Ayrshire District League

IRVINE VICTORIA 2

ARDEER THISTLE 1

A LAST gasp goal from Eddie Ablohr helped leaders Vics edge out spirited Ardeer to chalk up a seventh win out of eight.

The two teams occupy opposite ends of the league table at present, although Ardeer do have at least a game in hand on every other side,

But some fans may have been surprised by how close the game was.

Vics keeper Chris Lamb denied Steven Tan with a low save in the first real chance of the opening half.

At the other end, Jamie Donnelly made a last-ditch tackle to prevent David Adams from getting a shot away when he had a great opportunity after Paul McKay had lost possession to Kevin Adam, who hit the post with a low shot soon after and later scooped over from six yards when he really should have hit the target. For Ardeer Gareth Armstrong had a 20-yarder saved by Lamb and Billy Hogan’s long range shot drifted just wide prior to the interval.

After the first half stalemate there was all to play for in the second 45 minutes and the visitors made the best possible start, taking the lead two minutes in. Ryan Morrow beat his man on the left flank and cut-back to the alert Armstrong who fired home from ten yards, his first goal for the club and well-deserved after putting in a hard-working performance.

Vics tried to equalise quickly but Thistle goalie Paul McCann denied David Wilson, making a fine diving save to keep out his netbound header.

Ardeer almost scored again when Armstrong’s free-kick was parried out to Jordan Bruce wide in the penalty area, But home defender Paul Young headed it clear.

The visitors took their time and tried to maintain their one goal advantage to the end, and looked to have been given a helping hand when David Wilson was sent off for a second bookable offence in 76 minutes.

The game had had been very even, up to this point. However Ardeer were unable to make the most of their one-man advantage.

Vics levelled in 81 minutes when former time Thistle midfielder Scott Chesney rose unchallenged to head home a corner-kick.

The goal gave the hosts momentum and a confidence boost and they sealed the victory early in stoppage time when Ablohr made a run from the left and slotted home following Chesney’s pass.

Vics midfielder Callum Davidson was then given a straight red card during their goal celebrations, reducing them to nine men.

Ardeer couldn’t get an equaliser before the final whistle as Vics held on to win.

Vics will be pleased with the win, having been in a losing position.

Ardeer can take heart in that they played well against the league leaders, but will need to improve defensively, if they are to eventually move up the table.

After the match there was an alleged scuffle which saw an Ardeer volunteer knocked over. But he he was fine after being helped up.

IRVINE VICORIA: Lamb; Russell, Scaramuzza, Young, Singleton, Wilson, Davidson, Hislop, Adams, Adam, Chesney,. Subs: Monan, McDermott, Ablohr, Black, Mitchell.