Troon Football Club

Recap

⚽️ Troon F.C. 1-0 Largs Thistle ⚽️
Saturday 8th November 2025
WOSFL Premier Division
Portland Park, Troon
Kick-off 2pm

GILROY WONDER STRIKE KEEPS TROON TOP AFTER HARD-FOUGHT WIN OVER LARGS

Troon maintained their place at the summit of the WOSFL Premier Division after a narrow but deserved 1-0 victory over a spirited Largs Thistle at Portland Park, a first-half moment of magic from Kyle Gilroy proved the difference.

Manager Jimmy Kirkwood was able to welcome back first-choice goalkeeper Dale Burgess between the posts to replace penalty shoot-out hero Marc Fisher. Nathan Baird also returned following a calf strain to slot in at right-back, while young Craig Watson was on the bench for this one.

Largs boss Stuart Davidson made just one change from the side that drew at Auchinleck Talbot, with Lewis Davidson returning to the midfield and Ross Urquhart dropping to the bench.

Both teams started brightly, and the early exchanges were finely balanced. The first chance of the match came on 13 minutes when Largs’ Blair Devine whipped in a dangerous free-kick that Burgess comfortably palmed clear through the glare of the low sun. Troon responded quickly, and only a timely intervention from Kieran Brady denied Stephen Docherty a clear sight of goal three minutes later.

Largs then came close again as David Ramsay turned sharply on the edge of the area and curled just wide, before Lewis Lovering threatened for the hosts with a low strike that flashed past the post.

Docherty’s quick feet nearly brought the opener on 26 minutes when he skipped past a series of challenges and appeared to round the keeper, but under pressure from Cory Hughes, his effort was turned behind by George O’Connor in the Largs goal.

Two minutes later, however, came the breakthrough — and what a goal it was. Kyle Gilroy picked up the ball just inside his own half, ghosted past two defenders, and unleashed a stunning strike that flew high into the top corner beyond O’Connor. It was a goal worthy of winning any match, and it gave Troon a deserved 1-0 lead.

Largs sought a response before the break, but Will Sewell’s curling free-kick was hooked narrowly wide as Troon took their advantage into half-time.

HALF-TIME: TROON F.C. 1-0 LARGS THISTLE

The second half began much as the first had ended — tight and competitive. Dario Viviani drew a full-stretch save from O’Connor on 48 minutes with a smart effort, while at the other end, Ramsay rattled the crossbar with a thumping header in what was Largs’ best opportunity of the match.

Both sides made changes around the hour mark. Davidson introduced fresh legs with Jamie Martin and Ross Urquhart, while Kirkwood swapped Docherty for Sam Jamieson to inject energy up front. Despite Largs’ pressure, it was Troon who continued to look the more dangerous, with O’Connor again called into action to deny the hosts a second.

A late spell of Largs possession tested Troon’s resolve, but Burgess was solid when called upon, saving well from Martin in the closing stages. The visitors threw on Travis Stracey as they chased an equaliser, yet Troon’s defence, marshalled superbly by Calum Gow, held firm.

FULL-TIME: TROON F.C. 1-0 LARGS THISTLE

It was another assured and disciplined display from the Seasiders, who showed both flair and steel to secure three vital points. Kirkwood’s men remain top of the table and full of confidence ahead of next week’s trip to St Cadoc’s at New Tinto Park — a match that promises to be another stern test of their title credentials.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Calum Gow (as voted by the Supporter’s WhatsApp group chat)

by Graeme McKenzie

To read the match preview, follow the link:
https://troonfootballclub.co.uk/largs-081125-preview/

⚽️ St. Cadoc’s versus Troon F.C. ⚽️
Saturday 15th November 2025
WOSFL Premier Division
New Tinto Park, Govan
Kick-off 2pm