Ayrshire Weekly Press Cup First Round

IRVINE MEADOW 6

CRAIGMARK BURNTONIANS 1

by Matt Speirs

CRAIGMARK went into this match with a side short of five regulars but the players who were called in battled well although were no match for Meadow.

The clear gulf in class between the Super First Division and Ayrshire District League was very evident in this encounter, with the home side in command.

However the visitors should learn lessons from this game as they gear up for their remaining six league matches and a West of Scotland Cup last 16 home clash with Kilsyth Rangers.

The first chance of the match fell to John Redmond's visitors in 17 minutes when Mitchell Ewing setting up Adam Lawrie but he shot wide.

Meadow went ahead two minutes later when Wiliam Wells set up Conor Browning who drove the ball into the net.

Four minutes later Jared Willett shot on the turn but Jordan Callaghan turned the ball over the bar for a corner.

Meadow doubled their lead in 25 minutes when Mark McLennan burst forward and crossed for Graham Barbour to turn the ball into the net.

The third goal came six minutes after the interval when a free-kick was headed back across goal by Ryan Begley and Browning headed the ball into the net.

Craigmark had a chance to pull a goal back three minutes later but Shaun Newman turned a fine effort by Bryce Reid away to safety.

Three minutes later Browning was pulled down in the penalty area he got up and completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot.

Midway through the half Meadow added a fifth when a Ben Carson corner was headed on by Ryan Begley and Jared Willet netted from close range.

Craigmark scored a consolation goal two minutes later, Scott Dempster running on to a through ball and shooting beyond Newman.

The scoring was completed in 70 minutes. Begley was pulled down inside the penalty area and Ben Carson coolly netted from the spot.