Troon Football Club

Recap

⚽️ Troon F.C. 4-1 Hurlford United ⚽️
Wednesday 1st April 2026
WOSFL Premier Division
Portland Park, Troon
Kick-off 7.30pm

TROON ROAR BACK IN STYLE TO EXTEND TITLE CHARGE WITH EMPHATIC SECOND-HALF DISPLAY.

Troon produced a scintillating second-half turnaround to defeat Hurlford United 4-1 at Portland Park, maintaining their position at the summit of the Premier Division and underlining their title credentials.

After a near-flawless January and a slightly stuttering February, March has proven a return to form for the Seasiders, and this latest victory – their sixth win in succession – ensures momentum remains firmly on their side heading into a demanding April schedule.

Manager Jimmy Kirkwood made two changes from the weekend’s emphatic win over Rutherglen Glencairn, with Stephen Docherty returning to the starting XI in place of the ill Lewis Lovering. Nathan Baird also returned from a knock, while Lewis Allan dropped to the bench. Hurlford boss Darren Henderson, meanwhile, shuffled his pack perhaps with one eye on Saturday’s WOSFL Cup semi-final, handing rare starts to goalkeeper Chris Taylor and defender Gareth Armstrong.

The visitors struck first in stunning fashion on 22 minutes. Ben Hughes unleashed a sensational effort from over 30 yards that flew into the top corner, leaving Dale Burgess with no chance and silencing the home support.

Troon responded positively and began to assert themselves. Jack Allan and Kyle Gilroy combined well on 36 minutes, but Docherty could only slice his effort high and wide. The hosts came even closer just before the break when Allan was fouled on the edge of the box. Callan Veitch’s free-kick crashed off the post, and Gilroy was inches away from converting the rebound.

HALF-TIME: TROON F.C. 0-1 HURLFORD UNITED

Despite trailing at the interval, there was little sense of panic from the home side, who had matched their opponents in an entertaining opening 45 minutes.

The game turned decisively early in the second half amid a moment of controversy. Jack Allan appeared to have equalised with a delicate header on 54 minutes, only for the Assistant Referee’s flag to go up for offside. After consultation, the referee overturned the decision and awarded the goal, sparking furious protests from the Hurlford bench that resulted in Assistant Manager John Dempster being sent off.

That moment proved pivotal. Just seven minutes later, Troon took the lead as Docherty reacted quickest to Allan’s precise delivery, firing home from close range.

With their tails up, the Seasiders continued to press. A brief pause in proceedings due to a broken linesman’s flag did little to disrupt their rhythm, and they extended their advantage on 82 minutes when Stephen Bronsky powered home a header from another pinpoint Veitch corner.

The scoring was completed three minutes later. Gilroy’s effort struck the post, but substitute Dean Fulton reacted sharply, twisting to convert the rebound and cap a dominant display.

Kirkwood’s side comfortably saw out the closing stages, even ringing the changes with a late triple substitution, as they secured another crucial three points.

FULL-TIME: TROON F.C. 4-1 HURLFORD UNITED

This was a performance full of character and attacking quality, particularly in the second half, and one that keeps Troon firmly in control at the top of the table as attention now turns fully to the league in the weeks ahead.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Jack Allan, as voted for in our Supporter’s WhatsApp group chat after full-time.

by Graeme McKenzie

Will be posted after the match.

To read the match preview, follow the link:
https://troonfootballclub.co.uk/hurlford-010426-preview/

⚽️ Troon F.C. versus Pollok ⚽️
Saturday 11th April 2026
WOSFL Premier Division
Portland Park, Troon
Kick-off 2pm