Darvel Match Preview

It’s matchday 6 for us in the WOSFL Premier Division, and we head to East Ayrshire to take on the headline-grabbing, reigning Champions Darvel.

⚽️ Darvel versus Troon F.C. ⚽️
Saturday 1st October 2022
PDM Buildbase WOSFL Premier Division
Recreation Park, Darvel
Kick-off 2pm

After the shambles of last weekend, we are delighted to return our focus to league business this weekend, although the task ahead could not be tougher.

Darvel have been in dominant form this season, beating Auchinleck Talbot, Kilwinning, Haddington, Arthurlie and Hurlford. Their last two matches, both in the Cup, ended with 10-1 wins over Glentanar & 8-0 over Tynecastle. The only blot on their copybook coming in the first game of the season at home to Cumnock, a 2-1 defeat.

Jimmy Kirkwood’s men have made a quietly confident start to the season as well though, 9 points from 5 tough-looking games in the league & progression in both Cup competitions.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Saturday’s match…

As frustrating as last Saturday was, it gave us the perfect opportunity to rest a few who have been playing regularly & blood a few of the younger players. From looking at the boys in training, that break has certainly recharged a few batteries.

We have no new injury concerns this week, thankfully. Josh Black, Logan Smith & Tommy Maitland all returned to the starting line-up last time out and suffered no ill-effects.

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Another tough game for us, Darvel have invested in a fantastic squad & it’s no surprise the results they have achieved. I think we were all rooting for them in their play-off, but I’m sure Mick will be determined to go one better this season. We enjoyed two tough matches with Darvel last season, but they have stepped it up a gear again this season. So it’ll be very tough, there’s no doubt about that.

Last weekend was a total shambles, we felt very let down by the SJFA. We have been told our 2nd round clash will 100% take place on Saturday 22nd October, but now we hear Irvine Vics have resubmitted their appeal which wasn’t heard last week. Someone just needs to make a decision there so we can all progress, it’s just looking silly now.

Jimmy Kirkwood (Manager)

⚽️️ CRAIG TRUESDALE ⚽️

Summer signing Craig was much sought after, following another sterling season in the Kirkintilloch Rob Roy engine room.

Began his career at Airdrieonians, before a short spell with Stirling Albion, the 22 year old enjoyed two seasons with the Rabs, and has made quite an impression so far at Recreation Park.

⚽️️ LEWIS MORRISON ⚽️

23 year old forward Lewis has a superb pedigree after spending a number of years in the Kilmarnock & St. Mirren Youth Academies, and he’s starting to put that to good use following his move from Hurlford last season.

Quick & with a keen eye for goal, “Jinky” has produced some eye-catching displays this season.

Darvel

WINvGlentanar(H)10-1Saturday 24th September 2022
WINvTynecastle(H)8-0Saturday 17th September 2022
WINvArthurlie(H)4-0Friday 2nd September 2022
WINvHaddington Athletic(A)1-3Saturday 27th August 2022
WINvHurlford United(H)2-1Saturday 20th August 2022

Troon F.C.

WINvIrvine Victoria(H)3-1Saturday 24th September 2022
WINvGlenafton Athletic(A)0-1Saturday 17th September 2022
LOSTvHurlford United(A)2-0Saturday 3rd September 2022
WINvArdrossan Winton Rovers(H)4-1Saturday 27th August 2022
WINvBlantyre Victoria(H)3-2Saturday 20th August 2022

If you can’t make it along to the game , you can keep up to date with all the latest info via the club’s social media channels:

Live updates from the official Troon F.C. Twitter feed: @Troon_FC 

  • Team news pre-match
  • Goal alerts
  • News flashes
  • Real time alerts

Match news via the official Troon F.C. Facebook page

  • Team news pre-match
  • Half-time score & update
  • Full time results

Darvel took maximum points in our encounters last season, chalking up home & away wins.

In our first encounter of last season, goals from Daryll Meggatt & Jason Marr saw Darvel leave Portland Park with a 2-0 win in a tight game.

The return match in April was an enthralling affair, goals from Sam Jamieson & Dean Fulton putting the visitors 2-0 up in the first 10 minutes, before Creag Little & a Ross Caldwell double gave the home side the eventual win, one which almost confirmed the title was heading to Recreation Park.

📆 PDM BUILDBASE WOSFL PREMIER FIXTURES – SATURDAY 1st OCTOBER 2022 📆

(before Saturday’s matches)

Referee: Calum Haswell
Assistant Referee One: Mark Catterson
Assistant Referee Two: Lewis Brown

Referee Observer: Euan Norris

For travelling supporters, follow the Google Map below for directions to Recreation Park.

🚌 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗘𝗥’𝗦 𝗕𝗨𝗦 🚌

Due to the close proximity, there will be no official supporter’s bus this week.

🚍 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗟 𝗕𝗬 𝗕𝗨𝗦 🚏

To plan your journey from Troon to Darvel, visit the “Journey Planner” section of Stagecoach’s website.

🔗 STAGECOACH.com

🚝 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗟 𝗕𝗬 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗡 🚉

For train times from Troon to Darvel, or to book tickets, visit Scotrail’s website.

🔗 SCOTRAIL.co.uk

Tickets are available at the turnstiles at Recreation Park:

Adult:£8.00
Concession:£4.00
Under-16:£4.00

A detailed match report will be posted in the match centre after the game, with the team line-ups, scorers & bookings on the specific match page for the fixture.

To visit the match centre, CLICK HERE.

⚽️ Troon F.C. Under 18 Team versus Ardrossan Winton Rovers ⚽️
Sunday 2nd October 2022
SYFA Scottish Cup (2nd Round)
Portland Park, Troon
Kick-off 1.30pm
FREE entry!

Come along & support the Troon stars of tomorrow!

⚽️ Troon F.C. Development Team versus Crosshouse Waverley ⚽️
Friday 30th September 2022
Friendly Match
QMA Sports Campus, Ayr
Kick-off 8pm

Come along & support the Troon stars of tomorrow!

⚽️ Troon F.C. versus Cambuslang Rangers ⚽️
Saturday 8th October 2022
PDM Buildbase WOSFL Premier Division
Portland Park, Troon
Kick-off 2pm