We're not certs raps Cumnock boss

Jul 24 2009 by Mike Wilson

CUMNOCK boss Stevie Farrell has warned that the fallen giants have no God given right to bounce back to the Premier Division.

But he reveals a happy dressing room will be the key to a concerted promotion push.

Farrell took his squad to 18 when he signed former Auchinleck keeper Derek Barnes who made his debut in a 2-2 draw away to Arthurlie. He is close to pipping Annbank for Glenafton midfielder Stevie Agnew and is homing in on a former Irvine Meadow and Kilwinning defender who is a free agent.

Farrell said: “We are trying to bring the right people to the club. I have looked at some good players but didn’t feel they were right for the club.

“All the lads I have brought in have fitted in very well and given us a good, solid dressing room. If they keep up that level of professionalism then we have a chance but that’s all they have. We will have to work very hard to achieve anything.”

‘Nock raced 2-0 away to Arthurlie with goals from Gareth Armstrong and Paul Gordon. But the hosts hit back through John Bradford and Stephen Anderson.

Cumnock head to Durham today (Thursday) and a game against non league Chester Le Street.

Former ‘Nock pair Craig Potter and Darren Henderson have joined Dalry.

AUCHINLECK beat Blackburn United 4-0 in a testimonial for home stalwart Mark Campbell. Goals came in the last 20 minutes from Stevie Mallan, John Boyle, Bryan Slavin (penalty) and boss Tommy Sloan.

GLENAFTON beat Cambusnethan Talbot 4-0 with goals from Craig Feroz, Chic Connolly and two trialists. On Saturday from 1pm, they host the Joe Meldrum tournament against Port Glasgow Juniors and Thorn Athletic.

New signings are former St Mirren under 19 keeper Ally Semple and Craigmark defender Alan Middleton.

Leaving are John McCaig to Hurlford United, Stevie Agnew to Cumnock and Andy Ward to Rob Roy. Bellshill have bid for Chris Cameron.

ANNBANK have been dealt a pre-season blow with the news that Dwayne Hyslop is out for four weeks.

The star midfielder, who was a key behind their mid-table finish last season, faces a fight back to fitness after a knee operation.

Boss Steph McMillan, who is hunting a left sided player, said: “We have bettered ourselves in each of the last three season and I’m confident we can do that again. Our young players have more experience and we can keep going forward.”

Bankies beat Kello 4-3 with goals from Jim Wilson (2), Lee Boyd and Neil McGinn. Theywere due to entertain Ayr Amateurs on Wednesday night and host Auchinleck Talbot on Saturday (2pm) in a match which was originally scheduled for Beechwood Park.

TROON have signed former Cumnock and Lugar midfielder Rhys Galloway while they have four of five new faces at training.

They were set to host beaten Scottish Amateur Cup finalists Hurlford on Wednesday and are trying to fix up a game for Saturday.

LUGAR have signed three players from the amateurs – defender/midfielder Thomas McGinn, keeper Ronald Davis and forward William McDonald.

The Rosebank men beat Lanark 1-0 away on Saturday and were due to entertain Kilmarnock Balmoral 21s on Wednesday.

On Saturday and Sunday, they host the Lugar tournament. Saturday’s ties: 12.30: Maybole v Lesmahagow; 3pm: Lugar v Newmains.