McBookie Championship

DALRY THISTLE 0

IRVINE VICTORIA 0

HEROIC visiting goalie Blair Cousar saved two penalties as Vics battled to take a point back from Merksworth Park.

Both teams were looking to get off to a confident start in the league opener..

Dalry went into the game in confident mood, having invested heavily both on and off the park.

Vics were encouraged by the news that three young Ayr United players will join the squad on loan - Gabe Skeoch, Grant Thorburn and Liam Miller.

Thistle started the stronger team with Mark Curragh causing a few problems for the Vics defence. However for the first 25 minutes, Vics held firm. Dalry won a succession of corners but lacked clinical finishing and visiting goalie Blair Cousar produced some outstanding saves.

On the few occasions Vics managed to get forward it was on the left with Thorburn making good runs and delivering decent balls into the box. Ewan Farrell replaced Jonny Baxter early on and he made an impact, releasing Danny Wilson on the wing. His cross was met by Callum McDade but his header went wide.

The second half started with Dalry on the front foot and shortly after the restart Ryan Singleton gave away the first of two penalties. Curragh stepped up and smashed it straight at Cousar which pleased the visitors who felt the award was soft.

Dalry kept pressing forward and were awarded a second penalty after Singleton this time made a clumsy challenge. Cousar diving low to his right to palm the ball away from Jaime Martin’s effort.

Both teams were pressing for a goal. Thorburn was having a great game created the best chance for Vics as he ran down the wing, cleverly beat two Dalry players and crossed a low ball into the box which was narrowly missed by Miller and McDade.

Vics then were reduced to 10 men after Singleton had to come off injured for the last five minutes.

As Dalry pressed for a winner Cousar was resolute in goals and deservedly picked up the Man of the Match. It was a good point for Vics, while Dalry will be disappointed at failing to take all three after squandering opportunities and missing two penalties.