⚽️ Hurlford United 0-2 Troon F.C. ⚽️
Saturday 25th October 2025
WOSFL Premier Division
Blair Park, Hurlford
Kick-off 2pm
SHERRIE AND LOVERING STRIKE AS TROON GO TOP WITH IMPRESSIVE WIN AT HURLFORD
Troon climbed to the summit of the West of Scotland Premier Division with a composed and confident 2-0 win away to Hurlford United on Saturday afternoon, courtesy of goals from Jack Sherrie and the returning Lewis Lovering. It was a result that underlined the Seasiders’ growing momentum under manager Jimmy Kirkwood – and one that left the travelling fans singing all the way back to Portland Park.
Kirkwood made just one change from the side that dismantled Hall Russell United in the Scottish Communities Cup, as Lovering returned to the starting line-up after illness. However, there was a late blow when on-loan Kilmarnock youngster Craig Watson pulled up during the warm-up, forcing a reshuffle on the bench, where Evan Ferguson made his return.
Hurlford’s Manager Darren Henderson also made a single change from their Cup defeat to Largs Thistle, with Ben Hughes starting in place of Larry McMahon.
As expected, it was a typically hard-fought contest between two familiar rivals, with early exchanges full of intensity but few clear openings. The first real flashpoint came on 14 minutes, when Dario Viviani danced his way into the box before being bundled over by Calum Watt. To the fury of the visiting players and supporters, referee Gary Train waved away the strong penalty appeals and instead signalled for a goal kick.
Troon didn’t have to wait long to get their reward. In the 26th minute, Leyton Dunlop delivered a superbly whipped corner to the far post, where defender Jack Sherrie arrived with perfect timing to slam the ball home. The goal sparked jubilant celebrations among the travelling support and gave the Seasiders a deserved lead.
Viviani, a constant menace throughout, continued to torment the Hurlford back line, and Watt was eventually booked after another cynical foul on the playmaker. Troon took their slender lead into the break, and though Hurlford had their moments, the visitors always looked the more cohesive and threatening side.
HALF-TIME: HURLFORD UNITED 0-1 TROON F.C.
It was the perfect start to the second half for the visitors as Troon doubled their advantage just three minutes in, and it was a goal of real quality. Kyle Gilroy whipped in a delightful cross from the right, and Lovering rose highest to power a brilliant header beyond the stranded goalkeeper.
Controversy followed on the hour mark, as Calum Watt, who was already booked in the first half, manhandled Dario Viviani for the umpteenth time as he moved into the attacking third. With visiting claims for a second yellow and red card, referee Gary Train showed leniency and issued a final warning instead. The Hurlford management acted immediately, replacing Watt with Matthew Turner, amidst jeers from the Troon supporters who believed Watt should have been sent off a moment earlier.
From there, the Seasiders managed the game superbly, frustrating Hurlford with controlled possession. Dario Viviani was the first Troon player in the book after 77 minutes, and it was a controversial one after a crunching tackle from Paul McKenzie goes unpunished. A frustrated Dario jumped straight up & tried to win the ball back, only to fall foul of the referee when Taz screams theatrically under his clumsy challenge.
The home side’s growing frustration was evident as a string of bookings followed, including sub Turner and defender Ross Love. The latter’s afternoon ended early when he picked up a second yellow card — swiftly followed by a red — for dissent after hurling a tirade at referee Gary Train following Ryan Kennedy’s yellow card. Frustrating one for the Hurlford coaching staff, committee and fans, who will feel this was avoidable. He will now miss their important match against Pollok.
Troon saw out the closing stages comfortably, with substitutes Sam Jamieson and Jack Allan providing fresh energy up front, while the outstanding Kyle Faulds continued to dictate the tempo in midfield.
FULL-TIME: HURLFORD UNITED 0-2 TROON F.C.
It was another mature and professional performance from Kirkwood’s men, who now find themselves sitting proudly at the top of the table after ten matches — a third of the league campaign gone. For Hurlford, it was a frustrating afternoon that unravelled amid indiscipline, though their early-season form suggests they will remain competitive.
Next up for the Seasiders: a home tie against Cumnock in the WOSFL Cup – and a chance to keep this fine run rolling.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Head over to the Supporter’s WhatsApp group chat after full-time to vote for your Man of the Match!
by Graeme McKenzie
To read the match preview, follow the link:
https://troonfootballclub.co.uk/hurlford-251025-preview/
⚽️ Troon F.C. versus Cumnock ⚽️
Saturday 1st November 2025
Strathclyde Demolition West of Scotland Cup 2nd Round
Portland Park, Troon
Kick-off 2pm
Troon Football Club
