Troon Football Club

Recap

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

by Jay Allan

It was a dismal start to the New Year for Troon after a lacklustre performance would see them knocked out of the West of Scotland Cup on penalties in a game that they were fully expected to win and secure their place in the third-round draw. An outstanding Ashfield performance saw the second division side put Troon to shame and deservedly progress into the next round.

Ashfield were quick to show the hosts that they were not a side to be underestimated. Bobby Barr and Jordan Pirrie were particularly impressive as they reeked havoc upon a spooked Troon defence and would continue to terrorise them throughout the first half. Despite the overwhelming threat, the visitors were unable to convert their chances and the score remained goalless.

Major concerns arose on the 34^th minute as Stephen Wilson fell to the ground, unable to continue and requiring medical attention. Wilson appeared be having issues with his hip after an awkward turn, leaving him unable to return to his feet. The injury resulted in the player being stretchered off the park and being driven off to hospital in an ambulance. Jack Sherrie would be brought on as his replacement.

Whilst Wilson’s treatment was ongoing, Ashfield were suddenly faced with a problem of their own. James Mulvay was shown a straight red card after a verbal altercation with one of the fans. It was not clear what was said by Mulvay, but referee Chris Gentles clearly heard something that was not to his liking and deemed it worthy of a red. A needless dismissal which suddenly put the visitors on the back foot.

Things only worsened for the away team as they found themselves behind in the 44^th minute. A corner into the box fell to Sean Doherty who prodded the ball past keeper Chris Calder and into his own net. Troon extremely fortunate to be leading at the break but found themselves in a great position to see the game out, going into the second half with a goal advantage and an extra man.

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

Troon were forced into another substitution at half time, seeing Jaime Gallagher come on and replace Raymond Montgomerie after he sustained an ankle injury. They would start the second half looking the more promising of the sides, creating a vast number of opportunities. Same old story for The Seasiders though as a severe lack of composure would see these chances squandered.

The visitors valiantly fought their way back into the match, grabbing a well-deserved equaliser in the 54^th minute as Bobby Barr continued to cause the Troon defence significant issues down the right wing. He played a terrific ball into the box which was met by Craig Young who headed it beyond the keeper to even the score line.

Troon introduced Josh Black at the expense of Evan Horne after 57 minutes to bolster the attack and regain their goal advantage. The home sides injury woes only worsened in the 68^th minute as they would be forced into another change of personnel. Mark Morrison departed after he picked up a hamstring injury and would see Aaron Boyd come on as his replacement.

The moment that the home side had been dreading finally came on the 71^st minute. David Leadbetter broke down the left wing after taking on defender Aaron Boyd and stuck the ball neatly through the legs of the unsuspecting defender. He then played the ball into the box to an unmarked Bobby Barr who took the ball onto his right foot and slotted it comfortably past Dale Burgess  into the bottom right corner.

Troon were desperately throwing bodies forward, trying to claw their way back from what looked to be a certain defeat. It was forward Kyle Gilroy that gave The Seasiders a lifeline in the 91^st minute to keep their cup dreams alive. Gilroy gathered the ball on the left wing just outside of the Ashfield box where he turned and fired an unstoppable shot right into the top right corner to even the score.

The referee blew the full-time whistle, a 2-2 draw meaning that a penalty shootout to decide the fate of this tie. Ashfield were first up to take their penalty and Fraser Sheridan would be the man to take it. A composed finish from Sheridan straight down the middle would give them the lead. Dale Moore would follow and be first to step up for Troon. He fired a low effort towards the bottom left corner, but Chris Calder was able to get down and save it with his legs.

A series of beautifully taken penalties would follow from both sides. David Leadbetter, Bobby Barr, and Aidan Quinn would convert their efforts and keep The Field in front while Dean Fulton, Kyle Gilroy, and Josh Black buried their penalties as the hosts kept up the pressure. With the score line sitting 4-3 to Ashfield, scoring this next penalty would seal them the victory.

New signing Paul McLaughlin would take the decisive penalty that could send the underdogs into the third-round draw. McLaughlin stepped up and calmly tucked the ball into the bottom left corner, knocking Troon out of the cup. An extremely mediocre performance from the favourites left many questioning if the current squad had what it takes to raise their game for the tough upcoming fixtures and secure the results the club so desperately need.

An away trip is up next for Troon as they travel to Holm Park on Saturday 14^th January to face Clydebank in their first West of Scotland Premier Division fixture of the new year. The Bankies recorded an impressive 5-0 victory away to Kilsyth Athletic on Saturday in the West of Scotland Cup. Three points from this fixture would see Troon go above their opponents in the league table, but a vastly improved performance will certainly be required if they hope to achieve anything from the match.

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

To read the match preview, follow the link:
https://troonfootballclub.co.uk/ashfield-070123-preview/

⚽️ Clydebank versus Troon F.C. ⚽️
Saturday 14th January 2023
PDM Buildbase WOSFL Premier Division
Holm Park, Yoker
Kick-off 2pm