Troon Football Club

Recap

⚽️ Troon F.C. versus Benburb ⚽️
Saturday 28th December 2019
McBookie SJFA West Premiership
Portland Park, Troon KA10 6QN
Kick-off 1.45pm

MATCH REPORT by Michael Connolly

Saturday 28th December saw Troon welcome Govan-based Benburb to Portland Park. This crucial encounter for both sides was played in windy conditions, but the pitch was in good shape. We are currently in the relegation zone at 3rd bottom place. The Bens were in 4th bottom place, but vitally 4 points ahead of us, and with four games in hand. Both teams were keen to get the upper hand and 3 crucial points.

Interim Manager Jimmy Kirkwood had real problems in the team selection – particularly in the defence. Dean Keenan was not available following the red card he received the previous week. Andy Strachan was working, whilst Ross Barbour was on holiday.

A disastrous start saw Benburb score in the first minute through Ryan McCrone, a goal which caught most of the supporters out as they still made their way from the social club. Things got worse, when Kieran O’Hear netted the second for the visitors with only 18 minutes gone. We got a lifeline on 35 minutes when Jack Sherrie scored in a goalmouth scramble. However, the Bens scored what looked like a knockout blow with their 3rd goal with the last touch of the half before the interval.

HALF-TIME: TROON F.C. 1-3 BENBURB

A tactical reshuffle for the second half saw big John Gemmell move from the defence to lead the forward line. A substitution some 20 minutes from time saw Evan Maley replaced by young Todd Henderson and Ben Reilly moved up to the wing. A few minutes later, some good play down the right flank led to a great finish from the edge of the box by Raymond Montgomerie, to give Troon some hope. The team dug deep and an amazing save from Gemmell in the closing minutes by Bens keeper Ross Connelly denied us. However, a justified reward came in the last minute when John Gemmell scored our equalising 3rd goal from close in. The big man certainly enjoyed his celebration!

The determination and effort in the second half merited a share of the points, at least.

MAN OF THE MATCH: BEN REILLY – Put in a great shift, and at times he was a full-back, a midfielder and a winger.

🛂 MATCH OFFICIALS 🛂

Referee: Calum Scott
Assistant Referee One: David Miller
Assistant Referee Two: Robert McPhee

📆 NEXT FIXTURE 📆

⚽️ Troon F.C. versus Kilbirnie Ladeside ⚽️
Saturday 4th January 2020
McBookie SJFA West Premiership
Portland Park, Troon KA10 6QN
Kick-off 1.45pm