McBookie Premiership

PETERSHILL 0

IRVINE MEADOW 1

By Stewart McConnell

Pictures: Gordon McCreath

GRITTY Meadow moved three points clear of their struggling hosts and four ahead of second bottom Kilbirnie Ladeside following this hard-fought win at Petershill Park.

Victory took their points total to four from two games, following the 1-1 draw away to champions Beith Juniors the previous weekend.

And it will give them confidence ahead of the home clash with local rivals Troon, whom they defeated at Portland Park earlier in the season.

Meadow enjoyed a lot of the first half pressure and took the lead on the half hour when central defender Callum Gow powerfully headed home a cross from captain Ben Carson. Striker Ciaron Smith, who played well leading the frontline, then made way for new signing Roddy Paterson, secured from derby rivals Irvine Victoria.

The new boy enjoyed an impressive debut, making some fine runs and his play suggests he could be an important addition to the squad.

IRVINE MEADOW: Newman; Latta, Pearson, Gow, Devlin, Miller, Carson, McLaughlin, Smith, McGuire, Willet. Subs: Paterson, Spence, Wells, Kellington, White.