Bens first footed Forth with five fabulous goals on Saturday. Maybe it was the couple of months practice that did the trick but whatever it was the Tinto team rattled in five of their best so far this season.
Steven Waddell proved again his finishing class with a hat trick but debut boy Danny Simpson topped those with a scorching 25 yard shot.
Chris Seenan may not be able to boast of the distance but he was in the right place to round off a great move: a McGlinchey through ball found O'Neill and Tony stepped around the right back before cutting back for Waddell's shot which hit the right upright rebounding across goal for Chris to burst the net from two yards.
Bens are back on the road this week at Wishaw, hopefully the next stop en route to Division One.
Monday, 8 February 2010
Wednesday, 6 January 2010
Glasgow Junior Cup 1920
Match report from the Evening Times of Saturday May 22, 1920
'ASHFIELD v BENBURB
ASHFIELD: McDougall; Cornock & Hare; Frame, Gordon & Millar; Ganett, Ballantyne, Meiklejohn, Presham & Calder.
BENBURB: Thomson; Watt & Paton; McCourt, Walker & McGuire; Gray, Gossman, Meldrum, Russell & Edwards.
Referee: M Quinn (Bellshill)
Benburb started play and at once made progress, but Meldrum, when well placed was penalised under the offside rule. Continuing to attack, the Govan club forced a corner but although well placed relief came to the Saracen defenders when the ball was sent past. While Ashfield possibly took the field favourites, Benburb showed by their opening display that they had little regard for reputation.
After Ashfield had a fair share in defending the Saracen forwards broke away and Calder had very hard lines with a fine effort.
With the half backs on both sides giving little scope, the forwards had difficulty in moving. A fine opportunity fell to Meiklejohn but that player having illegally tackled Walker when making for the ball, the chance was lost.
Gray, Graham & Meldrum gave Ashfield's defence no end of anxiety, and with Benburb generally giving a better display than Ashfield, a goal to the Govan team would have occasioned no great surprise.
The Saracen forwards never properly settled to their game, although Thomson now and again had to handle a stray shot.
The game could hardly be called a brilliant exhibition , but rather very scrappy, and not anything like a final tie.
Although tempers were at times ruffled the referee on the whole had little difficulty soldering matters. Near the interval Gray very nearly gave his side the lead.
Half time: No Scoring
On resuming Benburb were soon in the vicinity of McDougall, but Cornock eventually cleared by punting up the field. The Govan team, however, were not easily shaken off, and returning again Gray sent in a grand shot which Cornock unfortunately slipped through his own goal and opened the scoring for Benburb. On play the Govan team were value the lead. After this reverse Ashfield gave a slightly better display but continuing to move disjointedly were not playing a winning game.
While the goal gave Benburb confidence it raised Ashfield but their forward play was ragged and without method.
Drawings £192 and 9 s.'
'ASHFIELD v BENBURB
ASHFIELD: McDougall; Cornock & Hare; Frame, Gordon & Millar; Ganett, Ballantyne, Meiklejohn, Presham & Calder.
BENBURB: Thomson; Watt & Paton; McCourt, Walker & McGuire; Gray, Gossman, Meldrum, Russell & Edwards.
Referee: M Quinn (Bellshill)
Benburb started play and at once made progress, but Meldrum, when well placed was penalised under the offside rule. Continuing to attack, the Govan club forced a corner but although well placed relief came to the Saracen defenders when the ball was sent past. While Ashfield possibly took the field favourites, Benburb showed by their opening display that they had little regard for reputation.
After Ashfield had a fair share in defending the Saracen forwards broke away and Calder had very hard lines with a fine effort.
With the half backs on both sides giving little scope, the forwards had difficulty in moving. A fine opportunity fell to Meiklejohn but that player having illegally tackled Walker when making for the ball, the chance was lost.
Gray, Graham & Meldrum gave Ashfield's defence no end of anxiety, and with Benburb generally giving a better display than Ashfield, a goal to the Govan team would have occasioned no great surprise.
The Saracen forwards never properly settled to their game, although Thomson now and again had to handle a stray shot.
The game could hardly be called a brilliant exhibition , but rather very scrappy, and not anything like a final tie.
Although tempers were at times ruffled the referee on the whole had little difficulty soldering matters. Near the interval Gray very nearly gave his side the lead.
Half time: No Scoring
On resuming Benburb were soon in the vicinity of McDougall, but Cornock eventually cleared by punting up the field. The Govan team, however, were not easily shaken off, and returning again Gray sent in a grand shot which Cornock unfortunately slipped through his own goal and opened the scoring for Benburb. On play the Govan team were value the lead. After this reverse Ashfield gave a slightly better display but continuing to move disjointedly were not playing a winning game.
While the goal gave Benburb confidence it raised Ashfield but their forward play was ragged and without method.
Drawings £192 and 9 s.'
Tuesday, 5 January 2010
Bens Roar Into Golden Twenties
There's a photograph of the Bens team of 1920 on the wall in the Tinto Park pavilion which is the earliest picture of the side wearing the black and gold vertical stripes. I was hoping to find the point where the green strips inherited from the old Benburb transformed to the new colours but as yet newspaper reports haven't commented on something which was probably trivial in those times.
What I did find were reports of the exploits of the 1920 team in bringing another piece of silverware to Govan. Silver polish sales in the Burgh were already booming thanks to the St Anthonys club who had won the Scottish Junior League in 1916-17 and then went on a sensational run in 1918-19 winning the Evening News Charity Cup, the Glasgow Challenge Cup, the Scottish League Victory Cup, the North Eastern Cup, the Scottish Junior League again and just missing out on the ultimate Scottish Junior Cup to Glencairn 1-0 after a 1-1 draw.
The sheen from Moore Park must have cast a dark shadow on the nearby Gymnasium Park.
The Glasgow Junior Cup again provided some chance of redemption for the Bens who had failed to build on their Glasgow Junior League win of 1914.
To finish top of the pile in the Glasgow Association, whether in League or Cup, still required the beating of some formidable teams and the Glasgow Junior Cup of 1919-20 proved no different.
The Evening Times provided a comprehensive report of the semi-final tie between Benburb and Vale of Clyde at Shawfield Park.
' BENBURB: Thomson; Watt & Paton; McCourt, Walker & McGuire; Gray, Russell, Meldrum, Gossman & McCrindle.
VALE OF CLYDE: Somerville; Woodburn & McColgan; McNair, Bennett & Simpson; Campbell, Gavigan, Cullen, Doyle & Grove.
Referee: M Quinn- Bellshill
Before fully 3000 spectators Benburb kicked off, and in the first minute McCrindle was instrumental in carrying play into the Vale's lines where Simpson effected a timely clearance. An unproductive raid by the Tollcross forwards was followed by another attack on Somerville's charge when a faulty clearance by Woodburn looked dangerous for the favourites. In commendable style, however, Somerville saved from Gray. Campbell was next conspicuous with a brisk run and accurate cross but Thomson had difficulty in stopping Cullen's final effort. A few minutes later off-side against Gavigan nullified a likely opportunity. The Vale were the more business like lot when in the vicinity of goal, and it was no surprise when Doyle capped a combined raid by the East End forwards by driving past Thomson from 15 yards range.
This reverse acted as a stimulant to the Bens but they found it a tough proposition battling against the wind and for a period play ruled in midfield. After Doyle had headed over, McCrindle, assisted by a freekick, bore down on his opponents. Poor support however was given him by his colleagues, and a well timed cross from the outside man went abegging.
Cleverly dispossessing Grove, McCourt slipped well ahead to Gray. McCrindle ultimately found himself in possession, and in an effort to clear his lines a Vale defender handled within the penalty area.
A penalty was awarded and Walker equalised. Vale were persistent in their efforts to regain the lead and in quick succession Thomson, got ticklish shots to deal with from Grove and Bennett. A few minutes prior to the interval Meldrum just failed to net from a cross from McCrindle.
Half Time Benburb 1 Vale of Clyde 1
As the half time score indicates, both clubs were everly matched, but on resuming the Vale asserted themselves and from the first run up Thomson had to jump to clear from Grove. The Bens retaliated strongly and Somerville had to look smart in negotiating a deceptive drive from Gray. Back came the Vale's forward and from close range he lofted the ball wildly over the crossbar. Play now became fast and interesting , and after the Tollcross team had been within an ace of taking the lead Meldrum had a powerful drive turned behind by Somerville for a fruitless flag kick.
After twenty minutes of this half had gone Benburb's forwards consigned play to Somerville's end, and from a scrimmage Gray put his side ahead. A couple of minutes later Gossman cleverly headed a third goal from a flag kick.
SUMMING UP
The Govan club deservedly earned the right to meet Ashfield in the final round. After Gray's goal they never looked back and but for Somerville the margin would have been greater.
Estimated attendance 4000
Gate exclusive of tax £82 '
The Evening Times of Thursday May 20, 1920 previewed the Glasgow Junior Final at the weekend.
'The outstanding junior event this weekend is the Glasgow Cup Final at Shawfield Park, in which such giants in the game as Ashfield and Benburb are interested. Instituted way back in 1884-85 the City Cup has all along proved one of the best paying in the country, and should the weather be at all favourable on Saturday, the chances are that a new record will be made from a gate drawing standpoint.
Ashfield , who were first returned as cup winners in 1894, again appeared in the last stage of the cup in 1906 when they had a succession of cup triumphs, while in 1915 they again carried off this much coveted honour.
Benburb on the other hand landed the cup in 1890, and again won in 1917. It will thus be seen that the Possilpark club have all along played quite a prominent part in the competition. In the semi-final Ashfield disposed of Parkhead and Benburb Vale of Clyde, so that there are indications of a great struggle.
We are inclined to favour the chances of Ashfield emerging on the right side. Both teams are to be full strength.'
What I did find were reports of the exploits of the 1920 team in bringing another piece of silverware to Govan. Silver polish sales in the Burgh were already booming thanks to the St Anthonys club who had won the Scottish Junior League in 1916-17 and then went on a sensational run in 1918-19 winning the Evening News Charity Cup, the Glasgow Challenge Cup, the Scottish League Victory Cup, the North Eastern Cup, the Scottish Junior League again and just missing out on the ultimate Scottish Junior Cup to Glencairn 1-0 after a 1-1 draw.
The sheen from Moore Park must have cast a dark shadow on the nearby Gymnasium Park.
The Glasgow Junior Cup again provided some chance of redemption for the Bens who had failed to build on their Glasgow Junior League win of 1914.
To finish top of the pile in the Glasgow Association, whether in League or Cup, still required the beating of some formidable teams and the Glasgow Junior Cup of 1919-20 proved no different.
The Evening Times provided a comprehensive report of the semi-final tie between Benburb and Vale of Clyde at Shawfield Park.
' BENBURB: Thomson; Watt & Paton; McCourt, Walker & McGuire; Gray, Russell, Meldrum, Gossman & McCrindle.
VALE OF CLYDE: Somerville; Woodburn & McColgan; McNair, Bennett & Simpson; Campbell, Gavigan, Cullen, Doyle & Grove.
Referee: M Quinn- Bellshill
Before fully 3000 spectators Benburb kicked off, and in the first minute McCrindle was instrumental in carrying play into the Vale's lines where Simpson effected a timely clearance. An unproductive raid by the Tollcross forwards was followed by another attack on Somerville's charge when a faulty clearance by Woodburn looked dangerous for the favourites. In commendable style, however, Somerville saved from Gray. Campbell was next conspicuous with a brisk run and accurate cross but Thomson had difficulty in stopping Cullen's final effort. A few minutes later off-side against Gavigan nullified a likely opportunity. The Vale were the more business like lot when in the vicinity of goal, and it was no surprise when Doyle capped a combined raid by the East End forwards by driving past Thomson from 15 yards range.
This reverse acted as a stimulant to the Bens but they found it a tough proposition battling against the wind and for a period play ruled in midfield. After Doyle had headed over, McCrindle, assisted by a freekick, bore down on his opponents. Poor support however was given him by his colleagues, and a well timed cross from the outside man went abegging.
Cleverly dispossessing Grove, McCourt slipped well ahead to Gray. McCrindle ultimately found himself in possession, and in an effort to clear his lines a Vale defender handled within the penalty area.
A penalty was awarded and Walker equalised. Vale were persistent in their efforts to regain the lead and in quick succession Thomson, got ticklish shots to deal with from Grove and Bennett. A few minutes prior to the interval Meldrum just failed to net from a cross from McCrindle.
Half Time Benburb 1 Vale of Clyde 1
As the half time score indicates, both clubs were everly matched, but on resuming the Vale asserted themselves and from the first run up Thomson had to jump to clear from Grove. The Bens retaliated strongly and Somerville had to look smart in negotiating a deceptive drive from Gray. Back came the Vale's forward and from close range he lofted the ball wildly over the crossbar. Play now became fast and interesting , and after the Tollcross team had been within an ace of taking the lead Meldrum had a powerful drive turned behind by Somerville for a fruitless flag kick.
After twenty minutes of this half had gone Benburb's forwards consigned play to Somerville's end, and from a scrimmage Gray put his side ahead. A couple of minutes later Gossman cleverly headed a third goal from a flag kick.
SUMMING UP
The Govan club deservedly earned the right to meet Ashfield in the final round. After Gray's goal they never looked back and but for Somerville the margin would have been greater.
Estimated attendance 4000
Gate exclusive of tax £82 '
The Evening Times of Thursday May 20, 1920 previewed the Glasgow Junior Final at the weekend.
'The outstanding junior event this weekend is the Glasgow Cup Final at Shawfield Park, in which such giants in the game as Ashfield and Benburb are interested. Instituted way back in 1884-85 the City Cup has all along proved one of the best paying in the country, and should the weather be at all favourable on Saturday, the chances are that a new record will be made from a gate drawing standpoint.
Ashfield , who were first returned as cup winners in 1894, again appeared in the last stage of the cup in 1906 when they had a succession of cup triumphs, while in 1915 they again carried off this much coveted honour.
Benburb on the other hand landed the cup in 1890, and again won in 1917. It will thus be seen that the Possilpark club have all along played quite a prominent part in the competition. In the semi-final Ashfield disposed of Parkhead and Benburb Vale of Clyde, so that there are indications of a great struggle.
We are inclined to favour the chances of Ashfield emerging on the right side. Both teams are to be full strength.'
Monday, 4 January 2010
Bens Fight On To Victory
The Bens may have endured some hardships over the last month of frozen weather but it cannot compare to the troubled times they, and the rest of the country, came through in the First World War years. It was only in 1914 they had won the Glasgow Junior League but the world had changed in the months and years afterwards with the newspapers devoting more space to the roll calls of the dead than to football.
There was to be a light at the end of the tunnel for Bens in season 1916-17 when they won the Glasgow Junior Cup which, for the Glasgow Association at least, seemed to rank almost as high as the Scottish Cup itself.
The Evening Times of Saturday June 16, 1917 carried the outcome of the previous Saturday's match.
'Benburb after years of struggling have won the Glasgow Cup by defeating Petershill in the final tie at Firhill Park by 1-0.
The margin might have been greater had the winning team's forwards taken half the chances that fell to them. They deserved the success that attended their appearance in the final....
In defence Benburb excelled, and none did better in this division than Campbell in goal, McLellan and 'Birdy' Rae at back, with Black and McIntosh bearing off the honours at half back. Laurie, H.Rae and McNair were the best forwards.
The goal that won the match was the result of a good cross by Laurie which McNair nipped in and beat McDougall. There were ten minutes of the opening half left when the effort counted.
...
Without trying to make too much of Benburb's win, it is not out of its turn. It will encourage the officials who have done much to keep the flag of junior football flying in Govan.
There have been many earnest and hard working officials connected with the club, and special mention of Alec Taylor may be made, for when the 'Bens' lost their ground it was none other than this official who managed to keep the club together. His enthusiasm has been rewarded by this honour coming to Govan.
The present officials deserve all credit for the victory and will be the first to admit that Sanny Taylor should be credited with the labour of years which has been carried to fruition.
The gate was £227 3s 3d one of the best that has been obtained in recent years in the Glasgow Cup Final.'
In the semi-final, Bens defeated Rutherglen Glencairn who would contest the Scottish Cup final two years later with Bens' neighbours St Anthonys. It was known as the Great Peace Final as the concluding treaties ending the First World War were signed the same afternoon as the Hampden contest. The Ants were to return to Moore Park beaten in that encounter but swept the board in just about everything else that season with many fine players in the hooped eleven.
There was to be a light at the end of the tunnel for Bens in season 1916-17 when they won the Glasgow Junior Cup which, for the Glasgow Association at least, seemed to rank almost as high as the Scottish Cup itself.
The Evening Times of Saturday June 16, 1917 carried the outcome of the previous Saturday's match.
'Benburb after years of struggling have won the Glasgow Cup by defeating Petershill in the final tie at Firhill Park by 1-0.
The margin might have been greater had the winning team's forwards taken half the chances that fell to them. They deserved the success that attended their appearance in the final....
In defence Benburb excelled, and none did better in this division than Campbell in goal, McLellan and 'Birdy' Rae at back, with Black and McIntosh bearing off the honours at half back. Laurie, H.Rae and McNair were the best forwards.
The goal that won the match was the result of a good cross by Laurie which McNair nipped in and beat McDougall. There were ten minutes of the opening half left when the effort counted.
...
Without trying to make too much of Benburb's win, it is not out of its turn. It will encourage the officials who have done much to keep the flag of junior football flying in Govan.
There have been many earnest and hard working officials connected with the club, and special mention of Alec Taylor may be made, for when the 'Bens' lost their ground it was none other than this official who managed to keep the club together. His enthusiasm has been rewarded by this honour coming to Govan.
The present officials deserve all credit for the victory and will be the first to admit that Sanny Taylor should be credited with the labour of years which has been carried to fruition.
The gate was £227 3s 3d one of the best that has been obtained in recent years in the Glasgow Cup Final.'
In the semi-final, Bens defeated Rutherglen Glencairn who would contest the Scottish Cup final two years later with Bens' neighbours St Anthonys. It was known as the Great Peace Final as the concluding treaties ending the First World War were signed the same afternoon as the Hampden contest. The Ants were to return to Moore Park beaten in that encounter but swept the board in just about everything else that season with many fine players in the hooped eleven.
Friday, 27 November 2009
Tinney's Tinto Talk-In
Last night's Evening Times carried an interview with Bens' midfielder John Tinney whose career has seen him play at the top level of the Central and Super Leagues before bringing him 'home' to Tinto Park.
John also looks forward to what the current Bens squad can achieve.
Sunday, 8 November 2009
Bens Home In On Promotion Spot
Bens made it five out of five at home in the League with a hard fought victory over St Rochs. The result means Bens now occupy third spot in the table with 15 points and their games in hand put table-toppers Shettleston, who surprisingly lost at home to Forth, within their sights.
St Rochs had Andy Sinclair in their line-up and the ex Bens player came closest for the visitors in the first half when his 37th minute shot flew narrowly past the upright.
In an uneventful first half John Tinney came closest for Bens on 24 minutes with a 20 yard lob which the keeper did well to palm to the side.
Bens came out fired up for the second half and took the lead within minutes. Sinclair and O'Neill tangled on the halfway line and the Bens' centre got the better of his old teammate, playing in Kinnaird on the right wing. The young fullback reached the byline and cut an inviting ball back into the box where Ally Mackenzie struck a shot onto Tony O'Neill who happily turned it into the net.
The home defence had to be resolute as St Rochs responded to the early reverse and Alan Thomson covered well to head off the goalline on 55 minutes with the follow-up shot rattling off the crossbar. The Bens' defence could do little to stop the Candy Rock striker on 63 minutes when he took a diagonal ball well, dragging it across Thomson but fortunately for the home side shot wide from a good angle.
Waddell couldn't keep his volley down when a McMillan throw found him at the back post on 65 minutes and ten minutes later Mackenzie skyed his shot after excellent work by Kinnaird on the right touchline found him inside the box.
Stevie Waddell nearly wrapped it all up on 80 minutes when his twisting and turning earned a free-kick at the side of the penalty area- from the incoming cross he back-heeled it inches beyond the far post.
St Rochs fired a 25 yard free-kick about a foot over the bar but couldn't muster enough to deny the Bens their 100% league record at Tinto.
They've still to break their duck away from home and next week's fuxture against bottom side Newmains, who've yet to take a point, seems the ideal opportunity.
BENBURB: Ghattas, Kinnaird, McMillan, Imrie, Thomson, Crossey, Mackenzie, McGlinchey, O'Neill, Waddell, Tinney.
St Rochs had Andy Sinclair in their line-up and the ex Bens player came closest for the visitors in the first half when his 37th minute shot flew narrowly past the upright.
In an uneventful first half John Tinney came closest for Bens on 24 minutes with a 20 yard lob which the keeper did well to palm to the side.
Bens came out fired up for the second half and took the lead within minutes. Sinclair and O'Neill tangled on the halfway line and the Bens' centre got the better of his old teammate, playing in Kinnaird on the right wing. The young fullback reached the byline and cut an inviting ball back into the box where Ally Mackenzie struck a shot onto Tony O'Neill who happily turned it into the net.
The home defence had to be resolute as St Rochs responded to the early reverse and Alan Thomson covered well to head off the goalline on 55 minutes with the follow-up shot rattling off the crossbar. The Bens' defence could do little to stop the Candy Rock striker on 63 minutes when he took a diagonal ball well, dragging it across Thomson but fortunately for the home side shot wide from a good angle.
Waddell couldn't keep his volley down when a McMillan throw found him at the back post on 65 minutes and ten minutes later Mackenzie skyed his shot after excellent work by Kinnaird on the right touchline found him inside the box.
Stevie Waddell nearly wrapped it all up on 80 minutes when his twisting and turning earned a free-kick at the side of the penalty area- from the incoming cross he back-heeled it inches beyond the far post.
St Rochs fired a 25 yard free-kick about a foot over the bar but couldn't muster enough to deny the Bens their 100% league record at Tinto.
They've still to break their duck away from home and next week's fuxture against bottom side Newmains, who've yet to take a point, seems the ideal opportunity.
BENBURB: Ghattas, Kinnaird, McMillan, Imrie, Thomson, Crossey, Mackenzie, McGlinchey, O'Neill, Waddell, Tinney.
Central District League Division Two
*********************************************
* Benburb 1 St Rochs 0 *
*********************************************
* Benburb 1 St Rochs 0 *
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