Bonnyton Thistle versus Troon F.C. 
Wednesday 30th September 2020
Pre-Season Friendly Match

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS – NO ENTRY TO SPECTATORS

MATCH REPORT by Richard Henderson

Troon continued their impressive unbeaten pre-season with another convincing display at the Synergy Arena.

Despite missing regular starters Christian Nade, Jordan Morton, Steven McCreadie, Scott Chatham, Todd Henderson & Jaime Gallagher to a combination of work & some wee injury niggles, Troon started the game strongly & the front line of Ryan Nisbet, Dean Fulton & Mark Roberts were causing problems for the Bonnyton back line with their movement & pace. The home side had their first chance of the game after a late Dean Keenan tackle saw them line up a free-kick 22 yards out from goal, but to Ross Lundy’s relief, he saw the left foot effort sail high above his goal to safety. The visitor’s opening play saw them take the lead in the 12th minute thanks to a clever team move, Roberts fed Fulton who finished smartly past McSorley in the home goal.  Nisbet had a chance to double the lead almost immediately when the ball broke to him in the box and, after a great first touch, the keeper denied the former Glenafton man with a smart recovery. It was that man Nisbet once again as we approached the half hour mark, beating his man and using his lightning pace to drive into the box, but his finish went narrowly wide. Controversy raged at the other end shortly after this when a clever ball from former Troon man Dylan Stevenson, who was pulling the strings for Bonnyton in the middle of the park, saw Chris Kelly (another former Troon man) race through and Lundy was quick off his line to smother the ball. Ref Ross Menzies adjudged the keeper had carried the ball over the 18 yard line and blew for an infringment, much to the consternation of Lundy & his fellow defenders, but the free-kick didn’t threaten the Troon goal. The Seasiders were driving forward well at this stage, and the last piece of drama was saved for just before the interval; right-back Ross Barbour swung in a cross which looked like it was going in at the back post – but Dean Fulton, keen to make sure under pressure from the defender, looked on aghast as his headed intervention saw the ball strike the crossbar and rebound for a goal-kick.

HALF-TIME: BONNYTON THISTLE 0-1 TROON F.C.

The second half was a tremendous advert for our Youth Academy, as four Development Team players came off the bench to make an impact. Troon only made two changes at half-time, with Josh Black replacing Dean Fulton & young Jordan Lusk making his first-team debut in his favoured position behind the front line. Lusk took little time to make an impact & his quick thinking saw Nisbet in again, before the defender cleverly intercepted for a throw-in. On the 58th minute, more clever play from Roberts saw Lusk drive beyond the front line & finish with a one-touch, beautiful dink past the advancing McSorley to deservedly double the visitors lead. Development Team midfielder Dale Galloway replaced Ryan Stevenson for his second appearance on the hour mark & forward Joirdan Vernon was rewarded for some excellent displays in the Under 20s with his debut as he replaced Mark Roberts up top, but Troon’s relentlessness didn’t alter at any of these changes. In fact, the lead was extended on the 63rd minute when Ryan Nisbet, who had been dangerous all game, finally saw those efforts bear fruit as he sprinted clear of his marker to fire past the Thistle keeper for 3-0. Nisbet was allowed a rest when Jack Paterson replaced him on the 67th minute, and there was another young debutant when 18 year old Aaron Boyd took his bow at right back for the last 23 minutes of the game, replacing the excellent Raymond Montgomerie.

An evening full of bright spots for Troon; 3 excellent goals, a clean sheet, numerous chances created, no injuries, four impressive youth products and some very impressive performances across the field. And all of this against an impressive side, who played lovely football throughout & will cause some teams real problems this season.

 MATCH OFFICIALS 

Referee: Ross Menzies
Assistant Referee One: Club linesman
Assistant Referee Two: Club linesman

 NEXT FIXTURE 

Troon F.C. versus Dalry Thistle (postponed) 
Saturday 3rd October 2020
Pre-Season Friendly Match