Fiveclubs intitlerace
The Forth and Endrick title race remains wide open with at least five clubs in with some kind of a shout.
Gartocharn remain in first place with a Rab Muir double helping them to a 2-1 victory over Deanston on Friday.
However they failed to make it three wins on the trot when they faced reigning champions Balfron in sweltering heat on Tuesday.
Balfron were on top for most of the first half, but at half time all they had to show for their efforts was a fine solo goal from Andy Pender.
Andy went on to score three more in the second half – and Gartochan netted a consolation from the penalty spot in the dying moments.
This was awarded after Stewart Davidson in the Balfron goal pulled back an opponent and received a red card for his troubles.
Aberfoyle were no stranger to a red card themselves as they also went down to ten-men while at home to Killearn on Friday.
Fraser Cameron and Alan More put Killearn two-up but the Rob Roy saw it otherwise and in a battling second half display goals from Steve Roxburgh and Lewis Stewart ensured a points share.
On Tuesday Aberfoyle again saw red – this time their‘keeper and left back were both dismissed after a very heated on-field discussion.
They were 2-0 down at this stage and a short time later conceded a third goal.
But instead of collapse they again fought back and Sean Wilbert, Steve Roxburgh and Louis Stewart goals ensured the scores were levelled.
Heartbreak was around the corner, however, and a final minute Stuart Hansom goal ensured Gargunnock got the win.
Friday’s other match featured Blanefield, who have been leading the table for most of the season, and Drymen who have been at the other end.
Some critics have been of the opinion that both were in false positions and Friday’s result could be seen as vindication of that view.
Drymen were on top for most of the game and had produced good goals from Andy McNally (2), Logan Park and Callum Dewar.
Drymen kept their revival going on Tuesday in their home match against up-and-downThornhill.
It was a good team effort but the top of the bill had to be Craig Cowan who scored all five of their goals.
Blanefield’s misery continued on Tuesday when they hosted a local derby against Killearn.
An own-goal and a penalty scored by David Cameron before one each from Stuart Cameron and Ally More gave Killearn a 4-0 lead at the break.
Thistle pulled one back in the second half but Killearn were able to cruise and Tom Carey took their win to 5-1.
Elsewhere Deanston eased their way off the bottom with a 5-1 win at Buchlyvie.
The league is on hold on Friday while Margaret White semi-finals are played.
Drymen again meet Blanefield at Killearn while Deanston and Balfron face each other at Thornhill.
The Forth and Endrick League is sponsored by James D Bilsland Ltd.
Results: Friday, June 22, league; Aberfoyle Rob Roy 2-2 Killearn; Blanefield Thistle 1-4 Drymen United; Gartocharn 2-1 Deanston.
Tuesday, June 26, league; Blanefield Thistle 1-5 Killearn; Buchlyvie Utd 1-5 Deanston; Drymen United 5-1 Thornhill; Gargunnock 4-3 Aberfoyle Rob Roy; Gartocharn 1-4 Balfron Rovers.
Fixtures: Friday, June 29, (kick off 7pm), Margaret White Trophy Semifinals; Blanefield Thistle v Drymen United; Deanston v Balfron Rovers.
Tuesday, July 3 (kick off 7.30pm), league; Deanston v Aberfoyle Rob Roy; Gargunnock v Drymen United; Killearn v Thornhill.