Blackwood nets with assist from Referee
Queen’s Park striker Kieran Blackwood scored one of the most bizarre goals of the season to round off the Hampden under-17’s side League Cup Final win over Alloa.
The Spiders were winning 3-1 when a Wasp defender booted the ball clear only for it to cannon off referee Colin Steven’s head and send Blackwood through on goal where he netted to increase the lead.
The game finished 4-1 to complete a League and Cup double and watching SFL Operations Director David Thomson said, “The referee correctly allowed the goal to stand, although it was quite a strange build up. It was an excellent game and both teams should be pleased with their performance.”
Alloa had taken the lead early through Scott Gallagher before Blackwood and Owen Ronald, son of Hampden player and Coach Paul Ronald, netted to turn things around before half time.
Ross Barbour made it three before Blackwood’s fortunate fourth.
Clyde re-sign five
Clyde have resigned five players for next season with Neil McGowan Alistair Park, Jordan Allan, Connor Stevenson and John Stewart all putting pen to paper on new deals.
Director of Football Neil Watt is also hoping to persuade goalkeeper Callum Reidford to resign for the Bully Wee, when he returns from holiday, with talks continuing with Willie McLachlan and Adam Strachan.
Defender Alan Lithgow, midfielders Kevin Higgins and Steven Howarth along with striker Willie Sawyers have all declined terms and will leave the Cumbernauld club.
Watt said, “I am particularly delighted that the players who have signed on feel they have a duty to help restore their own and the club's pride following our relegation to the Third Division. Our best wishes go to the players who are moving on.”
Cliftonhill passes test
Albion Rovers’ ninety year Cliftonhill Stadium has passed all the criteria set down by the SFA to meet their Club Licensing Programme much to the delight of Coatbridge Chairman Frank Meade.
Floodlight levels were the last outstanding item and that has now been closed out with Meade saying, “Our thanks go to Director Lew McWilliam and electrical contractor Stuart Russell for getting the floodlights issue resolved. For a club that have minimum resources we are delighted to get passed and avoid the threat of fines that other clubs have suffered from.”
Annan season tickets
Annan have put Season Tickets for next season up for sale at the reduced price of £110 for adults and £60 for concessions until the end of June. Prices rise to £125 and £70 after that date, however the Black and Golds have kept one off admission prices at £9 for adults and £5 for concessions.
Berwick release Horn and four others
Defender Robbie Horn’s six year spell at Berwick Rangers is at an end after he was released by manager Jimmy Crease. Fellow centre back Graham Guy along with midfielders Oliver Russell, Chris McMenamin and Jordan Cropley have also not been offered new deals at Shielfield.
Crease said, “Our thanks have to go to Robbie for his commitment over a long period to Berwick Rangers.”
Fifers release ten
East Fife boss Steve Crawford has released ten players including the experienced pair of Goran Stanic and Scott Thomson. Other players leaving New Bayview are Robert Campbell, Guy Kerr, Alan Lowing, Jamie McCunnie, Johnny MacRae, Paul Nugent, Jordyn Sheerin, and Mark Staunton.
Shire add new Directors
East Stirling have added three new Directors to their board with Vice- Chairman Spencer Fearn’s business partner Andy Wright coming on board, along with marketing guru James Lobley and John Roddison.
Chartered Accountant Roddison will provide business acumen as well as looking after the club’s proposed share issue if it is agreed at their forthcoming Annual General Meeting.
Champions Albion re-shape pool
Second Division winners Stirling Albion have declined to offer new contracts to experienced goalkeeper Myles Hogarth, defender Sean Roycroft, midfielders Paul Murphy and Liam Corr along with striker David McKenna.
Goalkeeper Scott Christie has a contract until the end of next season with new deals also being offered to player/ assistant manager John O’Neil and Andy Graham, Ross Forsyth, Chris Aitken, Andy Gibson, David O'Brien, Derek Colquhoun, Stewart Devine, Greig McDonald, Scott Robertson and Nathan Taggart.
Striker Michael Mullen may still be offered a deal after scoring the goal that earned Allan Moore’s side the point required to clinch the title at Brechin.
McColm pleases Stranraer however disappoints chasing clubs
Stranraer ‘s exciting striker prospect Stuart McColm has disappointed a host of chasing Second Division sides by agreeing to sign on at Stair Park for a further season.
McGuffie to become a Doonhamer?
Morton midfielder Ryan McGuffie looks set to swap Cappielow for Palmerston Park with the former Gretna admitting, “I have been speaking to Queen of the South and it looks like I will be playing there next season.”
Kevin Finlayson and Steve Masterton have been told they are free to leave the Greenock club, although those decisions may well be looked at again once a new manager is appointed to replace James Grady.
Fellow midfielder Eric Paartalu has left the club to return to Australia with Brisbane Roar.
Stenhousemuir add youngsters to their pool
Stenhousemuir’s youth development programme has borne further fruit with four of the Ochilview club’s under-19 squad being signed for next season. Callan Kerr, James McLennan, Jack Hamilton and Aaron Moore have accepted deals from manager John Coughlin.
The Warriors boss has also persuaded first team squad members Scott Dalziel, Andy Stirling, Paul Quinn, Gary Thom, Scott Gibb and Pat Scullion to sign on again.
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