Blantyre Vics look to new goalkeeping options

Mar 4 2010 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

BLANTYRE Vics look set to have a new keeper between the sticks when the recently deposed Central League First Division leaders St Anthony’s visit Castle Park.

Alan Colquohoun’s red card in Vics’ last game against Cumbernauld has pushed him over the disciplinary limit and, having received three this season, he could be banned for several games.

That apparent lack of discipline, however, isn’t as straightforward as it looks and furious club officials have submitted a damning report to the SJFA on the conduct of the match referee.

Boss Willie Harvey took advantage of the enforced ‘rest’ period to sign 22-year-old former Partick Thistle goalkeeper Charlie Sanugonga from Glencairn and Colin Robertson from Kilwinning Rangers.

The club have managed to fit in a couple of training sessions at Airdrie Sports Centre and the Jock Stein Sports Barn in Hamilton but, like most junior clubs, Vics have found difficulty in getting suitable training facilities on a regular basis.

Two all-county clashes take place in the Central League Second Division as Carluke Rovers take on Royal Albert at Loch Park and Wishaw host Forth Wanderers at the Sports Centre.

Newmains United, meanwhile, are at home to Benburb.

Lesmahagow have left-sided midfielder Fraser Gilliland back in contention after working in Holland for two years, and he could make his return in a friendly against Super Premier League side Bellshill Athletic at Craighead Park on Saturday.

Defender Matthew Aymard could also be set to return but free-scoring midfielder Barry Murdoch remains on the sidelines with an abdominal muscle strain.

Carluke Rovers will host a Race Night at Milton Rovers’ clubhouse on Friday as one of the first fundraising ventures lined up by the new extended committee.

Manager Whitey Moffat said: “Bringing in new committee members has given the whole club a boost and it has certainly made me feel more enthusiastic – although that would be even better if we could just get some football played!”