McBookie Super League Premier Division

TROON 2

HURLFORD UNITED 1

by Matt Speirs

TENACIOUS Troon bounced back from their shock Scottish Junior Cup defeat at Darvel with victory against Hurlford at windswept Portland Park.

It was sweet revenge for the Seasiders following the Ardagh Glass League Cup final defeat at the visitors' hands back in October.

Home boss Gordon Burns had demanded a good performance from his side following their cup exit and the players certainly responded with a dominant performance against a Hurlford side who had won their way into the last 16 of the national competition the previous weekend.

Victory moved the hosts up to fifth spot in a very tight league and they are just five points behind leaders Pollok.

The opening exchanges favoured Hurlford and in five minutes Paul Byrne set up Stewart Kean who turned and shot for goal but was denied by a good save from Ally Semple.

Five minutes later Ross Robertson had a chance for Hurlford but his shot flew just wide of the post. Troon began to get a grip of the match and Adam Forsyth had a chance in 12 minutes, but his effort flew wide of target..

Five minutes later Martin "Midge Ure burst through but Ally Brown turned his well-struck shot over the bar for a corner.

A minute later Troon took the lead when a surging run by Craig "Hoots" Harvey ended with a fine cross into the box and Forsyth headed into the net.

It was all-square in 37 minutes when Kean crossed to substitute Ryan Borris who netted from close range.

Despite the conditions, play raged from end to end and a minute from the interval, Brown turned a free-kick from Chris McKnight onto the crossbar and the rebound was cleared.

Troon went ahead again in 55 minutes when a corner-kick from Jordan Muir was cleared to the edge of the penalty area and Dale Muir rifled a shot into the roof of the net.

Three minutes later Muir had an effort turned over the bar by Brown. Midway through the half visiting striker Ross Robertson found himself in a good position but slipped as he was about to shoot and Semple saved.

With 15 minutes remaining, Ally Semple made a fine save to deny Paul McKenzie an equaliser.

Right on the final whistle, Brown denied Troon a third goal with an outstanding save from Forsyth.

TROON: Semple, Ure, Armstrong, McKnight, Collins, Chatham, Harvey, Spence, Forsyth, Muir, Moore. Subs: McGowan, Wilson, McCrea, Shirkie, Curragh.