Troon Football Club

Recap

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

MATCH REPORT by Michael Connolly

Saturday 4th January saw Troon face Kilbirnie Ladeside in a crucial encounter – and the first game of 2020. With our perilous league position, 3 points were the objective to try to ease our relegation worries. Recent matches against the Blasties have been close encounters.

The pitch was in good condition, if a little slippy in places due to the recent rain. It was a cloudy but pleasant afternoon.

As in recent games, we were slow to get into the match, and the visitors struck in the 15th minute with a good finish from Kieran Woods. There was a suspicion of handball in the lead up. We struggled to control the midfield – with the skill and precision of Ryan Stevenson missing, following Ryan’s move to Stranraer a few days earlier. The 0-1 half-time score was a fair reflection of the play.

HALF-TIME: TROON F.C. 0-1 KILBIRNIE LADESIDE

Two minutes into the second half a penalty resulted from a trip on Ben Reilly in the box. Big John Gemmell took the responsibility, his powerful strike was however well saved by Ladeside keeper Joe Wilton. We competed well in the second half and deserved the equaliser in the 60th minute, Scott “Chappy” Chatham netting from a tight angle. An injury to Jack Sherrie saw Mark Gilmour enter the fray. Another substitution in the 70th minute saw Dean Fulton replace John Gemmell. Kilbirnie Manager Robert Scott received a red card from the referee late in the game as tempers frayed.

We worked hard and created some chances, but got no reward. Surprisingly, there was no added time, and the game ended with another draw.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Raymond Montgomerie

🛂 MATCH OFFICIALS 🛂

Referee: Ross Hardie
Assistant Referee One: Eddie Ferguson
Assistant Referee Two: John Campbell

📆 NEXT FIXTURE 📆

⚽️ Ardrossan Winton Rovers versus Troon F.C. ⚽️
Saturday 11th January 2020
McBookie SJFA West Premiership
Winton Park, Ardrossan KA22 8JG
Kick-off 1.30pm