Greenock Morton 0 v 1 Raith Rovers

Click here, or read below for my match report of Greenock Morton v Raith Rovers which took place this afternoon. The report was published on the official Raith Rovers website.

 Table Topping Rovers Send Morton Rock Bottom

Greenock Morton lumbered to a narrow defeat against table topping Raith Rovers at Cappielow Park this afternoon. Apart from numerous long range efforts, the home side struggled to threaten the Rovers goal and despite throwing men forward at the end, the Fifers held on.

Raith were the better team in what was a fairly scrappy affair and would have been disappointed to go in at half time without a goal to show for their efforts.

The second half failed to see an improvement in quality but Allan Walker snatched the points away from Morton on the 61st minute as he belted the ball past Colin Stewart. His strike condemns Morton to bottom while it keeps Rovers on top.

Rovers tried to pass the ball around right from the start, but Morton had an early chance headed over by Allan Jenkins.

Raith had their first opportunities through a powerful Grant Murray header and a Jamie Mole cross which caused problems for Stewart in the Morton goal.

The Kirkcaldy side then tried to convert their possession into goals on 15th minute as Mole cut a ball across goal but Morton crowded out the onrushing Walker.

Gregory Tade drilled a ball across goal without any takers before Stewart pushed a rasping Iain Williamson shot up in the air and Stuart McCaffrey headed the ball over for a corner.

John Baird had two chances as first Walker and then Craig Wilson aimed two crosses at the striker. Baird's first effort failed to find the target but after Tade did great work down the right hand side to release Wilson, the receiving Baird met the ball perfectly but lashed it into the side-netting.

Despite Morton being on the back foot for the majority of the half, they still managed to carve open a great opportunity on the 37th minute. Brian Graham had the beating of Laurie Ellis in the box and from a tight angle stroked the ball inches wide of the post, but credit must go to Raith keeper' David McGurn who looked Schmeichel-like as he made himself as big as possible.

Rovers fans were shouting for a penalty as the half drew to a close when Baird’s run into the box was halted by a blatant body-check by Smyth.

Morton came out in the second half looking to cause a few problems in the Rovers defence with Michael Tidser curling a shot over the bar and Allan Jenkins heading over from a corner.

However, on the 57th minute Rovers went close again when Baird drove a fierce shot only to see a Morton defender block the effort away on the six yard line.

Baird then stung the palms of Stewart moments after McGurn had dealt with a Tidser shot comfortably.

The next attack saw Raith finally take the lead. Wilson's deflected pile-driver fell to the unmarked Walker who drove the ball at goal and despite a strong palm thrown in the way, Stewart couldn't keep the ball from nestling in the back of the net.

Graham Weir, who replaced Tade had an effort saved on the 86th minute, before Allan Moore pushed his team forward in search of a dramatic late equaliser.

Marc Smyth and Tidser hit long range shots over the bar, but the best chance for Morton to equalise came on the 89th minute. With Rovers defenders scrambling around Graham, he turned and watched his shot crawl inches past the post with McGurn scrambling.

However, it wasn't to be Morton's day and the result means they now prop up the rest of the division. On the other hand, Rovers keep up their lofty position and hold Dunfermline in second place below them in the league table.

Picture © Jim Foy

written by Will Lyon

Edinburgh's Silver Swimmer

Click on the picture or read below for my interview with Commonwealth Games silver medallist Michael Jamieson. It was published in The Student today.

 Edinburgh's Silver Swimmer

Will Lyon speaks exclusively to Commonwealth Games swimming silver medallist Michael Jamieson...

22 year-old Michael Jamieson was just 0.08 seconds from a Commonwealth gold medal in last month’s Delhi games. The Edinburgh University Swim Team member was denied first place in the Men's 200 metre breaststroke competition by Australian, Brenton Rickard, and had to settle for silver.

Teammate Kris Gilchrist stated that himself and Jamieson felt they could grab a one-two finish, so disappointment was the first emotion experienced by the pair as they finished 5th and 2nd respectively. However, since then, Jamieson has realised his achievement.

“I was a bit disappointed at first, but over the last few days, especially in the second week in Delhi, it really started to sink in.

“We got to see a few different events and I think as it sunk in I got more and more chuffed with it.

“Some people were saying that it came as a bit of a surprise that I was on the podium in the first place but it wasn’t a surprise to me, I was always looking at getting on the podium this season.

“Obviously with the race being so close I hope it’s been looked at with a fresh attitude really because I think that the fact I was disappointed shows that I definitely feel there’s more in the tank.”

Jamieson has taken a lot of confidence from his showing in Delhi and believes that the organisation of Team Scotland was key to his success.

“I managed to qualify for the world student games last year which outside of the Commonwealth and Olympics is the only other multi sport event.

“I learnt a lot last year being at the athletes village which helped me prepare for the experience in Delhi.

“Again, I’ve learnt a lot over the last few weeks, just about how resolute we had to be, staying healthy and to avoid illness.

“I think I was quite lucky in that respect as there was a lot of swimmers especially in the Australian and Canadian teams  that struggled with illness as the games went on.

“That was down to the preparation that we had, so it really helped us to be wary of it.

“We had a trip to Delhi in September last year just to see the site. Then we had a few try runs from the village to the pool to get an idea the time it would take and how the transport would run. So I think the Scottish team had of an advantage in that respect, we knew what to expect.”

Leading up to the games there were concerns over the state of the athlete’s accommodation, but Jamieson felt it had no impact on his performance.

“The block we were initially supposed to be in was one of the poor ones but when we got there it was fine.

“We were prepared for anything really due to the reports in the media leading up to the games, but we were pleasantly surprised when we arrived!

“It was a bit rough round the edges and it wasn’t completely finished, but there were no major faults.”

Looking towards the future, Jamieson spoke of his ultimate goal, an Olympic gold medal. He then revealed how he is trying to achieve it.

“I’m sure my goal is the same as hundreds of other athletes but I want to win Olympic gold, definitely.

“Looking at the final in the 200 metre last week, there were five Brits involved and only 2 are selected for the Olympic Games.

“The Olympic trials is going to be for everyone involved, probably the biggest and most important point of your career.

“I’ve had a detailed plan and goal system over the past few years and I’m on schedule.

“I was to get a medal in Delhi and that was the goals for this season and it’s encouraging to be on target, but there’s a lot of work to be done.”

When asked if he felt any pressure to get an Olympic gold, Jamieson was quick to suggest otherwise.

“I’m responsible for the amount of pressure I put on my shoulders and I think that’s something I’ve had to work on in the last couple of years.

“Coming through the ranks as a junior I used to put a lot of pressure of myself and it would really affect me if I didn’t reach my goals, but I’ve learned how to adapt to that.

“I take confidence from every event that I compete in. I felt really relaxed competing in Delhi, I’ve struggled with nerves in the past, but I feel like I’ve matured in the last 18 months and I’m really comfortable competing in that environment.”

Born in Scotland, Jamieson is keen not to forget his roots, despite acheiving international success. Although he has also been coached in Paris and Bath he could only praise Uni's coaches and teammates who helped form the person he is today.

"The programme at Edinburgh Uni has been a great help over the last couple of years.

"Moving to Paris was a great experience and I still miss the city, however,  I’ve still got a really good relationship with Chris Jones, the head coach in Edinburgh.

"He's done a amazing job with that program and he’s the one responsible for the progress the team has made.

"Last year I went back up to Edinburgh for a few months and spent some time with the squad and the facilities they have at St Leonards are perfect for a performance group.

"I’m always happy to be associated with a team like that."

However, Jamieson must look towards the future and it would be fair to say that his Commonwealth success has only increased his enthusiasm.

Jamieson clearly has the potential to realise his Olympic dream and he hopes that in two years time he can achieve glory at the London Olympic Games.

"It's just under 18 months to go now till the Olympic trials. Over the last couple of weeks I’ve had a nice wee break but now I can’t wait to get stuck into the new season!"

Raith Rovers 1 v 0 Ross County [Match Report]

Click here for my match report of Raith Rovers v Ross County which took place this afternoon. It was published on the Official Raith Rovers website.

Cowdenbeath 1 v 2 Raith Rovers [Match Report]

Click here for my match report of the fixture between Cowdenbeath and Raith Rovers that took place this afternoon.

Raith Rovers 0 v 2 Stirling Albion [Match Report]

Click here or read below for my match report on Raith Rovers v Stirling Albion. It was published on the official Raith Rovers website.

Rovers Blow Golden Chance 

Raith Rovers blew a fantastic opportunity to send themselves back to the top of the First Division table this afternoon when they lost 2-0 to Stirling Albion at Starks Park.

Table toppers Dunfermline Athletic lost 2-0 to Queen of the South at Palmerston Park, but Raith failed to leapfrog them after blundering numerous second half chances.

Kick off was delayed for a short time when one of referee Collum’s assistants had to pull out due to an injury. The call went out for a replacement from the crowd and was answered by Chris Phillips whose dad Tom is the Supporters’ representative on the board at Stark’s Park.


Chris Phillips takes up his position on the touchline Stirling Albion had the best chances of the first half and after Stephen Simmons brought down Chris Aitkin in the box on the stroke of half time, the former Ayr United skipper stepped up and sent the away side in with a one goal advantage.

Rovers had ample chances to equalise as Willie Dyer rattled the crossbar, John Baird shot inches wide and Mark Ferry was denied by a goal line clearance, but when Gordon Smith found himself one-on-one with David McGurn he made no mistake and sealed the three points for Albion.

The start of the match was a little tentative although Ferry, Craig Wilson and Grant Murray all had half chances for Raith in the first fifteen minutes, while McGurn made a great reaction save from former Rover, Ryan Borris.

Borris was causing problems again on the 19th minute as he beat two defenders on the edge of the Raith box, but Murray flung himself in the way of his goal bound effort to concede a corner. After initially clearing the corner, Wilson gave the ball back to Albion but again the Kirkcaldy side were saved by the diving Murray who blocked Aitkin’s shot wide of the post.

Aitkin was instrumental in midfield and he threaded through a great pass to Nathan Taggart and Rovers had McGurn to thank as he made a fantastic leg save from the winger.


McGurn keeps Taggart out with a great block Rovers turned up the heat as Gregory Tade hit over with an overhead kick and Allan Walker headed wide of the post, but it was Stirling’s Aitkin who was causing the most havoc.


Tade tries an overhead effort that went just over On the 40th minute Aitkin played a lovely one-two with Taggart but Aitkin’s effort hit the side netting.

Four minutes later, referee William Collum pointed to the spot as Aitkin was brought down by Simmons and although it was definitely a foul, there was some debate about whether the challenge was made in or outside of the box.

Aitkin stepped up and rattled the ball straight down the middle to send the away side in at the break one goal to the good.


GOAL: Aitken sends his spot kick past McGurn
Raith started the second half with nerves and could have been punished straight away, but somehow Borris missed the target after cutting into the box well.

The home support encouraged their side forward and the team responded with some fantastic opportunities.

Ferry was unlucky to see his powerful header cleared off the line by Taggart before Dyer rasped a 25 yard shot off the Albion bar with Reidford well beaten, Walker got a diving header to the rebound but the Bino’s keeper did well to touch it over the bar.


Dyer’s shot has Reidford beaten but it crashed back off the bar Raith were camped in the Stirling half and Murray had one attempt deflected wide of the goal and then headed another over the bar. Moment later, Scott Robertson was lucky not to score an own goal as he nearly diverted a Baird cross into his own net.

On the 65th minute another chance went amiss when Iain Davidson fed a delightful ball through to Baird but the former Airdrie man missed the target by inches.

Raith were all over the visitors at this point but John McGlynn felt that a bigger aerial threat was required with Tade and Ferry making way for Jamie Mole and defender Mark Campbell. Both subs made their way upfront to try and knock down long balls.

However, the substitutions appeared to work in Stirling’s favour as Rovers struggled to keep their rhythm going.

Graham Weir replaced the tiring Baird and as Raith pushed up the pitch it was inevitable that Stirling would catch their opponents on the break.

First of all Stirling substitute Sylvano Comvalius found himself one-on-one with McGurn and the Rovers keeper’ saved well.

Weir fired a wayward drive on the 89th minute before Stirling sealed the points one minute later.

Aitkin turned supplier as he released a great ball to Smith who ran the entire Raith half and although McGurn made himself big, Smith found a way past him and celebrated his goal with the ecstatic Albion fans.


GOAL: Smith sends the ball past McGurn to seal the points Rovers tried in vain to get another goal although Campbell should have done better from seven yards as he hit a vicious shot over the bar, but in truth, the game was already over.


Sparky had a great chance but sent the ball over from 7 yards All in all, a bad day at the office for the Rovers and a fantastic scalp for Stirling, who drag themselves further away from the bottom of the league table.

Pictures © Jim Foy

written by Will Lyon

Third Lanark

Click on the picture below to read my article on Third Lanark and their home, Cathkin Park. The article was furstly published in the official Raith Rovers matchday programme 'The Rover' on 2nd October 2010. You can also click this link or read below as it was then published on the 11th November 2010 at the Away End's website.

Cathkin Park: The forgotten home of Scottish Football

Efforts being made to restore a piece of Scottish history By Will Lyon

Cathkin Park has an eerie feel to it these days. After all, it was around 43 years ago that it's occupiers Third Lanark went bust and departed the ground.

Being only 21-years-old when I visited the ground this summer I found it hard to imagine the 45,455 spectators crammed in to watch Third Lanark take on Rangers in a 1954 Scottish Cup Third Round tie.

This is because all that remains now is a section of the original wall, a crumbling terrace littered with rubbish and tall trees which have shot up around the pitch.

An amateur Glasgow side still play football at Cathkin Park but now the majority of it's visitors are dog walkers and local teenagers who find themselves at a loose end at night.




History


Third Lanark are normally the only league side associated with Cathkin Park but it was actually Queens Park who owned the ground when it first opened in 1884, although back then, the name it possessed was Hampden Park.

19 years later The Spiders sold the ground to Third Lanark who renamed it New Cathkin Park and for the next 61 years The Hi-Hi's played senior football on the famous pitch.

Thirds were a fairly successful team in their complete 95 year history, winning the Scottish Football League, Scottish First Division, Scottish Cup and were also runners up of the Scottish League Cup. Their attendances reflect their success as they were fairly consistent right up to the end.

Before Queens Park sold the ground, Cathkin Park played host to two international matches. In fact, on 15 March 1884 the first all-ticket match ever was held at the stadium when Scotland welcomed England north of the border for a hostile fixture.



The Future 


Sadly, it is unlikely that Cathkin Park will become anything like it was in it's heyday, with the main stand, the roof covering the opposite terracing and the quaint pavilion all now completely gone. However, work is being done to restore some of it's former pride.

Scottish actor Simon Weir has begun work on restoring the ground, after finding out that his great-grandfather John Weir played for Third Lanark during the 1910's.

He updates his blog 'Friends Of Cathkin Park' regularly with discoveries of old photos, videos, stories and also a commentary of how his restoration work is proceeding.

The original wall that remains around half of the ground contains graffiti and 43 years of mould, yet Weir has been trying his best to scrub it all away.

Whether you have watched a competitive fixture at Cathkin Park, or weren't even born when Third Lanark disbanded, I would recommend you take a day out to visit the park. To stand on the touchline today and imagine the amount of quality players who strutted their stuff on the pitch in front of thousands of adoring fans almost half a century ago and beyond, is quite something.

You can check out Simon Weir's progress at: http://thirdlanark.blogspot.com/