Highlights of eventful campaign
Season 2017/18 was an eventful one for everyone concerned with Wishaw Juniors.
A run to the Scottish Junior Cup semi-finals, four managers in charge and an unbelievable fixture pile-up which saw the team forced to play 21 league and cup matches in 45 days ensured an unforgettable campaign.
In total Wishaw played 45 matches across five competitions with Chris McGroarty starting the season as boss.
McGroarty left for Kilsyth Rangers before being replaced by John Brogan.
Derek Holmes then became boss before Kieran McGuinness took charge at the end of the campaign.
Wishaw secretary Robert Watson said: “Needless to say three games week, injuries, work commitments, tired legs and a couple of suspensions all took their toll and worked against us and although the players played their part and gave us their all, this was a big ask and we eventually finished the league campaign in sixth place.
“We thank them all for their commitment and what was a magnificent effort and for a wonderful and memorable season.”
Fans’ favourite goalkeeper Sandy Thomson was voted Player of the Year, with Vinnie McGuire being voted Players Player of Year and also lifting the ‘Top Scorer’ Award.
Andrew Duffy was awarded the Allison Young Shield and Craig Crawford voted Committee Player of the Year respectively.
Robert added: “The highlight of the season was undoubtedly the Scottish Junior Cup run which saw the club make history in reaching the semi-final of junior football’s premier trophy for the first time since the 1930s.
“The team was a bit unfortunate to be eliminated in the semi-final without the tie going to a penalty shootout as film of the match at The Beltane showed that a disallowed goal by Ryan Smillie clearly should have stood.
“There are numerous people who contributed to helping keep the club going forward and we are indebted to them all. Unfortunately, there really are too many to mention here but we are particularly grateful to our two main sponsors James Chapman ( Butchers) Ltd and Clyde Scaffolding Limited. who also supplied two buses for the Hurlford semi-final.”