Troon Football Club

Recap

⚽️ Troon F.C. versus Hurlford United ⚽️
Saturday 16th November 2019
McBookie SJFA West Premiership
Portland Park, Troon KA10 6QN
Kick-off 1.45pm

MATCH REPORT by Michael Connolly

Saturday 16th November saw Troon back in league action in Jimmy Kirkwood’s second game as caretaker boss, following the morale boosting 4-1 victory over Maryhill in the Ardagh Group West of Scotland Cup 1st Round tie the previous week.

A dry, mild day, with the Portland Park pitch in excellent condition, meant the healthy attendance anticipated a good contest. The ‘Ford were victorious at Blair Park – with a 2-1 scoreline – earlier in the season. Their 7th position, compared with the Seasiders relegation zone 15th place, meant that the visitors were the clear bookies favourite going into the match.

A positive start was made by both teams and a number of early chances were created. Troon struck the first goal in the 19th minute, and it was Captain Scott “Chappy” Chatham with a cool finish. An entertaining game ensued, and although the visitors created a couple of chances, it was Troon who “bossed” the game – with Ryan Stevenson particularly effective in his deep central midfield role. A deserved second goal came a couple of minutes before half-time. Dylan Pooler’s typical tenacity saw his shot deflected into his own net by Ross Fisher.

HALF-TIME: TROON F.C. 2-0 HURLFORD UNITED

As expected, the visitors pushed forward at the start of the second half. their efforts were rewarded in the 67th minute. their creative midfielder Paul McKenzie turned well in the box to fire a low shot past Scott Johnstone. All credit to Troon, who worked hard to prevent Hurlford getting back into the game. An inspired substitution by caretaker gaffer Jimmy Kirkwood saw John Gemmell replace Dylan Pooler in the 73rd minute. In his first touch of the game he headed powerfully to score our 3rd goal from a corner kick. At 3-1, the hosts continued to attack. Jack Paterson replaced Ben Reilly, who had grafted positively throughout, in the 82nd minute. Young Jack squandered a good opportunity minutes later, but a deserved 4th goal comfortably sealed the 3 points, and it was captain Scott Chatham’s 2nd double in two weeks. A superb defence splitting pass from Ross Barbour allowed Chappy to roll the ball home from 6 yards. The Ford’s misery was compounded in the last minute. Frustration got the better of their number 9, Lewis Morrison, with a rash challenge seeing him collect a second yellow card and an early bath a few minutes from the end.

An excellent team effort and a very welcome victory, which will boost our chances for the 4th round Scottish Cup tie at Pollok on the 23rd November.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Ben Reilly

🛂 MATCH OFFICIALS 🛂

REFEREE: Ross Birrell
ASSISTANT REFEREE: Philip Hogg
ASSISTANT REFEREE: Scott Grier

📆 NEXT FIXTURE 📆

⚽️ Pollok versus Troon F.C. ⚽️
Saturday 23 November 2019
Macron Scottish Junior Cup, 4th Round
Newlandsfield Park, Glasgow G43 2XR
Kick-off 1.45pm