.
Wishaw - Weir, Hughes, MacIntyre, Brawley, Stirling, McBride, Coffey, Docherty, Stewart, Lynch, Devanney. Subs- Nisbet, McGrotty, McKinven, Cossar, Rocks, Young.
Benburb - Ghattas, Kinnaird, McMillan, Imrie, Thomson, Simpson, Tinney, Seenan,O'Neil, Waddell, McGlinchey. Subs- Callaghan, McKenzie, Elliot, Kayes Shakarji, Watson, Heafey
Match Sponsor - DVD Cars, Netherton Road , Wishaw
Referee - David Munro
WISHAW JUNIORS 0 NEWMAINS UNITED 0
Honours even in the end with both goalkeepers taking most the plaudits as the two local junior sides battled their way to a share of the points at Wishaw Sports Centre on Saturday. This certainly wasn't a game for the purists, understandably so, as both teams clearly lacked match practice and the heavy pitch made for hard going. However, what was missing in finesse was made up for in sheer hard effort in an engrossing contest with both sides chasing and scrapping for every ball and neither side prepared to give up until they heard the final whistle. Wishaw had two almost identical penalty claims turned down one in each half with both Cossar and Coffey appearing to be fouled as they prepared to shoot but referee Jim McCunnie was having none of it and waved play on both times. However, his book did come out in the dying minutes of the second half when Newmains manager Ian Rankine received his marching orders for remarks to the referee after play had been pulled back to allow treatment to an injured player. Earlier yellow cards were dished out to Newmains's O'Hare and Murdoch whilst the home side had Lynch and McBride booked in what was never a dirty game..
The major talking point in a first half which produced plenty effort but few real opportunities for either side was a stunning one handed save from Wishaw keeper Weir diving full stretch across goal to thwart Paul Airth.as the Wishaw defence stood waiting for an offside whistle which never came. Newmains best move of the half was a break down the left by Airth but his cut back was behind Murdoch and the home defence scrambled the ball clear. For Wishaw, Stewart came close after a fine run, whilst a long range dipping effort by Brawley dropped just over the crossbar. HT 0-0
The home side probably just shaded the second half with Newmains perhaps tiring more than Wishaw towards the end. This time it was the turn of the visitor's keeper McGinty to star with no less than three outstanding saves to his credit. First a fierce drive by Hughes was touched on to the bar and out to safety, then a point blank effort by Cossar produced a superb reaction save, followed by an acrobatic finger tip save from a powerfull Cossar header bound for the keeper's top right hand corner. Best efforts for Newmains both came from Airth, the first an awkward bouncing ball from deep in the visitors half finding him clear on the left but Weir was alert to the danger. Weir was again on hand to smother a snatched shot by Airth after a characteristic break down the left.
Match Sponsor - Webster Power Products, Coltness
Wishaw - Weir, Hughes, MacIntyre, Brawley, Lynch, McBride, Docherty, McLaughlin, Stewart, Cossar, Devannay. Subs - Coffey, Rocks, Nisbet, Stirling, Young
Newmains - McGinty, O'Hare, Bonham, Kean, Devine, Mackie, Halford, Brophy Thomson, Airth, Murdoch - McClymont, Duris, Lafferty, Trialist, McAlpine
Referee - Jim McCunnie
CARLUKE 3 WISHAW 7 Sat 5/11/09
Wishaw hit their highest scoreline in years in this Div 2 clash at Loch Park Stadium on Saturday.
Right from the off the visitors looked to be the sharper side and Coffey got his name on the score sheet after only 11 minutes when he pounced on a delightfull chip from McGrotty before driving the ball past McFarlane in the Carluke goal. In 22 minutes an attempted lob back found McFarlane off his line and the ball sailed into the net for goal no 2. Just on the half hour a Coffey shot was parried by the Carluke keeper but the ball fell straight to Docherty who promptly drove the ball home. Shortly afterwards Carluke were reduced to 10 men after a dangerous tackle on Wishaw's Hughes. Minutes later Savage followed his teammate to the dressing room after a vicious lunge at McGrotty. Despite the numerical disadvantage the home side then pulled one back with a header from McGowan from a corner. HT 1 - 3
Wishaw again started the half strongly seeking a killer goal and this was duly delivered by John Barclay whose powerfull header gave McFarlane no chance. A Header from Chris Rocks put the visitors further ahead. With Wishaw retaining possession opportunities for the homesters were limited but Miller managed to pull one back in 80 minutes before Brawley restored the difference with a well placed free kick to McFarlane's left. As the game drifted towards the end a lapse in concentration by Wishaw allowed Miller in for his second. However, two minutes from time fine work by Lynch released Coffey to claim his second after rounding the unfortunate McFarlane to complete the scoring.
Carluke - Mc Farlane, Moffat, McGowan, Noble, Frame, Hodge, Savage, Mccaulay, Ferguson, Jarvie, Weir. subs - Miller, Reid, Cauldwell, Ross, Barton, Quinn, McLauchlan.
Wishaw - Weir, Brawley, MacIntyre, Barclay, Hughes, McBride, Coffey, Lynch, McGrotty, Devannay, Docherty, subs- Richford, Rocks, Stirling, Stewart, MacSorley, Young, Nisbet.
SHETTLESTON 5 WISHAW 1 Sat 28/11/09
This was very much a game of two halves. Alex Youngs side competed well in the first half and could well have been ahead at half time had Alan Wheelers had Alan Wheeler's shot not hit the post with the home keeper beaten.
Wishaw's hopes of repeating their victory earlier in the season against table toppers Shettleston were severely dented in the 10th minute when Linton put the home side ahead neatly slotting the ball past the advancing Weir after latching on to a pass drilled through from the left midfield. Earlier, Wishaw's Devannay had flicked the ball through to Coffey but the home keeper was off his line quickly to clear the danger. Brawley then came close with a free kick but his low shot was cleared. The equaliser came midway through the half Hughes smashing the ball home after good work by Barclay.
The start of the second half gave no indication of what was to come later as Coffey made an early run into the box only to be pulled down by the home 4 who received a red card for his trouble. Coffey elected to take the penalty but to his horror the ball cannoned of the right hand post to safety. Shettleston sensed that this was their day and despite the man disadvantage took the game to the visitors and were rewarded by a McCormack goal in 65 minutes. The last quarter of an hour was a disaster for the visitors as Wishaw's Mckinven and Cossar both received their marching orders and the home side taking full advantage with a late double by Martin.
Shettleston - Hutchison, Devanney, Stevenson, West, Kennedy, Crichton, Linton, McCormack, Upton, McEwan, Martin Subs - Nichol, Kelly, Fitzpartick, McFarlane, Taylor, McCormack, Keenan
Wishaw - Weir, Docherty, MacSorley, Ralston, Hughes, Brawley, Coffey, McKinven, Barclay, Devannay, Wheeler. Subs - Stewart, McIntyre, McGrotty, Cossar,
Downfield 6 Wishaw 1 Emirates Scottish Cup Round 2 Replay
The 6 - 1 final score line simply does not reflect Wishaw's contribution to this match and this was far from being a drubbing - for most of the match Wishaw were in fact the better side but simply could not turn their superiority into goals. Wishaw manager Alex Young reckoned his team must have created at least at least 20 scoring opportunities in open play yet failed to convert any of these. The real difference between the two sides was Downfield's one man strike force no 9 Stuart Farquharson who scored with every chance which fell to him, netting 5 of the home sides goals to add to his tally of two in the drawn game at Wishaw last week.
The first half opened with Wishaw in determined mood with the visitors totally dominating play. Downfield were pinned back so much that the opening goal in 23 minutes was the first serious attack launched by the home side and yes it was that man Farquharson who did the damage. The striker lurking on the right hand side of the pitch pounced on a pass from the centre circle first timing the ball goalwards from all of 25 yds. Unfortunately for Wishaw the shot deflected of Hughes and spun past Young into the net for an unlikely opener. Wishaw continued to press and only a few minutes later were awarded a penalty when a shot struck a defenders arm - despite Coffey having instantly smashed the ball into the net, and furious protests by the Wishaw players, the referee insisted he had blown for the penalty first. With Wishaw's usual penalty taker McBride absent Brawley stepped up to take the kick but the ball rebounded from the left hand post to safety.
The second half started in similar fashion to the first with the visitors again pressing strongly and forcing the home side back. A strong early penalty claim was turned down after a run by Coffey into the box ended when he appeared to have been brought down but the referee waved play on. Minutes later Wishaw appeared to be playing table tennis in the Downfield box, the ball bouncing back and forwards within the 6 yard box without anyone managing to get a final touch. With Wishaw missing chances at the other end, a rare Downfield attack produced goal no2. The Wishaw defence hesitated as the linesman raised his flag for what appeared to be a foul in Wishaw's favour then as the ball broke to a Downfield player the flag was lowered allowing the attack to continue culminating in a penalty being awarded against McIntyre as he desperately tried to cover. Inevitably, up stepped Farquharson to convert for his second. Wishaw continued to press forward bringing on Wheeler for Barclay and McGrotty for Stewart. Downfield's third came after an indirect free kick was awarded for a pass back under pressure.
With 15 minutes to go Wishaw finally got the ball in the net after McGrotty slotted home a penalty awarded. McLaughlin then came on for Hughes and Wishaw continued to press forward but the match ended as a contest minutes later when a clearance found Farquharson in space and as McIntyre matched his run he received a red card when his tackle was adjudged to be a last man foul. The resultant free kick went out for a corner and the ball then bizarrely dropped over everyones heads and landed on the line at the back post before being scrambled over the line. McLaughlin then received his marching orders for alleged comments made to the linesman . Two further goals from Farquharson who now had freedom to roam against the depleted Wishaw defence ended the scoring for a result that no-one anticipated at half time. Downfield's 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 all received yellow cards during the match which is perhaps an indication of the pressure they were under although this was not a dirty match.
The committee and players would like to thank Frank Sweeney of Stanford Logistics for helping to meet the cost of the bus to Dundee which is much appreciated.
Wishaw - Young, Docherty, Brawley, MacIntyre, Lynch, Coffey, McKinven, Barclay, Barclay, Hughes, Stewart. Subs - Maclaughlin, MacSorley, Ralston, Wheeler, McGrotty, Weir, Stirling.
Downfield - Lindsay, McDonald, Lauder, Watt, Ferrie, Henderson, Snowdon, Traynor, Farquharson, Stevenson, Rollo. Subs - Payne, Tinley, Potter, Tovey, Dammer, Sommerville, Fordyce.
WISHAW 2 DOWNFIELD 2 Emirates Scottish Cup Round 2
It was a case of history repeating itself at Wishaw Sports Centre on Saturday, the two sides having met previously in the Scottish Cup in season 1983/84, when the Dundee side went through in a replay at Dundee after gaining a 0 - 0 draw at Wishaw.
This time Wishaw, after playing most of the second half a man down - Hughes receiving his marching orders for what referee Crothers adjudged to be a dangerous tackle, the home side looked to be going out until Graeme Stewart popped up to drive home a late equaliser from 13 yards out.
Wishaw had started the first half well, the running of McKinven and Coffey both causing problems before taking the lead in 11 minutes through a powerfull Devanney header from a Stewart corner. Wishaw's McBride had to retire early and was replaced by Stirling. In 25 minutes Farquharson levelled for the visitors running from a suspiciously offside position before rounding Wishaw keeper Young and slotting the ball home. 10 minutes later Downfield took the lead when Farquharson in an unmarked position on the right was again on target receiving a cross from the left before forcing the ball home at the second attempt. The visitors were having a good spell and almost went further ahead in 38 minutes after a great fun by Rollo but Young, at full stretch, managed to turn the ball wide. At the other head an overhead attempt by Stewart almost deceived Lindsay in the Downfield goal.
After Hughes received his marching orders in 53 minutes the homesters dug deep and with the visitors tiring never really looked in danger of conceding a third and it was really a question as to whether or not an equaliser would come. Attempts by McKinven and Coffey ware easily fielded by the keeper and a Stewart header went straight into the keepers hands. Stewart's equaliser set up a frantic last 10 minutes as both side tried for the all important winning goal with Downfield perhaps coming closest when Rollo and Farquharson combined in a late attack but the home defence held firm.
Match Sponsor Stanford Logistics
Wishaw - Young, Docherty, Hughes, Brawley, Barclay, McBride, McKinven, Devanney, Coffey, Lynch, Stewart Subs - MacSorl;ey, MacIntyre, Malone, Wheeler, Cossar, Stirling, Weir.
Downfield - Lindsay, McDonald, Watt, Ferrie, Lauder, Snowden, Reaynor, Henderson, Farquharson, Rollo, Stevenson, Subs - Payne Potter, Tovey, Dammer, Summerville
Referree D Crothers
WISHAW JUNIORS 1 ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 4
Wishaw's long tradition of early exits from the West of Scotland Cup continued on Saturday with the Ayrshire side progressing all too easily into the next round.
The home side had no answer to the speed of Adam on the left and the Wishaw defence was outpaced time after time in a first half that the homesters will want to forget quickly. Ardrossan opened the scoring in 13 minutes Paton firing the ball in low and hard underneath Young after the ball had been knocked across the box from the left. Wishaw then had a couple of chances when first McKinven had a header cleared of the line then an inswinging corner looked to be net bound but was scrambled clear. Young had a good save in 20 minutes at the other end but could do little in 32 to prevent an Adam cross cum lob from drifting into the net after the defence had been out run. After Brawley was red carded minutes later by referee Irvine for a second dissent offence Ardrossan soon made the man advantage pay, again breaking down the left although on this occasion there was more than a suspicion of offside but Muir made no mistake with a good finish. Just before half time Milliken add a fourth to complete a miserable first half for the home side.
The second half was a more even affair with the 10 man home side determined not to concede any further goals. Wishaw did manage to pull one back with a well taken goal by Barclay after a good run down the right. However, the visitors appeared to be content simply to play the match out and there was very little in the way of goalmouth action as the match drifted to its inevitable conclusion.
Match Sponsor - The Golden Fry
Wishaw - Young, MacIntyre, Hughes, Ralston, Nisbet, Brawley, McKinven, Devanney, Coffey, McBride, Cossar. Subs - Barclay, Docherty, Lynch, Malone, Stewart, Weir.
Ardrossan - Stewart, Paton, Milliken, Rae, Bonnar, McMillan, Gilmour, Muir, Gallagher, Hamilton, Adam Subs - Reid, Breen, Ireland, Murray, Jones
WISHAW 4 ROYAL ALBERT 1 13/10/09
Central Div 2
Wishaw kept their cool to take all three points after what can only be described as a brutal and bruising encounter at Wishaw Sports Centre with referee Craig Napier issuing a total of 12 cautions during the game, 5 to the home side and 7 to Albert who eventually finished with 9 men after 2 late sendings off.
The home side started strongly, Brawley forcing a finger tip save in 2 minutes with a long range effort. In 14 minutes Albert's keeper parried a Cossar shot then recovered quickly to block Coffey's attempt to net from the re-bound. At the other end, not to be outdone Young in the Wishaw goal had an almost identical double save as Albert forced their way through a resolute home defence. Cossar made the breakthrough midway through the half blasting the ball home in spectacular fashion from a Coffey cross.
10 mins into the second half Wishaw increased their lead when a Brawley free kick deflected off the Albert wall and looped over the stranded keeper. Albert were reduced to 10 men after a foul on McIntyre by the visiting 15. However, any thoughts Wishaw had of coasting to the end were dashed a minute later as an immediate attack by Albert saw the visitors pull one back with a fine goal by no 8 who was later to receive his marching orders. The home side put the game beyond doubt in 65 minutes when McBride slotted home a penalty after Brawley had been pulled down. John Barclay finished the scoring in the final minute flicking on a free kick past the keeper with his back to the goal.
Match Sponsor - Farrens Freight , Wishaw
Wishaw - Young, MacIntyre, Hughes, Brawley, Ralston, Docherty, McKinven, Coffey, Cossar, McBride, Nisbet Subs - Stewart, Trialist, Barclay, Malone, Duddy, Weir
YOKER ATHLETIC 3 WISHAW JUNIORS 1 Central Div 2 2/10/2009
Yoker maintained their lead at the top of the table but Wishaw put up a gutsy performance at windblown Holm Park and can feel a bit aggrieved not to have taken something from the game.
With the wind advantage the visitors took the game to their opponents with Ralston coming close from a header then Coffey being just edged out by keeper Soave who scrambled the ball to safety. New signing Brawley opened for the visitors netting midway through the half with a free kick from just inside his own half, floating the ball in over the flailing arms of Soave. The home side's equaliser was hotly disputed as scorer McLernon appeared to be well offside but play was allowed to continue for what was the first of a double for the home side's no 8.
The second half saw Yoker take the lead after only a couple of minutes play when Wishaw keeper Weir strayed out his box in an attempt to clear a speculative ball down the right . However, Strain beat him to the ball and launched the ball into the box to the waiting Marshall whose header rebounded off the post to Bissland who fired it in to the empty net. In 70 mins Wishaw appeared to equalize when Coffey scrambled the ball over but keeper Soave managed to dive on top of the ball and referee Winning couldn't tell if the ball had crossed the line or not much to the fury of the visitors. 5 minutes from the end the referee was again the subject of Wishaw protests after the ball struck the hand of a defender but the referee was having none of it and the penalty claim was turned down. As Wishaw pressed for an equaliser the ball was swept upfield to McLernon on the left who took full advantage of the wind curling the ball past Weir to end the scoring. Despite the result, Wishaw can take a lot of credit from the game more than matching the home side for long periods whilst ruing the fact that the three biggest decisions in the game all went against them.
Wishaw - Weir, McBride, McLaughlin, Ralston, Nisbet, Brawley, McKinven, Trialist, Coffey, Lynch, Noble. Subs - Cossar, MacSorley, trialist, Malone, trialist, Young
Yoker - Soave, McCauley,Bissland, Bain, Vickers, Smith, Carson, McLernon, Strain, Marshall, McManus - Subs - Clark, Nicolson, Brogan, Brogan
WISHAW JUNIORS 2 SHETTLESTON 1 Central Div 2 19/09/09
Four straight wins against three straight defeats and the length of the league separated the two sides at kick off but after a pulsating first half any neutral watching the match would have been forgiven for getting the teams wrong as Wishaw turned in a battling performance which belied the respective positions of both clubs.
The home side clearly were determined not to be outplayed by a strong Shettleston side and right from the off took the game to their opponents with early attacks by Coffey and McKinven. Every loose ball was contested fiercely and the visitors were forced to concede a free kick in 11 minutes on the edge of the box when Paul Noble was brought down. Trialist stepped up to take the kick and drove the ball through the wall and past the keeper to give the home side the lead. 3 minutes later Wishaw manager Alex young must have thought Christmas had come early when David Lynch neatly dispossessed keeper Keenan and slotted the ball home for the homesters second. Shortly afterwards, Shettleston had to make a substitution when local Cleland lad Ryan Kennedy twisted his foot and was forced to retire. Clearly stung by Wishaw's opening the visitors started to play their way into the game passing the ball well and forcing the home side to concede territory until the inevitable happened ten minutes from half time when the visitors scored after a cross from the right found Kelly in space. The Shettleston no 9 quickly pulled the ball down and fired a low shot to Wishaw keeper Weir's left to make the half time score 2 - 1
The second half opened with Shettleston pressing forward strongly and the home defence very much on the back foot. However despite waves of attacks from the visitors as they sought an equaliser, the home side held firm and could have gone further ahead when keeper Keenan was forced to save at the feet of Coffey when a Noble cross found the striker clear and a goal looked certain. Earlier, Coffey was unluky to be adjudged offside after setting of on one of his trademark runs. Cossar too was unlucky in the final minute running clear only for the ball to be turned out for a corner.
Match Sponsor - The Glass Man Ball Sponsor - Denholms Bakery
Wishaw - Weir, Hughes Trialist, McLaughlin, Barclay, McKinven, Trialist Lynch, Nisbet, Noble, Coffey, Subs Mc Sorley, McIntyre, Cossar - Ralston, Young
Shettleston - Keenan, J McFarlane, S McFarlane, West, Kennedy, Crichton, Linton, McCormack, Kelly, McEwan, Nichol. Subs Stevenson, Martin, Upton, McColl, Taylor, Kennedy, McArthur
Wishaw 1 Greenock 7 Central Div 2 sat 12/09/09
Greenock continued a run of wins against the home side scoring 7 in their seventh straight win over the homesters with only a solitary second half strike by trialist Hughes providing a morsel of comfort for the home support.
The bulk of the scoring came in the second half , the Wishaw defence literally crumbling under a five goal onslaught as time after time the home side failed to deal with the powerfull running of the visitors with Weir in goals being left hoplessly exposed. The loss of both centre half Barclay with concussion early in the second half and later on fellow central defender Ralston certainly didn't help the home side who then had to play out the last 12 minutes of the game after Ralston's departure with 10 men as all substitutions had been made. Greenock certainly made Wishaw pay, ruthlessly exploiting the weakened homesters scoring 3 goals in the final period as two players chased their hat tricks.
The first half which ended with the visitors leading 2 - 0 had been a much more even affair although the danger signs were clear for all to see. The opening goal was a comedy of errors for the home defence who made a totally hash of clearing their lines and gifting a soft goal to the visitors. The second was a rather needless penalty Cossar running into the box to foul when others appeared better placed to deal with the threat.
Few of the home side deserved pass marks for this performance and Alex Young will have pick the side up for the visit of highly fancied Shettleston this week. The match has been been moved to the 3G pitch at Wishaw Sports Centre because of an athletic meet.
Match sponsor - DVD Cars, Netherton: Ball sponsor - The Taste Bud
Wishaw - Weir, MacIntyre, MacSorley, Ralston, Barclay, Nisbet, Coffey, Trialist, Burns, McKinven, Cossar. Subs Trialist, Lynch, McGrotty, Trialist, Young
Greenock - Tuker, Gunn, McCormick, Fabiani, Stirling, Irvine, Docherty, Docherty, McDonald, Cushinghan, McLaghlan, subs - Mcwilliams, harans, Crawford, McLure, Mclaughlan, Ball, Mooney
Spotted at the match on Saturday was former 1960's Wishaw favourite and later Senior Grade 1 referee Mick Delaney now acting as a referee supervisor.
Wishaw Juniors 1 Carluke Rovers 2 Central Div 2 Sat 29/08/09
Despite several players being unavailable through injury and manager Alex Young having had to shuffle his squad somewhat for the visit of Rovers, Wishaw's first half performance should have been enough to have put this match beyond doubt before half time. Playing their best football of the season so far, the home side had Rovers pinned in their own half for most of the first period and created numerous chances. However, somehow the Rovers defence held out and all the home side had to show for their efforts was a stunning volley from the edge of the box by Barclay in 17 minutes. Earlier, Coffey starting his first match of the season almost got off to a dream start when he broke free to go one on one with Carluke keeper McLachlan but his shot sailed over the bar.
The second half was much more even and although few real chances were being created by either side. In 62 minutes McKinven received a yellow card for a foul on Carluke's Weir on the left. Weir elected to take the kick himself sending the ball low and hard through the home defence to Noble to level the match. The winning goal in73 minutes came from an almost identical position with another free kick from the left although this time lofted into the Wishaw area. Wishaw keeper Weir appeared to have it covered but hesitated as Barclay also challenged for the ball and in the confusion Arnott sneaked in to send the ball home. Barclay almost saved a point for the home side but his header from 8 from 8 yds crashed back off the bar with the keeper beaten. A good performance from young referee Walsh who let the game flow and dealt with the flashpoints with minimum use of his cards.
Match Sponsor - 'ASM Tyres'. Ball Sponsor - 'The Fireplace'.
Wishaw - Weir, MacIntyre, Nisbet, Ralston, Barclay, McLaughlin, Coffey, McKinven, Burns, trialist, Cossar, Subs - McGrotty, trialist, Noble, trialist, McBride, Young.
Carluke - McLaughlan, Moffat, Barton, Noble, Frame, Ross, Quinn, Jarvie, Caldwell, Arnott, Weir Subs - Finnan, Reid, Ferguson, Goodwin, Mcfarlane, Duncan
Referee Mr N Walsh
Wishaw Juniors 2 St Roch's 4 Sat 15/8/09
Central League Div 2
Not exactly the start to the league campaign that Wishaw manager Alex Young was hoping for. In truth this was a poor game with both sides struggling to string any more than two passes together and with constant interruptions for infringement real and imagined by a somewhat over officious referee who handed out yellow cards galore and in the second half sent off Wishaw's McBride and Cossar. The former appeared to receive his marching orders for a 'last man' trip despite Chris McIntyre being clearly the last man. The decision was later somewhat puzzlingly confirmed as being for serious foul play. Cossar's second booking of the match was even more controversial as the referee appeared to take offence at the Wishaw forward simply indicating where the ball was lying after a stoppage.
However, refereeing decisions aside Wishaw really only have themselves to blame. The home side, unchanged from the draw with Shotts, allowed the 'Rock to dictate the game from the outset and appeared unable to come to terms with the Glasgow side's robust approach to the game. Apart from a lost opportunity when Jay Miller was through on the keeper only for the ball to bobble as he prepared to shoot, Wishaw created few chances in the first half with just a penalty strike by McBride to counter two goals from the visitors. In the second half the Rock went further ahead from the free kick awarded for the McBride sending off although Wishaw keeper Weir was furious at the gap appearing the wall which allowed the ball through. Despite a Burns strike pulling one back and a strong effort by 9 man Wishaw to get on level terms the visitors held out and added a fourth in the final minute to complete a miserable day for the homesters.
Match Sponsor - Hallidays Garage Ball Sponsor - Re-Max
Wishaw - Weir, MacIntyre, MacSorley, Ralston, Barclay, Lynch, Mckinven, Cossar, Miller, McBride, Stewart. Subs McAteer, McLaughlin, Burns, Coffey, Young
St Roch's - Warden, Duff, McDivitt, Amos, McIlroy, Bennet, Galt, McCluskey, McIlroy, McManus, Prete. Subs - Docherty, Monaghan, Pollock,Borris, McGarry, Auld, Webb
Referee W Cowie
Wishaw Juniors 0 Shotts Bon Accord 0 Wed 12/8/09 Sectional League Cup
Wishaw saved their best league performance till last with a solid performance against runaway section winners Shotts. Both defences were well on top and chances were few and far between. Lynch was first to show for Wishaw but his effort went well over. Cossar sent in a dangerous cross after fine work on the left but with the goal exposed no-one was on hand to take the chance. Shotts 8 hit the bar in 26 minutes and 11 came close with a header shortly after.
In the second half the match continued in similar vein with neither side being able to make the vital breakthrough. Shotts 11 had another header which went just over whilst at the other end a superb spin and shot by Miller almost caught the keeper out. Barclay had a header well saved in the dying minutes but with neither defence prepared to give way the match ended with Alex Young the happier of the two managers and the lower league side claiming bragging rights until next season.
Match Sponsor - The Noise Busters, Newmains
Wishaw - Weir, MacIntyre, MacSorley, Ralston, Barclay, Lynch, McKinven, Cossar, Miller, McBride, Stewart. Subs McAteer, Malone, Burns, McLaughlin, McGrotty,
Sectional LeagueCup
Carluke Rovers 4 Wishaw Juniors 2
Wishaw Juniors 2 Forth Wanderers 4 Sat 1/8/09
Before this match kicked off a minute silence was held in memory of former Motherwell F.C. striker Paul McGrillen who was also well known in local junior circles.
Forth opened the scoring after only 5 minutes when John Currie pounced to intercept a short pass by Docherty to fire an unstopable shot high into the top right hand corner of the goal. Wishaw however were back on level terms only 3 minutes later when McKinven and Cossar combined before the latter slid the ball into the path of Jay Miller who duly slotted the ball home. Just before half time Wishaw had a strong penalty claim turned down when a net bound shot appeared to be deflected to safety off the hand of a defender. HT 1-1
Wishaw were first to show in the second half taking the lead after only 10 minutes when Miller latched on to a through ball, beat a defender beforedoubling back and just as a second tackle went in he laid the ball off to Cossar to fire home. Forth pressed for an equaliser but had to wait till 72 minutes before Reynolds rose above the home defence to head home from a superb cross ball. With both sides starting to tire it looked as if a draw was in prospect but the visitors sealed the win with a late double from Gordon Murphy the first of which followed a fine solo run after a through ball caught the Wishaw defence pushing up.
Match Sponsor - Webster Power Products, Coltness
Wishaw - Weir, Fleming, MacSorley, McLaughlin, nisbet, Lynch, Mckinven, Docherty, Miller, trialist, Cossar, subs Fleming trialist, trialist
Forth Wanderers - Shaw, McLaughan, Grant, Smith, McGlashan, Reynolds, Napier, Canning, Currie, G Murphy, A Murphy, subs McGowan, M Murphy, McCurley
Newmains Utd 4 Wishaw Juniors 3 Wed 29/7/09
A Paul Airth double in the second half secured the early bragging rights for the 'home' side in a high scoring opening match of the season at Wishaw Sports Centre 3G.
Wishaw certainly had the best of the first half with McGrotty coming close with a header and an acute angled shot by Miller rebounding from the bar before Graeme Stewart's 30 yard fiercely dipping free kick opened the scoring on the 30 minute mark. Minutes earlier poor finishing by Lafferty squandered Newmains best chance of taking the lead. However, the striker made amends in 38 minutes side footing the ball into the net after Wishaw keeper Weir had dived to parry a low shot.
In the second half Stewart restored Wishaw's lead netting again from an almost identical free kick position after Miller had been pulled down. Newmains, however, were much more of a threat in the second half and although there were strong claims for off side from the visitors defence the referee allowed play to continue allowing Airth to run unchallenged to level the scores. Wishaw can have no complaints about Newmains third - the ball being driven low through the Wishaw defence as it pushed out allowing Halford an easy run in on Weir before drilling the ball low into the net. Airth added his second minutes later to seemingly put the match beyond Wishaw. However, a strong Barclay header from a Docherty cross set up the possibility of a grandstand finish when Wishaw were awarded another long range free kick in the final minute. Up stepped Stewart hoping to claim a hat -trick but this time the wall did its job and the match ended seconds later.
Newmains - McAlpine, G Airth, mcAuley, Thomson, Bonham, Brophy, Kean, Devine, Lafferty, P Airth, Hallford Subs - Gay, O'hare, Stannage, Smith
Wishaw - Weir, Nisbet, Fleming, McLaughlin, Barclay, Grant, Docherty, Stewart, Miller, Malone, McGrotty Subs McAteer,
Referee - C Winning