WINNING AT WINTON

My second hop to Ayrshire in as many weeks took me a few miles north of last weeks location, this time to Ardrossan, for a Scottish Junior Cup tie with Glasgow side Maryhill. After a rather chilly walk down to the seaside, I returned inland to Winton Park, a sprawling, wide ground with terracing all the way around 3 sides, including a larger section behind one goal, and on the main side, a small stand and raised section which adjoins to the very popular social club. There are small covered sections and small rows of seats and benches scattered around the ground, giving plenty of options of viewpoints for spectators. It has been home to the Rovers since the early 1900's, and the grandstand was built in the mid 50's. I was aware of Ardrossan having a decent support, and was curious as to why the terraces looked so quiet with 5 minutes to go before kick off. On the referees whistle, the social club suddenly emptied, and a mass influx of supporters stepped out into the chilly air to watch the game.

This game was a very keenly contested cup match, and one of my favourite hops. Both teams looked to get forward and take an early foothold, with Ardrossan forcing a few early corners. After 15 minutes, Paddy Woods forced the Maryhill keeper into a fine low save. The away side did look dangerous, especially with tricky play in the wider areas, but the final balls were usually snuffed out. On 21 mins Ardrossan took the lead, a brilliant looping strike from 20 yards on the right from Ryan Morrow found the bottom left corner. This seemed to spur Maryhill into action, and they began to control most of the play. On the half hour mark, they flashed two shots just wide of the goal, and looked to be edging toward an equaliser. However, the next goal doubled Ardrossans lead rather than extinguishing it. A shot from Jordan Bruce was blocked and fell to prolific scorer Jamie McKenna, who sidestepped his man and slotted home from around 10 yards to make it 2-0. A few minutes before half time, the constant and continuing Maryhill pressure finally resulted in a goal. A corner whipped right into the middle of the action bounced around and fell to the feet of Chris Love who did well to stretch round and fire home. Ardrossan had a decent chance to make it 3 before half time despite the Maryhill pressure, a fine save from a 20 yard free kick preventing it.

HT 2-1

Maryhill continued to press at the start of the second half, and created a multitude of half chances, but some gallant defending and the occasional lack of a decent final ball prevented an equaliser. They had more than enough corners and forays forward, but just couldn't break through. The press for a second however left them open at the back, and an Ardrossan warning shot was fired when a 25 yard shot from McKenna was brilliantly tipped onto the bar by the away keeper. On 63 minutes, Ardrossan made it 3-1. A quickly taken crossfield free kick from the main stand side was knocked down my McKenna, and Thomas Donovan had to react quickly to get to the ball before the onrushing keeper, and just got enough for the ball to trickle past the line. Maryhill continued to press desperately trying to salvage the match in the final 10, but again the open defence let Ardrossan in, forcing decent saves. A consolation was scored 3 minutes into injury time, when Maryhill sub Jay McInally latched onto a long ball, and controlled well before battering home. Unfortunately for them it was too late, and the referee blew for full time straight after the restart.

FT 3-2

All in I feel Maryhill had more of the play and were unlucky to come away with a defeat, but Ardrossan showed that bit more quality when it was needed to come away with the win. A very entertaining cup tie which could have went either way, and an excellent visit to an excellent ground and team.

All photos can be found in the photo galleries tab!

Ardrossan Winton Rovers 3-2 Maryhill

Morrow (21) Love (41)

McKenna (38) McInally (90+3)

Donovan (68)

25/09/2021, 2:30pm

Scottish Junior Cup R2

Winton Park, Ardrossan (Ground no. 82)

Admission: £6

Attendance: 158 (headcount)

MOTM: Jamie McKenna (Ardrossan). Very solid throughout, with a goal and assist.

Match 539, 19th of season