Whitletts Vics - News
TEAM NEWS
Whitletts Victoria have completed a double swoop on the transfer front with the signing of midfielder Sam Nimmo and defender Euan Blair. Both players made their debuts in Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Ardrossan.
Nimmo, who had a spell with Hurlford United, joins the club from local amateur side Symington Caledonian and can play down either flank while Blair has signed a short term loan deal from Hurlford but will be ineligible for Vics’ upcoming Scottish Cup tie at Pollok.
“Sam is a talented young player who has impressed in training and can have a positive future in the game” said McMillan, “while young Euan is a big strong defender who needs to get some matches under his belt. He had pro-youth experience at Morton before joining Hurlford and is a talented footballer.”
Meanwhile former Vics player Derek McCulloch has agreed to help out his former club and manager Steph McMillan in a coaching capacity. Vics boss McMillan has been without an assistant following the departure of Jonny Baillie to Troon earlier in the season and McCulloch, who spent last season with the club as a player, has agreed to help out in the meantime.
TESTIMONIAL
Ayr United will provide the opposition on Sunday (19th October) in a testimonial match for Whitletts Victoria captain Graham Longair. It will be the third time that Ayr’s senior and junior clubs have played each other with both previous encounters ending in draws.
Ayr United historian Duncan Carmichael has done some research into the two previous encounters between the clubs, which were both played at Whitletts former Voluntary Park home.
The first match was played on Monday 13th September 1971 when a “crowd close to 600” watched “an entertaining and hard fought encounter”. Denis Gray gave United a first half lead while Vics equalised in the second period courtesy of a Mills goal.
The second encounter was a 3-3 draw on Saturday 6th August 1983 in front of 400 spectators. A strong Ayr United side took to the field which marked Whitletts return to Voluntary Park after a two year spell at Dam Park. Reports suggested that the pitch had “more contours than the Carrick Hills” as Vics raced into a two goal lead through Russell Black and former Kilmarnock defender George Maxwell. Whitletts themselves had put out a strong side that included former United legend Quinten ‘Cutty’ Young and a rising star who would go on and play for the Honest Men – a certain Dougie McCracken!
Ayr turned the game around with goals from Davie Armour, Sandy McNaughton and trialist Jimmy McIntyre before a late equaliser from Gavin Goudie ensured a share of the spoils.
Sunday’s match is a testimonial for Vics’ skipper Graham Longair who has spent ten years with the club. The Longair family have a footballing pedigree with Graham’s great grandfather, John Graham, an FA Cup winner with Preston North End back in the 1800’s while his great uncle Bernard Longair, was a member of the Whitletts side that reached the semi finals of the Scottish Junior Cup in 1956.
Graham himself is a lifelong Ayr United supporter and is a former ball boy at Somerset Park and there can be no greater testament to the player that the two clubs who mean so much to him will play each other on his big day.
The Match next Sunday at Dam Park is a 3pm kick off and is sponsored by Restoraroof. Entry on the day is £5 adults and £2.50 concessions.
It will also be a family fun day with Arena Office Supplies providing a bouncy castle to keep the weans occupied.
Testimonial Committee chairman Andrew Downie is looking forward to the day.
“To play 10 years with one club at any level of the game these days is very rare but to have stuck with your local club through all the trials and tribulations Whitletts have had during that time is something that deserves special recognition and there can be no-one in junior football deserving this day than Graham.”
"I'm indebted to a number of people who have worked very hard to ensure this day is a success but in particular to Restoraroof and Arena Office Supplies for their support and to Ayr United manager Mark Roberts for all his assistance and support in making this game happen."
“Its’ looking to be a great occasion and I’m sure its’ one everyone will enjoy."
MATCH REPORT :
WHITLETTS VICS 2 ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 2
If ever there was a banker draw on the coupon its’ this one. With an incredible SIX out of the last eight previous fixtures between the clubs having ended all square after 90 minutes, the outcome of this game should never have been in doubt.
Whitletts lined up without the suspended Tony Balfour leading the line, while giving a debut to on loan defender Euan Blair but it was another youngster, 17 year old Sean Ewart, who stole the show for Vics.
Ardrossan made the perfect start to the match, opening the scoring in the fourth minute. Craig Breen broke up a Vics’ attack midway inside his own half before waltzing upfield past three Whitletts players before drilling the ball past Ally McInnes.
Whitletts responded well, creating a couple of half chances and it didn’t take them long to get back on level terms. A free kick awarded 25 yards out for a rash challenge on Michael O’Connor was taken by Ewart who curled the ball into the top corner, giving Kenny Pollock no chance in the Winton goal.
It was just the start the game needed. It was an open game with play raging from end to end and Winton’s former Ayr United winger Ryan Caddis saw his volley clawed round the post by McInnes. But in the 13th minute it was the home side who took the lead. O’Connor slipped as he took a corner kick but the Winton defence failed to clear the danger and the ball fell kindly for Ewart whose sweetly struck left foot volley found a way through a ruck of players into the corner of the net.
Back came Winton. Lee McCrae saw his shot strike the post while a John Johnston cross was headed off the line by George Wallace. Winton had the better of the possession but it was Whitletts who almost increased their advantage when debutant, Euan Blair, on loan from Hurlford United, just failed to connect with a Ewart cross from a free kick.
The game remained an open affair into the second half with both sides looking to press forward at every opportunity but chances were few and far between but the game turned in the 61st minute when Whitletts were reduced to 10 men. Blair shown a straight red card for a rash challenge on Winton’s Johnston.
Vics’ reorganised to combat the expected Winton onslaught with Jim Wilson dropping back into a midfield role leaving O’Connor upfront on his own. Winton pressed forward but Vics’ defence restricted the visitors to a few long range strikes that were off target.
The pressure was increasing and inevitably the equaliser came in the 79th minute. Substitute Jared Willet cutting inside and from 20 yards his low drive beat McInnes.
Almost immediately the visitors should have taken the lead. On the break, Sean Hainey was left in the clear and lofted the ball over the advancing McInnes only to see the ball strike the top of the crossbar.
Ardrossan now went in search of the goal that would surely give them all three points. It was almost incessant pressure from the visitors and McInnes had to deny Willet a second, saving at his near post.
As the game entered the dying moments Lee McCrae had a good chance to net what would have been the winner when his initial cross was headed back in his direction but his follow up shot flew wide of the far post.
However it was Vics’ who should have won the points right at the death when O’Connor broke down the left but as he ran into the box he pulled his angled shot wide of the target.
WHITLETTS VICTORIA
1. McInnes 2. Blair 3. Lawrie 4. Reynolds 5. Wallace 6. Buchanan 7. Hanvey (Kerr 82) 8. Love 9. O’Connor 10. Wilson (Allan 85) 11. Ewart (Nimmo 75)
Subs (not used) 12. Longair 16, Simpson
ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS
1. Pollock 2. Hay (Hainey 72) 3. Kilgannon 4. Breen 5. Cochrane 6. McCrae 7. Johnston 8. Gilmour 9. Cashmore (Willet 59) 10. Carson 11. Caddis
Subs (not used) 14. Browning 16. Walsh
REFEREE: Graham Grainger
Whitletts Victoria have completed a double swoop on the transfer front with the signing of midfielder Sam Nimmo and defender Euan Blair. Both players made their debuts in Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Ardrossan.
Nimmo, who had a spell with Hurlford United, joins the club from local amateur side Symington Caledonian and can play down either flank while Blair has signed a short term loan deal from Hurlford but will be ineligible for Vics’ upcoming Scottish Cup tie at Pollok.
“Sam is a talented young player who has impressed in training and can have a positive future in the game” said McMillan, “while young Euan is a big strong defender who needs to get some matches under his belt. He had pro-youth experience at Morton before joining Hurlford and is a talented footballer.”
Meanwhile former Vics player Derek McCulloch has agreed to help out his former club and manager Steph McMillan in a coaching capacity. Vics boss McMillan has been without an assistant following the departure of Jonny Baillie to Troon earlier in the season and McCulloch, who spent last season with the club as a player, has agreed to help out in the meantime.
TESTIMONIAL
Ayr United will provide the opposition on Sunday (19th October) in a testimonial match for Whitletts Victoria captain Graham Longair. It will be the third time that Ayr’s senior and junior clubs have played each other with both previous encounters ending in draws.
Ayr United historian Duncan Carmichael has done some research into the two previous encounters between the clubs, which were both played at Whitletts former Voluntary Park home.
The first match was played on Monday 13th September 1971 when a “crowd close to 600” watched “an entertaining and hard fought encounter”. Denis Gray gave United a first half lead while Vics equalised in the second period courtesy of a Mills goal.
The second encounter was a 3-3 draw on Saturday 6th August 1983 in front of 400 spectators. A strong Ayr United side took to the field which marked Whitletts return to Voluntary Park after a two year spell at Dam Park. Reports suggested that the pitch had “more contours than the Carrick Hills” as Vics raced into a two goal lead through Russell Black and former Kilmarnock defender George Maxwell. Whitletts themselves had put out a strong side that included former United legend Quinten ‘Cutty’ Young and a rising star who would go on and play for the Honest Men – a certain Dougie McCracken!
Ayr turned the game around with goals from Davie Armour, Sandy McNaughton and trialist Jimmy McIntyre before a late equaliser from Gavin Goudie ensured a share of the spoils.
Sunday’s match is a testimonial for Vics’ skipper Graham Longair who has spent ten years with the club. The Longair family have a footballing pedigree with Graham’s great grandfather, John Graham, an FA Cup winner with Preston North End back in the 1800’s while his great uncle Bernard Longair, was a member of the Whitletts side that reached the semi finals of the Scottish Junior Cup in 1956.
Graham himself is a lifelong Ayr United supporter and is a former ball boy at Somerset Park and there can be no greater testament to the player that the two clubs who mean so much to him will play each other on his big day.
The Match next Sunday at Dam Park is a 3pm kick off and is sponsored by Restoraroof. Entry on the day is £5 adults and £2.50 concessions.
It will also be a family fun day with Arena Office Supplies providing a bouncy castle to keep the weans occupied.
Testimonial Committee chairman Andrew Downie is looking forward to the day.
“To play 10 years with one club at any level of the game these days is very rare but to have stuck with your local club through all the trials and tribulations Whitletts have had during that time is something that deserves special recognition and there can be no-one in junior football deserving this day than Graham.”
"I'm indebted to a number of people who have worked very hard to ensure this day is a success but in particular to Restoraroof and Arena Office Supplies for their support and to Ayr United manager Mark Roberts for all his assistance and support in making this game happen."
“Its’ looking to be a great occasion and I’m sure its’ one everyone will enjoy."
MATCH REPORT :
WHITLETTS VICS 2 ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 2
If ever there was a banker draw on the coupon its’ this one. With an incredible SIX out of the last eight previous fixtures between the clubs having ended all square after 90 minutes, the outcome of this game should never have been in doubt.
Whitletts lined up without the suspended Tony Balfour leading the line, while giving a debut to on loan defender Euan Blair but it was another youngster, 17 year old Sean Ewart, who stole the show for Vics.
Ardrossan made the perfect start to the match, opening the scoring in the fourth minute. Craig Breen broke up a Vics’ attack midway inside his own half before waltzing upfield past three Whitletts players before drilling the ball past Ally McInnes.
Whitletts responded well, creating a couple of half chances and it didn’t take them long to get back on level terms. A free kick awarded 25 yards out for a rash challenge on Michael O’Connor was taken by Ewart who curled the ball into the top corner, giving Kenny Pollock no chance in the Winton goal.
It was just the start the game needed. It was an open game with play raging from end to end and Winton’s former Ayr United winger Ryan Caddis saw his volley clawed round the post by McInnes. But in the 13th minute it was the home side who took the lead. O’Connor slipped as he took a corner kick but the Winton defence failed to clear the danger and the ball fell kindly for Ewart whose sweetly struck left foot volley found a way through a ruck of players into the corner of the net.
Back came Winton. Lee McCrae saw his shot strike the post while a John Johnston cross was headed off the line by George Wallace. Winton had the better of the possession but it was Whitletts who almost increased their advantage when debutant, Euan Blair, on loan from Hurlford United, just failed to connect with a Ewart cross from a free kick.
The game remained an open affair into the second half with both sides looking to press forward at every opportunity but chances were few and far between but the game turned in the 61st minute when Whitletts were reduced to 10 men. Blair shown a straight red card for a rash challenge on Winton’s Johnston.
Vics’ reorganised to combat the expected Winton onslaught with Jim Wilson dropping back into a midfield role leaving O’Connor upfront on his own. Winton pressed forward but Vics’ defence restricted the visitors to a few long range strikes that were off target.
The pressure was increasing and inevitably the equaliser came in the 79th minute. Substitute Jared Willet cutting inside and from 20 yards his low drive beat McInnes.
Almost immediately the visitors should have taken the lead. On the break, Sean Hainey was left in the clear and lofted the ball over the advancing McInnes only to see the ball strike the top of the crossbar.
Ardrossan now went in search of the goal that would surely give them all three points. It was almost incessant pressure from the visitors and McInnes had to deny Willet a second, saving at his near post.
As the game entered the dying moments Lee McCrae had a good chance to net what would have been the winner when his initial cross was headed back in his direction but his follow up shot flew wide of the far post.
However it was Vics’ who should have won the points right at the death when O’Connor broke down the left but as he ran into the box he pulled his angled shot wide of the target.
WHITLETTS VICTORIA
1. McInnes 2. Blair 3. Lawrie 4. Reynolds 5. Wallace 6. Buchanan 7. Hanvey (Kerr 82) 8. Love 9. O’Connor 10. Wilson (Allan 85) 11. Ewart (Nimmo 75)
Subs (not used) 12. Longair 16, Simpson
ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS
1. Pollock 2. Hay (Hainey 72) 3. Kilgannon 4. Breen 5. Cochrane 6. McCrae 7. Johnston 8. Gilmour 9. Cashmore (Willet 59) 10. Carson 11. Caddis
Subs (not used) 14. Browning 16. Walsh
REFEREE: Graham Grainger