30-07-2025
Barrhead memorial match honours junior football legends
The event at Dunterlie Park in Barrhead was held in memory of Iain Ashcroft and Steven Convery, former Arthurlie and Pollok players who passed away recently.
Iain played for both Arthurlie and Pollok, among other clubs such as Albion Rovers and Hamilton Accies.
He won the Scottish Junior Cup in 1997 with Pollok and coached at Beith Juniors following his playing career.
Meanwhile, Steven was a key player when Arthurlie beat Pollok 4-0 to lift the Scottish Junior Cup in 1998.
He went on to play for Clyde and Hamilton Accies.
Iain died in 2023 at the age of 60, while Steven passed away in November 2024, aged 52.
The memorial match took place between ex-players from Arthurlie and Pollok, with Pollok winning 4-2 to lift the Iain Ashcroft Memorial Cup, and the Steven Convery Award for Man of the Match going to Garry McCann.
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Pollok won the match 4-2 (Image: Supplied) Robert Burns, organiser of the event, said: "If there are two names that defined the rivalry between Pollok and Arthurlie in the 90s, they had to be Iain Ashcroft and Steven Convery.
"Both of these great players died too soon, but have left supporters of these two great clubs with unforgettable memories.
"In the humble surroundings of Dunterlie and Newlandsfield, they thrilled and entertained junior football supporters when the game was, arguably, at its peak.
"Sunday wasn't a day for tears, it was a time for memories and celebration, of old friends and foes doing battle alongside one another one more time to remember these icons of the junior game.
"To see hundreds of people stream through the gates and to relive some of the brilliant times gone by was a highlight for so many people, and we are delighted with the turnout."
The match raised £2450 for anti-sectarian charity Nil by Mouth.
Donations were received from Neilston FC, Barrhead Youth Football Club, SC Doors and Shutters, and the Brig Inn.
Dave Scott, director of Nil by Mouth, said: "It is a great honour for our charity to be selected to benefit from the kindness of the junior football community.
"We are deeply grateful to organiser Robert Burns, the former players from both clubs, and Arthurlie for hosting the event.
"It reminds us that football can be something that brings people together and turns us and them into we.
"People have come along and dipped into their pockets to remember two real legends of the game in this part of Scotland, and we will be able to work with hundreds of young people in Barrhead and beyond thanks to their kindness."
