Troon Football Club

Recap

⚽️ Troon F.C. versus Rossvale ⚽️
Saturday 25th January 2020
McBookie SJFA West Premiership
Portland Park, Troon KA10 6QN
Kick-off 1.45pm

MATCH REPORT by Michael Connolly

The relegation threat was still looming large when Troon faced the Bishopbriggs-based outfit Rossvale, in another crucial league encounter. Saturday 25th was a cold, overcast and breezy afternoon. Troon were boosted by the introduction, as substitutes, of recent signings midfielder Jaime Gallagher & striker Greg Vernon, from East Stirlingshire and Craigmark Burntonians respectively.

To encourage a more energetic start, a problem in recent games, the player’s warm-up routine had been altered by the coaching staff. After the first stage, the squad returned to the dressing room for a final team-talk. They then returned to the pitch for the final warm-up, remaining on the pitch for the kick-off.

The new routine seemed to work as we had a very good and energetic start to the match. There was some concern in the 18th minute when play had to be stopped following a collision of heads between Dean Keenan and Rossvale’s Gary McGrath. Thankfully, both players were able to resume. Two minutes after the restart, Dylan Pooler squandered a good opportunity after winning he ball from the last Rossvale defender – before finding himself caught in two minds when bearing down on the keeper. We were by far the better team at this stage, and deserved to take the lead with Dean Fulton scoring with a good header – from a great cross by Ben Reilly. Ben was causing problems for the ‘Vale defence with his pace and passing down the right flank and he produced a fine save from the ‘Vale keeper in the 35th minute. It’s worth noting that ‘Vale keeper Jamie Donnelly was persistently vocal with encouragement to his team-mates throughout the match.

Our 1-0 half-time lead was well deserved, and it could (and should) have been more.

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

Whatever was said in the away dressing room by Manager David Gormley at the interval certainly worked. There was an energy and conviction, more akin to Rossvale’s run of good form – on the other hand, Troon’s first half dominance wilted. The visitors were awarded a penalty in the 55th minute after a foul by Mark Morrison – which was not converted, with ScoJo making a great save. However, Rossvale equalised from the resulting corner when Joe Slattery found himself in acres of space to power a header home. ScoJo then stopped the visitors taking the lead a few minutes later with another fine stop.

Jaime Gallagher entered the fray in the 65th minute, replacing the out-of-sorts Dylan Pooler. He displayed some nice touches, although it will take a little time for him to get used to his new team-mates. Rossvale continued to dominate before Greg Vernon replaced the injured Ross Barbour for the final 15 minutes. Unsurprisingly, Rossvale scored a second goal in the 78th minute, partly due to slack defending, through Liam McGonigle. It was the proverbial game of two halves and the visitors merited the 3 points. Frustration got the better of Jack Sherrie after the final whistle. Already on a yellow card, he had words with the referee, resulting in a straight red card, which soured an excellent performance during the game and will see him miss next Saturday’s vital trip to Largs.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Jack Sherrie.

🛂 MATCH OFFICIALS 🛂

Referee: Tony Fullerton
Assistant Referee One: Scott Anderson
Assistant Referee Two: Barry Feery

📆 NEXT FIXTURE 📆

⚽️ Largs Thistle versus Troon F.C. ⚽️
Saturday 1st February 2020
McBookie SJFA West Premiership
Barrfields, Largs KA30 8NP
Kick-off 1.45pm