Troon Football Club

Recap

⚽️ Troon F.C. 2-2 Cumnock ⚽️
(Troon win 4-3 on penalties)
Saturday 1st November 2025
Strathclyde Demolition West of Scotland Cup 2nd Round
Portland Park, Troon
Kick-off 2pm

FISHER THE HERO AS TEN-MAN TROON HOLD THEIR NERVE TO DUMP CUMNOCK OUT OF THE WOSFL CUP

Troon booked their place in the third round of the Strathclyde Demolition WOSFL Cup after a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Cumnock at a blustery Portland Park, with stand-in goalkeeper Marc Fisher the hero of the afternoon. The Seasiders had to dig deep after being reduced to ten men, but showed real resilience and composure to seal their spot in Thursday’s draw.

Manager Jimmy Kirkwood was forced into a couple of key changes ahead of the tie. First-choice goalkeeper Dale Burgess was unavailable due to a wedding, handing Fisher his first start of the season, while Nathan Baird missed out through injury, giving young Craig Watson an opportunity at right-back. Both would prove to be inspired inclusions.

Opposite number Stephen Swift fielded an unchanged Cumnock side from recent weeks, though his squad was still missing star striker Thomas Orr through injury. How they could have done with his finishing prowess today.

The game exploded into life from the first whistle. Only five minutes had passed when Troon struck the opener – Leyton Dunlop delivered a pinpoint corner to the back post and Jack Sherrie, continuing his goalscoring run of form, rose highest to head home for his second goal in as many games.

But the lead lasted barely sixty seconds. Cumnock danger man Jamie Conn burst into the box and was hauled down by Sherrie, leaving referee Kieran O’Reilly with little choice after consulting his assistant. Dylan Dykes stepped up and blasted the resulting penalty high into the top corner to level the scores at 1-1.

After the frantic start, Troon regained their composure and began to control possession. Their patience was rewarded on 35 minutes when Kyle Gilroy weaved through the defence before whipping in a superb cross for Lewis Lovering, who powered a bullet header beyond the helpless goalkeeper to restore Troon’s advantage.

There was a worrying moment shortly before half-time when Dario Viviani was struck in the face at close range by a clearance, but after treatment from physio Darrell, he was able to continue.

HALF-TIME: TROON F.C. 2-1 CUMNOCK

The visitors emerged fired up after the break and levelled within four minutes of the restart. Winger Alex McCaw showed quick feet to find space and fired past Fisher to make it 2–2. The goal lifted Cumnock, but the match turned again on the hour mark when Troon’s Kyle Faulds, already booked in the first half, received a second yellow for a trip on McCaw.

Down to ten men, Kirkwood reacted swiftly, introducing Sam Jamieson and Jaime Gallagher to steady the ship. Despite their numerical disadvantage, Troon remained disciplined, while Cumnock’s attacks became increasingly laboured.

Controversy flared late on when Cumnock captain Robbie Buchanan, already on a booking, committed a near-identical foul to the one that had seen Faulds dismissed. Amid Troon protests, referee O’Reilly opted not to issue a second yellow, with Swift wisely substituting Buchanan moments later.

FULL-TIME: TROON F.C. 2-2 CUMNOCK

The tie went to penalties, and Fisher stepped into the spotlight. The Troon stopper produced two superb saves to hand his side the advantage before young Craig Watson confidently tucked away the decisive fifth kick, sparking jubilant celebrations around Portland Park.

Cumnock were left to rue their missed opportunity, having played with a man advantage for over half an hour without truly threatening. For Troon, it was another gritty, character-filled display — one that keeps their impressive cup run alive.

Next Match: It’s back to league business as Largs Thistle visit Portland Park for the Seasiders’ 11th WOSFL Premier Division fixture of the season.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Stephen Bronsky

by Graeme McKenzie

To read the match preview, follow the link:
https://troonfootballclub.co.uk/cumnock-011125-preview/

⚽️ Troon F.C. versus Largs Thistle ⚽️
Saturday 8th November 2025
WOSFL Premier Division
Portland Park, Troon
Kick-off 2pm