McBookie Super League First Division

TROON 0

RENREW 1

TROON were frustrated in this fascinating encounter, as despite their domination of the game they just couldn't find that vital breakthrough against a stubborn and determined Renfrew side.

Right from the off, Troon seemed to be in control and tried to press home after only four minutes when a wicked Scott McLean corner-kick flashed across the face of the goal and on-loan Talbot man Dylan Pooler nearly touched home from just a few yards out. The pressure continued to build when another McLean corner two minutes later was poorly cleared to Dean Keenan who saw his shot blocked and Ross McCrea and Dylan Pooler were both denied by last-ditch defending before Burgess smothered.

Renfrew started to grind their way into the game and after 15 minutes the impressive Craig Dallas forced a corner and from the resulting delivery a powerful header from Jamie Lyden was cleared off the line by Ross McCrea. Troon continued their push, as a beautiful out ball from Steven McCreadie was flicked on by McLean and Pooler was denied by the onrushing goalkeeper, but their repeated profligacy came back to haunt them as after Ally McInnes produced a superb save to tip a Dallas overhead kick round the post, the visitors scored from the resulting corner. A delicate chipped ball in was touched clear by McInnes, but after Clark, Strachan and Barbour all failed to clear, Jamie Benton was on hand to fire home from six yards.

Troon introduced Scott Chatham after they were forced to replace the injured Lewis Clark for the second successive match on the half hour.

The second half had a much better tempo and Troon had the better of the initial play. The first real chance came on the hour, as great link-up play from Pooler fed Ross Barbour & his quality ball in to the box just failed to reach Dean Fulton at the back post. Barbour was next to threaten himself, as a good move forward saw his effort run just slightly past the near post. Scott McLean was next up to be denied, as a clever turn and strike was well saved and held by the diving Burgess.

The introduction of both Mark Curragh and Ross Donaldson saw Troon manager Jim Kirkwood really throw everything but the kitchen sink at it, but a stout and resolute Renfrew were very well organised and stood firm against the onslaught. Three late forced corners saw tremendous last-ditch defending as Dean Keenan was denied with a brave header, and Curragh couldn't force it over the line past Renfrew's Graeme Brown.

It was Troon's first league defeat in almost three months.

TROON: McInnes; Barbour ( Ross Donaldson 79); Clark (Scott Chatham 34); Keenan, Strachan, McCreadie, Fulton (Mark Curragh 74); Murphy, Pooler, McCrea, McLean

Subs not used: Forsyth, Johnston