MATCH REPORTS 2008/2009
26 Jul 2009

***MATCH REPORTS***

2008/09 SEASON

Wednesday 3 June 2009
SAFL Premier Division 1

Aikenhead Thistle 4-0 Kings Park Rangers

Manager John Campbell took a depleted squad to Lochburn Park, Maryhill to face the already promoted Aikenhead Thistle in both clubs final game of the season. The match ended in a 4-0 defeat for Kings which completed a miserable end to the season.

The game was dominated from virtually start to finish by the newly promoted home side with two goals being scored in each half. However, despite losing the game by a four goal margin, Kings competed well creating plenty of chances, some of which should have been taken. Overall though Kings can have few complaints with the result

Best for Kings on the night were Cameron, Moran, Colbert and McGowan.

Saturday 23 May 2009
SAFL Non-Premier Division 1

Lochgilphead 1-2 Kings Park Rangers (B)

Kings completed the great escape with a fine away win at a Lochgilphead side that had won against KPR earlier in the season and had a excellent home record. The three points ensured that they would stay in Division 1 next season and that Cambria (B) would be relegated following Duncanrigs (B) draw at Dumbarton Rock.

Kings were dealt a major blow before the match when Stevie Cameron failed a fitness test 5 miles south of Inveraray....manager Steven McClure had to call on Big Hammy (Graham McMillan) to play in the centre of a 5 man midfield.

The game started with the home side having the majority of possession with Kings struggling to retain possession or keep their shape although their defence was rarely troubled by the Lochgilphead front line.

However, with only 15 minutes on the clock, Lochgilphead were awarded a penalty when Paul Speirs fouled his man in the box. Craig Lowe was beaten by the pace of the shot by the Argyll side's Hungarian centre forward leaving Kings with a mountain to climb.

Ten minutes later KPR were given a boost when the home side were reduced to ten men following a professional foul on Gardiner. The resulting free kick from Daniel Colbert was deflected wrong footing the goalkeeper and bringing KPR level. No one celebrated more than sub Ross Logan who had wee Danny in the sweep.

Shortly before half time, Kings went in front with a magnificent strike from Robert Bell (Shug). His free kick from 25 yards was curled beyond the Lochgilphead keeper and Kings had the lead they were looking for going into the break.

The second half was a bit of a non event with Kings dominating but a combination of poor decision making in possession and poor finishing ensured there would be no further goals by KPR. Lochgilphead never troubled Kings in the second half, however the final whistle was still greeted with relief by all associated with KPR.

It was great to secure Division 1 football for next season and it was a happy bus that travelled back to Glasgow with all enjoying one or two shandies on the way.....

Saturday 16 May 2009
SAFL Non-Premier Division 1

Kings Park Rangers (B) 2-0 Rosehill Star

KPR kept their hopes of remaining in Division 1 alive with a hard fought victory over a Rosehill at Glasgow Green. Rosehill had travelled to and beaten Lochgilphead in their last match and came into this one with plenty of confidence particulary as they had been a bogey side for KPR in recent years.

KPR enjoyed much of the early play and created a number of chances but could not make any count. The home side lost their way for a 15 minute period towards the end of the first half, with Rosehill coming more into the match. However, Rosehill found the KPR defence difficult to break down, with only long range efforts coming in on Craig Lowe.

With the scores level at half time, KPR had to go for broke in the second half which resulted in the game becoming more open and both sides looking dangerous on the break.

On the hour mark, KPR took the lead. A corner from the right wasn't cleared properly by the Rosehill defence and when the ball broke to Ryan McCall, he managed to show quick feet before drilling a left foot shot into the net. The match continued to remain open with both sides coming close. A long range shot was superbly saved by Lowe in the KPR goal, before a header from James Gardiner was turned round the post at the other end.

KPR doubled their lead with 15 minutes remaining when Gardiner kept a cool head when clear through on goal, scoring with a low shot.

Five minutes later, Gardiner won a penalty which he took himself but blasted high and wide. The game ended with a 2-0 victory for KPR which means an away win at Lochgilphead on the final day of the season will take KPR out of the relegation zone and safety.

Wednesday 13 May 2009
SAFL Premier Division 1

Kings Park Rangers 1-2 Castlemilk

Played at a blustery Glasgow Green, KPR and Castlemilk took to the field with very different objectives. Castlemilk are chasing promotion to the SAFL Premier Division for the first time in their history having worked their way up from Non Premier Division 2, whilst KPR were looking to stop a run of defeats which has seen them drop down the league table.

Despite Castlemilk starting as strong favourites in this one, it was KPR that had the better of the early play although they found it difficult to create any clear chances on goal. However, midway through the first half KPR deservedly took the lead when Cooper rose to meet a corner from the right hand side to power a downward header which left the Castlemilk goalkeeper with no chance.

KPR had other chances to score and extend their lead but as in recent games lost a goal close to half time which resulted in the game being level at 1-1 at the interval.

The second half was fairly even with defences on top and it seemed likely that a second goal for either side would settle this one.

With 15 minutes remaining, John Campbell sent on veteran John Callaghan to replace Paul Graham and it almost paid off immediately when Callaghan found himself with only the keeper to beat but failed to take advantage of the opportunity.

This was to prove costly when, with only minutes remaining, Castlemilk scored. A fine lay off by the Castlemilk centre forward being drilled home to give Castlemilk all three points.

A disappointing scoreline for KPR, however the performance was encouraging against a strong Castlemilk side who will fancy themselves to challenge in the Premier Division next season.

Wednesday 6 May 2009
SAFL Premier Division 1

Kings Park Rangers 1-2 Centre AFC

Having lost to Centre AFC 4-1 earlier in the season, KPR were keen to ensure that the East Kilbride side would not complete the double in this league game played at a rain soaked Glasgow Green. Both clubs have been unpredictable this season and this game looked like being a tight affair and so it proved with the open exchanges being fairly even.

With 20 minutes on the clock, KPR went a goal behind to a headed Centre goal. The goal itself came from a KPR corner, with the pace of the Centre counter attack catching KPR out. The score remained the same at half time.

The second half started the same as the first, with KPR shading possession but creating few chances. KPR got themselves back on level terms 15 minutes into the 2nd half when a left foot thunderbolt from Jim Moran left the Centre goalkeeper with no chance.

KPR continued to enjoy the majority of possession in the final quarter of the game but with the match drawing to a close, a last minute goal from Centre AFC sealed a 2-1 victory for the away.

Three defeats in a row now for Kings in what has been a disappointing end to the season.

Saturday 2 May 2009
SAFL Premier Division 1

Eaglesham 5-1 Kings Park Rangers

Manager John Campbell took a depleted squad to face Eaglesham looking for three points following their recent defeat at the hands of high flying Castlemilk.

Despite this, KPR started well and worked some good openings which could have given them an early lead. However, it was Eaglesham who then took control of the game and unlike KPR, converted their opportunities - three of them prior to half time to leave KPR with it all to do in the second half.

An early second half strike by Chris McGovern made the score 3-1 and gave KPR hope moving into the latter stages on the game. However, two further goals for Eaglesham resulted in a comfortable victory and disappointment for KPR.

KIngs will be hoping to have more players available for their home match against Centre AFC on 6 May 2009 at Glasgow Green.

Saturday 2 May 2009
SAFL Division 1

Duncanrig (B) 1-0 Kings Park Rangers (B)

KPR (B) travelled to Ballerup to face a resurgent Duncanrig (B) side, knowing that only a win would do in their aim to retain their position in Division One. Duncanrig started the game 1 point behind KPR but having picked up 4 points in their previoustwo games.

In the opening exchanges, KPR had the majority of possession but created no real chances which has been a problem for most of the season. KPR were forced to make a double substitution after only 25 minutes when both Craig Lowe and Ross Logan couldn't shake off knocks. Despite having to reshuffle the side, KPR were comfortable and looked the more likely to take the lead. However, at half time the match remained goalless.

The opening exchanges in the second half followed the same pattern and as the match progressed KPR lost their way with little creativity being produced.

With 15 minutes remaining Duncanrig took the lead with their central midfielder giving Willie Bell no chance with his lobbed effort. KPR through caution to the wind and pushed forward much more but could not find the net. In fact Duncanrig could have extended their lead striking the woodwork late in the game.

Another disappointing performance for the KPR side who now must pick up points in their final two matches and rely on other results going their way in order to avoid the drop.

Best for KPR on the day were Willie Bell, Stevie Cameron and Paul Speirs.

Wednesday 29 April 2009
SAFL Division 1

Kings Park Rangers (B) 1-2 Dumbarton Rock

Dumbarton Rock were the visitors to Glasgow Green to take on our 2nd team who were in desperate need of three points. Manager Steven McClure made a number of changes and sent out a strong side against a team that had beaten them 2-1 earlier in the season.

However, KPR found themselves one goal down early in the game, but managed to level matters moments later through a Daniel Colbert strike. KPR had the majority of the first half possession but couldn't turn this into goals, with Paul Graham missing a great opportunity to give KPR a lead going into half time.

A frustrated KPR started the second half determined to take the game to the visitors and continued to dominate the game. Dumbarton Rock had threatened on the break in the first half but were now causing few problems for the KPR defence. KPR's possession was rewarded midway through the 2nd half when they were awarded a penalty. Captain Paul Speirs took responsibility for the kick but his effort was saved by the Rock keeper.

Paul Graham then failed to take a glorious chance when heading narrowly wide from close range. The visitors then hit KPR with a classic sucker punch with 15 minutes remaining when slack marking allowed Rock to go back in front, the strike giving keeper Craig Lowe no chance.

Despite all KPR's possession, they couldn't manage to break down Dumbarton Rock who held on to take all three points.

KPR are now left in a relegation battle with Duncanrig (B) and Cambria (B) - Saturday's game, away to Duncanrig (B) is now a must win match as defeat would place KPR in the relegation places but victory would take them four points clear of Duncanrig (B) with two matches left to play.