It’s another Ayrshire encounter, as we welcome Glenafton Athletic down the coast to a floodlit Portland Park as Troon reach the halfway stage of their PDM Buildbase WOSFL Premier Division campaign.
⚽️ Troon F.C. versus Glenafton Athletic⚽️
Wednesday 1st February 2023
PDM Buildbase WOSFL Premier Division
Portland Park, Troon
Kick-off 7.30pm
Troon are facing a relegation fight now, after Saturday’s disappointing & frustrating defeat away to Irvine Meadow XI summed up the current run of form – good play, plenty of possession but leaving with no points again. But yet again, it could (and maybe should) have been better had we been able to bury a number of good chances created.
Jimmy Kirkwood’s men will be looking for their first competitive win in 9 matches, after what was an excellent start to the season which included a 1-0 win at Loch Park back in September.
The Glens have had similarly sticky patches to the season under Manager Ryan Stevenson, although they have two wins on the bounce coming into this match which will give them a confidence boost. Such is the tight nature of the league this season, Glens have recorded just one win more than Troon this season & sit in 9th in the table compared to our 13th.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Wednesday’s match…
The walking wounded is slightly improved again, although we still have a few knocks & niggles in the pack from a run of tough matches of late.
New signing Blair Richardson comes straight into the squad after signing from East Kilbride. Ben Black made a very welcome return to the pitch against Arthurlie, having been missing since the St Cuthbert Wanderers match in November where he was on the end of a nasty challenge which resulted in a red card for Alex Riddock. Logan Smith is also back in contention following a hip complaint, which is a massive boost to the squad with some big matches coming up.
Stephen Wilson is a definite absentee after suffering a dislocated hip against Ashfield, and Raymond Montgomerie is still missing with an ankle injury, after being forced off at half-time in the same game. Recent signing Michael Aitken is missing after damaging his shoulder.
Jimmy Kirkwood (Manager)
| Full Name | Glenafton Athletic Football Club |
| Nickname(s) | The Glens, The Afton |
| Founded | 1930 |
| Ground | Loch Park |
| Capacity | 3,400 |
| President | Ian Young |
| Manager | Ryan Stevenson |
| Captain | Craig Pettigrew |
| 2021-22 | WOSFL Premier Division, 12th of 20 |
⚽️️ OLLIE ROWE ⚽️
31 year old Ollie has been a revelation in the Glens engine room since he joined last summer from Hastings United.
Began his career at Brighton & Hove Albion, Ollie is equally comfortable in defence or midfield & adds a real touch of class to the side.
⚽️️ CRAIG PETTIGREW ⚽️
Experienced campaigner “Petts” is still the stand-out performer at the back for Glenafton.
Now 36, the former Ayr United, Stranraer, Dumbarton & Auchinleck stopper is a calming influence across the side & a threat from set-pieces.
© Thanks to Robert Guthrie @ Glenafton Athletic Media for their photos
Troon F.C.
| LOST | v | Irvine Meadow XI | (A) | 2-1 | Saturday 28th January | WOSFL Premier Division |
| DRAW | v | Arthurlie | (H) | 0-0 | Saturday 21st January | WOSFL Premier Division |
| LOST | v | Beith | (H) | 0-1 | Wednesday 18th January | WOSFL Premier Division |
| LOST | v | Clydebank | (A) | 4-1 | Saturday 14th January | WOSFL Premier Division |
| LOST | v | Ashfield Ashfield win on penalties | (H) | 2-2 (3-5) | Saturday 7th January | WOSFL Cup |
Glenafton Athletic
| WON | v | Kirkintilloch Rob Roy | (H) | 3-0 | Saturday 28th January | WOSFL Premier Division |
| WON | v | Petershill | (H) | 3-1 | Wednesday 25th January | WOSFL Premier Division |
| LOST | v | Pollok | (H) | 0-2 | Saturday 14th January | WOSFL Premier Division |
| WON | v | Kilbirnie Ladeside | (H) | 3-1 | Saturday 7th January | WOSFL Cup |
| LOST | v | Largs Thistle | (H) | 0-1 | Friday 30th December | WOSFL Premier Division |
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 official Troon F.C. Twitter feed: @Troon_FC
- Team news pre-match
- Goal alerts
- News flashes
- Real time alerts
Match news via the official Troon F.C. Facebook page
- Team news pre-match
- Half-time score & update
- Full time results
It was honours even in our two encounters last season, a win apiece.
In our first encounter of last season, Troon ran out the victors in a close match at Portland Park, doubles from Sam Jamieson & Ben Black giving the Seasiders a comfortable win.
The return match in March was a far tighter affair, goals from Jamie McKernon, Ollie Rowe & Hugh Kerr cancelled out Sam Jamieson’s goal to give the hosts a vital win at Loch Park.
(before this week’s matches)
Referee: Keiran Trayner
Assistant Referee One: Sean Welsh
Assistant Referee Two: Fraser McLean
For travelling supporters, have a look at our “How to get to Portland Park” page for directions and helpful tips.
PLEASE REMEMBER!
Portland Park is still a work in progress, as the ground work continues towards getting “Portland Park” licence ready. Please see the article below & follow the guidance for safe passage around the ground.
Tickets are available at the turnstiles at Portland Park:
| Adult: | £8.00 |
| Concession: | £4.00 |
| Under-16: | FREE |
Season Tickets are valid for this game.
A detailed match report will be posted in the match centre after the game, with the team line-ups, scorers & bookings on the specific match page for the fixture.
To visit the match centre, CLICK HERE.
The social club at Portland Park will be open from 6pm ahead of the 7.30pm kick-off, and supporters of both clubs are very welcome. As, indeed, are neutrals!
📺 Come early & stay late – enjoy the football on the big screen! 📺
| ⏰ 6pm | Nantes v Marseille | (Ligue 1) ⚽️ |
| ⏰ 8pm | Man Utd v Nottingham Forest | (Carabao Cup Semi-Final) ⚽️ |
The bar will close ahead of 11pm.
Scott will be selling tickets for our half-time draw at the gate before kick-off, and inside the ground throughout the first half for just 50p a ticket.
Our local resident food truck, SCRAN have our hungry supporters covered with their own take on “Football Food” – highly recommended!
They will be open from 10am on Wednesday & will be open right through the match til the evening, selling a variety of hot food & drinks as well as cold drinks.
⚽️ Irvine Meadow XI versus Troon Development Team⚽️
Friday 3rd February 2023
Sense over Sectarianism Scottish Lowland Development Football League (West Conference F)
Almswall Park, Kilwinning
Kick-off 8pm
Head along & support the Troon stars of tomorrow!
⚽️ Cumnock versus Troon F.C.⚽️
Saturday 4th February 2023
South Region Challenge Cup, 3rd Round
Townhead Park, Cumnock
Kick-off 2pm