IRVINE MEADOW XI FC

IRVINE MEADOW 1 LARGS THISTLE 1

2010-03-18T11:17:00.003Z

Emirates Junior Cup

Quarter Final

20-03-10

Meadow Park, Irvine

Meadow scorer: Jaconelli

Largs scorer : Dow

Replay next week

Saturday 27th March

Barrfields, Largs

More to follow ....

MEADOW 2 RUTHERGLEN GLENCAIRN 0

2010-03-13T12:32:00.004Z

Emirates Scottish Cup

Round 5

Meadow Park, Irvine

13-03-10

Brian McGinty about to fire home Meadow's second goal.

[Pic thanks to Jim Maxwell. More here]

Meadow Team :- Wardrope, Swift, Lowing, Wingate, Robertson, Hamilton, Ryan, Turner (McGowan), Barr (Boyle), McGinty, Strain.

-
Rutherglen Team :- Black, Hadden, Dale, Prunty, Barr (O'Keane), Gentile, McArdle (Thomson), Dickson (Hopkins), McDougall, McGladrigan, Fraser.

Referee : Ross Haswell

Meadow Goals : McGinty (2 & 15)

Match report and more pictures at Rutherglen Glencairn website here.

IRVINE MEADOW 4 GREENOCK 1

2010-03-04T15:36:00.005Z

West of Scotland Cup

Round 2

Meadow Park

06-03-10

Meadow eased into the 3rd round of the competition with a comfortable 4-1 win at Meadow Park after th match had been moved from Greenock as the Inverclyde sides home ground was adversely affected by the recent weather.
-

Goals from Lowing, Turner and Hamilton put Meadow 3-0 up before Greenock pulled a goal back just before half-time. The 2nd half was dominated by the home side but they only managed one more goal from a Dillon free-kick.

Meadow Man of the Match:

Zander Ryan

IRVINE MEADOW 3 VALEOF CLYDE 1

2010-03-04T15:14:00.003Z

Stagecoach West of Scotland Super League Premier Division
Meadow Park
27-02-10

Meadow Team:

Wardrope, Ryan, McGowan, Wingate, Robertson, Crilly (Swift), Strain, Turner, Barr (McGinty), Boyle (Friels), Hamilton

Meadow Goals:

Swift, Ryan, McGinty

More pics HERE thanks to Jim Maxwell

IRVINE MEADOW 1 BEITH 4

2010-02-17T12:09:00.003Z

Stagecoach West of Scotland Super League Premier Division

Meadow Park

13-02-10

---------

Meadow's chances of retaining the league title are all but over after this defeat against league leaders Beith. Zander Ryan gave Meadow the lead after 20 minutes with a powerful shot from the edge of the box in 20 minutes and the score stayed the same until half-time. Meadow started the second half strongly and missed a few good chances before Beith equalized on the hour mark. Beith took the lead soon after in controversial circumstances. A Meadow attack ended with the stand side assistant awarding a corner kick to the home side but this was over-ruled by the referee who awarded a goal kick to Beith. The visitors went straight upfield and were awarded a penalty when Mark Crilly was adjudged to have pushed an opponent in the box. Crilly was shown a second yellow card and Beith made no mistake from the spot. With Meadow down to ten men and pushing for an equalizer it was no surprise that gaps were beginning to appear in the Meadow defence and it was little surprise that the pacy Beith forwards took advantage with a further 2 goals.

Meadow Team:

Wardrope, Ryan, Dillon, Swift, Robertson, Crilly, Strain, Hamilton, Barr, Boyle, McGinty Subs:Hewitt, Wingate, Lowing, McGowan, Turner

Meadow Goal:

Zander Ryan

Referee: Des Roache

Admission: £5

Programme: £1

Some_Photos

Results 2009-2010

2010-02-17T10:36:00.000Z

RESULTS 2009-2010

25.07.09 Meadow 4 St. Mirren u-19s 3 [Neilston Tournament]
26.07.09 Meadow 1 Dalry Thistle 0 [Neilston Tournament]
29.07.09 Meadow 10 Ardeer Thistle 0 [Ardagh Cup]
01.08.09 Darvel 1 Meadow 6 [Ardagh Cup]
05.08.09 Meadow 4 Hurlford 0 [Ardagh Cup]
08.08.09 Irvine Vics 1 Meadow 2 [Ardagh Cup]
12.08.09 Meadow 1 Saltcoats Vics 0 [Ardagh Cup]
15.08.09 Meadow 2 Rob Roy 0 [League]
19.08.09 Meadow 5 Beith 0[Ardagh Cup Quarter Final]
21.08.09 Irvine Vics 0 Meadow 1 [Marymass Trophy]
25.08.09 Meadow 0 Kilbirnie Ladeside 1 [Ardagh Cup Semi Final]
29.08.09 Meadow 1 Largs Thistle 3 [League]
05.09.09 Meadow 1 Petershill 2 [League]
12.09.09 Kilbirnie Ladeside 1 Meadow 3 [League]
19.09.09 Beith 1 Meadow 2 [League]
26.09.09 Brora Rangers 0 Meadow 2 [Active Nation Scottish Cup Round 1]
03.10.09 Bankfoot Athletic 0 Meadow 1 [Emirates Scottish Cup Round 1]
10.10.09 Arthurlie 2 Meadow 1 [League]
17.10.09 Darvel 0 Meadow 2 [New Coins Automatic Cup Round 1]
24.10.09 Selkirk 0 Meadow 3 [Active Nation Scottish Cup Round 2]
31.10.09 Meadow v Mussleburgh [emirates Scottish Cup Round 2]
07.11.09 Bellshill Athletic 1 Meadow 2 [League]
14.11.09 Meadow 2 Pollok 2 [League]
21.11.09 Petershill 1 Meadow 4 [League]
28.11.09 Meadow 1 Arbroath 0 [Active Nation Scottish Cup Round 3]
05.12.09 Hillhead 0 Meadow 5 [Emirates Cup Round 3]
09.01.10 Hibernian 3 Meadow 0 [Active Nation Scottish Cup Round 4]
23.01.10 Meadow 2 Annbank Utd 2 [Emirates Scottish Cup Round 4]
25.01.10 Rutherglen Glencairn 3 Meadow 2 [Friendly]
06.02.10 Annbank Utd 2 Meadow 4 [Emirates Scottish Cup Round 4 Replay]
13.02.10 Meadow 1 Beith 4 [League]

ANNBANK UTD 2 IRVINE MEADOW 4

2010-01-29T12:40:00.008Z

Emirates Cup [4th Round Replay]
New Pebble Park
06-02-10

-
Meadow Team:
Wardrope, Swift, Robertson, Lowing (Dillon), Ryan, Crilly, Turner, Hamilton, Strain, Jaconelli (McGinty), Barr.
-
Meadow Goals:
Barr, Jaconelli, Ryan, Jaconelli
-
Man of the Match : Jaconelli
-
Meadow found themselves a goal down in this Emirates Cup 4th round replay when hosts Annbank went ahead in 21 minutes. Meadow hit back straight away with Richie Barr and Emilio Jaconelli scoring in the 23rd and 24th minutes to put the visitors in front for the first time in this tie. Zander Ryan added a third on 33 minutes to give Meadow a bit of a cushion and that's the way it stayed until half time. Jaconelli added his 2nd and Meadow's 3rd on 71 minutes before Annbank pulled a goal back in the 75th minute when their number 9 got his second goal of the game. There was to be no more scoring and Meadow will be happy with this result on a pretty poor playing surface. Meadow will now face the winners of next Saturday's game between Cambuslang Rangers and Ruthergle Glencairn at home in the 5th round.
-
More to follow ....
-

Click_for_more_photos_courtesy_of_Jim_Maxwell

Rutherglen Glencairn 3 Irvine Meadow 2

2010-01-29T12:33:00.004Z

Friendly Match

Clyde Gateway Stadium

25-01-10

Meadow scorers:

Jaconelli and an own goal.

Match highlights thanks to SixNil

IRVINE MEADOW 2 ANNBANK UNITED 2

2010-01-29T12:24:00.003Z

Emirates Scottish Cup [4th Round]
Meadow Park
23-01-10
-

Meadow team:

Wardrope, Ryan, McGowan, Robertson, Lowing, Wingate, Strain, Turner, Hamilton, McGinty, Barr

Meadow Scorers:

Lowing (75), Robertson (87 pen)

More pics here thanks to Jim Maxwell

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kochice/sets/72157623273525976/

Irvine Meadow Pictures [Kenny Ramsay]

2010-01-14T09:20:00.004Z

Kenny Ramsay is a freelance sports photographer based in Greenock who works predominantly for Scotland's best selling daily newspaper The Scottish Sun. He covers every aspect of Scottish Football from the International team to the UEFA Champions League, the Scottish Premier League and the Scottish Football League as well as covering the action at First Touch Football Coaching where his son Paul is learning to play. Kenny recently published his first book "Passport to Europe" in association with Queen of the South Football Club.

Click the link below for some great Irvine Meadow pictures including the build up and action from last Saturday's historical Scottish Cup tie at Easter Road.

HIBERNIAN 3 IRVINE MEADOW 0

2010-01-11T09:00:00.006Z

Active Nation Scottish Cup
4th Round
Easter Road
09-01-10

Meadow Team

Wardrope, Ryan, Lowing, McGowan (Swift), Robertson, Wingate, Strain, Turner (McClymont), Barr, McGinty (Boyle), Hamilton

Subs not used: Hewitt, Cuddihy

Referee: Euan Norris

Photos:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hugh_jarsse/sets/72157623051432789/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jimmymeadow/sets/72157622429281913/

Reports etc:
Daily_Record

News_Of_The_World

The_Sun

Edinburgh_Evening_News

Herald

Scotsman

Next Game: Hibernian v Irvine Meadow

2010-01-05T13:03:00.008Z

HIBERNIAN v IRVINE MEADOW

ACTIVE NATION SCOTTISH CUP

09-01-10

EASTER ROAD, EDINBURGH

After a few weeks lay off due to weather conditions Meadow return to action on Saturday with the much anticipated Scottish Cup tie against SPL side Hibernian at Easter Road.

Evening_Times

Irvine_Times

Scotland_Today_news_[approx._24_mins]

The_Sun

Emirates Scottish Cup 4th Round Draw

2009-12-15T15:49:00.002Z

Meadow were drawn at home to Ayrshire rivals Annbank United in today's Emirates Scottish Cup 4th Round Draw.

The full draw is ...

Blantyre Vics v Bo'ness United

Renfrew v Tayport

Larkhall v Newtongrange Star

Clydebank v Port Glasgow

Linlithgow Rose v Cumnock

East Kilbride or Hill of Beath v Arthurlie

Beith v Maryhill or Forth

Cambuslang Rangers v Rutherglen Glencairn or Johnstone Burgh or Vale of Clyde

Shotts B.A. v Hurlford United

Whitletts Victoria v Forfar W.E.

Irvine Meadow v Annbank United

Kilbirnie Ladeside v Kirkintilloch Rob Roy

Auchinleck Talbot v Dundee Violet

Bathgate Thistle v Glenrothes

Lochee United v Ballingry Rovers

Bonnyrigg v Largs Thistle

Ties to be payed on the 16th January 2010.

Kick Off:1.45pm

Next Game: LANARK UTD v IRVINE MEADOW

2009-12-07T14:54:00.005Z

Stagecoach Super Premier League

Moor Park

12-12-09

Kick-Off: 1.45pm

POSTPONED due to frozen pitch
-

Picture of Moor Park courtesy of Non_League_Scotland

Lanark Utd website

HILLHEAD 0 IRVINE MEADOW 5

2009-12-05T15:19:00.010Z

Emirates Scottish Cup [Round 3]
Keith Park
05-12-09

John Paul Boyle puts Meadow four goals up.

Picture thanks to Kochice

More_photos_here

HILLHEAD 0 MEADOW 5

Scorers: Barr [15 & 57], Hamilton [73], Boyle [78], Jaconelli [90]

Meadow Team

1 Michael Wardrope

2 Zander Ryan

3 Derek Wingate

4 Chris McGowan

5 Chris Robertson

6 Mark Crilly

7 Chris Strain

8 Gareth Turner

9 Richie Barr

10 Brian McGinty

11 David Hamilton

Subs

12 John-Paul Boyle [for McGinty]

14 Emilio Jaconelli [for Barr]

15 David Lowing

16 John Dillon

17 Steven Swift

18 Paul Hilland

GK Brian Hewitt

Referee:
Michael McNab

Assistants:

Alan Stephen

Paul Farquhar

NEXT GAME

2009-12-02T09:06:00.002Z

HILLHEAD v IRVINE MEADOW

Emirates Scottish Cup [Round 3]

Saturday 5th December

Keith Park / Hillhead Centre, Aberdeen

Kick Off 1.45pm

Meadow travel to Aberdeen to face Hillhead in the Emirates Scottish Cup 3rd round this Saturday.

http://hillheadfc.co.uk

Above photo of Keith Park courtesy of

http://nonleaguescotland.co.uk

Active Nation Scottish Cup 4th Round Draw

2009-12-01T08:45:00.006Z

Meadow were awarded a glamour tie in the 4th round of the Scottish Cup when they were paired with SPL high fliers Hibernian in yesterday's draw. After making history on Saturday by becoming the first junior side to beat senior league opponents Meadow made another little bit of history being the first junior side to face a team from the top league.

Ian_McQueen_interview

IRVINE MEADOW 1 ARBROATH 0

2009-11-30T14:20:00.006Z

Active Nation Scottish Cup [Round 3]
Meadow Park, Irvine 28-11-09

[Richie Barr (grounded) makes history as he scores Meadow's winner against Arbroath]

Picture courtesy of Kochice

More pics here

Meadow made history on Saturday when they became the first ever junior side to beat a league side in a competitive match. A Richie Barr goal 10 minutes from half-time was enough to send Meadow into the 4th round and a possible money spinning tie against an SPL team.

MEADOW TEAM:

Wardrope, Swift, McGowan, Robertson, Wingate, Crilly, Strain, Turner, Hamilton, Barr, McGinty

Man of the Match: Gareth Turner

Admission: £10

Programme: £2

Daily_Record

The_Sun

Mud_and_Glory

More to follow ...

NEXT GAME

2009-11-26T15:10:00.005Z

Irvine Meadow v Arbroath

Active Nation Scotish Cup [Round 3]

Saturday 28th November

Kick Off: 1.30

Meadow host a senior league side in a competitive match for the first time ever this Saturday as second division Arbroath visit Meadow Park in the Scottish Cup.

Admission: £10

Concessions: £5

preview_video

PETERSHILL 1 IRVINE MEADOW 4

2009-11-22T15:20:00.003Z

Stagecoach West Super League

22-11-09

New Petershill Park

Meadow Team:

1 Michael Wardrope

2 Steven Swift

3 Derek Wingate

4 Chris McGowan

5 Chris Robertson

6 Mark Crilly

7 Chris Strain

8 Gareth Turner

9 Richie Barr

10 Brian McGinty

11 David Hamilton

Subs:

12 Emilio Jaconelli

14 John-Paul Boyle

15 Zander Ryan

16 John Dillon

17 Stephen Cuddihy

18 Blair McClymont

Gk Brian Hewitt

Meadow scorers:

Barr (15 & 32)

McGinty (53)

Turner (86)

Man of the Match: Barr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kochice/

MEADOW 2 POLLOK 2

2009-11-15T14:13:00.006Z

Stagecoach Super Premier League

14-11-09

Meadow Park, Irvine

Meadow Team:

Wardrope, Swift, Lowing, Wingate, McGowan, Crilly, Strain, Turner, Barr, McGinty, Hamilton

Subs:

Scorers:

Meadow: Hamilton [37], McGinty [60 pen] Pollok: Dingwall [43], Turnbull [86 pen]

David Lowing red card [89]

Meadow man of the match: Lowing

Referee: Greg Aitken

More pics courtesy of Kochice:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kochice

GOALS

2009-11-10T12:05:00.002Z

BELLSHILL 1 IRVINE MEADOW 2

The Matt Busby Centre, Belshill

Stagecoach Super Premier League

07-11-09

Meadow Team:

Wardrope, Swift, Robertson, McGowan, Wingate, Strain, Crilly, Turner, Hamilton, Barr, Jaconelli

Goals: Strain 2 mins

Robertson [pen] 55 mins

Man of the Match: Robertson

IRVINE MEADOW 3 MUSSELBURGH ATHLETIC 0

2009-10-25T20:28:00.008Z

The Emirates Scottish Cup
Meadow Park, Irvine
31-10-09

Meadow played their first game at home in 8 weeks and were celebrating at the final whistle after a great 3-0 win over their East Region rivals. The visitors started off the better side and Meadow were struggling to keep up with their crisp passing. In the first few minutes Burgh's Mattu King had a good run from deep inside the Meadow half which ended with Meadow keeper Michael Wardrope tipping his well hit shot just over the bar. Meadow were still struggling to get into the game and a slack pass back was nearly intercepted by a visiting forward. Luckily Wardrope in the Meadow goal was alert and raced well outside his box to clear the danger upfield where Chris Strain ran onto the clearance and hit a first time shot from outside the box. Burgh keeper Renton got down well to parry the shot but John Paul Boyle was quick to follow up and head the ball into the net for the opening goal. Chris Strain almost doubled the lead minutes later when his cross cum shot hit the bar before being gathered by Renton. Meadow were far more comfortable now and Burgh would have been happy to go in at half-time just the one goal down.

HALF-TIME: 1-0

The second hald followed much the same pattern as the first with Meadow dominating but they did survive a scare when Chris King headed powerfully towards goal with Wardrope diving the wrong way. Fortunately the keeper somehow managed to claw the ball away magnificently with his left hand. After this escape Meadow seemed to step up a gear and they doubled their lead in 82 minutes when good work from Jaconelli outside the box allowed Mcginty a run down the right hand side before his low cross found Hamilton in the box. The midfielder then played the ball to Jaconelli who gave the keeper no chance from close range. The victory was sealed in injury time when Crilly was fouled in the box and McGinty stepped up to send the keeper the wrong way from the spot. All in all a very good performance and result in a game which many predicted would be a real chalenge for Meadow.

Meadow Team:

Wardrope, Swift, Wingate, McGowan, Robertson, Crilly, Strain, Turner, Barr, Boyle, Hamilton

Subs:

Jaconelli for Boyle [13]

Dillon for McGowan [73]

McGinty for Barr [81]

Meadow Man of the Match: David Hamilton

Referee: Don Robertson

Assistant 1: Michael McGrath

Assistant 2: Peter Hefford

Admission: £5

Programme: £1

Some_Pics

http://www.musselburghathletic.com/

2009-10-25T13:11:00.006Z

SELKIRK 0 IRVINE MEADOW 3

Active Nation Scottish Cup [Round 2]

24-10-09

Yarrow Park, Selkirk

Meadow Team:

Wardrope, Wingate, Lowing, McGowan, Robertson, Turner, Strain, McGinty, Barr, Boyle, Dillon

Subs:

Crilly for Lowing

Jaconelli for Boyle

Cuddihy for Barr

- Goals:

Wingate [15]

Barr [65]

Barr [86]

Dillon missed penalty [22]

Man of the Match: Wingate

Sunday_Mail_report_here

Referee: Iain Craig

Assistant 1: Michael Wilson

Assistant 2: Robert Thomson

Admission: £5

Programme: £1

More photos [click links below]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/33549333@N08/sets/72157622533483473/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/imxifc/photos/album/1265876314/pic/list

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hugh_jarsse/sets/72157622530441977/

2009-10-16T10:36:00.005+01:00

DARVEL 0 IRVINE MEADOW 2
New Coins Automatic West of Scotland Cup
Recreation Park, Darvel
17-10-09

Meadow Team:

Wardrope, Ryan, Lowing, McGowan, Robertson, Wingate, Strain, Hamilton, Barr, Jaconelli, Dillon

-
Subs:

Boyle for Jaconelli : Turner for Ryan : Haggarty for Lowing
-

This was possibly the most one sided game you will ever witness but once again Meadow's failure to take their chances coupled by an inspired display by the Darvel goalkeeper kept the scoreline down. Meadow will be hoping that the strikers can find their scoring boots for the 2 upcoming Scottish Cup ties.
-

Goals: Barr [57] and Boyle [67]

Referee: Graham McNeillie
Assistants : N/A
-

Admission: £5

Programme: n/a

More match photos:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hugh_jarsse/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/imxifc/photos/album/252604219/pic/list
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2009-10-11T13:45:00.006+01:00

ARTHURLIE 2 IRVINE MEADOW 1

Stagecoach Super Premier League West

Dunterlie Park, Barrhead

10-10-09

Meadow Team:

Wardrope, Ryan, Lowing, McGowan, Robertson, Wingate, Strain, Turner, Barr, McGinty, Hamilton

Subs:

Boyle for Strain

Haggarty for Turner

Dillon for Lowing

Meadow Goal: Robertson [38]

MOTM: Chris Robertson

Referee: Des Roache

Assistant 1: Don Flannagan

Assistant 2: David White

Admision: £5

Programme: £1

2009-10-01T09:00:00.007+01:00

BANKFOOT ATHLETIC 0 IRVINE MEADOW 1

Emirates Scottish Cup

Coronation Park, Bankfoot

03-09-09

- Meadow Team:
Hewitt, Wingate, McGowan, Swift, Robertson, Hamilton, Strain, Turner, Boyle, McGinty, Lowing

-

Subs:
Wild for Swift
Barr for Boyle
Jaconelli for McGinty
-

Goal: Strain [42]

Man of the Match: Lowing

Admission: £5
Programme: N/A
-

-

Last 2 photos thanks to:

http://nonleaguescotland.co.uk/region/east/central.htm

More photos : click_here

and below

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kochice/sets/72157622513290628/

and also here

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hugh_jarsse/

Chris Strain's goal, thanks to Hughjarsse.

Active Nation Scottish Cup [Round 2]

2009-10-01T08:50:00.002+01:00

The draw has been made for the 2nd round of the 'Active Nation Scottish Cup' and Meadow are on their travels again. After the long journey North to Brora in the last round Meadow are heading to the Borders this time to face East of Scotland League side Selkirk. The full draw with ties to be played on the 24th October is:

Queens Park v Livingston

Nairn County v Elgin City

Fraserburgh or Bonnyrigg Rose v Spartans

Deveronvale v Buckie Thistle or Forres Mechanics

Whitehill Welfare or Wigtown & Bladnoch v Threave Rovers

Inverurie Loco Works v Stranraer

Vale of Leithen v Keith

Forfar Athletic v East Stirlingshire

Cove Rangers v Annan Athletic

Selkirk v Irvine Meadow

Girvan v Clachnacuddin or Wick Academy

Lossiemouth v Albion Rovers

Edinburgh City v Burntisland Shipyard Amateur

Banks O Dee v Montrose

Huntly v Auchinleck Talbot

Civil Service Strollers v Berwick Rangers

2009-09-29T16:01:00.002+01:00

RYAN DAVIDSON
Profile from Goal_Weekly.com

Ex Meadow striker Ryan Davidson is now playing for Dandenong Thunder who currently play in Australia's Victorian Premier League and are managed by ex Rangers player Stuart_Munro.

FULL NAME: Ryan Davidson

BIRTHPLACE: Glasgow, Scotland

BIRTH DATE: 22/9/82

HEIGHT: 180cm

WEIGHT: 11 stone

MARRIED: No

CAR: Audi

OCCUPATION OUTSIDE OF FOOTBALL: Accountant

NICKNAME: Davo

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Hearts

REPRESENTATIVE HONOURS: Played for Scotland Youths 17 times

CHILDHOOD FOOTBALL HERO: Zidane

FAVOURITE O/S PLAYER: Wayne Rooney

FAVOURITE VPL PLAYER: Graham Hockless

FAVOURITE FORMER SOCCEROO: Mark Viduka

FAVOURITE CURRENT SOCCEROO: Scott McDonald

MOST MEMORABLE MATCH AS A PLAYER: Making debut for Hearts at 18

MOST MEMORABLE MATCH AS A FAN: Scotland beating England at Wembley - Don Hutchinson header

MOST MEMORABLE GOAL YOU’VE SCORED: Against Langy last year - 30 yarder in off the bar

EARLIEST FOOTBALL MEMORY: Going to the World Cup Italy ‘90

FUNNIEST MOMENT IN FOOTBALL: Listening to Sterg going on about his glittering NSL career

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT: Not comin to Oz earlier

WORST INJURY: NONEMOST DIFFICULT OPPONENT: Tuguy

FAVOURITE AWAY GROUND: South Melb

SUPERSTITIONS: None

TYPICAL MATCH DAY MEAL:Chicken pasta

WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS: Touch and passing

WHAT ARE YOUR WEAKNESSES: Not sure I have any

FAVOURITE TEAM WHEN GROWING UP: Celtic

FAVOURITE OTHER SPORTS:Horse racing

FAVOURITE OTHER SPORTSPERSON: Roger Federer

FAVOURITE FOODS: Chips and chocolate

FAVOURITE ACTOR/ACTRESS: Megan Gale

HOBBIES: Watchin EPL

FAVOURITE HOLIDAY RESORT: Ibiza

FAVOURITE NIGHTSPOT: Motel

IDEAL DATE: Megan Fox

FAVOURITE TV SHOWS: Home and Away

FAVOURITE MUSIC: Oasis / Dance

FAVOURITE FILM: Pineapple Express

LAST SOCCER SHIRT YOU BOUGHT: Blue Man Utd

FUNNIEST RUMOUR YOU’VE HEARD ABOUT YOURSELF: None

BIGGEST INFLUENCE ON CAREER: Parents

BIGGEST DRAG IN SOCCER: Andy O’Dell training session

FOOTBALL AMBITION: To play for as long as I can

WHICH PERSON IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO MEET? : Alex Ferguson

YOUR TIP FOR THIS YEAR’S VPL: Dandenong Thunder

2009-09-28T13:28:00.010+01:00

BRORA RANGERS 0 IRVINE MEADOW 2

Active Nation Scottish Cup

Dudgeon Park, Brora

26-09-09

Goals either side of half-time gave Meadow victory in their first ever senior Scottish Cup tie. Captain Stephen Swift scored Meadow's first in 42 minutes and John Dillon doubled the lead a few minutes after the interval to secure a historic win.

Meadow Team:

Hewitt, Ryan, Lowing, Swift, Robertson, Hamilton, Strain, Turner, Barr, Boyle, Dillon

Subs: McGinty for Boyle [60]

Wingate for Ryan [64]

Cuddihy for Barr [83]

Goals: Swift [42]

Dillon [48]

Man of the Match: Swift

Admission: £6

Programme: £1

Referee: Bryan Braidwood

Assistant 1: John Johnston

Assistant 2: Hugh Duncan

More pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kochice/
-

100 pics here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/imxifc/photos/album/758462454/pic/list

Transfer News

2009-09-24T13:55:00.002+01:00

Derek Wingate has rejoined Meadow from League rivals Pollok while Paul Hyslop has made the opposite move, rejoining his former club in a straight swap deal. Welcome back Dexy and good luck to Paul.

Next Game: Brora Rangers v Irvine Meadow

2009-09-21T11:23:00.003+01:00

Brora Rangers v Irvine Meadow

Active Nation Scottish Cup 1st Round

Dudgeon Park, Brora

26-09-09

Kick Off : 3pm

Another chapter will be added to the proud history of Irvine Meadow next Saturday when the club takes part in the senior Scottish Cup for the first time ever. A round trip of 500 miles awaits as the team and supporters head to the Highlands for the first round match. Already plans have been made with the official supporters bus leaving The Turf at 7am on Saturday morning while some fans are travelling on the Friday to stop off overnight in Inverness. A few hardy fans have even decided to camp overnight in Brora. Hopefully a good support from Irvine will be rewarded with a victory and a chance of a 2nd round tie against league opposition a prospect.

Dudgeon Park (above and below)

Brora_Rangers_website

Photos thanks to http://nonleaguescotland.co.uk/
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Beith 2 Meadow 1

2009-09-21T10:07:00.004+01:00

Beith 2 Irvine Meadow 1

Stagecoach West Super Premier League

Bellsdale, Beith

19-09-09

Meadow suffered another defeat in their league campaign going down 2-1 to Beith at Bellsdale on Saturday. Meadow were dealt a crushing blow as early as the 6th minute as goalkeeper Michael Wardrope was sent off for a challenege on Beith's Jordam Murch as he chased a long, hopeful ball into the Meadow box. Beith striker Andy Reid then stepped up to fire the resultant penalty past substitute keeper Brain Hewitt. Meadow were then as expected pinned back for the majority of the half without really testing the Meadow keeper until the 40th minute when Beith's John Craig turned on the edge of the box and sent over a cross which evaded everyone and ended up in the Meadow net.

Half-Time: 2-0

As happened last week at Kilbirnie, Meadow came out for the 2nd half looking a different team and it was hard to work out which team was a man short. The visitors forced corner after corner as Beith struggled to get into the game and it was no surprise when Boyle pulled a goal back in the 53rd minute after constant pressure in the Beith box. Meadow went searching for an unlikely equaliser and threw everything at Beith but the home side held out for a good victory. This really was a Jekyll and Hyde performance from Meadow who need to sort out their discipline if they are to be chasing the honours at the season's end.

Full Time: 2-1

Meadow Team: Wardrope, Swift, Lowing, Wild, Robertson, Hamilton, Ryan ,Turner, Barr, Boyle, Dillon

Subs: Hewitt for Wild (6)

Haggarty for Turner (71)

Strain for Haggarty (74)

Meadow MOTM: Swift

Referee: Greg Aitken

Assistant 1: Calum Haswell

Assiatant 2: William Dyer

Admission: £5

Programme: £1

YouTube highlights thanks to Black and White Dynamite

More Photos:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/beith_juniors/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/imxifc/photos/album/301777602/pic/list

Next Game: Beith v Meadow

2009-09-14T14:35:00.003+01:00

BEITH v IRVINE MEADOW

Stagecoach West Super Premier League

Bellsdale, Beith

19-09-09

Kick Off: 2pm

Meadow visit the Garnock Valley for the 2nd Saturday in a row when they play Beith in a Super Premier League match at Bellsdale. This game was originally scheduled to take place on August 22nd but was postponed due to the Marymass Festival. The clubs have already met this season in the Ardagh Cup Semi Final at Meadow Park where Meadow ran out 5-0 winners. Beith however will be out to prove that they are better than that scoreline suggests particularly as they were the only club to do the League double over the eventual champions last season. Saturday's game has all the makings of a classic.

Arsenal To Play In Junior Cup?

2009-09-14T14:21:00.004+01:00

Hugh MacDonald, sports writer with Glasgow based newspaper The Herald wrote a tongue-in-cheek piece about Junior football in his Saturday column (12-09-09). While the article did pander to the stereotypical blood and guts image some people have of Junior football surely nobody would take offence. Well it seems some fans have done just that and have been in touch with The Herald to defend the Junior game's honour. Are they right in doing so or are they being just a bit over sensitive. Judge for yourself ...

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Hugh MacDonald on Saturday – will Arsenal play in the new Emirates Junior Cup?
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Published on 12 Sep 2009

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First, an exclusive.

Arsenal will not play in this year’s Scottish Junior Cup. There had been speculation that the London club would take part as the venerable trophy is now the Emirates Junior Cup. Club and cup thus share a sponsor.
But Arsenal have baulked at joining the tournament, citing fixture overload and primal fear.  “I know we are called the Gunners,” said Arsene Winder, the club coach, “but we need to be called the  Anti-Ballistic Missiles before we enter that theatre of conflict,  I mean, competition.”
As his chairman, Julian Patton, slapped him on the face and told him to be a man, Mr Winder continued: “Would you like to go to Dunipace on a cold night in Tuesday?” Having been informed that no-one would like to go to Dunipace even on sunny days when the money fairy was handing out £20 notes, Mr Winder continued:  “I came up on a reconnaissance, sorry, scouting mission and watched a Junior match. The teams were very attacking. In fact, I would say they were completely offensive, as were their fans.”
Mr Winder added: “I did not know the F word could be used as a noun, a verb, an adjective, a term of abuse, a term of endearment, as a greeting, as a farewell, and as a snack to be consumed at half-time.”
Mr Winder would not reveal the teams he watched. For legal reasons. But he admitted he has seen DVDs of Junior football. Or snuff movies as they are otherwise known. “Yes,” he said. “I have looked at Kirkintilloch Red Raw, Dundee Violent, Cambuslang Stranglers, Auchinleck Pallbearers, Irvine Madmen and Lochee Harpoonists.
“They have an unusual form of football. As if the ball only is witnessed in an existential sense, as if the game exists as an allegory to life, in that the struggle is all that matters and the result is preordained and unavoidable. That or they are just dirty sods.”
Mr Winder, warming to his theme, said: “In French we say that teams do a good game. These players give the game a good doing.”
Arsenal have been known for using lesser competitions to give youngsters an opportunity but the coach said: “Yes, we do like to blood youngsters, but not literally.”
The youth teams were forced to watch a series of Junior cup ties. One Brazilian youngster, Chic (believed to be named after Charnley of that ilk) was moved by what he saw. He left the room.
“Yes, it was, how you say, an experience for me. But I cannot say that it was a good one. In the favelas we played tough, but this was an affront to all that is good about football This was, how you say, a plook on the face on the beautiful game. If this was football on sand, it would have to be played on Omaha beach in 1944.”
He also revealed that Winder had called for volunteers to play in the tournament. “There was the silence,” he said, though he added it was interrupted by the odd sob. “But Mr Winder has a great integrity. He told the chairman that we were not cowards, just conscientious objectors. And, believe me, I am very conscientious about not playing with these madmen.”
A spokesman for the Junior clubs would not comment officially. But an insider, speaking from Barlinnie where he is serving a sentence for an over-zealous tackle, said: “It is a shame. We were looking for new blood. In fact, we were just looking for blood. But new blood would have been nicer.”
Winder, though, believed his opponents would have been looking for legs, ankles and “how you say, the very upper groin”.
A film buff (he watches movies nude) Mr Winder said: “If Junior football, she was a motion picture, it would be Brigadoon mixed with the Talbot Chainsaw Massacre. The script would be minimalist but the soundtrack would resonate to the hum of snapping tendons. But only such a prospect can exist in the diseased imagination, say that of an Ayrshire centre-half.”
Arsenal have been roughed up in recent seasons by the likes of Hull City and Stoke but Winder said: “This is another level entirely. This is like going from a playground scuffle to a cage match where the referee he is a ravenous lion.”
Fergie, meanwhile, has told Junior clubs to come and have a go if they think they are hard enough.

You can email your comments to ... sportletters@heraldandtimes.co.uk

Kilbirnie 1 Meadow 3

2009-09-14T12:52:00.004+01:00

KILBIRNIE LADESIDE 1 IRVINE MEADOW 3

Stagecoach West of Scotland League Super Premier Division

12-09-09

Valefield, Kilbirnie

Meadow got back to winning ways after 3 defeats in a row but the Champions had to do it the hard way. Meadow were looking to avenge the recent Ardagh Cup defeat against Ladeside and certainly looked a bit more up for it this time. Both teams created chances in the first half without really troubling the goalkeepers but the home team did take the lead in the 38th minute with a cracking shot into the top left corner.

Half Time: 1-0

Meadow came out looking more determined in the 2nd half and got the equaliser in the 57th minute when a Richie Barr shot from just inside the box seemed to take a deflection and ended up in the back of the net. This should have settled Meadow but 4 minutes later they were on the end of a shocking refereeing decision. Stevie Docherty who had replaced Gareth Turner at half time challenged for a high ball in midfield. It looked like a solid but fair challenge however referee Barry Cook thought otherwise and stunned everyone in the ground by showing the Meadow midfielder a straight red card a decision that the Meadow management must surely appeal against. Meadow though to their credit used the sense of injustice to their advantage and just 3 minutes later took the lead through a well placed Zander Ryan effort. Again the referee was at the centre of attention when he ordered Meadow coach George Watt from the dugout after allegedly gesturing to a loudmouth in the crowd. Meadow wrapped up a much needed 3 points in the 74th minute when Frank Haggarty found himself in plenty of space to shoot calmly past Ladeside keeper Paul McCann.

Meadow Team:

Wardrope, Swift, Lowing, Crilly, Robertson, Dillon, Ryan, Turner, Barr, McGinty, Haggarty

Subs: Docherty for Turner, Wild for McGinty, Boyle for Swift

Blog Man Of The Match: Haggarty

Referee: Barry Cook

Assistant 1: John Baillie

Assistant 2: William Dyer

Admission: £5

Programme: N/A

More photos: here

Brora Rangers v Irvine Meadow

2009-09-11T15:23:00.002+01:00

From IRVINE_TIMES

click image to enlarge

Meadow Squad 2009-10

2009-09-11T15:11:00.002+01:00

Irvine Meadow Squad 2009-2010

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Front: Hamilton, McGinty, Wardrope, Robertson, Hewitt, Hyslop, Wild

Middle: McColl (Assistant Manager), Black (Physio), Boyle, McGowan, Crilly, Lowing, Dillon, Jaconelli, Ryan, Smythe (Physio), Watt (Coach)

front: Haggarty, Barr, Dochrty, Strain (Manager), Turner, Strain, Swift

Photo from: IRVINE_HERALD

Next Game : Kilbirnie v Meadow [12-09-09]

2009-09-07T18:08:00.003+01:00

KILBIRNIE LADESIDE v IRVINE MEADOW

Stagecoach West of Scotland League Super League Premier Division

Valefield, Kilbirnie

12-09-09

Kick Off: 2pm

----------------

Meadow travel to their North Ayrshire rivals on Saturday hoping to get back on track after 3 succesive defeats including that 1-0 reverse against Ladeside in the Ardagh Cup two weeks ago.

Meadow 1 Petershill 2

2009-09-06T14:23:00.006+01:00

Irvine Meadow 1 Petershill 2

Stagecoach West of Scotland League Super Premier Division

Meadow Park, Irvine

05-09-09

Meadow suffered their 3rd defeat in a row when they lost 1-2 to Glasgow rivals Petershill in another poor match on Saturday. Paul McBride put the Peasies ahead in 35 minutes when he took advantage of hesitency on the edge of the Meadow box to shoot home off the far post. Neither keeper was seriously troubled for the rest of the first half as Meadow once again ran out of ideas in the final third of the field. Gareth Turner showed the way to goal in the 57th minute to fire a cracking shot home from the edge of the box. Meadow were in control for the first time in the match now and David Hamilton just failed to connect with a superb Turner cross moments later and the ball was cleared for a corner kick. Gradually 'Hill started to come back into it a bit but it was still a shock when James Coulter scored his side's second with a long range shot into the top corner in 70 minutes. Meadow were up against it now and the cause wasn't helped when striker Emilio Jaconelli was shown a straight red card for throwing a punch at the Petershill goalie who some fans thought was lucky to only escape with a yellow card himself. Meadow still looked as if they could sneak a second equalizer but after substitute Frankie Haggarty was also shown the red card for a 2nd booking there was no way back.
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Meadow team:
Wardrope, Ryan, Wild McGowan, Robertson, Crilly, Strain, Turner, Barr, Jaconelli, Hamilton
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Subs used: Dillon, Boyle and Haggarty
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Goal: Turner: 57
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Red Cards: Jaconelli and Haggarty
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Man of the Match: Gareth Turner
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Ref: Iain Craig
Assistant 1: Howard Wilkin
Assistant 2: Peter Hefford
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Admission £5
Programme £1
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Homecoming Scottish Cup draw

2009-09-03T16:10:00.003+01:00

Meadow were handed an away trip to the Highlands to meet Brora Rangers in the Scottish Homecoming Cup first round which was drawn today. The game which will be played on 26th September will be Meadow's first ever game in the senior Scottish Cup.

FACTFILE:
BRORA RANGERS
Formed: 1878 (joined Highland League in 1962)
Nickname: The Cattachs
Ground: Dudgeon Park (above) Colours: Red & White
Highest Attendance: 2000 (v Celtic 1996)
Website: http://www.brorarangers.co.uk/

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Brora is approx. 250 miles North East of Irvine.
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Next Game: Meadow v Petershill

2009-09-02T16:16:00.000+01:00

IRVINE MEADOW v PETERSHILL

Stagecoach Super League Premier Division

Meadow Park, Irvine

05-09-09

Kick Off : 2pm

Meadow welcome Petershill to Meadow Park this coming Saturday knowing that a good performance will be needed if we are to get back to winning ways. Petershill got off to a bad start in their league campaign going down 2-4 at home to Arthurlie. Many people thought they would struggle this season as they lost a lot of players during the close season but they have come back well and won their next 2 league games against Lanark Utd and Bellshill to sit 3rd in the league with 6 points from 3 games.

Recent games between the 2 sides have been very close and both league games last season ended in 1-1 draws. Zander Ryan scored Meadow's goal in the first game at Meadow Park while Andy McLaren, who is no longer with the club scored our goal in the return fixture.

Petershill currently have 2 ex-Meadow players in their squad, defender Kevin McBride who left Meadow Park to join the 'Hill this close season and striker Stephen McGowan who left Meadow in season 2007-08 to join Neilston before moving on to Petershill.

FACT FILE:

PETERSHILL FOOTBALL CLUB

Formed: 1897

Nickname : The Peasy

Home Ground: Petershill Park

Colours: Maroon & White

Manager: Stevie Easton

Petershill have won the Scottish Junior Cup 5 times between 1912 and 1956.

They have also won the West of Scotland Cup 5 times, between 1952 and 2007.

The 1951 Scottish Junior Cup Final between Meadow and Petershill at Hampden Park attracted

a record crowd of 77,650.

http://www.petershillfc.co.uk/

Emirates Scottish Cup draw

2009-09-01T13:00:00.005+01:00

Meadow were handed an away tie to Bankfoot Athletic in today's Emirates Scottish Cup first round draw. The match will be played on 3rd October with a 3pm kick off.

FACTFILE:
BANKFOOT ATHLETIC
Ground: Coronation Park
Formed: 1919
Nickname: The Bankies
Manager: Robin Wood

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bankfoot_Athletic_F.C.

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The Bankies currently play in the Whyte & Mackay East Region league.
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Coronation Park photo thanks to http://nonleaguescotland.co.uk/
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Full Emirates Scottish Cup draw:
Johnstone Burgh v Lochee Harp
Harthill Royal v Camelon
Bellshill Athletic v Culter
Glenafton Athletic v Kilbirnie Ladeside
Stonehaven v Livingston United
Lossiemouth United v Arbroath Victoria
Newmains United v Banchory St Ternan
Oakley United v Sunnybank
Inverness City v Kelty Hearts
Kirkcaldy YM v Jeanfield Swifts
Troon v Benburb
Beith v Cumbernauld United
Rutherglen Glencairn v Luncarty
Pollok v Kirriemuir Thistle
Greenock v Whitburn
Scone Thistle v Parkvale
Edinburgh United v Penicuik
Aberdeen East End v Shettleston
Whitehills v Forfar Albion
Lugar Boswell Thistle v Glenrothes
Kinnoul v Hill O' Beath Hawthorn
Bankfoot Athletic v Irvine Meadow XI
New Elgin v Auchinleck Talbot
Bonnyrigg Rose v Dunbar United
East Kilbride Thistle v Cruden Bay
Crossgates Primrose v Dufftown
Spartans v Larkhall Thistle
Largs Thistle v Coupar Angus
Hermes v Whitletts Victoria
Banks O' Dee v Blantyre Victoria
Dundee East Craigie v Carnoustie Panmure
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Scottish Junior Cup : New Sponsors

2009-09-01T12:32:00.003+01:00

EMIRATES Airlines were today (1st September) unveiled as the new sponsors of the Scottish Junior Cup.

Full Story ...

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/display.var.2528598.0.0.php

Meadow 1 Largs 3

2009-08-31T14:08:00.005+01:00

IRVINE MEADOW 1 LARGS THISTLE 3

Stagecoach Super League Premier Division

Meadow Park, Irvine

29-08-09

Meadow team:
Wardrope, Ryan, Lowing, Swift, McGowan, Crilly, Strain, Docherty, Barr, Jaconelli, Turner
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Subs: Boyle for Ryan (63), Hamilton for Crilly (67), Haggarty for Strain (82)
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Scorers:
Meadow: Barr (12)
Largs: Monaghan (14)
Black (26)
Jamieson (86)
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Meadow M.O.T.M: Crilly

Admission: £5
Programme : £1

Referee : Ross Haswell
Assistant 1 : Craig King
Assistant 2 : Donnie MacKinnon
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Lots more photos here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/imxifc/photos/album/774817101/pic/list

Next Game : Meadow v Largs

2009-08-27T13:05:00.000+01:00

IRVINE MEADOW v LARGS THISTLE
Stagecoach West of Scotland League Super League Premier Division
Meadow Park, Irvine
29-08-09
Kick Off : 2pm
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Meadow will be looking to get back to winning ways when they entertain Premier League newcomers Largs Thistle on Saturday. Thistle, who won the Super League Division One last season have had a great start to their league campaign and proudly sit top of the table after wins over Lanark Utd (2-1) and Rob Roy (1-0). There were no corresponding fixtures between the teams last season.

One Largs player who will be familiar to Meadow fans is goalkeeper Stevie Connick (above) who spent 6 seasons at Meadow Park before joining his hometown club in season 2004-05.

The Largs Thistle squad 2009-10.

LINKS

http://www.largsthistle.org.uk/

http://largsthistle.blogspot.com/

Irvine Meadow NEW MERCHANDISE

2009-08-24T17:59:00.005+01:00

There is a new range of club merchandise now available for purchase. All items can be bought at every home game. If you can't attend the games and would like to buy any items contact me through the blog and I'll see what I can do.

Irvine Meadow pin badge ... £3

Irvine Meadow scarf ... £6

Old style home top ... £5

Irvine Meadow printed mug ... £5

Old style away top ... £5

Also available ...

Mousemats ...£7.50

Personalised Meadow greetings cards ... £3.50

Older style home & away replica tops ... £5

New home & away replica tops ... £25 (adult)/£15 (child)**

Meadow golf umbrellas ... COMING SOON

** Orders Only**

Meadow 0 Kilbirnie 1

2009-08-22T08:54:00.009+01:00

IRVINE MEADOW 0 KILBIRNIE LADESIDE 1

Ardagh Cup Semi Final

Meadow Park, Irvine

25-08-09

Meadow's unbeaten run stretching back to April came to a halt last night as they were beaten 1-0 by North Ayrshire rivals Kilbirnie Ladeside. A 32nd minute Alain Kinney goal was the difference between the teams and sent Ladeside into the final of the Ardagh Cup where they will play either Craigmark Burntonians or Cumnock.

Meadow team: Wardrope, Ryan, Lowing, Swift, Robertson, Crilly, Strain, Turner, Barr, Boyle, Hamilton.
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Subs: Jaconelli for Barr [61]

McGowan for Lowing [78]

McGinty for Strain [83]

Referee : Don Robertson

Assistant 1 : James Carberry
Assistant 2 : Don MacKinnon

Admission : £5

Programme : N/A

More photos at http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/imxifc

Irvine Vics 0 Meadow 1

2009-08-20T15:43:00.006+01:00

Irvine Victoria 0 Irvine Meadow 1

Marymass Cup

Victoria Park, Irvine
21-08-09

Meadow team: Hewitt, Wild, Lowing, Swift, McGowan, Docherty, Boyle, Turner, Barr, McGinty, Hyslop

Subs: Robertson, Strain, Ryan

Scorer: Boyle [2 mins]

MOTM : McGowan

Referee: Colin Steven

Admission : £5

Programme : £1

Support The Medda

2009-08-20T15:30:00.003+01:00

GET RIGHT BEHIND THE LEAGUE CHAMPS

A leading Irvine Meadow fan has called on the people of the town to support the team as it embarks on an historic season. Committee member Robert Jeffrey points out that these are exciting times at Meadow Park with the team defending it's Premier League crown and taking part in the senior Scottish Cup for the first time. "It's great but we need more support" said Robert. "We have a tremendous away support with buses full and fans travelling in cars but we need to get more people through the gates at home." Meadow are also appealing to businessmen and ordinary individuals to help sponsor the club. "There are various ways to help, from individual sponsorships and membership of the 200 club right through to shirt sponsorships" he added. Contact any committee member if you are interested but above all support the Meadow.

From Irvine_Herald

Dunky Black : Award

2009-08-20T14:36:00.003+01:00

From the Irvine_Herald

IRVINE ROTARY

President Alex Lumsden introduced a sporting theme on Monday at the Rotary Club of Irvine's meeting, when Ronnie Young presented Community Service awards to two men with a total of over 100 years of service to sport in Irvine.

Archie McCallum, President of Irvine Cricket Club, has been a batsman, club captain and most recently has focussed on fundraising via the successful annual dinner in March of each year.

In receiving the award, Archie gave credit to the ground keeper, the match secretary and of course the captain and team.

Duncan Black, better known as 'Wee Dunky' has served Irvine Meadow as team physio for 45 years, under 21 managers. Duncan is a much respected figure in junior football, particularly proud of Meadow's last great cup winning season and a good start to this season with prospects in the Scottish Cup qualifiers.

There was also time to reminisce on players of the past such as Eric Morris and Hugh O'Brien.

President Alex thanked both gentlemen for their tremendous commitment to sport in our community and also to George Donaldson for producing elegant certificates.

See Irvine_Herald for picture of Duncy receiving his award.

This might not be the only award that Duncy will be receiving as a group of Meadow fans have contacted their MP requesting that 'The Pyhsio' is recognised in the Queen's awards.

Meadow 5 Beith 0

2009-08-20T11:21:00.012+01:00

IRVINE MEADOW 5 BEITH 0

Ardagh Cup Quarter Final

Meadow Park

19-08-09

Both teams went into this quarter final tie on the back of comfortable wins at the weekend. Beith were looking to avenge last season's 4-1 defeat at the same stage last year while Meadow were looking to put one over the only team to do the league double over them last season. It took a while for the game to get going as both teams looked to struggle against the wind and rain but Beith began to take a grip of the midfield and managed to create a few half chances which didn't trouble Michael Wardrope in the Meadow goal. Meadow were resorting to long balls in a bid to combat the conditions but these tactics weren't working and it was Beith who had the best two chances of the half. First Wardrope had to dive full length to turn a well hit free kick round his right post and minutes later he had to be alert to tip a close range effort over the bar. There was little other action and very few chances before referee Anderson blew his whistle for half time.

HT: MEADOW 0 BEITH 0

The 2nd half started in much the same way as the first half ended with Beith having most of the play but in the 57th minute it was all change. John-Paul Boyle replaced the injured Brian McGinty in the Meadow attack and with his very first touch of the ball he put Meadow in front. Determined play from Richie barr in the Beith half saw Meadow put the visitors under pressure and as the ball broke to Stevie Docherty he hit a cracking shot from the edge of the box which keeper Ross done brilliantly to parry. The rebound fell to Barr 8 yards out and again Ross blocked the striker's shot. This time Boyle was first to the ball and he made no mistake from 6 yards. Ten minutes later Meadow doubled their lead and again it was all started by Richie Barr. The striker collected the ball on the half-way line and superbly held off a defender before releasing Strain down the right. The midfielder was given plenty of space to drive forward before releasing Boyle down the wing and his first time cross was headed into his own net by ex Meadow player Derek McCulloch. Meadow were in control now and a great turn and pass by Boyle found Strain in the box and his fierce shot gave Ross no chance. Beith were dead and buried now and there cause was done no favours when midfielder Spence was shown the red card for throwing a punch at Strain who was also shown a yellow card along with goalkeeper Ross. Things got even worse for Beith just 2 minutes later when a Wardrope kick out was headed on by Hamilton to Barr who played a neat one-two with the midfielder before scoring with a low shot from 20 yards. Meadow still weren't finished and in the 83rd minute a long clearance from Robertson deep in his own half found Barr in the clear who took the ball wide round the keeper before passing to Boyle who slotted home to complete the rout. This might have been the last goal but it wasn't the last of the action as keeper Ross was then shown a second yellow card for throwing the ball at the celebrating Meadow players. McCulloch took over in goals as 9 man Beith managed to see out the final 7 minutes without incurring any more damage.

FT: MEADOW 5 BEITH 0
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MEADOW TEAM:

Wardrope, Ryan, Lowing, Swift, Robertson, Docherty, Strain, Turner, Barr, McGinty, Hamilton

Subs: Boyle for McGinty

McGowan for Robertson

Hyslop for Strain

MOTM : JP Boyle. Scored 2 goals and was involved in another 2.

Referee: Euan Anderson

Assistants: Steven Kirkland & Alex Sands

Admission: £5

Programme: N/A

More photos at http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/imxifc

Even more at http://www.flickr.com/photos/beith_juniors/

You Tube highlights courtesy of Black & White Dynamite

http://www.beithjuniorsfc.com/

Meadow 2 Rob Roy 0

2009-08-14T08:02:00.006+01:00

Irvine Meadow 2 Kirkintilloch Rob Roy 0

Stagecoach West of Scotland League Super League Premier Division

Meadow Park, Irvine

15-08-09

Meadow got off to a great start in the defence of the League trophy with a 2-0 home win over a team who caused us all sorts of problems last season. Rob Roy probably started slightly better without troubling Wardrope in the Meadow goal. Both teams were playing some nice football though on the perfect playing surface and in 22 minutes Meadow made the break through. Gareth Turner was fouled as he turned at the edge of the box and up stepped Zander Ryan to fire in the free kick which somehow the keeper allowed to hit the net despite looking to get his body behind the ball. Meadow were on top now as they looked to get a killer second but the big talking point before half-time was a red card for the Rab's number 9 Docherty for raising his hands during a skirmish with Gareth Turner.

HALF-TIME: 1-0

The second half followed the same pattern with Meadow having most of the ball and it was no surprise when they doubled their lead early on. A high ball to Jaconelli was brilliantly headed down by Jaconelli to McGinty out on the right. His ball into the box bobbled around before reaching Strain 14 yards out and his powerful half volley gave the keeper no chance. Jaconelli himself looked to have made it 3 but his effort rattled the bar before being cleared and then David Hamilton headed over the bar from close range as Meadow went looking for a 3rd goal. After this Rob Roy had a good spell but again didn't really trouble the Meadow goal and it was the home side who finished the game on top with some lovely attacking moves. Emilio Jaconelli who had only returned to the team today gave Meadow their only real worry of the day when he pulled up late in the game holding his hamstring which had been giving him concern recently. Apart from this Meadow wil be delighted to get off to a winning start and keeping a clean sheet in the process.

Meadow team:

Wardrope, Ryan, Lowing, Swift, Robertson, Crilly, Strain, Turner, McGinty, Jaconelli, Hamilton

Subs: Docherty (Hamilton), Haggarty (McGinty), Hyslop (Jaconelli)

Goals: Ryan, Strain

MOTM: Strain

Admission: £5

Programme: £1

Irvine Meadow 1 Saltcoats Vics 0

2009-08-12T10:47:00.012+01:00

IRVINE MEADOW 1 SALTCOATS VICTORIA 0

Ardagh Glass Cup [Section]

Meadow Park, Irvine

12-08-09

Meadow team:

Wardrope, Ryan, Lowing, Swift, Robertson, Crilly, Strain, Docherty, McGinty, Hyslop, Turner.

Subs: Boyle for McGinty

Walker for Strain

Scorer: McGinty (45)

Strain missed penalty (37)

Man Of The Match : Chris Robertson

Referee: Kevin Grahame

Assistants: Fiona Morton & Alex Sands

Admission: £5

Programme: N/A

Irvine Vics 1 Irvine Meadow 2

2009-08-09T11:51:00.017+01:00

IRVINE VICS 1 IRVINE MEADOW 2

Ardagh Glass Cup [Section]

Victoria Park, Irvine

08-08-09

Meadow secured their place in the quarter finals of the Ardagh Glass Cup with a narrow victory over their local rivals. Chris Strain was forced to field a changed side due to injuries and it took the team a while to settle. After a flat opening it was Vics who took the lead when ex Meadow player Rod Lennox's free kick took a wicked deflection and ended up in the net. The lead was short lived however and 5 minutes later Richie Barr got on the end of a cross from the left and his looping header beat the Vics keeper to bring Meadow level. Both teams were struggling to create much in the way of clear cut chances and it looked as if it would be level at the break but 2 minutes before the whistle a good passing move by Meadow on the edge of the box ended with Chris Strain getting the ball clear in the Vics box. Just as he was about to shoot he was clipped by a defender and the referee correctly pointed to the penalty spot. Frank Haggerty stepped up to take the kick and blast the ball past the Vics keeper.

HALF TIME : 1-2

The second half was much the same although Vics probably just shaded it on chances created. It looked as if it was all square again in the 53rd minute when a Vics corner was headed home at the back post but the assistant referee chopped the goal off as the ball had swung out of play from the corner kick. There were a few half chances for both sides but the game had become a midfield battle by now and it was left to the referee to provide most of the further talking points. In 79 minutes Meadow's Mark Crilly was shown a second yellow card for pulling an opponent's shirt, an offence that no-one except the referee saw. Three minutes later Meadow were down to 10 men when goal scorer Barr was shown a straight red after colliding with the goalkeeper going for a 50/50 ball. Still the referee wasn't finished and with 4 minutes to go Sean Kennedy of Vics was also harshly red carded again for pulling an opponent's shirt. This was the last of the action except for a free kick to Vics 20 yards out which was easily saved by Hewitt in the Meadow goal.

Meadow Team:

Hewitt, Ryan, Lowing, Swift, Wild, Crilly, Strain, Haggerty, Barr, Boyle, Dillon

Subs: Hyslop for Dillon

Sent Off: Crilly & Barr
-

MOTM: Frank Haggarty

Referee: Chris Wake

Assistants: Andy Johnstone & Robert McPhee

Admission: £5

Programme: £1

Meadow 4 Hurlford 0

2009-08-06T13:30:00.003+01:00

IRVINE MEADOW 4 HURLFORD UNITED 0

Ardagh Glass Cup [Section]

Meadow Park, Irvine

05-08-09

Meadow gained revenge for last season's defeat by Hurlford in a hard fought win. The final score looks comfortable enough but Meadow found their opponents well organised and hard to break down until Zander Ryan finally broke the deadlock with a stunning strike in 35 minutes after great work from Emilio Jaconelli deep in his own half. Hurlford's spirit seemed to be broken by this goal and right on the stroke of half-time defender Chris Robertson, playing against his former club doubled Meadow's lead with a thumping header.

HALF TIME : 2-0

Meadow started the second hald where they left off and were playing some nice football now and it was no surprise when 10 minutes after half-time midfielder David Hamilton put the game well out of Hurlford's reach with Meadow's third and four minutes later Jaconelli finishd the scoring with his 5th goal in three competitive games. Meadow saw the last half hour out comfortably and the players will be glad to have got this hard 90 minutes under their belts. Only concern for Meadow was a head knock to defender Chris McGowan at the 2nd goal which required stitches.

Meadow Team : Wardrope, Ryan, Lowing, McGowan, Robertson, Crilly, Hyslop, Turner, Boyle, Jaconelli, Hamilton. [Subs: Wild for McGowan: Barr for Jaconelli: Strain for Boyle]

Goals: Ryan (35), Robertson (45), Hamilton (55), Jaconelli (59)

Meadow M.O.T.M. David Hamilton

Referee : Greg Aitken

Assistants : Joseph Lawson and Alex Sands

Admission : £5

Programme : N/A

Meadow Squad 2009-2010

2009-08-03T14:31:00.008+01:00

IRVINE MEADOW XI

Playing Squad

2009-2010

-

Michael Wardrope [goalkeeper]

Brian Hewitt [goalkeeper]

Zander Ryan [defence-midfield]

David Lowing [defence]

Chris McGowan [defence]

Chris Robertson [defence]

Gary Wild [defence]

Gareth Turner [midfield]

Stephen Docherty [midfield]

David Hamilton [midfield]

Paul Walker [midfield]

John Paul Boyle [forward]

Richie Barr [forward]

Emilio Jaconelli [forward]

Photos to come:

Mark Crilly [midfield]

Chris Strain [midfield]

Stephen Swift [defence]

Paul Hyslop [midfield]

Brian McGinty [forward]

Frank Haggerty [midfield]

John Dillon [midfield]

Gavin Friels [forward]

* IMPORTANT *Public Meeting 6th August 2009

2009-08-03T13:31:00.003+01:00

A 'public meeting' will be held in the Vineburgh Community Centre, Irvine on Thursday 6th August to discuss the proposed new Irvine Meadow stadium. The meeting begins at 7pm and ALL Meadow fans are urged to attend. This is a very important time for the club and everyone's voice needs to be heard.

The Vineburgh Community Centre is situated on Quarry Road, Irvine at the corner of Woodlands Avenue. The Irvine Park Bowling Club is just around the corner.

map

PLEASE BE THERE

Darvel 1 Meadow 6

2009-08-03T11:56:00.005+01:00

Ardagh Glass Cup

Recreation Park, Darvel

01-08-09

Emilio Jaconelli powers into Darvel box.

David Lowing in action.

Gareth Turner at edge of Darvel box.

JP Boyle sees his penalty saved by Darvel keeper.

JP Boyle misses from close range.

Meadow headed to Recreation Park on Saturday for their second Ardagh Cup match of the season. District League club Darvel provided the opposition as Meadow got another god work-out under their belts. JP Boyle was the starman with 4 goals as Meadow rattled 6 past their opponents. There was to be no quick fire opener this time as Darvel held out well until the 20th minute when Boyle got his first of the day with a well hit strike from just outside the box. In the 28th minute his striking partner Emilio Jaconelli made it two as he ran on to a through ball and lobbed the keeper under pressure. Meadow were knocking the ball about well now and just 2 minutes later Boyle finished the game as a contest when he hit Meadow's third.

HALF TIME 0-3

Just minutes into the second half, slack play in the middle of the park saw Docherty dispossessed and Darvel ran through to score past Brian Hewitt in the Meadow goal. Boyle had a chance for his hat-trick on the hour mark but his poorly hit penalty was saved by the Darvel keeper but the striker only had to wait another few minutes before he finally got his third and 15 minutes later he coolly slid the ball past the keeper for his fourth of the day. Substitute Frankie Haggerty wrapped up the scoring with 5 minutes remaining to give Meadow a comfortable 6-1 win. The only sour note for Meadow was Gareth Turner limping off with an ankle knock but hopefully it won't be too serious.

Meadow Team:

Hewitt, Ryan, Lowing, Wild, Robertson, Docherty, Walker, Turner, Boyle, Jaconelli, Hamilton.

Subs:

Haggerty [for Walker], Hyslop [for Jaconelli], Crilly [for Turner]

Goals:

Boyle [4], Jaconelli, Haggerty.

Meadow M.O.T.M.

JP Boyle

Referee: Paul Robertson [very poor]

Assistants: None

Admission : £5

Programme : N/A

Irvine Meadow 10 Ardeer Thistle 0 [29th July 2009]

2009-07-31T18:31:00.009+01:00

This game was moved to Meadow Park as Ardeer's home ground wasn't ready for the start of the new season. In the corresponding fixture last season Meadow trounced their local rivals 12-0 and although they didn't quite match that feat they did still manage to hit double figures. As soon as David Hamilton converted a second minute penalty the result was in no doubt and Meadow went onto hit another 9 goals without reply.
-

Meadow team:

Wardrope, Ryan, Lowing, McGowan, Robertson, Dillon,Boyle, Turner, Barr, Jaconelli, Hamilton

Subs: Walker for Barr

Wild for Robertson

Docherty for Turner

Scorers:

Hamilton (2mins : pen)

Boyle (9mins)

Jaconelli (10 mins)

Jaconelli (14 mins)

Dillon (25 mins)

Turner (38 mins : pen)

Dillon (51 mins)

Jaconelli (57 mins)

Turner (60 mins)

Wild (84 mins)

Meadow Man of the Match : Gareth Turner

Referee : Stuart MacMillan [excellent]

Assistants : Alex Sands and Michael McGrath

Admission : £5

Programme : N/A

Irvine Meadow 1 Dalry Thistle 0 [26th July 2009]

2009-07-31T10:58:00.007+01:00

Emilio Jaconelli with his 'Player of the Tournament' award.

Steven Swift collects the Kelburn Cup from tournament sponsor Gordon Keay

Action from the final.

Irvine Meadow retained the Kelburn Cup after a single goal victory over Ayrshire rivals Dalry Thistle. Emilio Jaconelli scored the only goal of a hard fought game.
-

In Sunday's other game St Mirren u-19's hammered hosts Neilston 6-1 to finish in 3rd place.

Programme : £1 [for full weekend]

Admission : £4 [for both Sunday's games]

Irvine Meadow 4 St Mirren 3 [25th July 2009]

2009-07-25T18:37:00.009+01:00

Neilston Tournament [Kelburn Cup]

Irvine meadow 4 St Mirren [u-19s] 3

Meadow scorers : Boyle, Barr, Robertson and Docherty.

Meadow came from behind 3 times before finally clinching the game with a Stevie Docherty strike from 40 yards.

St_Mirren_news

In today's other game Dalry Thistle drew 2-2 with host club Neilston before winning 3-1 on penalties.

Programme : £1 [for full weekend]

Admission : £4 [for both games on Saturday]

Neilston Tournament [Kelburn Cup]

2009-07-22T12:51:00.009+01:00

-

Meadow will once again take part in the Neilston pre-season tournament which takes place this weekend at Brig-O-Lea Stadium. Kick off times are as below.

-

Saturday 25th July

Irvine Meadow v St Mirren u-19s [1pm]

Neilston v Dalry Thistle [3pm]

----

Sunday 26th July

3rd Place Play-Off [1pm]

Final [3pm]

-
These two games will be the only chance to see Meadow in action before the competitive stuff starts. The cub will be hoping to retain the trophy that they won in last year's tournament after beating St. Mirren 2-1 in the final.

picture above thanks to http://nonleaguescotland.co.uk

Latest transfer news.

2009-07-09T09:14:00.003+01:00

LATEST IRVINE MEADOW TRANSFER NEWS

-------------------------------------------------

Players in:

Gary Wild (from Petershill)

David Lowing (from Stirling Albion)

Brian Hewitt (from Neilston)

John Dillon (from Berwick Rangers)

Players out:

Kevin McBride (to Petershill)

John Bradford (to Arthurlie)

Transfer list/released:

Andy McLaren (released)

Paul Hyslop (transfer list)

Paul Walker (transfer list)

Barry McLaughlin (retired)

New Signing

2009-07-04T15:47:00.005+01:00

Ex Berwick Rangers defender/midfielder John Dillon is the latest player to sign up for Meadow.
The 30 year-old left sided player has also previously played for Dumbarton, Stenhousemuir, Clyde and Kilmarnock.
-
career_stats.
-

The Turf Hotel [Home to the Irvine Meadow Supporters Club]

2009-07-02T14:54:00.006+01:00

The Turf Hotel is home to the 'Irvine Meadow Supporters Club'.

The pub which is where the supporters buses leave for all away games is situated at 32 Eglinton Street, Irvine, KA12 8AS.

Manager Kevin White and all the staff offer a warm and friendly welcome to all visiting supporters.
-

The Turf is the ideal place for a pre-match drink and you can watch the early kick-off football matches or the horse racing before heading to Meadow Park.

-

The Turf is the closest pub to Meadow Park (less than 5 minutes walk). Irvine railway station is only 0.5 miles away and there is a regular bus service to various destinations which stops right outside the pub. The Turf is flanked on either side by 2 different bookmakers, ideal for placing your bets before heading to Meadow Park.
-

The next time you are in Irvine make sure you visit The Turf.
-

Latest Transfer News

2009-07-01T14:54:00.002+01:00

Midfielder Paul Hyslop (above) has been transfer-listed at his own request after failing to gain a regular starting place while striker John Bradford (below) who hasn't featured in the team recently is talking to other interested clubs. Good luck to both players for the future.

Prediction League [Meadow Forum]

2009-06-30T11:31:00.004+01:00

This season I will be running a junior football prediction league on the Meadow_Forum. The league is open to anyone who is a member of the above board. The Turf Hotel have kindly donated a £30 drinks winner which will be awarded to the winner at the end of the season. Check out the forum (link above) for further details.

The Turf Hotel which can be found at 32 Eglinton Street, Irvine is the home of the Irvine Meadow Supporters Club and is open to al fans before and after every game. It is the closest pub to Meadow Park (less than 5 minutes walk) and is well worth a visit. Thanks to manager Kevin

White for the kind gesture.

Fixtures 2009-2010

2009-06-30T11:11:00.005+01:00

Meadow will begin their defence of the Ardagh Glass Cup away to Ardeer Thistle on the 29th July. The defence of the Super League Premier title begins on August 15th at home to Kirkintilloch Rob Roy. See below for all fixtures cofirmed to date:

July

25th : Kelburn Tournament @ Neilston

26th : Kelburn Tournament @ Neilston

29th : Ardeer Thistle : Ardagh Cup (a)

August

1st : Darvel : Ardagh Cup (a)

5th : Hurlford Utd : Ardagh Cup (h)

8th : Irvine Vics : Ardagh Cup (a)

12th : Saltcoats Vics : Ardagh Cup (h)

15th : Rob Roy : League (h)

21st : Irvine Vics : Marymass Friendly (a)

24th : Ardagh Glass Cup Semi Final

29th : Largs Thistle : League (h)

September

2nd : Bellshill Athletic : League (a)

5th : Petershill : League (h)

9th : Auchinleck Talbot : League (h)

12th : Kilbirnie Ladeside : League (a)

19th : Beith : League (a)

Meadow have also been drawn away to Darvel in the West Of Scotland Cup, date t.b.c.

Transfer News Latest.

2009-06-30T10:59:00.005+01:00

Meadow have confirmed the transfer of left Kevin McBride to Super League rivals Petershill. The left-back who signed at the start of last season failed to make an impact at Meadow Park and has been out of the team for the past few months. Kevin will be hoping to put one over us when his new club visit Meadow Park on September 5th.

New Signing : Brian Hewitt

2009-06-30T10:48:00.004+01:00

Meadow have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Brian Hewitt from Neilston. The former Knockentiber Amateurs and Beith stopper has been with the Brig O Lea club for 10 seasons and will be honoured with a testimonial match against Kilmarnock on Monday 27th July.

[Hewitt in action for Neilston]

David Hamiton : Evening Times [29-06-09]

2009-06-29T13:55:00.008+01:00

CASE OF BETTER LATE THAN NEVER FOR MEDDA ACE :

by Jim O'Donnell

DAVID HAMILTON is more than making up for a late start to his football career.
Looking at the Irvine Meadow midfielder, it's hard to believe he never took up the game seriously until just short of his 21st birthday.
Attending Hamilton Grammar in the town of his birth provided the worst possible apprenticeship because there was no school team and it was not until David was persuaded by friends to turn out for Eddlewood Amateurs that he began playing on an organised basis.
Among team-mates in a Lanarkshire league-winning side were Ross McLaren, later of Hamilton, as well as Alan Barratt, who went on to play for Blantyre Vics.

But it was not long before David's talents began to attract attention and he found himself pursued by a number of clubs in the wake of rave notices following his selection for Scotland Amateurs in an international tournament in Luxemburg.
There was to be no dithering over which club to join because of the fact his uncle was none other than Blantyre Vics boss and legendary former defensive stalwart Tommy Coghill, whose powers of persuasion were not needed to entice David into a Castle Park move in 2000.
It was to prove a tough baptism playing in a Vics side constantly battling relegation over the next two seasons. However, David blossomed in the company of seasoned types such as Jim Allan, Jim Brown and Kevin Brown to the extent that a number of high-flying Junior outfits began to take notice .
One of them was Pollok, whose manager Ronnie Lowrie had the advantage of being a former team-mate who had previously turned down all offers for his star turn but ultimately sanctioned a transfer to the Glasgow cracks when Vics dropped down a division at the end of the 2001/02 season.

-
Many pundits felt the still- relatively inexperienced midfielder might struggle to adjust at top-flight Junior level, but they were proved wrong as he quickly ensconced himself as a Lok regular and fans' favourite.

-
David recalled: "Raymond Logan and I were paired together most weeks and we really hit it off together despite most people reckoning we were too similar in style.
"That was a really good Pollok side with Kevin O'Neil, Derek Heaton and Stevie Aitchison playing at the back and Paul McNeil scoring for fun up front.
"We were the first-ever winners of the Super Premier Division and the scenes at the title-clinching game down at Cumnock when Paul scored a hat-trick in a 3-0 victory will live with me forever."

-
A year down the line saw Pollok and David relinquish the championship but derive adequate satisfaction from lifting three of the other trophies - the Sectional League Cup, West of Scotland Cup and Evening Times Cup - the last named trophy thanks to a storming 3-1 defeat of arch-city rivals Petershill which culminated in David being named man of the match.
Not surprisingly, his performances that season in bagging 13 goals from midfield had not gone unnoticed.

-
And no sooner had the final whistle blown on the Petershill match than he found himself in signing talks with Hamilton management pair Allan Maitland and Ronnie McDonald.
To play for his home-town team was a dream come true for David.
A after a promising start, however, his move upstairs turned into a nightmare as, firstly, a groin injury and then the tragic death of his younger brother William through a heart-related problem severely curtailed his appearances.
Nevertheless, he was still offered a new contract at the end of the season on the proviso he went full-time.

-
But the qualified electrician was not prepared to forego his trade and was only too delighted when Stranraer boss Neil Watt - formerly of Maryhill - came in with an acceptable signing bid.
"Going to Stair Park worked out well for me personally as I ended up top scorer, but the team ended up relegated from the First Division.
"It was also there that I shared a dressing room with Derek Wingate, Stevie Swift and Mark Crilly, who were all to end up as Irvine Meadow team-mates."
In between times, David followed Watt and No.2 Stuart Miller to Somerset Park when they took up the reins at Ayr United for an ill-fated and short- lived spell, but their resignations led to him drifting out of the first-team picture and jumping at the chance to join Medda.
He said: "I felt settled and at home from day one thanks to having so many former team- mates at the club, but my first season did not go according to plan when we failed to pick up a single trophy.

-
"With so many good players we should have done better than we did, particularly in the Scottish Cup, where losing to Pollok was a massive disappointment for everyone."
His second term resulted in Medda landing a four-trophy haul, including the Super Premier title and Evening Times Cup-Winners' Cup, helped no end by David weighing in with an 14 goals from midfield.

-
His displays had gaffer Chris Strain singing his praises: "David is the consummate professional and someone who has excelled for us in a whole variety of positions."

pictures by Colin Mearns

link

Andy McLaren : Tormented [Mainstream Publishing]

2009-06-29T13:11:00.007+01:00

This book was first recommended to me by a work mate about a year ago. At that time I had read dozens of football biographies and was bored hearing the same old rags to riches to wags story. Even when I was told that this one was different I still wasn't convinced. Since then McLaren has joined Meadow of course so last week I finally got round to reading the book and yes, it certainly is different from every other footballer's story I've read. Of course we get the early days playing for local football teams and standing out against the older boys, through to signing his first contract with Dundee United, playing his one and only game for Scotland and then the inevitable decline finally ending up at Ayr United in 1997 which is where this book concludes. However, it's the bits inbetween that make for shocking reading. From the sexual abuse he suffered as a six year old growing up in Castlemilk to failing a drugs test while playing for Reading in 2000 and his subsequent spell in Glasgow's Priory clinic, McLaren's life couldn't have been any different from what we come to expect from a top class footballer. I won't go any further into it but I recommend you beg, borrow or steal this book.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

From back cover of 'Tormented'.

Andy McLaren is a professional footballer with an extraordinary story to tell. While playing for Reading in 2000, he failed a random drugs test and was immediately banned from football. He was forced to admit to being an alcoholic and a cocaine user, and checked in to the Priory clinic in Glasgow. After working hard to overcome his addictions, he resurrected his career with Kilmarnock later the same year and gained a national cap when Scotland played Poland in 2001. But what had made him resort to drink and drugs?

In Tormented, McLaren reveals how psychoanalysis helped him come to terms with the fact that he had been a victim of abuse as a child, and how this had led him down the path of alcohol and drug addiction. He documents his difficult journey to sobriety, during which he contemplated suicide, and explains how he coped with the shocking truth from his past.

Tormented is a powerful, honest tale of a man whose career never hit the heights that his talents merited. It is the most revealing book written by any footballer, and his remarkable story, laced with hope and humour, will be an inspiration to men and women in every walk of life.

LINKS

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy_McLaren

The Season : 2008-2009

2009-06-29T11:25:00.006+01:00

Season Review : 2008-2009

2008-2009 was a terrific season for Irvine Meadow FC. Not only did the club win the Stagecoach League Premier Division (West) for the first time but they also added the Ardagh Glass Cup, the Ayrshire District Cup and the Evening Times Cup to finish the season with four trophies to their name.

---------------

Here's the story of the season.

---------------

Overall

Played : 48

W0n : 37 (2 on penalties)

Drawn : 4

Lost : 7

Goals for : 125

Goals against : 45

Average goals scored per game : 2.6

Average goals conceded per game : 0.93

Biggest win : 12-0 v Ardeer Thistle (Ardagh Glass Cup)

Biggest defeat : 2-4 v Beith (League)

Stagecoach League Premier Division (West)
-
Played : 22
Won : 15
Drawn : 3
Lost : 4
Goals for : 40
Goals against : 22
Average goals scored per game : 1.81
Average goals conceded per game : 1.0
Biggest win : 4-1 v Talbot and Arthurlie

Biggest defeat : 2-4 v Beith

Ardagh Glass Cup

Played : 8

Won : 7 (1 on penalties)

Drawn : 0

Lost : 1

Goals for : 34
Goals against : 6
Average goals scored per game : 4.25
Average goals conceded per game : 0.75
Biggest win : 12-0 v Ardeer Thistle
Biggest defeat : 0-1 v Hurlford United

West Of Scotland Cup

Played : 4

Won : 3

Drawn : 0

Lost : 1

Goals for : 8

Goals against : 4

Average goals scored per game : 2

Average goals conceded per game : 1

Biggest win : 4-1 v Glasgow Perthshire

Biggest defeat : 2-3 v Rob Roy

Scottish Junior Cup

Played : 7

Won : 5

Drawn : 1

Lost : 1

Goals for : 21

Goals against : 9

Average goals scored per game : 3

Average goals against per game : 0.77

Biggest win : 8-0 v Bishopmill United

Biggest defeat : 0-2 v Pollok

Ayrshire Weekly Press Cup

Played : 4

Won : 4

Drawn : 0

Lost : 0

Goals for : 15

Goals against : 4

Average goals scored per game : 3.75

Average goals conceded per game : 1

Biggest win : 6-1 v Troon and Dalry Thistle

Biggest defeat : n/a

Evening Times Cup

Played : 3

Won : 3

Drawn : 0

Lost : 0

Goals for : 7

Goals against : 2

Average goals scored per game : 2.33

Average goals conceded per game : 0.66

Biggest win : 5-2 v Arthurlie

Biggest defeat : n/a

Top 10 Irvine Meadow Goalscorers Season 2008/09

-
Emilio Jaconelli 18gls
David Hamilton 13gls
Chris Strain 10gls
Chris Robertson 10gls
Richie Barr 9gls
Brian McGinty 9gls
Gareth Turner 8gls
Gavin Friels 7gls
Chris McGowan 6gls
Zander Ryan 6gls

Goalscorers table thanks to http://www.medda.co.uk

Meadow done the league double over 5 teams this season, beating Talbot, Pollok, Arthurlie, Vale Of Clyde and Neilston both home and away. Beith were the only club to do the same thing to Meadow.

Meadow beat 2 teams on 3 occasions this season beating both Talbot and Pollok twice in the league and also defeating each team in a cup final.

Meadow's top scoring performance was the 12-0 win against Ardeer Thistle in the Ardagh Glass Cup sectional stages. This was followed by the 8-0 win over Bishopmill Utd in the Scottish Cup and 6-1 wins over Troon and Dalry Thistle, both in the Ayrshire Weekly Press Cup.

Meadow's wins over Pollok were the first in competitive matches for over 20 years.

Evening Times Cup Final [Pollok 0 Meadow 1]

2009-06-26T14:57:00.004+01:00

Irvine_Times report.
-
click on report to enlarge
-

Evening Times Cup Final [Pollok 0 Meadow 1]

2009-06-26T14:42:00.007+01:00

Pictures by Steve McKendrick

Read report at Irvine_Herald

West Of Scotland Cup draw

2009-06-25T01:31:00.004+01:00

With the 2008-2009 season only ending 6 days ago for Meadow already fixtures are being issued for the 2009-2010 season. First up it's the West Of Scotland Cup draw which was announced last night.

Games to be played Sat 19th September 2009, KO 2pm

Ardeer Thistle v Dalry Thistle

Auchinleck Talbot v Blantyre Vics

Carluke Rovers v Pollok

Bellshill v Cumnock

Beith v Thorniewood

Clydebank v Forth

Cumbernauld v Neilston

Darvel v Irvine Meadow

East Kilbride v Kilwinning Rangers

Girvan v Cambuslang Rangers

** Irvine Vics v Muirkirk **

Johnstone Burgh v Arthurlie

Kello Rovers v Larkhall

Kilbirnie Ladeside v Royal Albert

Rob Roy v Vale of Leven

Lanark Utd v Annbank

Largs Thistle v Dunipace

Lesmahagow v Kilsyth Rangers

Lugar B.T. v Benburb

Maryhill v Rutherglen Glencairn

Maybole v Yoker

Newmains v Ashfield

Petershill v Hurlford

Port Glasgow v Greenock

Saltcoats v Glasgow Perthshire

Shettleston v Craigmark Burntonians

St Anthony's v Shotts B.A.

St Roch's v Whitletts

Troon v Renfrew

Vale of Clyde v Glenafton

Wishaw v Ardrossan W.R.

So, no real big ties in the first round. Meadow travel to Recreation Park to take on Darvel. The only game between the clubs last season ended in a 5-2 win for Meadow in the Ardagh Cup.

Other games that stick out include the battle of the Thistles, between North Ayrshire rivals Ardeer and Dalry while the only other Ayrshire derby is between Irvine Vics and Muirkirk. There is also an Inverclyde derby between Port Glasgow and Greenock while local rivals Johnstone Burgh and Arthurlie also go head to head. Holders Beith have a home tie against Thorniewood Utd while Meadow's conquerers last season Rob Roy are at home to Vale Of Leven.

UPDATE : It has since been announced that Irvine Vics and Muirkirk who were drawn against each other have now been given a bye to the 2nd round.

Pollok 0 Irvine Meadow 1 [Evening Times Cup Final]

2009-06-24T19:40:00.011+01:00

Pictures by Colin Mearns

EVENING TIMES CUP FINAL

Thursday 18th June 2009

POLLOK 0 MEADOW 1

Report by Jim O'Donnell

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk

Under-16 World Cup 1989

2009-06-24T11:25:00.003+01:00

Andy McLaren [June 2009]

----------------------------

Today's Herald newspaper contains a feature on the 1989 under-16 World Cup which was held in Scotland 20 years ago. Our very own Andy McLaren who was a member of the Scotland squad at the tournament gets a small mention in the article.

------------------------------------------------------

read_here

Kilwinning Rangers : New Management Team Announced

2009-06-24T10:39:00.007+01:00

Kilwinning Rangers have announced that Billy Thomson and Ross Findlay will take over the managerial reigns at Abbey Park following the recent departure of Gary Faulds. Thomson was until very recently in charge of Girvan FC and took the club to within one goal of a play-off against Glenafton for promotion to the Super Premier League at the end of last season. Ross Findlay is well known to Meadow fans both as a player and manager at Meadow Park. Good luck to them in their new positions.

http://www.kilwinningrangersfc.co.uk

Championees!!! Championees!!! Championees!!! Championees!!!

2009-06-22T10:40:00.015+01:00

Last Friday, the 19th of June, representatives from the club took the '4 Trophies' along to the Turf Hotel to give the fans a chance to view them and get photos taken with the season's haul.

Alistair McColl

Iain McQueen and Chris Griffiths.

Stuart Mitchell and Chris Strain

Kerr Dickson, Chris Strain and Iain McQueen

Robert Jeffrey, Chris Strain and Jack Pirie.

'Brothers In Arms'
Hugh and Chris

'The 4 Trophies'
---------------
Thanks to Chris Griffiths, Jack Pirie, Stuart Mitchell and William Harding for the photos.
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More on FLICKR

Evening Times Cup Final : Report from 'Nomadic Fitba'

2009-06-20T15:54:00.005+01:00

Meadow March On

Pollok v Irvine Meadow

Evening Times Cup Final

Thursday 18th June 2009, kick-off 7.30pm (delayed)

Newlandsfield Park, Glasgow

The season finale had finally arrived and two of the junior heavyweights were going into battle for the final time in the 2008/09 season. Newlandsfield Park, home of Pollok FC, was the destination on a wet night in Glasgow, Meadow had agreed to play the match at their oppositions ground despite being given the option of a neutral venue.

The prices were hiked up an extra 20% from my previous junior experiences, but I wasn't complaining as I could watch a game of football in the flesh in mid-June. Many more fans seemed keen to take up this opportunity and with a big queue building outside the gates the kick-off was delayed by ten minutes. The programmes where sold out fifteen minutes prior to the original kick-off time and the queue at the pie hut was getting longer and longer. A rather unique option of being able to purchase a newspaper was on offer inside the ground, it was the days edition of cup sponsors Evening Times newspaper.

The cup brings together all the winners of the league and cup competitions throughout the season. Pollok gained entry after winning the Central League Cup on penalties against Kilsyth Rangers and were drawn at home against Auchinleck Talbot in the preliminary round. A 3-1 victory meant a trip to Largs in the quarter-final where they came from behind to defeat the Super First Division champions 2-1. Dalry Thistle were just cannon fodder in the semi's as Pollok romped into the final, winning 8-0. Meadow entered the competition in the quarters as Super Premier League champions and faced Arthurlie at Dunterlie Park, winning 5-2. They then stumbled into the final after a tight 1-0 victory over Blantyre Victoria on Monday night.

Just under a month ago Meadow came to Newlandsfield and won 2-1, a result that eventually proved to be a title clincher. You could understand why they agreed to play at Pollok's home ground after that result and the fact that the pitch was in excellent condition. A perfect pitch, two top teams, a bumper crowd, everything was perfectly set for a great conclusion to the football season.

Unfortunately the spectacle didn't quite live up to it's billing. The 'Lok started brightly, pressing high up the pitch and forcing the Meadow defence back, although only a few half chances were created. An early injury saw Meadow gaffer Chris Strain sub off his son, who enjoyed some friendly banter with the home support when departing from the action. After a bit of reshuffling they managed to weather the early storm and get a hold on the game.

Pollok seemed to struggle with the ball being flighted into their box, and Meadow had the players to give them something to really worry about in that department. A poorly defended free-kick ended up with Meadow defender Chris Robertson free at the back post, who found the net just as he did last month at Newlandsfield. Meadow held onto their one goal lead into the half-time interval just as the rain started to come down.

The rain didn't put off the young punters from getting a kick about on the fine surface, it was packed with various different games all over the park, it was also arguably more entertaining. A tannoy announcement requesting that they left the field of play to allow the substitutes to warm-up was thankfully ignored, I wanted my moneys worth. It didn't seem to bother Meadow's veteran sub Andy McLaren as he was chuckling away with an interested spectator in the name of Chic Charnley, both controversial characters of the Scottish game in their heydays.

A very professional performance, some would argue that their on professional wages, by Meadow in the second-half as they killed off any momentum Pollok attempted the build up. A very solid, committed defensive display, along with time-wasting and keeping the ball in the corner prevented the 'Lok from getting any real chances, an opportunist effort by Pollok goal-getter Bryan Dingwall was collected at the second attempt by Wardrope in the Meadow goal. That was as good as it got for Pollok and without any real danger Meadow held out to clinch their fourth trophy of the season.

The celebrations began, Meadow had done the quadruple and could call themselves winners of the Super Premier League, Ayrshire League Cup, Ayrshire Cup and now the Evening Times Cup. They'll be looking to add the Junior Cup next season and will be competing in the senior Scottish Cup next campaign after their league success, with their current financial backing there's no reason why Meadow won't become a real force in junior football in the coming seasons.

Pollok will be looking to improve next season and will have former manager Rab Sneddon back at the helm as they seek the title and their first Junior Cup success for thirteen years. Meadow have already added a few new players as they aim to succeed on all fronts, they'll be only the eight victories away from securing European football, you never know.

Other match reports can be found on the official Pollok website and the sponsors Evening Times newspaper. Further photos can be found on the Irvine Meadow blog, Medda Message Board and Pollok FC Fans Forum (will need to be a registered user on messageboards).

Result: Pollok 0-1 Irvine Meadow

Line-ups

Pollok: Robertson, Carruth, Dillon (?), Wingate, Walker, McClay, MacKay (?), Turnbull, Dingwall, Essler, Cruickshank.

Irvine Meadow: Wardrope, Ryan, Swift, Robertson, McGowan, Strain (Docherty (McLaren)), Turner, Crilly, Hamilton, McGinty (Hyslop), Barr.

Goalscorer(s)

Pollok : None

Irvine Meadow: Chris Robertson

Attendance: 1153

--------

Thanks to http://nomadic-fitba.blogspot.com

Photo by CodOfTheNorth

The Trophy Haul : 2008-2009

2009-06-20T11:27:00.005+01:00

IRVINE MEADOW XI F.C.

Honours 2008-2009

Stagecoach Super League Premier Division

Ardgagh Glass Cup

Ayrshire Cup

Evening Times Cup Winners Cup

Thanks to MeddaMadSquad for photo.

Pollok 0 Irvine Meadow 1 [18-06-09]

2009-06-19T15:19:00.006+01:00

'Strain hails heroes after Robbo strike'

THE magnificent Evening Times Cup is back in Ayrshire hands after Irvine Meadow's 1-0 victory over Pollok.
A scrambled 29th-minute goal from stopper Chris Robertson was enough to see off the Glasgow cracks who came up short in their bid to rack up a third consecutive success in this competition.
And, if anyone thought this last cup final of the 2008/09 season mattered little, then they should have witnessed what it meant to the Meadow supporters in an impressive 1,200 attendance at Newlandsfield.
The blast of referee Des Roache's whistle at time up also became the signal for scenes of celebration on the pitch as fans whooped it up alongside equally ecstatic players as the Evening Times Cup was presented to the winning side by sports editor Graham Shields.
Triumphant gaffer Chris Strain could not hide the delight at his Super Premier champions racking up a fourth trophy success and even a thorough soaking -from bottles of champagne liberally poured over his head - could not wipe the smile from his face.

"It's nights like that which make all the hard slog of winter training worthwhile," he said.
"We have played better this season, however our battling spirit and will-to-win qualities got us through in the end and I felt we won the game on merit.
"Our defence was outstanding and never at any time looked like conceding a goal.
"Granted, Pollok had a lot of the ball, but it was in areas where they were never going to hurt us.
"And I'm sure the match stats will show that Michael Wardrope had very few shots to save.
"We created little in the way of clear-cut chances ourselves, if truth be told. But, when you're only 1-0 up, it's a natural tendency to sit back and try to hold on to the lead.
"Pollok threw extra men forward near the end and exerted a bit of pressure, but we saw the game out comfortably."

Both teams produced selection surprises with striker Davie Turn-bull making his first starting appearance in six weeks for the home side, while a work-enforced delay ruled out Meadow defender Barry McLaughlin and led to a recall for Stevie Swift.
Huge queues at the turnstiles led to the kick-off being delayed for 10 minutes, but both sets of fans roared their approval as the game got underway at a high tempo, although it was 12 minutes in before we had the first real scoring chance.
Brian McGinty cl everly made space down the right flank before delivering a perfect cross on to the head of strike partner Richie Barr but, from eight yards, the unmarked hitman headed straight at Lok goalkeeper Kris Robertson.
Pollok's reply was a Derek Wingate 30-yarder that crept a foot over the crossbar before they fell a goal behind on the half-hour mark.
A free-kick was only half cleared before being played back in again to fall at the feet of big stopper Robertson, and he showed quick feet to steer the ball low past his namesake in the Pollok goal for 1-0.
The rest of the first half was all about Pollok attempting to get back on level terms, mainly through the promptings of midfielder Andy McLay - later named man of the match - who was at the heart of every attacking move.
But all his efforts came to no avail as Turnbull and fellow-striker Bryan Dingwall struggled to escape the shackles of Robertson, Swift and Chris McGowan.

-

If anything, Pollok were even more on the ascendancy throughout the second period but, time and time again, all their best attacking sorties were rebuffed, leading to Dingwall and Co resorting to long-range attempts.
The introduction of Gary Halliday, Andy Harrison and Thomas Morgan instilled a bit of freshness into the tiring Pollok ranks, but failed to make any great difference in the penalty box other than to give Medda's backline further opportunities to demonstrate it was going to take something special to breach their line.

www.eveningtimes.co.uk

Pollok 0 - 1 Irvine Meadow [18-06-09]

2009-06-19T09:49:00.013+01:00

Click on any photo to enlarge.

Evening Times Cup Final

Newlandsfield

18-06-09

Pollok 0 Irvine Meadow 1

Pollok 0 Irvine Meadow 1

2009-06-19T08:38:00.005+01:00

Evening Times Cup Final

Newlandsfield

19th July 2009

Pollok 0 Irvine Meadow 1

Meadow Team

01 Wardrope

02 Ryan

03 Swift

04 McGowan

05 Robertson

06 Crilly

07 Strain

08 Turner

09 Barr

10 McGinty

11 Hamilton

Subs

Docherty [for Strain]

McLaren [for Docherty]

Hyslop [for McGinty]

McBride [not used]

McLaughlin [not used]

Goal : Robertson [27mins]

Referee : Des Roache

Assistant 1 :Mark Ainslie

Assistant 2 : Frank Queen

Attendance : Approx 1200

Willie Kilmarnock [16-01-22 to 07-06-09]

2009-06-18T12:57:00.004+01:00

It is with sadness that we hear of the death of former Meadow player Willie Kilmarnock at the age of 87. Although I am too young to have seen him play I have heard stories of Willie from many sources over the years, all of which put him across as a great footballer on the pitch and a true gentleman off it. My condolences go to Willie's family and friends.

Willie holding aloft the Scottish Cup he won with Motherwell in 1952.

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Click on image above to read the Irvine_Herald obituary.
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Click here to read Motherwell Football Club obituary.
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Pollok v Irvine Meadow : Evening Times Cup, Final [18-06-09]

2009-06-17T12:10:00.004+01:00

Meadow travel to Pollok tomorrow for the final of the Evening Times Cup. The match which kicks off at 7:30m is the last game of the current 'junior' season. So far this season the clubs have met 3 times with the previous results being :

Meadow 0 Pollok 2 [Scottish Cup Quarter Final : 14th March 2009]

Meadow 2 Pollok 1 [Stagecoach Premier League : 11th April 2009]

Pollok 1 Meadow 2 [Stagecoach Premier League : 25th May 2009]

-------------------------------------------------------------------

In the previous games Pollok's top scorer has been ex-Meadow defender Derek Wingate with 2 goals. McGeown and Dingwall have been the other scorers with one apiece.

Meadow have had 4 different scorers in the previous encounters. McGinty, Turner, Robertson and Barr all have one goal each.

--------------------------------

Meadow are the only Ayrshire team to have previously won the Evening Times Cup. That success came in season 2005-2006 when Ryan Davidson scored the only goal in the final against Maryhill. That final was also played at Newlandsfield, venue for tomorrow night's game.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meadow reached the final the following season but were beaten 3-1 by Pollok at Somervell Park, Cambuslang. Meadow's goal that day was scored by Kenny Gillies while Dingwall (2) and McGeown scored for Pollok. Only 4 Meadow players in the squad that day are still at the club. Wardrope, Turner and Strain all played while Barry McLaughlin was an unused sub.

---------------------------------------------

Derek Wingate and Andy Essler who both played for Meadow that day have since moved to Pollok while Zander Ryan has made the opposite move.

--------------------------------------------------------

http://www.pollokfc.co.uk

Blantyre Vics 0 Irvine Meadow 1 [More Pics]

2009-06-16T19:11:00.007+01:00

Thanks once more to 'codofthenorth' for permission to use these quality pictures from last night's semi-final.

---------------------------------

Blantyre Vics 0 Irvine Meadow 1 [More Pics]

2009-06-16T15:43:00.007+01:00

Some more pics of the Evening Times Cup semi final courtesy of 'Codofthenorth' on the Meadow mesage board.

Blantyre Vics 0 Irvine Meadow 1 [More Pics]

2009-06-16T14:55:00.008+01:00

Some more pics of the Evening Times Cup semi final courtesy of 'Codofthenorth' on the Meadow mesage board.

Blantyre Vics 0 Irvine Meadow 1

2009-06-16T09:32:00.010+01:00

Evening Times Cup : Semi Final
Castle Park, Blantyre
15th June 2009
___________
Irvine Meadow XI
01 Wardrope
02 Ryan
03 McLaughlin
04 McGowan
05 Robertson
06 Crilly
07 Strain
08 Turner
09 Barr
10 McLaren
11 Hamilton
Subs:
McGinty [for McLaren]
Hyslop [for Strain]
Docherty [for Crilly]
Walker [not used]
McBride [not used]
_____________
Scorer
McGowan
________
Man Of The Match : Richie Barr
_______________________

more_pictures_click_here

Meadow v Glenafton [01-09-07]

2009-06-15T12:32:00.007+01:00

REMEMBER THIS?

---------------------------

I've been to lots of games in the past where there has been a hold-up due to bad weather. I've even seen the referee blowing his whistle because of missiles being thrown onto the park. It's quite common to hear of games being delayed because of a bad injury to one of the players. Sometimes it's even an injury to the referee or his assistants that halt proceedings. Probably everyone who follows junior football will at one time or another even seen a stray dog holding up play. It's always funny to see a group of grown men being outfoxed (if that's the right word) by a dumb animal as they try and fail miserably to coax the playful mutt of the park. However, I bet that no amount of dogs or any other animal for that matter will have got as many laughs as the 76 year old lady who interrupted the first league game of the 07-08 season at Meadow Park. It was a day of glorious sunshine and events on the park were reaching a boiling point that had nothing to do with the weather. Step forward Mrs Catherine Miller to inadvertedly calm down the tempers (temporarily at least) and have every person inside the park laughing loudly. Mrs Miller's escapades were reported in the local papers of course but they made the news in the Sun and Daily Record as well. Meadow fans must have managed a giggle when they opened their papers on Monday morning to be greeted by a picture of the feisty pensioner and our very own Whisperer standing face to face in the Glenafton box.

-------------------------

Click on the above photos to enlarge

Blantyre Vics v Irvine Meadow : Evening Times Cup, Semi-Final [15-06-09]

2009-06-13T10:44:00.008+01:00

Meadow travel to Blantyre Vics for the Evening Times Cup Semi-Final next Monday night (15th June). Vics finished top of the Central League (Second Division) this season on 38 points.

Played 20 : Won 12 : Drawn 2 : Lost 6 : Goals For 43 : Goals Against 22

The club play their home games at Castle Park, Forrest Street, Blantyre.

Directions : From Glasgow (A724) : Follow road into Blantyre until a significant sized roundabout is passed over. At the next one, take the first exit which is down Forrest Street to the left. 100 yards down Forrest Street, on the left hand side, is Castle Park.

Although the club are currently playing in the Central District leagues they weren't always so lowly and have won the Scottish Junior Cup 3 times, the last time being in season 1981-82.

Famous players to play for the club include Jock Stein, Joe Jordan and Billy McNeill.

Official website : http://www.blantyrevictoriafc.co.uk/

Contact N0. (01698) 323790

New Signing : David Lowing

2009-06-11T16:36:00.007+01:00

Meadow have confirmed the signing of ex Stirling Albion defender David Lowing. "The 25 year old is a left-sided player who can play anywhere along the back four or in left midfield" said manager Chris Strain. Before joing Albion, Lowing also played for Ayr Utd, Forfar Athletic and St. Mirren

___________________________________

See David Lowing career stats. at Soccerbase

Neilston Tournament [Kelburn Cup] 2009

2009-06-11T14:44:00.004+01:00

Meadow will defend the Kelburn Cup at this year's Neilston Tournament on the 25th and 26th July. Other teams confirmed to take part are the hosts, Neilston alongside Dalry Thistle and St. Mirren u-19's. It is always a cracking couple of days at Brig o' Lea and is a good chance to see any close season signings.
Meadow won last season's tournament after beating St. Mirren u-19's 2-1 in the final.

Player Of The Year Awards 2008-2009

2009-06-10T17:37:00.007+01:00

The Irvine Meadow Supporters Club recently announced their 'Player Of The Year Awards' for season 2008-2009. The winners were:

Supporters Club Player Of The Year: Gareth Turner

Ian Watson Memorial Trophy (For Services To The Club): Michael Wardrope

Best Newcomer Award: Zander Ryan

Well done to all three.

The players are pictured above collecting their awards:
Chris McGowan (collecting award for Zander Ryan, Gareth
Turner and Michael Wardrope

-------------------------------

The club also recently announced their 'Player Of The Year' awards

and this time it was a clean sweep for goalkeeper Wardrope who picked up the following 3 awards..

Players' Player Of The Year, Club Player Of The Year and

Supporters' Player Of The Year

------------------------------------

Congratulations to Michael on a terrific achievement.

http://www.medda.co.uk/

New Signing : Gary Wild

2009-06-10T17:03:00.006+01:00

Meadow have confirmed the signing of Petershill defender Gary Wild. The 20 year old has spent the last 2 seasons at 'hill after beginning his career at Kilmarnock. Chris Strain said "Although not naturally left-footed Gary can play at left back or in central defence and he looks an exciting prospect".

Arthurlie 2 Irvine Meadow 5

2009-06-10T15:54:00.004+01:00

Two-goal ace Emilio in cup semi shocker by Jeff Holmes

EMILIO JACONELLI struck twice as Irvine Meadow mauled Arthurlie 5-2 in the Evening Times Cup-Winners' Cup - then revealed he is OUT of Monday's semi-final at Blantyre Vics.
The former Kilmarnock hit-man was in devastating form - as was hat-trick hero Richie Barr - as rampant Medda ripped sorry Lie apart in a devastating 40-minute first-half spell.
But the plucky Barrhead side clawed their way back into the match, although poor defending - and a couple of debatable refereeing decisions - cost them in the end.
Jaconelli said: "We've been on a fantastic run of form recently so it was nice to keep it going with such an emphatic victory.

"We started brightly and were cruising at 3-0, but we took our feet off the gas and allowed Arthurlie back into the game. We stepped it up again after the break, though, and ran out comfortable winners."
Medda are now angling for a fourth final of the season, with Central District Second Division champions Blantyre Vics standing in their way.
But Jaconelli won't play any further part in this season's competition after pulling up with a hamstring injury midway through the second half.
He moaned: "It's so frustrating. I waited a while to get into the team and now I'm out again.
"I'll definitely miss the semi-final and the final if we get there, which is frustrating because I'm really enjoying my football again.
"I knew that if I got my chance I would score goals and that's exactly what's happened. My main priority now is to get some rest and make sure I'm back in time for the pre-season training."
The visitors went ahead in 13 minutes when Richie Barr reacted quickest to fire home after Lie keeper Peter Shaw had blocked a Zander Ryan cross.
Referee Derek Nicholls then had a big call to make in the 17th minute when home favourite Craig Malcolm wriggled his way into the box.
The ball seemed to strike Chris McGowan on the hand, but Nicholls waved away Lie's protests.
Lie shot themselves in the foot on the half-hour when Lee Sharp fouled Jaconelli just 16 yards from goal out wide.
Mark Crilly struck the kick and ex-Pollok star David Hamilton rose highest to nod home. Medda went three-up in the 35th minute when Jaconelli steered the ball home from eight yards.
Game over, or so we thought - for we hadn't reckoned on Lie's Stephen Anderson doubling his tally for the season.
Sharp's lofted free-kick was cleared to the edge of the area where Anderson fired home.
And, on 41 minutes, he ran on to a pass from John McLay to pick his spot from 12 yards.
Lie had a great chance to level on the stroke of half-time but Pedram Ardalany blazed over and were dealt a hammer blow just seconds after the re-start when George Wallace was harshly red-carded for a challenge on Crilly.
Medda used the extra man advantage well and Barr capitalised on sloppy defending to lash home from 18 yards.
And, just 60 seconds later, the former Renfrew star completed his hat-trick.
Gutted Lie boss Mark Cameron said: "You can't gift a team of Irvine Meadow's stature three goals and expect to get anything.
"We then manage to get back into the game and conspire to shoot ourselves in the foot again. It's so frustrating.
"The sending-off doesn't help but that's been the story of our season. George gave the ref a decision to make, and he did, rightly or wrongly.
"We managed to beat the likes of Cumnock, Whitburn and Lochee after getting men sent off, but this was just a bridge too far."
Cameron added: "I'll go away now and take stock. I'll take a look back at how we've performed. We need to make it harder for other teams to score. We've leaked goals at times and that's not on.
"Tough decisions will be made and I won't hesitate to make them. I have to make us harder to beat - that's the aim."

[Evening_Times]

Arthurlie 2 Irvine Meadow 5

2009-06-10T11:37:00.007+01:00

Evening Times Cup : Quarter Final

Dunterlie Park, Barrhead

9th June 2009

___________

Irvine Meadow XI

01 Wardrope

02 Ryan

03 Swift

04 McGowan

05 Robertson

06 Crilly

07 Strain

08 Turner

09 Barr

10 Jaconelli

11 Hamilton

Subs:

McLaren [for Barr]

Boyle [for Jaconelli]

Docherty [for Crilly]

McGinty [not used]

Hyslop [not used]

_____________

Scorers

Barr [3]

Jaconelli

Hamilton

________

Man Of The Match : Richie Barr

_______________________

Referee : Derek Nicholls

Assistant : Chris Wake

Assistant : Donnie McKinnon

click_here_for_more_pics

IRVINE MEADOW XI FC

IRVINE MEADOW 1 LARGS THISTLE 1

MEADOW 2 RUTHERGLEN GLENCAIRN 0

IRVINE MEADOW 4 GREENOCK 1

IRVINE MEADOW 3 VALEOF CLYDE 1

IRVINE MEADOW 1 BEITH 4

Results 2009-2010

ANNBANK UTD 2 IRVINE MEADOW 4

Rutherglen Glencairn 3 Irvine Meadow 2

IRVINE MEADOW 2 ANNBANK UNITED 2

Irvine Meadow Pictures [Kenny Ramsay]

HIBERNIAN 3 IRVINE MEADOW 0

Next Game: Hibernian v Irvine Meadow

Emirates Scottish Cup 4th Round Draw

Next Game: LANARK UTD v IRVINE MEADOW

HILLHEAD 0 IRVINE MEADOW 5

NEXT GAME

Active Nation Scottish Cup 4th Round Draw

IRVINE MEADOW 1 ARBROATH 0

NEXT GAME

PETERSHILL 1 IRVINE MEADOW 4

MEADOW 2 POLLOK 2

IRVINE MEADOW 3 MUSSELBURGH ATHLETIC 0

Active Nation Scottish Cup [Round 2]

Transfer News

Next Game: Brora Rangers v Irvine Meadow

Beith 2 Meadow 1

Next Game: Beith v Meadow

Arsenal To Play In Junior Cup?

Kilbirnie 1 Meadow 3

Brora Rangers v Irvine Meadow

Meadow Squad 2009-10

Next Game : Kilbirnie v Meadow [12-09-09]

Meadow 1 Petershill 2

Homecoming Scottish Cup draw

Next Game: Meadow v Petershill

Emirates Scottish Cup draw

Scottish Junior Cup : New Sponsors

Meadow 1 Largs 3

Next Game : Meadow v Largs

Irvine Meadow NEW MERCHANDISE

Meadow 0 Kilbirnie 1

Irvine Vics 0 Meadow 1

Support The Medda

Dunky Black : Award

Meadow 5 Beith 0

Meadow 2 Rob Roy 0

Irvine Meadow 1 Saltcoats Vics 0

Irvine Vics 1 Irvine Meadow 2

Meadow 4 Hurlford 0

Meadow Squad 2009-2010

*** IMPORTANT ***Public Meeting 6th August 2009

Darvel 1 Meadow 6

Irvine Meadow 10 Ardeer Thistle 0 [29th July 2009]

Irvine Meadow 1 Dalry Thistle 0 [26th July 2009]

Irvine Meadow 4 St Mirren 3 [25th July 2009]

Neilston Tournament [Kelburn Cup]

Latest transfer news.

New Signing

The Turf Hotel [Home to the Irvine Meadow Supporters Club]

Latest Transfer News

Prediction League [Meadow Forum]

Fixtures 2009-2010

Transfer News Latest.

New Signing : Brian Hewitt

David Hamiton : Evening Times [29-06-09]

Andy McLaren : Tormented [Mainstream Publishing]

The Season : 2008-2009

Evening Times Cup Final [Pollok 0 Meadow 1]

Evening Times Cup Final [Pollok 0 Meadow 1]

West Of Scotland Cup draw

Pollok 0 Irvine Meadow 1 [Evening Times Cup Final]

Under-16 World Cup 1989

Kilwinning Rangers : New Management Team Announced

Championees!!! Championees!!! Championees!!! Championees!!!

Evening Times Cup Final : Report from 'Nomadic Fitba'

The Trophy Haul : 2008-2009

Pollok 0 Irvine Meadow 1 [18-06-09]

Pollok 0 - 1 Irvine Meadow [18-06-09]

Pollok 0 Irvine Meadow 1

* IMPORTANT *Public Meeting 6th August 2009