2006/2007 Season Review
AUGUST 2006
THE SEASON BEGINS
The season always starts with the William Drummond trophy with teams being drawn into group sections. The draw was kind to Athletic who were to face Hamilton Wanderers and Allander from the second division and Glasgow Islay from the first. Each team plays each other once with the winners of the group going into the next round and the runners up going into the Vince McGlinchey shield. First up for Athletic was an away tie to Hamilton Wanderers a game that Athletic would feel should be a comfortable victory. It turned out to be just that as Athletic ran out 6-0 winners. The goals coming from Andy two from Toddy and a hat-trick from last seasons top scorer David. Not a great test for Athletic but it is always nice to keep a clean sheet. Athletic went about their business efficiently and the next game can’t come quickly enough.
SEPTEMBER 2006
OFF TO A FLIER
Next up for Athletic were Allander who they could not take lightly as they were only one of four teams to beat Athletic on their way to winning the second division title last season. Any complacency could be punished. Any worries about an upset were soon banished when Athletic ran out easy 7-1 winners. The goals coming from Andy, wee Ronnie, Goldie and two each from Toddy and Frank. Two games gone and 13 goals scored and only 1 conceded. The next game was expected from the out set to be a winner takes all tie against Glasgow Islay. It was a battle of the past two winners of the second division title. This would be a good test for Athletic against fellow first division opponents. Islay came out the traps quickly and went into an early two goal lead through a penalty and a mistake at the back. Athletic wasted no time in getting back into the game and would take a 3-2 lead going into half time. Goals from Andy from the spot and Stephen T to put us level before wee Ronnie scored a beauty which turned out to be the winner to make it 3-2. The second half was a non -event as both teams huffed and puffed and it was Athletic who went into the next round. This was a good victory as these two teams to put it mildly hate each other. This month also seen the start of the league campaign with a hard opening fixture away to Hillhead. Athletic beat Hillhead 4-2 a.e.t. in an enthralling cup-tie last season with both teams having players sent off two from them and Tucker being sent off for us. So there would be an edge to this one. Athletic won the game fairly easily 2-0 with goals from Andy from the spot which was his fourth goal on the spin and Toddy with the other his third of the season. Grant did not have any saves of great note to make in the entire game. As September ended Athletic have done extremely well. Through to the next round of the cup and a good first victory in the league against decent opposition. Story so far played 4 won 4. 18 goals scored and only 3 conceded.
OCTOBER 2006
BEATING THE CHAMPIONS
Athletic would face the current champions Red Star Baillieston. Red Star were going through a transitional period with the bulk of their squad going to play Saturday afternoon football. They also took players from Gilmorehill as they dropped out the league very much at the start of the season. Although not as strong as they have been over the past few years will still be challenging for the league come the end of the season. Athletic go into this game having never beating their opponents. Most recent game was the GDSML cup semi final last season which Red Star won 6-1. Could this be the right time to face them. The game itself was a poor spectacle with the champions probably playing the best football. Athletic were by no means out of it and shocked the champions by going a goal up. Athletic had won a corner and it was driven in by Frank and the ball ending up in the net the final touch credited to wee Ronnie although Michael thought he had scored it. It was a scrappy goal but it counted and that’s all that mattered. Red Star as expected set about getting the equaliser and came close on a couple of occasions. The goal was coming and when it did there was a hint of offside about it. Grant looked to have it covered but it just seemed to drop in just under the bar. The turning point in the game during that first half when Red Star got a man sent off for an ugly incident on the touchline. Both Stephen Tierney and Stephen Hanley were both booked in the aftermath of the sending off the latter being very harsh as Stephen was acting as peace maker backed up by their player.
The second half was just as tight as the first with the ten men giving a good account of themselves. Both teams were creating chances but it looked like the game was going to end in a draw. With about five minutes to go Paul T made a good run down the right passed in into Toddy and he turned well and fired a low shot into the net. Athletic had beaten Red Star for the first time. It wasn’t a great performance but to get the three points was vital.
Athletic’s next game was against Invac another team that beat us last season. Athletic won this game 6-2 The goals were spread out with six players netting, Ronnie Munro, wee Ronnie, Michael, Perry. Bobby and Stephen T all on the score sheet. Athletic were at home again for the league match against Columba. Goals from Toddy, Bobby and Gerry gave Athletic a 3-1 victory. October ended with a first round tie in the GDSML cup in which Pursuers of the second division stood in our way in progressing into the second round. Athletic made tough work of this one scraping through by 3 goals to two. Goals coming from Toddy, Bobby and wee Ronnie. Most of the credit went to the first division side for pushing Athletic to the brink of extra time and possibly causing an upset. This was by far Athletic’s poorest performance of the season. It raised the question of using the right substitutions at times. It makes sense to throw on forwards when chasing games but when trying to see out games then shut up shop to protect your lead.
Story so far played 8 won 8. 32 goals scored 9 conceded.