Troon Football Club

Recap

⚽️ Irvine Meadow XI versus Troon F.C. ⚽️
Saturday 21st December 2019
McBookie SJFA West Premiership
Meadow Park, Irvine KA12 0UL
Kick-off 1.45pm

MATCH REPORT by Michael Connolly

Saturday 21st December – which coincided with your reporter’s 70th birthday – saw Troon in a vital league game against Irvine Meadow XI. Considering the recent wet weather, the Meadow Park pitch was in good condition, if somewhat slippy in places.

The ‘Medda had the edge in an eventful first half. ScoJo kept a blank sheet with some fine saves. The home team took the lead, deservedly, in somewhat controversial circumstances in the 33rd minute. Dean Keenan collided with a Medda forward just outside the 18 yard box. The ref played an advantage and McTernan netted from 10 yards. In the subsequent celebration, words were exchanged when a Medda defender confronted Deano. Whatever was said was overheard by the referee who produced a straight red card. At the time, home and away fans were puzzled by the decision.

HALF-TIME: IRVINE MEADOW XI 1-0 TROON F.C.

Big John Gemmell came on up front, and Mark Morrison also appeared in an enforced defensive line-up, with Ross Barbour moving into the centre of defence. However, another blow happened only 3 minutes into the 2nd period, with McTernan scoring his second goal, after another fine save by ScoJo. Troon responded positively and were rewarded for their efforts in the 57th minute. Big John Gemmell scored with a fine header from a good corner kick delivery. We almost equalised a few minutes later when Dylan Pooler’s 20 yard drive was well saved by the Medda keeper. Another controversial decision, by an inconsistent referee, saw him award the home team a penalty in the 73rd minute. Many fans, both home and away, viewed that Ryan Stevenson’s excellent tackle was legal. Mark McLennan coolly dispatched the spot-kick.

Our efforts, especially in the second half, merited a possible draw. The Medda had the edge in the first half – and their defence was formidable and hard to break down

MAN OF THE MATCH: Jack Sherrie

🛂 MATCH OFFICIALS 🛂

Referee: Chris Gentles
Assistant Referee One: David White
Assistant Referee Two: Tyler Hassan

📆 NEXT FIXTURE 📆

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