Early in the second half, Roach scored the goal of the match from around 25 yards as Troon pulled one back from his vicious shot. Game on! As the home side pushed for a leveller, again they were caught short at the back as Patterson netted number three for the Dalmellington side. An own goal resulting from a free-kick gave Troon a life line before Douglas ensured all three points were heading home with the visitors.

An entertaining match, no arguments there, however, Troon will be feeling hard done by for those missed opportunities in the first half. Man of the match goes to Craigmark’s ‘Aitken’ for providing two of their goals and a tireless performance. I thought Gardener had a great first half in the middle of the hosts midfield, controlling the game for long periods.

A match well worthy of the £4 admission fee, six goals, home-made burgers and banter amongst the fans too. What more can you ask for?

Once again, I offer the customary gratitude to John Redmond and Sharon for providing the team lines for Troon and to the Craigmark committee member who assisted for the away side. And a shout out for the two chaps who travelled from the North of England by train to watch the match. A pair of well travelled footballs fans who have ventured all over the country to observe countless matches.

Pictures from today’s match can be found here

With Scotland playing on Friday and just four domestic games on Saturday, any punter looking to make money will need to concentrate on the juniors.

Linlithgow have started the season superbly and should pick up all three points again this weekend. In the West, Whitletts were unlucky to lose on penalties against Talbot but should make amends with a win at Vale of Clyde. Click the LOGO to place your bets – good luck

24 year old central defender, Marc Murray is seeking a new club. If you are interested in signing Marc please contact him on 07881 804184

Marc has vast experience despite his young years having played for St. Mirren, Larkhall Thistle, Lesmahagow, Bellshill Athletic and Kilsyth Rangers. During his seven years playing in Junior football he has amassed valuable experience in the Premier League and First Division.

The Juniors would like to wish Marc all the best in finding a new club.

All the best to Steelend for the coming season.

Anyone wishing to follow them will find their details here

Please note that Colin made a call to me and asked for assistance in setting up Twitter etc. I was only too happy to assist him. Ten minutes or so later, Whitletts Victoria was created and listed on our site. We can assist you if required. We are eager to help anyone who wishes to promote their club and the junior game.

Please email us at admin@thejuniors.info for guidance/assistance.

Good luck to the Vics for the coming season

Details of the Whitletts can be found at http://www.thejuniors.info/?page_id=105

The Juniors would like to wish Marc all the best in finding a new club.

Some superb tweets from around the grounds many of which are of a very high standard.  Keep up the good work lads.

Remember “tweeter of the week” is but a bit of light-hearted fun to encourage everyone to maintain a high standard for the sites visitors. However it would be wonderful to reward the winners with a small prize to show our appreciation. If you know of a business that would be willing to sponsor “tweeter of the week” please get in touch by emailing admin@thejuniors.info

Click to view The Tweeter of the Week board

After recent results for the two clubs involved in today’s match, I was genuinely expecting goals galore and to be up to my ears in tweets. However, both clubs were evenly matched and if the truth be told, they could have played all day and not presented the few in attendance on the terraces with a goal to celebrate. Both sides gave their all and did their utmost to win the match but they simply cancelled each other out.

Muirkirk favoured the passing tactics with Saltcoats playing more of a long ball game but chances were few and far between for either side. Half time arrived followed by a torrential downpour which thankfully ceased before the second period got under way. However the swirling wind prevailed but neither side took advantage of the velocity and motion of the weather conditions. A draw was probably the correct result and I would expect that both managers will be happy with a point from this encounter.

I hope to return to Muirkirk and see a superior offering from the home side soon, possibly when the take on local rivals Lugar. Incidentally, the loudest cheer today was when I informed a few youngsters that Lugar were losing to Ardrossan Winton Rovers.

Hard to choose a man of the match but for effort and willingness to run up and down the length of the park for the duration of the game, I will plump for Saltcoats’ right back “McClelland”. For the home side, I thought the young left sided midfielder “Lamont” looked calm and collected on the ball and the lad worked hard throughout the match.

Once again I would like to extend my gratitude to Muirkirk and Saltcoats Committee for supplying team lines ahead of the game – appreciated! My thanks to the shop girls for a friendly smile and being a good laugh.

Pictures from Today’s match can be found here

Alas no takers from either side to join us on Twitter – maybe in the future.

Click HERE To See Prices