Bankies facing real pitch battle
Scott Taylor fears Annbank United are battling against the odds after both their star strikers were crocked and pitch problems forced them off their village park.
Mitchell Ewing will miss the rest of the season after breaking his ankle at training while Jordan Ryan is sidelined with stomach issues.
Ongoing drainage problems have ruled New Pebble Park out of action since mid- November and washed out successive home games against Vale of Clyde, Maybole and Muirkirk.
Saturday’s visit of St Anthony’s was switched to Cambusdoon Sports Club and Bankies will again hire the Ayr venue for this weekend’s game against Forth.
Club president Taylor, who was in the dugout alongside manager Barry Ross, claimed: “It’s a nightmare which is costing us a fortune. The council have worked on the park but there is still one bad area which needs extra drains.
“We have cut training to one night a week to save money but really need a long dry spell to help us.”
Taylor’s son, 19- year- old Jack, hit a 35 yard scorcher to sink Ants. It was a real family affair – Ross’s son Cammy stepped up to the plate alongside Gavin Todd to cure the strikers’ crisis.
CUMNOCK, on a horror run of only one point from five games, urgently need a pick- me- up when they entertain IRVINE MEADOW in the Premiership game of the day.
Meadow, who beat Arthurlie 3- 2 in one of the few West of Scotland Cup ties to beat the weather, could give a debut to on- loan Ayr United teenage midfielder Liam Miller. He played 18 times for rivals Irvine Vics but has joined Meadow for the rest of the season.
Meadow came from behind against Arthurlie with goals from Calum Gow, Mark McLennan and Eddie McTernan.
AUCHINLECK bid to close in on the top when they entertain struggling Benburb. Talbot were one of many left idle when their West Cup trip to Kilwinning was called off.
Second top POLLOK play host to HURLFORD who beat Clydebank 4- 2. Ross Fisher and Marc McKenzie put Darren Henderson’s men ahead but a Chris McKnight OG and a Conor Lynas strike tied the teams at the break.
Bankies had Ben Cameron sent off for a lunge on McKnight and Hurlford cashed in with goals from Paul McKenzie and Colin McMenamin.
TROON continue their battle against the drop when they welcome form team GLENAFTON to Portland Park.
Glens have won five and drawn one of their last six league games and are unbeaten in 90 minutes since losing 2- 1 at home to Rossvale on October 12.
CRAIGMARK, deep in trouble second bottom of the Championship, get it tough at home to second top Cumbernauld.
WHITLETTS bid for their fourth win in a row when they entertain DALRY, knowing a win would leapfrog the Merksworth men into mid- table.
In League One, KELLO visit Larkhall while GIRVAN travel to second top Port Glasgow.
MAYBOLE bid to continue their hot run in League Two away to leaders Vale of Leven.
Third top MUIRKIRK host Thorniewood while toiling LUGAR entertain Johnstone Burgh.