⚽️ Ardrossan Winton Rovers 1-2 Troon F.C. ⚽️
Saturday 7th March 2020
Ardagh Group SJFA West of Scotland Cup 1st Round
Winton Park, Ardrossan KA22 8JG
Kick-off 2pm

MATCH REPORT by Michael Connolly

Saturday 7th March saw Troon eventually face Ardrossan Winton Rovers in the second round of the Ardagh Group West of Scotland Cup. With the atrocious recent weather, the game had previously been postponed on 3 occasions. The conditions were overcast and breezy, with the pitch being somewhat heavy on the stand side. The attendance was healthy, with a good contingent from Troon.

The conditions were causing both teams problems. The first half hour was a scrappy affair. Rovers number 2, Martyn Brown, was booked for an over-zealous challenge in the 30th minute. the home side took the lead eight minutes later. A defensive slip down the right flank allowed Ryan McKie to find the net with a well-placed shot.

It was a competitive affair. Five minutes from the interval, Rovers’ Stuart Hannah was lucky that his kick at Dean Fulton was missed by the officials. Two minutes later Dean’s passion got the better of him, and he was lucky not to have been red carded after a two footed lunge. A yellow card was produced by the referee – who just before this took no action on a wild tackle from one of Ardrossan’s players.

HALF-TIME: ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 1-0 TROON F.C.

The 1-0 lead at half-time was fair, as the home side had the edge. Rovers impressed with their work-rate and organisation, whilst we seemed to lack the urgency. A strange tactical move followed mid-way through the second half with Dean Keenan moving into the attack and Ben Reilly dropping back to the defence. ScoJo kept us in the game with a great save low at his left post. We pushed hard for the equaliser and were duly rewarded in the 78th minute. Dean Fulton finished off a mazy run past five Rovers players with a tremendous strike. Ross Barbour made a great goal-line clearance a minute later. With penalties looking imminent, Troon had a free-kick in the 94th minute some 30 yards out in front of goal. Big John Gemmell stepped up and what a strike to put us into the 3rd round. Over the piece, we were a little bit fortunate with the victory.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Dean Fulton

🛂 MATCH OFFICIALS 🛂

Referee: Jordan Cousland
Assistant Referee One: Rodney Marshall
Assistant Referee Two: Robert McPhee

 MATCH HIGHLIGHTS 

📆 NEXT FIXTURE 📆

⚽️ Troon F.C. Supporter’s Day ⚽️
Saturday 14th March 2020
Portland Park, Troon KA10 6QN
Doors open: 12pm
FREE ENTRY TO TROON F.C. SUPPORTERS