After our weekend long mini-tournament, Troon have won the Portland Cup 2021 after victory on penalties in today’s Final.

A two-day competition involving Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale, Fauldhouse United, Wishaw and ourselves saw a plethora of goals, exciting moments and a penalty shoot-out in the final – and the best bit was, we were permitted supporters into the ground to witness it all.

On Saturday, the attending supporters were rewarded for their 490 days away from the park with an astonishing 14 goals in the two games. Not bad value for their £3 for the day!

Alan Frizzell (below) made the headlines for Troon with his hat-trick against an excellent Wishaw side, which saw the home team triumph 5-4 in the curtain-raiser. An enthralling match followed between Fauldhouse & LTHV ended 3-2 to “Hutchy” after a high-tempo, end-to-end 90 minutes which set-up Sunday’s fixtures.

With Wishaw having stepped in at the last minute this week after Irvine Victoria had withdrawn, they were unable to take part on Sunday as well, so our Development side had filled the breach and were ready to face Fauldhouse at 12pm with Troon v Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale the showpiece final at 2.30pm.

Unfortunately, Fauldhouse contacted us early this morning to say they were unable to complete today’s fixture, so all eyes were on this afternoon’s final – and the two teams didn’t disappoint!

Tired legs from the Saturday were shrugged off and a really close, hard-fought affair ensued with each side having chances in the first-half. After a close start to the second half, substitute Joirdan Vernon gave Troon the lead with a cool finish from the edge of the box for his first senior goal for the club & that looked like it would be the winner for Troon against a tiring LTHV side. But with the clock running down to 90 minutes, a clever run from the ever impressive Michael Deland saw Joe Murray convert for the equaliser, taking us to spot-kicks, creating the platform for new goalkeeper Marc Fisher to become the hero in the shoot-out, making two saves to see the trophy stay at the seaside.

Perfect preparation for the new season, ahead of our final pre-season friendly away to Renfrew next Saturday.

But the best part of the weekend?

Being able to play football in front of our supporters again!