McBookie Super League First Division

IRVINE MEADOW 2

LARGS THISTLE 1

By Calum Corral

BATTLING Meadow overcame Largs for the second time this year after a narrow win at rain-lashed Meadow Park.

With just six minutes left, Eddie McTernan popped up with the winner in a match played in driving wind and rain, and was tricky underfoot.

A minute's silence was impeccably observed in memory of Alastair McCall and Alex Kilpatrick who have both been involved with the Irvine club for many years.

Largs really should have been off and running in the first few minutes after recent new signing John Carter took advantage of a poor pass back but shot straight at keeper Sean Newman.

Meadow had a similar opportunity but Largs shotstopper Blair Cousar was quick off his line to block McTernan's effort with his feet.

The testing weather conditions made it difficult for good passing play but Largs persisted and were the better side in the first half.

Attacking midfielder Ryan McKie sent over a dangerous cross which flashed across the face of the Meadow goal and Largs defender Nicky Jamieson blazed over a good opportunity.

There were few clear cut chances but Largs appeared to be getting the upper hand with some dangerous balls fizzing into the box but just no takers, with the best opening falling to McKie but his tame 20 yard effort was comfortably saved by Newman.

Meadow skipper Ben Carson forced a good save from Cousar with a low drilled drive from the edge of the area as half-time was approaching.

And it was the Irvine men who went into the half-time break with their tails up after a corner kick was powerfully headed home by Ryan Begley at the right post from eight yards out.

It was tough on Largs who had played the more sparkling football but they kept up their good form and Carter made amends for his first half miss and galloped clear on goal in 55 minutes. The former Glenafton forward showed composure to convert with a good solo effort.

Largs were reduced to 10 men in 65 minutes as forward Jamie Campbell, who been industrious throughout the encounter, saw an immediate red card for a diving challenge.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Barrfields side still pushed forward and had chances, with former Morton man McWaters skimming the crossbar with a free kick on 70 minutes. Cousar resorted to punching away some home efforts on goal as the clock ticked away.

Largs put on subs including former Meadow midfielder Graham Muir, and latterly Kevin Struthers, but it was Meadow who scored the crucial winner, and it was from another corner-kick.

Given the nature of the day, it was perhaps no surprise it was a scrambled effort which decided the outcome, and it wa McTernan who converted from close range and rushed over to the joyous Meadow fans to celebrate.

Largs chased the match in the final minutes but couldn't find the all important winner as Creag Little sent a late header wide from a corner.

Credit to Meadow who showed fighting spirit, and so far are the only team this year to have beaten an in-form Largs.

Irvine Meadow: Newman, McKeown, Hannah, Begley, Gow, Carnwath, Carson, Devlin, Boyd, McTernan, Black. Subs: McGuire, Gemmell, Boyle, Buchanan, Gordon.

Largs: Cousar, Orr, McMaster, Little, Jamieson,Campbell, McWaters, Fleming, Adam, Carter, McKie. Subs: Muir, Struthers, Fisher, McVey, Burden.