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MATCH REPORTS 2007/08

 'McAulay came closest for Greenock' 

Greenock HSFP's 0-0 Postal Utd

SAFL Premier League
Parklea, Port Glasgow
Wednesday 7th May 2008

'Munro on Target for Greenock'

Cambria 1-1 Greenock HSFP's

SAFL Premier League
Stepps Playing Fields
Saturday 3rd May 2008

Greenock travelled to Stepps to take on Cambria in this important league match. The University parks are always in good nick and today playing conditions were no exception.

Greenock were without Doddy and Dennis (Wedding (again)), McAulay (hand), Rodriguez (Holiday).

After watching the local Students playing hockey, eating cheeseburgers and drinking cider, Greenock got changed and headed up to the pitch.

The game kicked off with Greenock going for a 3-4-3 formation after a run of draws that have seen them drop valuable points in the defence of their title.

Greenock took time to settle into their formation which resulted in Cambria being on the front foot for the first 10 minutes. After 5 minutes Cambria got in behind the Greenock defence down their right hand side but the ball was scrambled to safety by McLaren. Greenock didn’t take the warning and fell behind after 10 minutes when slack marking all round resulted in the centre mid hitting a shot at goal which took a deflection, Monk doubled back on himself and got a hand to the ball but the right mid stole in unchallenged and knocked the ball into the empty net. 1-0 Cambria.

Banana then hobbled off after going over on his right ankle (during the warm up), he tried to play on but his movement was heavily restricted and Dooner came on at right back. Dog McAllister moved into the middle of the park as Greenock went back to 3-5-2. Greenock got their act together and went about getting the equaliser; they were getting the ball down and getting it wide. Burden hit in a fine corner which was met by Munro at the back post, his powerful header was right in the corner but a Cambria defender managed to clear off the line. It was all Greenock and they were bombarding the Cambria goal, McColgan found himself through on goal when the Cambria keeper hit a clearance straight to his feet, he took a couple of touches but his effort at goal was weak and the keeper gathered. Greenock were playing some nice stuff but Cambria held out to HT.

HT 0-1

Greenock set about getting the equaliser as they put in the most one sided 45 minutes I can remember. Continuing to play some nice football Greenock were opening Cambria up on both flanks, they had 2 cleared off the line from headers by McLaren and McColgan. They got the equaliser with 30 to go when the ball was played out to the left for Munro, he gathered and cut inside his marker before drilling a fine effort low into the keepers right hand corner from 25 yards. Greenock went for the all important 2^nd goal but a mixture of bad luck and poor finishing were paying a heavy price. Fulton was linking up well with McColgan and Lever and from a fine move he cut inside and hit in a nice ball but the Cambria centre half got his toe to the ball and cleared to safety. McAllister then hit the bar with a header and the big Cambria keeper was having ‘one of those days’ as the ball refused to make it’s way into the net for a 2^nd time. He then pulled off another wonder save low to his right hand side from another McAllister header. Burden then had a great chance when McAllister played him in on the left flank, Munro, Lever and McColgan were queuing up to knock home from a cross but the cross never came as Burden tried his luck from an acute angle and the big keeper saved with his legs. McLaren was causing mayhem in the Cambria box from long throws and corners as he won the 1^st ball every time, but the 2^nd ball just wouldn’t fall to a Greenock player. McLaren was then blatantly fouled in the box when going up for a header but the ref turned a blind eye. With the game now into injury time Greenock thought they had the winner when after another long throw, McLaren nodded the ball to the back post, Lever climbed high and knocked the ball back across goal, Forsyth met the ball on the volley from 3 yards but somehow the ball was blocked on the goal line and was them scrambled clear. The ref blew for FT and Greenock saw their title hopes slip further away.

This was the best Greenock have played in a while but the Donald Duck is not with them just now.

'Hannah strikes again'

SAFL Premier League
Nethercraigs Playing Fields
Wednesday 30th April 2008

Greenock travelled up to meet old adversaries Pollok in the league. Having beaten Pollok at the start of the season Greenock were looking to take all 6 points from their league meetings.

Greenock were without Bruce Forsyth and McGhee due to work commitments, and long term absentee K. Ginger McAulay (hand). Doddy returned to the starting XI as Ryan McAulay dropped to the bench.

The game kicked off on Pollok’s home park which is the smallest and worst surface in the league. Due to the nature of the park no real space is readily available and the games tend to be a battle with no real football being played and the long ball being used to often. Both keepers need to take a bit off of their kick-outs or the ball would continually be flying out for goal kicks.

Both teams were determined to get the 3 points in order to get a challenge for the league title started. The game was a midfield scrap which Pollok were having the better of, resulting in them applying pressure on the Greenock defence of McAllister, McClaren and Cannon. Pollok took the lead on 25 minutes when their right back stole in at the back post after another long ball from Pollok. He was given the freedom of the Greenock penalty area before steadying himself and hitting a fine effort into the roof of the Greenock net. 1-0 Pollok. A disjointed looking Greenock got the kick in the backside they deserved and went about getting an equaliser. The midfield trio of O’Donnell, Docherty and Munro started to get a grip of the midfield, Greenock were creating half chances as were Pollok but nothing was clear cut.

HT 0-1

Greenock looked more determined as the 2^nd half kicked off. However, Pollok should have went 2 up when after a goalmouth scramble the ball broke to the Pollok centre forward but his stinging effort was saved expertly by Monk, 5 minutes later the Pollok left mid made his way up the left flank before sending a great ball across the Greenock goalmouth, the Pollok centre forward left his Inspector Gadget leg in the house and he couldn’t stretch far enough to knock the ball over the line from all of 2 yards. Banana came on with 30 minutes to go as Greenock went 3 up top in an effort to get back on level terms. The equaliser arrived with 15 minutes to go when Munro sent an in-swinging freekick from the Greenock left into the Pollok penalty area where Banana was waiting to header into the corner of the net. 1-1. It was all Greenock now with Burden and Fulton coming more into the game and the front 3 of Lever, Banana and McColgan causing the Pollok defence problems, Greenock were forcing the play but were not creating any real clear cut chances. The game was played out and both teams left the field knowing that the result was only a good one for their rivals.

Greenock:  Monk, McAllister, Cannon, McLaren,  O'Donnell(Hannah 60), Docherty, Burden, B.Fulton, Munro, Lever,  McColgan 

Subs not used:  McIver, McEwan, R.McAulay, Speirs

Goal: Hannah

'Lever unlucky with late chances'

Busby 0-0 Greenock HSFP's

SAFL Premier League
Overlee playing Fields
Saturday 26th April 2008

After a downpour on the Friday night the scheduled league match against Oban Saints was cancelled. The SAFL arranged a league match away to Busby for Greenock, so it was up the M8 to East Kilbride for this important league match.

Greenock welcomed back Scissor-hands Docherty after injury to the starting XI and Lever took a place on the bench after injury. Doddy dropped to the bench and Splinter McGhee started in the middle of the park.

Greenock KO with a slight wind and a slope in their favour, Greenock started brightly and were looking sharp all over the park. After 2 minutes Longfinger McColgan skinned the Busby left back and sent over an inch perfect cross to the waiting Banana, Banana headed the ball into the ground from 6 yards but the Busby keeper somehow managed to keep the header out by tipping the ball onto the bar and over to safety. Greenock continued to dominate possession and were bombarding the Busby goalmouth for the first 15 minutes but couldn’t break the deadlock. After the initial pressure the game settled down into a midfield battle which Greenock were winning on the whole with Docherty having a fine game in the middle of the park. Busby were content to hit on the break but weren’t causing the Greenock rearguard of McAulay, Biglegs McLaren and Cannonball any real problems.

HT 0-0

The 2^nd half started as the first had finished with Greenock having the bulk of possession and Busby defending as a unit. On 60 minutes Greenock were denied a stone-waller. McAllister knocked a ball into space behind the Busby defence and McColgan raced onto it, he nipped in-front of his marker and was clearly taken out of the game with a clumsy challenge. The ref was about 40 yards off the pace and probably couldn’t see the incident as he was so far away. Lever then came on as Greenock went 3 up top in search of the opener. With practically Lever’s first touch he could and should have opened the scoring, McColgan cut in from the right and played the ball to Banana, he in turn knocked the ball to his left for Lever to step onto. Lever hit his shot on target but the keeper parried the ball away. Greenock then threw everything forward but couldn’t capitalise on half chances for Banana, McColgan, Lever and McLaren. The game petered out and the game finished in a draw.

2 points dropped for Greenock on a disappointing day at the office.

Greenock:  Monk, R.McAulay, Cannon, McLaren,  McAllister, Docherty, Burden( B.Fulton 75), , McGhee(Lever 65), Munro, Hannah, McColgan 

Subs not used:  McIver, McEwan, O'Donnell

'Hannah double not enough for Greenock'

'McAllister set up Greenock's goal' 

Greenock HSFP's 1-2 Eastfield Ams

West of Scotland Cup 6th Round
Battery Park, Greenock
Saturday 19th April 2008

Greenock entertained Eastfield in this 6^th Round West of Scotland cup tie at the Battery Park in very blustery conditions.

Greenock were minus Docherty (Hamstring), Lever (Hamstring), McAulay (Hand), Hannah (Wedding) and O’Donnell (Flu).

They welcomed back Cannon, McGhee after injury, and Chris Fulton returned to action after a spell away from the club.

The game got under way and it quickly became apparent that Eastfield were a decent side and Greenock would need to put in a good performance if they wanted to progress. The Eastfield centre forward looked dangerous and was comfortable on the ball.

Greenock were huffing and puffing and weren’t creating many openings, the Eastfield defence were coping comfortably with anything that came their way. In a rare piece of good play from Greenock, Munro cut in from the left and sent a curling effort goalwards, the tall keeper done well to tip the ball over for a corner. Barry Fulton then got to the byeline and knocked the ball towards younger brother Chris, but the younger Fulton sent his header wide of the upright.

Both sides went in at HT knowing they’d need to improve if they were to progress in the competition.

Greenock were getting forward more often in the 2^nd period but still weren’t making the Eastfield keeper work. McAllister was coming more into the game in the middle of the park and was hitting some neat passes around the midfield as Greenock went looking for the opener. The opener arrived with 70 minutes on the clock when McAllister turned his man on the edge of the box and played a neat pass through for Barry Fulton, Fulton looked up and slammed a fine effort high into the net at the keepers near post.

Greenock continued to press as they looked to put the tie beyond Eastfield, Burden came on and got involved straight away when he knocked the ball to McColgan, McColgan got to the byeline and cut the ball back for Chris Fulton, unfortunately Fulton didn’t catch the ball the way he would have liked and knocked the ball around the post with his instep. Eastfield then came more into the game, they were knocking the ball up to their skilful centre forward and were now looking dangerous. With a couple of minutes left on the clock, Greenock were looking to hold onto their lead as Eastfield were pressing. Eastfield got on level terms when a ball was played into the Greenock penalty area, Cannon was adjudged to have held his man and the ref pointed to the spot. The pen was stuck away and it looked like a replay was on the cards. Eastfield had other ideas, they went back on the attack and in 1 move Greenock were all over the place, Monk pulled off 3 fine saves only to see a 4^th effort from an Eastfield sub sail into the corner as the Eastfield players were queuing up to hit in the winner. Greenock took centre and the ref blew for full time.

A gutted Greenock left the field of play with only themselves to blame and wish a deserving victor in Eastfield all the best for the remainder of the season.

Greenock:  Monk, Dooner (Burden 70), Cannon, McLaren,  McAllister, B. Fulton , C.Fulton, Forsyth,  McGhee, Munro, McColgan 

Subs not used:  McIver, McEwan, Compston, Graham

Goal: B.Fulton

'Lever strikes for Greenock'

'Hannah strikes for Greenock'

Greenock HSFP's 1-1 Inverclyde

SAFL Premier League
Battery Park, Greenock
Wednesday 9th April 2008

Greenock:  McEwan, McAllister, Cannon, McLaren, O'Donnell(Dooner 75), Burden, Munro, Docherty(McGhee 45), Hannah (McColgan 60), Forsyth, Lever

Sub not used: B.Fulton, McIver

Goal: Hannah

'Double for McColgan from the bench'

Greenock HSFP's 4-0 Gibshill Ams

West of Scotland Cup 5th Round
Battery Park, Greenock
Saturday 5th April 2008

After 3 postponements at Parklea due to the adverse weather this 5^th Round West of Scotland Cup tie was switched to the Battery Park. Both teams took to the field hoping to progress to the 6^th Round of the West.

Greenock were minus 6 players, Doddy O’Donnell (Wedding), McGhee (Back), Baz Fulton (Ankle), Monk (Hand), McAulay(Hand) and Spiers (Calf)

Greenock started sluggishly and it was the visitors who started the better of the 2 sides and had a couple of crosses into the box which were dealt with comfortably by the Greenock defence of Graham, McLaren and Cannon. Greenock came into the game around the 10 minute mark when a shot by Forsyth was deflected into the path of Banana, but his right footed effort failed to make the keeper work from 6 yards and the chance was gone. Neither side were playing particularly well with the game being congested in midfield with no real quality being displayed by either side. The Gibshill centre forward (Boyd) was proving to be a handful but the Greenock rear guard were rarely troubled. In the best move of the first half, Munro picked the ball up from a Cat throw out and ran 50 yards with the ball before knocking the ball to Forsyth, perhaps a return pass to Munro would have been the better option but Forsyth chose to take his chances from 25 yards but his effort went harmlessly wide of the Gibshill goal.

Greenock came off for HT knowing the first half performance was way below par and that they would need to show a better attitude in the 2^nd half if they wished to progress in the West Cup.

H-T 0-0

It was a more committed Greenock side who took to the field in the 2^nd half, hitting into a strong gale, it was Greenock who threatened straight away when Munro skipped past his marker and sent a cross into the box but the keeper took the cross comfortably. Greenock then opened the scoring when clever movement from Banana meant that he created some room for himself on the left and sent a cross into the near post area, Lever went for it with his head, the keeper parried the ball to his right and Lever knocked the ball into the net from an acute angle to open the scoring after 50 minutes. Greenock were well on top now and were charging forward at every opportunity, they won a corner and Munro swung the ball into the penalty area and Banana rose unchallenged and nodded into the net to make it 2-0. Soon after Banana landed awkwardly and hobbled off to be replaced by Insect-man McColgan. McColgan looked dangerous and his pace was causing the Gibshill back line all sorts of problems. McColgan made it 3-0 after Lever beat his marker and knocked a left footed cross to him and he dispatched the ball with ease into the roof of the net. Gibshill got forward on rare occasions and 1 foray needed a goal line clearance from Graham at the back post. Greenock then had a double injury when Docherty and McAllister rose for a high ball in the middle of the park with a Gibby player, McAllister ended up with a cut to his cheek from Doc’s teeth and Doc ended up with a split lip. Both continued, with McAllister leaving the field of play soon after with a tight calf. El Hambones made his return to action after a lay off enforced by Work commitments and his efforts at becoming a Rock n Roll star. He was wrongly ruled offside on 2 occassions when he was straight through on goal and looked as if he was enjoying being back involved. With time running out Insectman McColgan made it 4-0 after good wing play by Munro and a dummy from Lever.

Greenock progressed to the 6^th round after a terrible first half performance and a decent 2^nd half display.

Greenock:  McEwan, Graham (McIver 75), Cannon, McAllister (Hamill 70), McLaren, Burden, Munro, Docherty, Hannah (McColgan 60), Forsyth, Lever

Sub not used: Dooner

Goals: Lever, Hannah, McColgan(2)

'Double for McAulay'

Greenock HSFP's 3-4  Kennoway Ams

Scottish Cup 7th Round
Battery Park, Greenock
Saturday 15th March 2008

This much anticipated 6^th round Scottish Cup tie got the go ahead at the 3^rd attempt at the Battery Park. The High School were minus their influential captain and centre half Craig McLaren due to work commitments, John Forsyth (heavy cold) and Mark Speirs (calf).

Considering the terrible weather we’ve been having the pitch looked OK and with the visitors taking a large support with them, this was set up for a cracking cup tie.

The early exchanges showed that both teams were evenly matched with both teams determined to take the early initiative. It was The High school who broke the deadlock when McAllister took a freekick on the half way line, striking the ball in McAulay’s direction, McAulay slipped his marker and caught the ball perfectly with his head, knocking the ball beyond the Kennoway keeper into his bottom right hand corner. 1-0 after 10 minutes.

Kennoway then fought to get back into the match and were rewarded after 20 minutes when they equalised when their centre forward rose unchallenged at the back post from a freekick and bulleted his header high beyond Monk in the Greenock goal. The visitors were encouraged by their equaliser and Monk pulled off 2 great saves to deny the visitors the lead. The game was end to end but it was the visitors who were creating the better chances.

However, on 35 minutes Greenock took the lead when Lever won the ball in the middle of the park, and played a neat one two with McGhee, McGhee rolled the ball into Levers path 40 yards from goal, with the Kennoway centre half caught out with the one two, Lever raced away and slotted the ball into the keepers bottom left with his left foot.

Greenock looked the stronger of the 2 sides now with McColgan and McAulay looking dangerous whenever the ball was in the Kennoway half, O’Donnell was patrolling the middle of the park and the defensive trio of McAllister, Cannon and Dooner were coping with anything that was coming their way, then disaster struck when the Kennoway centre half strolled into the Greenock half unchallenged and played a one two on the edge of the Greenock box, his weak effort was straight at Monk but the big keeper spilled the ball and the Kennoway centre half knocked the ball into the empty net to make it 2-2. Spurred on by their equaliser a Kennoway forward cut in from the left and hit a 25 yarder but Monk stretched to knock the ball around the post much to Greenock’s relief.

HT 2-2

The 2^nd half was much like the first, with both teams looking to get forward as often as possible. Kennoway were knocking long high balls into the Greenock box which was causing problems for the Greenock back line but there were no real chances created, Greenock then stormed forward looking to take the lead for a 3^rd time. McGhee burst into the box and was fouled as he was heading for the bye line. The ref rightly pointed to the spot. Munro took on the responsibility but unfortunately the keeper guessed correct and saved the pen.

Kennoway got a lift and went on the attack, another long ball into the box resulted in a corner kick to Kennoway, the ball was flighted in and with 6 players all going for the 1^st ball the ball dropped down to the Kennoway forward who was not marked and he knocked the ball home from 4 yards.

Andy Hannah entered the field of play and with his first contribution hit the bar with a header from a Burden cross, he then hit the post with another header from another Burden cross only for the ball to run along the line and into the keepers arms. It was one way traffic at this point, with 10 to go Greenock got the equaliser they deserved when the ball was swung in by Munro, Hannah reacted quickest and glanced the ball goalwards, McAulay was on hand to bundle the ball over the line from 3 yards. At this point there looked to be only one winner with Greenock getting forward on mass. Kennoway then rolled their sleeves up and reverted to hitting high balls into the Greenock box, on one of those occasions the Greenock goalkeeper Monk punched the ball clear but collided with the Kennoway centre half, breaking his left hand in 2 places. Monk showed great ‘Heart’ and played on in some discomfort, Greenock were coping OK until 5 minutes from time when a corner was swung into the area, again the 1^st ball was not cleared and the Kennoway substitute found himself unmarked at the back post, he controlled and sent an effort goalwards, Monk knocked the ball onto the post but unfortunately for Greenock the ball found it’s way into the back of the net.

With time running out Greenock flung everything forward in search of an equaliser. With practically the last kick of the ball McAulay found himself through on goal on his right side, after a good first touch he didn’t catch his shot with his right and the keeper smothered the ball to Kennoway’s delight.

The game had everything and perhaps a draw would have been a fair result but it wasn’t to be for Greenock. A disappointed team trudged off thinking of what could have been.

Greenock would like to wish Kennoway all the best in the Quarters.

Greenock Team : Monk, McAllister, Cannon, Dooner, O'Donnell(Hannah 70), Burden, Munro, McColgan, McAulay, McGhee(Docherty60), Lever

Subs not Used: B.Fulton, McEwan, Graham

Goals: McAulay(2), Lever

'Double for McColgan'

'Double for Hannah'

Greenock HSFP 4-1 St James AFC

'Lever strikes on his return to action'

St James AFC 1-1 Greenock HSFP
Scottish Cup 5th Round
Dundee
Saturday 26th January 2008

Greenock travelled through to Dundee to take on St James Ams in this 5^th Round Scottish Cup tie.The Management team were in Tenerife celebrating big Ian’s 40^th so Mark Speirsy Speirs took care of team affairs.

Ryan Lever returned to the side after a lay off while he was decorating his flat. Greenock were minus James ‘Sleepy’ Cannon who was catching 40 winks while the Greenock side were on the bus. At 56, Cannon needs his sleep more these days.

After stretching the legs after the long bus journey the Greenock players took to the field in this much anticipated Cup tie. St James looked like a big strong physical side and Greenock would need to be at their best to see them off.

The game started at a hectic pace with Greenock starting the better of the 2 sides. After 5 minutes Lever bulleted a left footer from 25 yards into the keepers top left hand corner after a lay off from inform striker Andy Banana Hannah. This acted as a spur for St James as they tried to recover from this early set back. Their left midfielder looked like a decent player and he looked lively cutting in from the left. However, St James didn’t really test the Greenock goal. Greenock looked dangerous whenever they got forward and man of the moment Insectman McColgan had the St James rear guard worried on a few occasions. Andy Hannah having the best of the chances missing what looked like a certain goal from 3 yards out but a bobble saw him fluff it wide.

The sides went into HT with the scoreline 0-1, which Greenock just about deserved.

The second half kicked off with the game flowing from side to side, O’Donnell and Lever were competing well with the large central midfield that St James had on offer. McGhee was probing to get the 2^nd but disaster struck when a great turn from the St James right winger inside the Greenock box left him with a free shot at goal and he dispatched the ball well into Monks right hand corner. St James were delighted with their efforts but seemed to run out of steam with 30 to go and Greenock went for the winner. Banana belted a 30 yarder which hit the cross bar with the keeper helpless. Then Burden hit a high curling cross/shot which hit the bar and bounced out to the 6 yard line where Lever and 2 St James defenders slid for the ball, unfortunately Lever wasn’t sharp enough and the ball was cleared to safety. The game was then played out and a draw seemed to be a fair result.

 'McLaren Double see's Greenock through'

Greenock HSFP 3-2 Hurlford Thistle
West of Scotland Cup 4th Round
Battery Park, Greenock
Saturday 15th December 2007

Greenock welcomed top Ayrshire side Hurlford Thistle to the Battery Park for what promised to be an entertaining afternoon of football. Greenock took the early ascendancy in this match and pinned there opponents back. 5 minutes in and the game was turned on his head when from a Geenock corner Chris Fulton smashed a net bound effort only for the Hurlford left back to parry onto the bar with his hand. The referee was left with no option but to point to the penalty spot and issue a red card to the offending player. Barry Munro took on the responsibility and and he calmly rolled the ball into the keepers bottom left hand corner. Greenock continued to press after this and they again found the net after another corner caused confusion in the visitors defences and Andy Hannah blasted high into the net only for the referee to chalk it off for offside, a decision that seemed very debatable. The 10 men of Hurlford then started to come more into the game but Mark Monk in the home goal was never troubled as the Greenock rearguard held off the advances of the very lively Hurlford attackers.

HT:1-0

The second period saw the visitors come out the traps at pace and despite being a man down they pinned the Greenock defence in early doors. 10 minutes into the half and Hurlford found a spectacular equaliser. The impressive number 9 collected the ball out ide on the left wing, he skipped past 2 challenges before unleashing an unstoppable drive into Monk's top left hand corner from the edge of the area. the next 15-20 minutes didn't see much action as both teams tried to assume control of the midfield. with 15 minutes remaining it was the home side who regained there goal advantage when Craig McLaren bulleted home an inch perfect delivery from Barry Munro. With only 15 minutes of the match remaing greenock were looking to hold onto this lead but it was to last barely 1 minutes when straight from kick off the Hurlford number 9 ran straight at Greenock evading 3 or 4 challenges before eventually being tripped in the box leaving the referee no option but to point to the spot. Hurlford wer not going to pass up this opportunity and duly dispatched the pen to the delight of the large Hurlford contingent on the sidelines. With the game looking destined for extra time Greenock Captain Craig McLaren stepped up to the plate. A delivery from the right hand side was again finished by by McLaren sending the Greenock players and sidelines wild. Greenock managed this time to hold out and progress to the 5th round of the tournament

Overall this was a great victory against a very imperssive Hurlford side.

'Hannah grabs another Hat-trick' 

Greenock HSFP 5-0 Fair City
Scottish Cup 4th Round
Battery Park, Greenock
Saturday 8th December 2007

Greenock welcomed Kingdom Caledonian side Fair city for this Scottish cup 4th round tie. On a cold wet and windy day at the Battery Park, Greenock's game only got the go ahead due to having use of the new 3G surface. Early exchanges were pretty even in this contest and the visitors almost opened the scoring 10 minutes in when they crashed a shot against Mark Monk's bar from 25 yards out. Greenock were probing themselves, but it was Fair City again who created the more clear cut chances when the number 11 found space on the left hand side of the box, but Mark Monk narrowed his angles well to save. Greenock then began to get a foot hold in the game and chances fell for McAllister and Hannah but the fair City Keeper wasn't really tested. 30 minutes into the game Greenock got the opener when McColgan released Hannah and with the keeper rushing to meet him Hannah cooly slotted the ball beyond him from the right corner of the box with his right foot. Greenock were now beginning to dominate the match but the fair city keeper was never under any real pressure and it was a 1-0 lead Greenock took into the break 

HT 1-0

Greenock put this game to bed pretty quickly in the second period, playing some good football in the process. The lead was doubled 10 minutes into the second half when Andy Hannah again struck into the keepers bottom left hand corner from just inside the area. Greenock were now creating chances and a few passed them by before Andy Hannah completed his Hat-trick to all but put Greenock into the 5th round. Dennis McGhee released Hannah with a clever lobbed pass and with the keeper rushing out Hannah lobbed him to find the empty net to the delight of the Greenock contingent. Fair City never gave up in this game and continued to play some nice football but Greenock's back 3 of Dooner, McLaren and Cannon held them pretty comfortably, leaving Mark Monk in goal to basically stand about in the howling wind and rain. As the game reached the final stages Fair City were visibly tiring as Greenock created chance after chance. the fourth came when Andy Hannah turned provider as his cross was met by Kevin McAulay, and his effort found the keepers bottom right hand corner with the aid of a slight deflection. With minutes to go Greenock scored there final goal of the match. Davie O'Donnell and Chris McAllister played a couple of neat one twos in the middle of the park before McAllister laid O'Donnell in one on one with the keeper. O'Donnell kept his cool as he dropped the shoulder and rounded the keeper before rolling home into the unguarded net to round off a good days work for the Greenock boys.

Overall this was a very good performance from Greenock on what can only be described as a wild day weather wise and they can now look forward to a trip to St James from Dundee in the 5th Round of this seasons Scottish Cup.

Greenock Team: Monk, Dooner, Cannon,McAllister, McLaren, Burden(Graham 65), Forsyth(O'Donnell 45), McGhee, Munro (McAulay 65), McColgan, Hannah ,

Sub not used: McEwan

Goals: Hannah(3), McAulay and O'Donnell

'Mick Mccolgan Notches the Winner again'

Greenock HSFP 1-0 Chryston 

West of Scotland Cup 2nd Rnd
Saturday 20th October 2007
Parklea playing Fields, Port Glasgow

Greenock had to move there match wth Chryston to parklea due to it not being there turn of the Battery Park. early exchanges created very few opportunities for either side with a half chance for Chris McAllister which was well blocked by Chryston keeper. What turned out to be the eventual winner in this match arrived 25 minutes into the first half. Good play down the right saw kev McAulay feed McAllister at the edge of the area. McAllister hit a shot which was deflected enroute and then blocked out by the Chryston Keeper. Mick McColgan was the first to react to this and prodded home from 5 yards out for his 3rd goal in 3 games. This was a scrappy match and there were very few changes, the best for Chryston came when there number 8 went on a run but his effort from the edge of the area was too weak to cause Mark Monk any problems.

HT:1-0

The pattern of this came never really changed with only a few chances by both teams being created. The best for the home side fell to goal scorer Mick McColgan when he was sent through 1 on 1 with the Chryston keeper but it was the keeper who came out on top in this battle as he clutched the ball at McColgan's feet as he tried to round him. Chryston started to push more men forward, but despite a bit more concerted pressure greenock keeper Mark monk was never under any real threat. A few half chances for either side came and went and greenock were happiest to hear the final whistle and they now go into the draw for the 3rd Round.

Overall this was not one for the purists but in a cup tie it's the result that counts and the home side will be happy to go into the next round.

Greenock Team: Monk, Dooner, Cannon, McAllister, McLaren, Burden, Docherty, McGhee (Henry 75), Munro, McColgan (Rodger 70) (Hannah 88), McAulay

Sub not used: Lever and McEwan

Goal: McColgan

'Mick Mccolgan Notches the Winner'

Largs Utd 0-1 Greenock HSFP

Scottish Cup 2nd Rnd
Saturday 13th October 2007
Pencilpoint, Largs

Greenock travelled the short diastance down to largs to kick off the 2007/08 Scottish cup campaign. On the very tight park at Pencil point Greenock did not impress as they continually gave away possesion early on in this tie. The best opportunties for the visitors came from Kevin McAulay's long throws as the home defence and keeper struggled to deal with them. Greenock were lucky not to concede midway through the half when they were presented with a one on one but the striker effort sailed over the crossbar of Mark Monk. Largs almost got another sniff when Monk rolled th ball out to Dooner, but he delayed for a second and the Largs Striker charged down his clearance but Monk was on hand to cover this. With half time approaching Greenock got the opener and it came from another McAulay long throw. the ball was knocked on at the front post and Mick McColgan was on hand at the back post to nod home from 3 yards out.

HT:1-0

Greenock started the second half a bit more lively and a good passing move almost set McAulay up for a strike at gola but the Largs defender done well to block for a corner. 10 minutes in and Largs had another golden opportunity to score when the small number 9 got in behind the visiting defence but his first touch allowed Mark monk to come and and smoother. As the game continued the home side were throwing everything at the Greenock defence but the failed to cause Mark Monk any serious problems in the greenock goal. Nicky roger had a great chance to give Greenock a bit of breathing space when he was sent clear, but his effort from the edge of the area was easily saved byt the Largs No.1. Greenock still looked threatening from McAulay's throws and Nicky Roger came close again to doubling Greenock's lead, but the score remained the same and Greenock progress to the 3rd Round where they will travel to play Central league side Waterside

Overall this will go down as a bad performance from Greenock but it's job done and into the next round.

Greenock Team: Monk, Dooner, Cannon, McAllister, C.Fulton, Burden, Docherty, Forsyth (McGhee 45), Lever (Rodger 60), McColgan (Henry 80), McAulay

Sub not used: Munro, Speirs

Goal: McColgan

'McAulay scored 1 and set up the other'

Postal 0-2 Greenock HSFP

SAFL Premier League
Saturday 6th October 2007
Fullarton Park, Glasgow

Greenock made there second trip to Fullarton Park this season to meet newly promoted Postal, this time it was league business after earlier picking up a 3-1 victory in the league cup section. Despite several missing and a few playing through injuries Greenock started this game very brightly playing some nice football. Greenock opened the scoring with 15 minutes on the clock when Kevin McAulay powered his way through 2 challenges before feeding Mick McColgan. McColgan outstripped his marker then cut accross him and calmly slotted his right foot effort into the keepers bottom left hand corner. Shortly after McColgan could have doubled his tally for the day when he found space in the box but his effort just cleared the crossbar. Postal then started to put a bit more pressure on the Greenock defence but Mark Monk in the Greenock goal dealt comfortably with anything thrown at him. 10 minutes before half time Postal had a great chance to level matters. The postal number 11 latched onto a short passback from Kevin Dooner, he skipped past Mark Monk and was brought crashing to the ground. Greenock had defenders in behind the keeper by this point and the referee pointed to the spot and issued Monk with a yellow card.  Monk then saved the penalty kick well to his bottom right and then somehow managed to get his foot up to deflect the rebounded effort onto the post and Greenock cleared away to safety.

HT:1-0

Greenock started the 2nd half the better of the teams again and probably should have increased there lead when McAllister passed up good chance from a Barry Munro corner, then Mick McColgan again rounded his marker in the corner but his effort from a tight angle only found the side netting. As the game wore on and greenock failed to increase there lead Postal started throwing more men forward. With 15 minutes of the match remaining Greenock all but wrapped up the 3 points in this match. Kevin McAulay latched onto a short passback and went in one on one with the keeper. The keeper pulled off a great block from his first effort, but McAulay kept his cool as he skipped past a defender before unleashing a thunderbolt that gave the Postal keeper no chance 2nd time around. Postal had a few efforts from distance that failed to trouble Mark Monk then with 5 minutes remaining they should have got on the scoresheet, but when a corner was knocked onto the back post Postal somehow managed to put over the crossbar to the delight of the Greenock defence. Greenock held out for victory and another clean sheet.

Overall it was a delighted Greenock side who travelled back down the road with 3 points from a very tricky away tie, and now they go into Scottish cup action away to Largs utd. 

Greenock Team: Monk, Dooner, Cannon, McAllister, Henry, C.Fulton, Forsyth, Lever(McLaren 45), Munro (Burden 75), McColgan (Roger 80), McAulay

Goals: McColgan and McAulay

Greenock HSFP 4-0 Duncanrig Fp’s
SAFL Premier League
Saturday 15th September 2007
Battery Park Greenock

'Baz Munro at the Double'

Oban Saints 0-3 Greenock HSFP
SAFL Premier League
Saturday 8th September 2007
Glencruitten Park, Oban

Greenock made the long journey through to Oban looking to get there season kick started after a poor start in both Cup and League. After 2 defeats on the trot Oban is not the ideal destination when your forms not that good, but Greenock travelled with a bigger squad to choose from than's been available the last few weeks. Andy Hannah, Chris McAllister and Barry Munro returned to action whilst James Cannon made his 4th or 5th debut for the club after a couple years playing for local rivals Gourock. Greenock couldn't have got off to a better start in this game when 5 mins in Barry Munro picked the ball up on the left and skipped past 2 Oban players before sending a rocket of a shot into Oban Keeper Davie Dunlop's bottom left hand corner from just inside the box. Greenock had started this game with a bit of purpose and only 5 minutes later they doubled there advantage. A quick corner was taken. Ryan Lever delivered into the area and Andy Hannah done well at a stretch to head high into the Oban net. Oban were not sitting back in this game but despite a few nice passages of play Mark Monk was not overly worked and was dealing admirably with anything thrown at him. Midway through the half and it was the visitors again who bulged the net. Dennis McGhee picked up the ball in the middle of the park and with an Oban player applying the pressure he slipped Barry Munro clear on the left with an inch perfect pass. Munro sped towards the box and again made no mistake as he bulleted his effort low to the keepers left hand side from the edge of the area. As the half reached an end Oban had a few half chances but the failed to hit the target with any of them and Greenock went in a happy team at half-time 3-0 up.

HT: 3-0

As you would expect from Oban they came out in the second half battling and controlled much of the second half play again without causing any real danger to Mark Monk's goal. Monk dealt comfortably with efforts from outside the area from Both Keith Miller and Alan McKay, and then done well to tip a goal bound header from Miller over the bar. Greenock were playing on the counter attack and Stephen Burden was unlucky with an effort after he worked the ball in from the right wing but his shot went narrowly wide of the near post. Another break away almost gave Greenock that 4th goal that may have killed the Oban side's spirit but Kevin McAulay's strike from 6 yards out was well blocked by a last ditch challenge from Marc MacCallum. Oban continued to press for most of the second half but the whole Greenock side worked tirelessly to keep there advantage and by the time referee David Mitchell blew for full time it was a tired but happy Greenock side who left the pitch after picking up there first 3 league points of the season.

Overall this was a tremendous performance from a fired up Greenock side looking to put their poor form behind them. Not many teams will come away from Oban with anything, so a 3-0 victory was very pleasing and well deserved also

Greenock Team: Monk, Dooner, Cannon, McAllister, McLaren, Burden, Munro, McGhee(Anderson 80), Forsyth, Hannah(McAulay 60), Lever( McColgan 70)

Subs not used: B.Fulton, Swan

Goals: Munro (2), Hannah

'McLaren on target for Greenock'

Greenock HSFP 1-2 Busby
SAFL Premier League
Battery Park, Greenock
Saturday 1st September 2007

Greenock HSFP started off their defence of the Premier title with a none to impressive performance against newly promoted Busby. Greenock had to contend with missing 6 players for this league opener as Barry Munro, Davie O'Donnell, David McEwan, Barry Fulton and Chris McAllister all missing through injury whilst Andy Hannah and Chris Fulton missed out due to a wedding and work respectively. The first half of this game was a pretty cagey affiar with Greenock having the lions share of possession but the Busby keeper was never really threatened. 10 minutes prior to half time it was the visitors who gained the lead when  a midfielder found acres on the right hand side and his ball to the back post found the big number with plenty of time and space to roll home.

HT:0-1

Greenock came out and went at Busby in the second half but again the Busby keeper was given very little to do. Greenock first chance of note came when Mick McColgan was set clear through the middle but the big busby keeper done well to block his effort at the edge of the box. Kev McAulay then almost  got Greenock back on level terms when he found some space down the left channel, but his effort from a tight angle although it slipped through the keepers hands found the Busby sweeper on the line to clear to safety. As often happens with Greenock exerting all the pressure they were caught with a sucker punch. Mark Monk came out of his box and cleared to past the half way line, but an alert Busby midfielder managed to take advantage of the big keeper being out of his goal and struck a beautiful effort into the roof of the greenock net from 50 yards plus. Greenock now had a mountain to climb and they continued to press the busby rearguard. Craig McLaren scored with minutes remaining to throw the home side a lifeline but it was not to be as they passed up a few half chances and Busby probably deservedly went back up the road with all 3 points.

This was a poor showing from the Greenock side and they will be looking to bounce back from a coouple of bad performances when they travel through to meet Oban next Saturday

Greenock Team: Monk, Dooner, Speirs (McAulay 30), McLaren, Hamill, Burden, Forsyth, Lever, McGhee, McColgan, Roger

Goal: McLaren

'Double for Forsyth'

Kings Park Rangers 4-3 Greenock HSFP
Centenary trophy
Wednesday 29th August 2007

Match report to Follow

Greenock Team: Monk, Dooner, Burden, McLaren, Lever, C.Fulton, Hamill, Forsyth, McGhee (McColgan 60), Hannah, Roger

Goals: Hamill, Forsyth (2)

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