SEASIDERS STAND FIRM TO EDGE GLENAFTON AND STAY TOP

Troon continued their winning ways with a hard-earned 2-1 victory over Glenafton Athletic, maintaining their position at the summit of the WOSFL Premier Division after a disciplined display in East Ayrshire.

Jimmy Kirkwood made a single enforced change to his starting XI, with Luke Watt stepping into defence in place of the suspended Kyle Faulds. The visitors travelled in confident mood and made a perfect start in the spring sunshine.

Inside ten minutes, Troon were ahead thanks to a moment of determination and quality. Jack Allan refused to give up on what looked a lost cause, winning the ball near the by-line before producing a clever turn and cut-back. Dean Fulton was on hand to meet it, drilling a left-footed effort beyond Ayr United on-loan keeper Ollie Ecrepont to hand the Seasiders an early advantage.

Troon looked composed in possession and continued to probe for a second. Midway through the half, Nathan Baird drove forward before being halted, but Leyton Dunlop reacted quickest to regain possession and unleash a strike from distance that was comfortably gathered by the Glenafton goalkeeper.

The hosts struggled to create clear openings, with Troon’s defensive unit well organised and alert to any danger, ensuring they carried their slender lead into the interval.

HALF-TIME: GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 0-1 TROON F.C.

The second half began with Troon looking to press home their advantage, and they were rewarded just after the hour mark. Fulton, already on the scoresheet, turned provider with a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Allan. The young forward cut inside his marker and curled an effort towards goal, which took a slight deflection off Craig McCracken before finding the net to double Troon’s lead.

The game became increasingly physical as Glenafton attempted to claw their way back into the contest. McCracken and Jamie Wilson were both cautioned in quick succession, reflecting the mounting frustration in the home ranks.

Troon made a tactical change on 72 minutes, introducing Sam Jamieson for Watt as Kirkwood sought to shore things up and maintain control. However, the hosts responded almost immediately. After dealing with a long throw, the Troon defence failed to clear their lines effectively, and Michael Mullen capitalised, firing home from the edge of the area to reduce the deficit and set up a tense final quarter.

Glenafton pushed forward with renewed urgency, but Troon showed resilience under pressure. Further bookings followed for the home side, including Mullen for simulation and Callum Wilson for a late challenge, as their frustration threatened to boil over.

The closest Glenafton came to an equaliser arrived late on when Dale Burgess raced from his line to head clear but failed to get sufficient distance. David Craig seized the opportunity and attempted an audacious lob, only for Stephen Bronsky to produce a vital recovery header and preserve Troon’s lead.

There was even time for Glenafton manager Paul Paton to be booked from the touchline as tensions rose in the closing stages, but Troon held firm to secure another valuable three points on the road.

FULL-TIME: GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 1-2 TROON F.C.

It was a determined and professional performance from the Seasiders, who combined attacking quality with defensive resolve to see out a potentially tricky fixture.

The result ensures Troon remain top of the table, continuing their impressive push as the season enters its decisive phase.