Perfect start for Jonny at Troon

Evan Maley ensured a perfect start for new Troon boss Jonathan Baillie with an 89th minute winner to sink Irvine Meadow.

Monday night’s victory leaves the Portland Parkers in great shape for Wednesday’s final Sectional Cup tie at home to Craigmark before a tough Premier opener at Hurlford on Saturday.

Former Hibs and Scotland under 21 defender Baillie, who had a short spell on loan at Ayr United before injury ended his senior career, stepped up to replace boss Jimmy Kirkwood for the new season.

Baillie got off to a flier on Saturday with a 4- 1 win away to Irvine Vics when Ryan Stevenson and Dylan Pooler both grabbed doubles.

And the hot start continued 48 hours later with a hard fought 1- 0 win at Meadow Park.

AUCHINLECK must avoid defeat away to big spending Darvel on Wednesday to qualify.

Talbot followed up a 4- 0 win over Glenafton – they meet again in the league opener at Beechwood on Saturday - by beating Hurlford 2- 0 on Monday with goals from Mark Shankland and Keir Samson.

Boss Tucker Sloan said: “We made a few changes from Saturday, so some of the boys are still getting to know each other – and I’d say they’ve done just fine.

“We have a big game against Darvel on Wednesday so hopefully we can freshen up the team, but we also have a tough game on Saturday at home to Glenafton in the league, that’s certainly at the back of my mind.”

WHITLETTS are guarding a 100 per cent record ahead of Wednesday’s trip to Maybole and the Championship opener away to Neilston on Saturday.

Peter Leonard’s men crushed Annbank 5- 0 with goals from Louis Kerr ( 2), David Cunningham, Eva Bembo and Thomas Donovan.

Then they came from behind to beat Girvan 3- 1 at Hamilton Park on Monday after Sandy Robertson fired the hosts ahead. Robert Patterson grabbed a double before Donovan sealed it.

MAYBOLE, who beat Annbank 6- 5 on penalties after a 1- 1 draw on Monday, can pip Whitletts for top spot in group one if they win Wednesday’s derby.

‘ Bole trailed to a Craig Harvey goal at home to Girvan on Saturday before winning 2- 1. Girvan’s agony was compounded by a broken arm for keeper Ally McInnes.

CUMNOCK need to better Kello’s result at Muirkirk when they visit Lugar in order to qualify from group three.

‘ Nock were beaten 3- 2 on penalties in their opening tie at Kello after a 1- 1 draw when Jamie Conn was on target.

On Monday, they thrashed Muirkirk 7- 2 with goals from Chris Campbell ( 2), Graeme Ramage ( 2), Paul Burns, Trialist and Jordan Banks.

Cumnock will offer free admission when they open the George Morton family enclosure against Rossvale on Saturday. All Cumnock youth players can bring a parent or carer with them and both will be admitted free.

CRAIGMARK need to beat Troon at Portland Park and hope Irvine Meadow slip up away to Irvine Vics in group two.

A 5- 1 win over Irvine Vics on Monday wiped out the opening day 5- 1 loss at Irvine Meadow.