It’s the second leg of a double header, and it’s time for the return leg as we head to MTC Park in Airdrie for our 28th GreenVersity WOSFL Premier Division match of the season.
β½οΈ Gartcairn versus Troon F.C. β½οΈ
Saturday 3rd May 2025
GreenVersity WOSFL Premier Division
MTC Park, Airdrie
Kick-off 2pm
The βFinal Fiveβ is now down to the Final Three for us this season, as the campaign draws to a close in typical manic fashion. Clydebank have been deservedly crowned Champions already & they look towards the Lowland League Play-Off in May. The battle for second is certainly hotting up though, with both Johnstone Burgh & Auchinleck Talbot the chasing pack. With Johnstone Burgh facing a points deduction, that leaves us in the driving seat, but we need to chalk up the points to stay ahead of the pack. And Drumchapel & St. Cadocβs wonβt have written off their inclusion in that battle as well, even if they may seem outsiders at the moment. Plenty of ups and downs still to come in this campaign yet!
Gartcairn have had the rollercoaster season to end all rollercoaster seasons! They had a stellar first campaign in the top flight last season, but a slow start was overcome by a measured recovery. However, a hammer blow came in December when they were deducted a whopping 15 points due to an administrative error, which sank them into the relegation zone from 6th position. Manager Mick Dunlop resigned in late March & was replaced by new Co-Managers Ryan McStay & Darren Barr who have the toughest of tasks ahead of them, although last Saturday will come as a hammer blow to them.
Hereβs everything you need to know ahead of Saturdayβs matchβ¦
Luke Watt had to come off at half-time in Saturday’s game with a knock, but he’s hoped to be back involved this week after treatment, as will Jaime Gallagher. Stephen Bronsky sat out the last few matches with a wee niggle, but he has a chance to be involved again this weekend to help with the push for second.
We are unfortunately looking at a few players having kicked their last ball for this season now. Nathan Baird had to be helped from the pitch at Clydebank with a badly torn calf, while Jack Sherrie is also awaiting news on surgery for a hernia. Scott McLean is working through the lengthy rehabilitation following successful knee reconstruction surgery in early March, whilst Ewan McLevy is also working on his fitness after a knee injury sustained against St. Rochβs in October with a view to next season.
Unfortunately, I had to miss Saturday’s match due to family commitments, but it sounds like I missed an excellent comeback from the boys, so hats off to the players & to Andy, Marty & the coaching staff for leading them to that comeback in my absence. I managed to keep up with the action thanks to Craig’s videos on Twitter, so thanks to him for that!
Our away grip to Gartcairn last February was a hell of a game, proper game of two halves with us coming back from 3-0 down to draw 3-3, and we should have got a penalty in injury time to win it in my opinion. I don’t think we can necessarily expect the same again, but it’s sure to be a clash of two really good footballing sides not to be missed. All of our travelling number were shown the very best of hospitality by the Gartcairn committee last time out as well, I’m sure we returned that favour at Portland Park & look forward to seeing them again.
On a side note, make sure you all head down to Portland Park on Friday night (2nd May) for a must win match for the Development Team – win the game & they’re League Champions! Been a superb season for Tony & the boys (and still plenty to come with a Cup semi-final next week) but all eyes are on Friday. The bar will be open from 6pm onwards, a good crowd would no doubt cheer them on to the result they’re after. Good luck lads!
Jimmy Kirkwood (Manager)
| Full Name | Gartcairn Football Academy |
| Nickname(s) | The ‘Cairn |
| Founded | 2007 (2015 as a senior side) |
| Ground | MTC Park, Airdrie |
| Capacity | 1,000 |
| Chairman | Martin Peacock |
| Co-Managers | Ryan McStay & Darren Barr |
| Captain | Kyle Hutton |
| 2023-24 | WOSFL Premier Division, 10th from 16 |
β½οΈοΈ DALE SIMEON β½οΈ
So frequently the dangerman whenever facing Troon over the years, the former Arthurlie talisman is regularly the source of the spectacular.
Formerly with Rutherglen Glencairn & Cambuslang, Dale headed to MTC Park from Johnstone Burgh last summer. Equally comfortable in midfield or up front & he is a threat from anywhere.
β½οΈοΈ ANDY STIRLING β½οΈ
A wide player of great repute following a lengthy career in Scottish football, Andy is a constant dangerman at any point in a game.
Began his career with Stenhousemuir before spells with East Stirling, Dunfermline, Stranraer, Stirling Albion, Dumbarton, Alloa & even in the United States with Kitsap Pumas, the 35 year old adds a touch of class & ingenuity to the ‘Cairn front line.
Β© Thanks to Rogue Monkey Digital Media and Gartcairn for their photos
Gartcairn
| LOST | DREW | LOST | WON | LOST |
| 2-1 | 2-2 | 0-1 | 1-2 | 1-2 |
| Troon (A) | Glenafton (A) | Auchinleck Talbot (H) | Largs (A) | Beith (H) |
| Sat 26th April | Sat 19th April | Sat 12th April | Sat 5th April | Sat 15th March |
| WOSFL Premier | WOSFL Premier | WOSFL Premier | WOSFL Premier | WOSFL Premier |
Troon F.C.
| WON | WON | DREW | LOST | WON |
| 2-1 | 0-2 | 1-1 | 1-2 | 3-2 |
| Gartcairn (H) | Darvel (A) | Shotts (A) | Glenafton (H) | Largs (H) |
| Sat 26th April | Tues 22nd April | Sat 19th April | Sat 12th April | Sat 29th March |
| WOSFL Premier | WOSFL Premier | WOSFL Premier | WOSFL Premier | WOSFL Premier |
If you can’t make it along to the game , you can keep up to date with all the latest info via the club’s social media channels:
Live updates from the BRAND NEW official Troon F.C. Twitter feed (I’m not calling it X yet)
- Team news pre-match
- Goal alerts
- News flashes
- Real time alerts
Make sure you follow our NEW feed!
Match news via the official Troon F.C. Facebook page
- Team news pre-match
- Half-time score & update
- Full time results
All news on the club FIRST via the official Troon F.C. WhatsApp Supporter’s Group chat
- Vote for your Man of the Match
- Info on functions & events
- Book your seat on away buses
- Discuss the match with fellow Troon fans!
It was two enthralling encounters between the sides last season, ending in two draws but with plenty of goals and excitement!
AWAY MATCH
| Saturday 17th February 2024 | Match Centre |
| GARTCAIRN |