Troon Football Club

Recap

⚽️ Troon F.C. versus Arthurlie ⚽️
Saturday 21st January 2023
PDM Buildbase WOSFL Premier Division
Portland Park, Troon
Kick-off 1.30pm

by Jay Allan

Another missed opportunity for The Seasiders as they failed to capitalise on a splendid performance and draw 0-0 at home to Arthurlie.

Jimmy Kirkwood witnessed his side put in a much-improved performance against the struggling Renfrewshire side, but frustrations could be felt as they were once again unable to get that much needed victory.

It only took a minute for the hosts to trouble their opponents after Kyle Gilroy broke forward from his own half, heading straight towards goal. Gilroy was wrongly flagged for offside and killed any hope of an early lead.

Troon completely dominated the opening period, with Kyle Gilroy, Josh Black and Dale Moore being some of the names to cause the ‘Lie back line plenty of issues.

Gilroy was at the heart of another controversial decision as he brought down at the edge of the Arthurlie box in the 31st minute. The referee walked over to Gilroy and to everyone’s surprise, booked him for a dive once he returned to his feet.

Dean Fulton attempted a shot from outside the box 36 minutes in, rattling his effort off referee Ross Clark and knocking him over. Plenty of cheers could be heard from home fans, making their feelings known after some of his questionable decisions so far in the match.

Lewis Magee went into the referee’s book 3 minutes later after a soft foul at the edge of his own box. Josh Black stepped up to take the free kick but could only direct his shot straight at the keeper to easily gather.

A positive first half that gave the fans plenty of hope going in at the break but leaving plenty to be desired in front of goal.

Half-Time: Troon F.C. 0-0 Arthurlie

Troon started the second half as they did the first. Plenty of action in their opponent’s half and getting the better of the opportunities. 

Some impressive play on the left wing allowed Gilroy to break into the box and fire a shot away on the 58th minute, an effort which Garry Black was able to stop at his front post.

Gilroy was presented with another glorious chance a few minutes later. Josh Black played a lovely ball through the the defence, leaving him one on one with the keeper. Unfortunately, another great save from Black would deny him the opener.

The first change of the afternoon for the home side came on the 64th minute as Josh Black made way for the promising youngster, Jack Marks.

Arthurlie broke on the attack in the 68th minute after Ryan McGregor played a great ball through to Dale Simeon who ran through one on one with Burgess, unable to make it count though as he prodded his effort beyond Burgess and wide of the goal.

Simeon was gifted another golden opportunity only minutes later, receiving the ball in the box and hitting it just over the bar from close range. The offside flag was risen, sparing him any blushes.

Fulton was the next player to depart for Troon and was replaced by Ben Black, making his first appearance after his horrendous injury earlier in the season.

Simeon once again found himself in plenty of space at the edge of the Troon box 82 minutes in. He fired a curling effort towards the top right corner, but saw his effort travel narrowly past the post.

Simeon continued to cause problems as he took the ball round Burgess in the dying moments of the game. Simeon fired his effort towards an empty net, but Ewan McLevy managed to get back and clear the effort off the line to keep the scoreline level.

The game ended goalless leaving both sides gaining a vital point in their fight to avoid relegation, but both majorly displeased at wasting some huge opportunities to take all three.

Next weeks grudge match away to rivals Irvine Meadow suddenly becomes a must win game for The Seasiders, but it won’t come easy as this fixture has proven to be a difficult and ruthless affair in the past.

Match photograph album, thanks to our club photographer Graeme McKenzie!

To read the match preview, follow the link:
https://troonfootballclub.co.uk/arthurlie-210123-preview/

⚽️ Irvine Meadow XI versus Troon F.C. ⚽️
Saturday 28th January 2023
PDM Buildbase WOSFL Premier Division
Meadow Park, Irvine
Kick-off 1.30pm