Troon Football Club

Recap

⚽️ Troon F.C. versus Petershill ⚽️
Friday 30th December 2022
PDM Buildbase WOSFL Premier Division
Portland Park, Troon
Kick-off 7.30pm

by Jay Allan

A momentous day for the club which saw the introduction of the newly installed floodlights at Portland Park would end in frustration after a dominant display would see two vital points dropped in a 2-2 draw against bottom of the league Petershill.

Former Scotland, Motherwell and Aberdeen manager Craig Brown made the long journey down from Aberdeen and returned to his boyhood town to unveil the brand new floodlights. The fans turned out in their numbers for the occasion and were hoping to witness a first victory under the lights to commemorate this big step forward for the club.

A minute’s applause took place before kick off in memory of the late Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pelé. Pelé and the rest of the Brazil team stayed in Troon and came to Portland Park ahead of a friendly against Scotland as they prepared for the 1966 World Cup. A massive loss to the sport and arguably the greatest football player to have ever lived.

Troon were convincing for majority of the first half having created an abundance of chances, but failed to convert any of them. A reoccurring issue which the team have struggled to correct so far this season in the league.

Petershill slowly started to find their way back into the match around the half hour mark and it wasn’t long after that the visitors would find themselves in front. A corner swung in by Craig Quinn in the 34^th minute was poorly dealt with by keeper Dale Burgess after he failed to gather the ball. Jordan Shelvey was right next to Burgess to capitalise on the mistake to header it into the roof of the net from a few yards out and give The Peasy a surprise lead.

Troon tried desperately to push for an equaliser before the break but once again found themselves missing several glorious opportunities from close range. A frustrating way to end the first half but still very much in the game and a win still very much achievable.

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

After what would have been a stern half time team talk from manager Jimmy Kirkwood, Troon started off the half with plenty of attacking threat and played majority of their football within the Petershill half. Unfortunately, still nothing to show for it as Petershill were able to deal with the threat and remain in front.

Dean Fulton was brought on at the expense of debutant Evan Horne on the 59^th minute to try and put an end of the teams attacking woes.

It was on the 72^nd minute that Troon would finally manage to convert one of their many chances and bring themselves back on level terms. A great ball was played into the 18-yard box to Raymond Montgomerie who comfortably slotted the ball past the goalkeeper into the bottom left corner of the net.

Troon were in complete control of the match and eventually managed to secure themselves a well deserved lead in the 80^th minute. A superb run from substitute Dean Fulton down the right wing would see him play a ball across the box to the unmarked Sam Jamieson in at the back post to slide the ball into an empty net.

The celebrations were short lived as minutes later, Petershill would find themselves back in the game after Troon were caught in a daze. The Peasy broke on the attack from a quick kick-off and a clumsy challenge by Dale Moore would gift the visitors a free-kick in a dangerous position on the edge of the box. Fraser Scott stepped up and with an absolute wonder-strike, slotted the ball perfectly into the top right-hand corner of the net to even the scoreline.

The drama continued as minutes later as Petershill goalkeeper Steven McNeil was given his marching orders after he received two bookings and a red card in quick succession for dissent. The Peasy were forced to bring on backup goalkeeper Stuart Brown while McNeil stormed off to the changing rooms, making his feelings on the decision well heard on his way off.

As Troon desperately tried to grab a late winner and take advantage of the extra man, a cross into the box looked to have hit Ross McCabe’s hand in the box before clearing it out of play. Despite the shouts from many across the ground, the referee stood by his initial decision not to give a penalty and blew the full-time whistle.

A frustrating afternoon for all at the club as the teams effort should have been enough to seal all 3 points, but a lapse of concentration and a staggering amount of missed opportunities would prove costly and leave the club narrowly avoiding the relegation places.

The Seasiders end the year in 13^th place in the West of Scotland Premier Division table. They now sit just a point ahead of Arthurlie in 14^th place and are on equal points and goal difference with Kilwinning Rangers who moved up to 12^th place after they recorded impressive 4-2 victory at home to Irvine Meadow.

Next up for Troon, a West of Scotland Cup second round tie at home to Ashfield on Saturday 7^th January where they will hope to continue this seasons impressive cup form and secure their place in the third round draw.

Match photographs, courtesy of the club’s new official photographer Graeme McKenzie, are available to view below:

To read the match preview, follow the link:
https://troonfootballclub.co.uk/petershill-301222-preview/

⚽️ Troon F.C. versus Ashfield ⚽️
Saturday 7th January 2023
West of Scotland Football League Cup (Round 2)
Portland Park, Troon
Kick-off 1.30pm