Halfwit8 Posted July 24, 2022 Share Posted July 24, 2022 Tranent Juniors 2-3 East Kilbride History in the making at Foresters Park as Tranent Juniors began their Lowland League journey by hosting seasoned campaigners East Kilbride so one to look forward to for sure. Within a minute, Ronan Hughes was onto a loose ball for the visitors but he was tracked all the way by Craig Barr who turned the ball behind. Three minutes later, Martin Maughan found Nathan Evans inside the EK box but Bernard Coll was quickly across to clear. On eight minutes, a quick break saw EK with a two on one chance as Hughes tried to find Bob McHugh but Callum Donaldson timed his interception to perfection and the chance was gone. Coll then crossed from the left flank and only just failed to pick out Gary Miller at the back post but it was the visitors who were making the early running. It was therefore no surprise when a ball down the inside right channel after eleven minutes released McHugh and he moved into the Tranent penalty area only to be felled by keeper Tom Carter as he dived at his feet and referee George Calder correctly pointed to the spot. McHugh picked himself up and drove the spot kick low to the keepers right, but Carter got down with a superb strong right hand and beat the ball behind for a corner. EK still had the initiative and after Barr pulled down Hughes in midfield, referee Calder brought in EK no4 Jonathan Page for a warning after a comment had clearly been made before Neil McLaughlin slammed the 25 yard free kick off the Tranent wall. On the quarter hour, Evans got to the goal line but his near post cut back was grabbed by EK keeper Curtis Lyle. Donaldson then fired a drive wide from fifteen yards as Tranent slowly but surely began to get a foothold in the match. On eighteen minutes, Jamie Docherty flashed an inviting corner kick right through the EK goal area when any type of touch might have reaped some dividend. The first yellow card of the game arrived after 20 minutes and there were few complaints with EK’s Coll being the recipient after taking down Evans who was moving forward at pace. A quick free kick by the home side almost found Maughan but Coll was in with the well timed challenge. EK responded with McLaughlin being brought down by Sean Murphy 27 yards out and this time Coll’s central free kick beat the wall but slipped narrowly over the top. A foul by McLaughlin on Murphy had the Tranent dug out on their feet but referee Calder contented himself with a warning. Coll was certainly busy for the visitors down the left and another angled low 18 yard drive from the EK left full back was deflected behind by Oban Anderson and from the corner, Bronsky headed wide. After 33 minutes, EK captain Miller and Tranent’s Evans were pulled in by referee Calder and told in no uncertain terms to calm down a bit as the game temperature just began to pick up. On 36 minutes, Docherty tried to make space on the edge of the EK box for a shot but force of numbers saw the move break down and shortly after this, EK’s McLaughlin was the games second yellow card for what was clearly persistent infringing. Paul Simpson had a drive blocked on the edge of the EK box but as we neared the break, it was fair to say neither keeper had been overworked. Three minutes from the interval, McLaughlin sent over an excellent inswinging corner for the visitors which evaded the attempted punch from keeper Carter but Maughan was back to head the ball over from almost under his own crossbar. Anderson had a shot blocked on 44 minutes and then Cameron Elliott worked his way into the Tranent box but his angled low drive only found the side netting. At the end of a tense first period it was still all to play for and whilst EK will look back to the missed penalty whilst they were on top, Tranent would be pleased with the way they worked themselves back into the game after a slow start. The second half began in same fractured fashion as the first had ended with play a bit scrappy and mainly in midfield and the first half chance arrived on 49 minutes as Hughes sent a shot on the turn wide for the visitors. A nice combination move for the visitors involving Dylan MacDonald, Andrew Black and Miller looked promising until McLaughlin sent a tame cross into the hands of keeper Carter. At the other end, Maughan’s pace once more took him into the EK box but Coll read the situation and snuffed out the danger. On 52 minutes, there were a few muted claims for another EK spot kick as McLaughlin went down in the box but nobody seemed all that convinced and certainly not referee Calder who clearly wasn’t interested. A short corner routine from EK ended with a 24 yard drive from Black straight into the hands of home keeper Carter. However on 55 minutes, the deadlock was finally broken by the home side when Anderson played a ball through to Maughan and he was blocked by Coll 20 yards out for a clear free kick. Simpson looked interested but it was Docherty who stepped up to smash a brilliant right foot free kick past the wall and high into the roof of the net past the despairing fingertips of keeper Lyle for a sensational strike to put the home side ahead. Black went down with an injury shortly afterwards but after treatment, the EK no6 was able to continue. However, the Tranent lead only lasted three minutes as a McLaughlin corner was touched on and McHugh was lurking unmarked at the back post and had the simplest of tasks to turn the ball home from around four yards out. Black of EK was cautioned for a foul in midfield and then on the hour, EK made a double change as Coll and McHugh were replaced by Kyle Munro and Joao Victoria. Donaldson and Docherty then combined to send Simpson to the EK goal line and his cross was turned behind by Bronsky’s good defensive header but Simpson could only find the first defender with the corner. With 66 minutes gone, Tranent went to their bench for the first time when Simpson was replaced by Ben Miller. A driven cross into the Tranent box skewed off the foot of Euan Bauld and pretty much grazed the post as it went just wide, much to the relief of the home no12. However the relief was short lived as McLaughlin’s long corner was met at the back post by Hughes who bulleted a six yard header past keeper Carter to turn the game on its head with 68 minutes gone. The home side responded by bringing on Rory Currie for Evans and shortly afterwards EK took off Black for Daniel McManus. Docherty swung another decent free kick into the EK box and Bronsky was there once again for the visitors with another no nonsense defensive header. Docherty took the corner himself but Miller just couldn’t get his head to the ball at the back post. With a quarter of an hour remaining, the home side replaced Anderson with Kris Renton and the substitute almost made an instant impact when he was only inches away from getting on the end of another superb delivery from Docherty. With eleven minutes left, Murphy picked up an injury in a 50/50 challenge which didn’t impress Maughan and the Tranent man received a stern warning from the referee about his reaction. Miller picked up a caution on 80 minutes for a fairly blatant heel clip on EK’s McManus inside the centre circle. However with eight minutes remaining, the visitors looked to have wrapped things up when McLaughlin delivered another inswinging corner to the heart of the Tranent goal area and Jonathan Page was once again unchallenged as he nodded home from close range. Back came the home side and with six minutes remaining it was hesitant defending this time from the visitors as they allowed the ball to drop on the angle of their goal area and Craig Barr didn’t need to be asked twice as he smashed the ball right footed past keeper Lyle from seven yards. However within 60 seconds, the visitors almost restored their two goal advantage and would have done had it not been for a world class save from keeper Carter who threw himself full length to his left to somehow fingertip away a glancing header from Elliott with the striker holding his head in disbelief that he hadn’t scored. The game finally boiled over with four minutes remaining when a touchline clash which was completely obscured from my view by the occupants of both dugouts resulted in the EK skipper Gary Miller receiving a straight red card from referee Calder and further yellow cards were also issued to EK’s Hughes and Tranent’s Barr for their involvement. Before the game finally restarted, EK brought on Conor Morgan for McLaughlin. A minute from time, a long bouncing ball into the EK penalty area saw keeper Lyle grab the ball with most of his body behind the line but the ball clearly wasn’t although it was enough to get a number of home fans pretty excited. A minute into stoppage time, Murphy worked his way across the face of the EK penalty area but could only drag his low left foot shot a yard wide. In the end, a hard fought victory for an East Kilbride side who would be delighted to get their campaign off to a winning start at a difficult venue. Tranent will look to go again in their next game knowing they matched up well against one of the Lowland Leagues top sides, but they will have to tighten up at the back and will look at all three goals conceded from cross balls today as eminently avoidable. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy groundhopper Posted July 24, 2022 Share Posted July 24, 2022 Excellent match report, the step up to the Lowland will see better, quicker (in thought and movement) sides and players. Tranent battled really well, just need to react quicker and link up with the forwards,who look a threat when they can get behind. Enjoyable game, nice ground,must have been well over 500 in attendance. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dalry llama Posted July 24, 2022 Share Posted July 24, 2022 I was also in attendance, understandably a nervous first ten minutes for Tranent but they settled in well for the remainder of the game. EK were very good,well organised and physical. Their number 5 was their MoM , but a lot of good performances for EK. Thought number 11 was more interested in fouling and niggling than actually concentrating on the game for the majority. Tranent will rue their defending at corners, hopefully the return of left back and captain Rutherford will help,as will McCormack and Donaldson when fit. The TJs midfield worked tirelessly and admirably , in particular No's 10 and 6. The free kick from 11 was sublime and worth special mention. All in all, a much celebrated 3 points for East Kilbride which Tranent can use as a barometer for how far they have came in a short space of time. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Omnishambles Posted July 24, 2022 Share Posted July 24, 2022 The step up in quality in terms of the opposition was evident but we were also up against one of, if not the strongest, side in the division and generally held our own well. We will get found out at this level defending crosses/set pieces like we did but lessons to learn and move on from. We will play a lot of sides this season that aren't as strong as East Kilbride. I don't see us being right up the top end just yet, personally, but I certainly don't see us struggling in this league either. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jordi1977 Posted July 24, 2022 Share Posted July 24, 2022 (edited) I was at the game too and was a very enjoyable match. I think Tranent are a bit unlucky that their first match in the LL was against one of the stronger teams, so haven't really had the chance to adjust to the league. Just unfortunate timing/luck of the draw there. EK looked a very decent side... from watching them yesterday I'll be surprised if they end up falling behind any clear winner like last season. They reacted really well to going behind to a cracking goal. Tranent will do well. They are definitely going to create a lot of chances, maybe just lack an out and out goalscorer to put them away which hopefully won't hold you back too much. Can see Tranent easily finishing top 5 (not counting Colts sides) and if some momentum can be built and chances put away, there could be a league there for them to win. EK have definitely shown Tranent the standard needed for the better teams in the league... and on day one of the season, Tranent didn't look too far off that! Best of luck to both sides this season. Edited July 24, 2022 by Jordi1977 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Omnishambles Posted July 26, 2022 Share Posted July 26, 2022 Kane O'Connor confirmed signing today and into the squad for tomorrow night. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PossilYM Posted July 27, 2022 Share Posted July 27, 2022 Cumbernauld Colts 0 Tranent 1 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PossilYM Posted July 27, 2022 Share Posted July 27, 2022 Cumbernauld Colts 1 Tranent 2 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Omnishambles Posted July 27, 2022 Share Posted July 27, 2022 14 minutes ago, PossilYM said: Cumbernauld Colts 1 Tranent 2 First three points on the board in the Lowland. Happy days. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saltire08 Posted July 27, 2022 Share Posted July 27, 2022 Well Done Tranent a club going places 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halfwit8 Posted August 2, 2022 Author Share Posted August 2, 2022 Looking forward to Berwick Rangers visit to Foresters Park tonight 19-45 ko, should be a cracking game just hope this breeze dies down a bit before ko. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dalry llama Posted August 2, 2022 Share Posted August 2, 2022 Second win for Tranent tonight, whilst the scoreline says 1_0 it's not a true picture. Berwick were outplayed, TJFC missed a pen,hit the bar and missed several great chances . In all honesty , 4-0 would've been a truer reflection. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sammyreidloyal Posted August 2, 2022 Share Posted August 2, 2022 Credit to your team, the grounds man and even the annoying drummer. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Casey Jones Posted August 2, 2022 Share Posted August 2, 2022 30 minutes ago, Dalry llama said: Second win for Tranent tonight, whilst the scoreline says 1_0 it's not a true picture. Berwick were outplayed, TJFC missed a pen,hit the bar and missed several great chances . In all honesty , 4-0 would've been a truer reflection. I don’t agree it should have been 4-0. Penalty very soft. Perhaps the video will confirm it was, but think there was justice with the penalty save. The ball bounced on top of the bar and out, as opposed to back in play, though the keeper did have another fine save in the first half. Although Tranent were just as dominant in the 2nd half, keeper wasn’t as involved as in 1st. Regardless, Tranent deserved the win, which is all that matters to the home tea,/support. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Casey Jones Posted August 2, 2022 Share Posted August 2, 2022 13 minutes ago, sammyreidloyal said: Credit to your team, the grounds man and even the annoying drummer. Maybe age has something to do with it, but how can you give credit to the annoying drummer(s). The drum skin should have a silencer on it. Not sure I could cope going the Forresters park ever home match at listen to that! As said, maybe my age!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bestsinceslicebread Posted August 2, 2022 Share Posted August 2, 2022 1 minute ago, Casey Jones said: Maybe age has something to do with it, but how can you give credit to the annoying drummer(s). The drum skin should have a silencer on it. Not sure I could cope going the Forresters park ever home match at listen to that! As said, maybe my age!! Reading this made me giggle and I'm in 100% agreement, know exactly what you mean but give those drummer guys everywhere them their due, it does make for an atmosphere and usually a game or support you wont forget in a hurry no matter the score 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Casey Jones Posted August 2, 2022 Share Posted August 2, 2022 5 minutes ago, Bestsinceslicebread said: Reading this made me giggle and I'm in 100% agreement, know exactly what you mean but give those drummer guys everywhere them their due, it does make for an atmosphere and usually a game or support you wont forget in a hurry no matter the score So I need to bring headache tablets just in case? At least the local choir should learn another tune 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Omnishambles Posted August 13, 2022 Share Posted August 13, 2022 Frustrating afternoon. A pretty flat, largely uneventful game. Tranent the better side but badly lacking a clinical presence in the penalty box, but credit to the Strollers keeper. Kept them in the game. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Omnishambles Posted August 24, 2022 Share Posted August 24, 2022 (edited) Calum Elliot has resigned as manager. Club confirmed this afternoon. Presumably reasons behind it, I would imagine, but seems to have come out of nowhere a bit. Wouldn't surprise me if he has another job lined up. Edited August 24, 2022 by Omnishambles 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deanburn Dave Posted August 24, 2022 Share Posted August 24, 2022 Elliott probably doing a "Max Christie" and moving to a bigger and better club. Mon the BU's !!! 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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