Troon Football Club

Recap

 Troon F.C. versus Rossvale
Saturday 7th November 2020
PDM Buildbase WOSFL Premier Division
Portland Park, Troon KA10 6QN
Kick-off 2pm

MATCH REPORT by Richard Henderson

Troon grafted their way to a difficult victory against an excellent Rossvale side in a tight & full-throttle encounter at Portland Park that saw the Seasiders continue their 100% start.

James McGowan, Jordan Morton, Josh Black & Dean Keenan all shrugged off knocks to start for our first home game of the season, but it was Rossvale who started the brightest in the match, although Ross Lundy’s goal was largely untested early on. Morton saw the first real chance of the game, cutting inside before firing in a shot which Owen Stott held comfortably. Ryan Stevenson was next to draw a save from Stott on the 20 minute mark, a strike from the edge of the box being parried away to safety, before a chance fell to Jaime Gallagher which was fired high over the bar. Dean Fulton was ploughing a lone furrow up front in absence of the working Ryan Nisbet, and he got his first sight of goal just before the half hour mark, turning to fire into Stott’s arms from 12 yards out.

Rossvale’s high intensity play wasn’t letting Troon get into any sort of rhythm, and their midfield swarmed around everything Troon tried to create. The ‘Vale’s pressure forced a free-kick on the edge of the Troon box, but Chris Lennon fired the chance over the bar. Given Troon’s profligacy when in control, Rossvale taught their hosts a lesson in clinical finishing when a Peter Bradley ball in on 38 minutes was headed home by the dangerous Lee Roulston past a helpless Lundy. ‘Vale had the chance to double their lead just before the break when Roulston robbed Mark Morrison in possession, but Lennon was beaten to the ball by Keenan who cleared.

HALF-TIME: TROON F.C. 0-1 ROSSVALE

Rossvale smelled blood at the restart and they began the second half with renewed enthusiasm, but a stoic Troon defence kept them at bay in the early stages. Troon’s Fulton looked like he had the bit between his teeth today, and his strong running was occupying the visitor’s back-line well, and it was no surprise when his work led to the equaliser. Collecting a McGowan through-ball, he did well to stay on his feet after a challenge from McDevitt & found Gallagher at the edge of the box who drilled home from 12 yards. Credit too to the officials for waving advantage, when it looked like they were poised to award a penalty.

There seemed to be a new found confidence amongst the home number after the equaliser, and just 10 minutes later they took the lead their second half performance probably merited at this stage. Jordan Morton, making his competitive debut for the club, collected a Raymond Montgomerie through ball to beat the young full-back, cut in past McDevitt & fire low past Stott for 2-1.

Dean Keenan suffered a sore looking injury just a few minutes later, landing heavily on his shoulder after winning a header and he was replaced by Steven McCreadie. Sub Scott Chatham had a great opportunity to kill the game off saved by Stott with 5 minutes remaining, before controversy reigned in the closing minutes. Dean Fulton raced clear of the back-line to latch onto a Lundy long ball, only to be hauled down by McDevitt on the edge of the penalty area. Troon faces were aghast as only the yellow card was flashed, with Fulton through on the goalkeeper before the infringement. The controversy didn’t end there though, that man Fulton again running the ball into the corner flag area, only to recoil in horror claiming a headbutt by the ‘Vale number 9. The video evidence certainly looks damning.

A very different victory for Troon from the game at Bonnyton a fortnight ago, but three points is three points as we head to Beith next Saturday.

 MATCH OFFICIALS 

Referee: Chris Hughes
Assistant Referee One: Sean Welsh
Assistant Referee Two: David Miller

 MATCH PREVIEW 

To read the match preview, follow the link: http://troonfootballclub.co.uk/rossvale-71120-match-preview/

 MATCH HIGHLIGHTS 

Match highlights, courtesy of the club’s new official Media Partner, Memories by Movie!

 

 NEXT FIXTURE 

Beith versus Troon F.C. 
Saturday 14th November 2020
PDM Buildbase WOSFL Premier Division
Bellsdale Park, Beith KA15 2AF
Kick-off 2pm