Stevo’s on fire as cup fever hits Troon
Jimmy Kirkwood hailed Ayr old boys Ryan Stevenson and Dean Keenan as Troon FC stand on the brink of history.
On Saturday, the Seasiders entertain Lochee United in the quarter- finals of the Scottish Junior Cup, bidding to reach the semis for the first time ever.
Portland Park boss Kirkwood claimed: “This is the biggest game in my nine years at the club. It’s a huge occasion and an amazing position for us to be in.”
Stevo scored twice and Keenan was a commanding captain as Troon beat Petershill 3- 0 to go into the tie on a high.
Kirkwood said: “Stevo’s first goal into the top corner was a real touch of class and hopefully he could be the one to get us over the line against Lochee. His workrate and attitude is amazing.
“He has got all his old enthusiasm back and is even helping with training our youths.
“Deano is in his seventh season at Troon which is amazing for somebody who looked like he might be lost to the game with knee injuries. He is a proper leader.
“Although Troon as a town is a bit more rugby and golf than football, we are hoping this tie will spark the imagination and we get a big crowd.”
Ayrshire teams fill five of the last eight places.
Holders Auchinleck head to Pollok, Hurlford host Clydebank while Largs and Kilwinning clash at Barrfields.
History chasing Troon FC hope a bumper Portland Park crowd can roar them into the semifinals of the Scottish Junior Cup for the first time ever.
Troon entertain Lochee United on Saturday, only the second time in the club’s history that they have reached the last eight.
And it’s their first ever home quarterfinal in 73 years.
Troon go into the tie on a high after boosting their Premier League safety hopes with a 3- 0 win at Petershill.
A Ryan Stevenson double and a goal from Jamie Martin saw the Seasiders limber up for their date with destiny.
Former Ayr star Stevo fired in a 25 yard drive and Martin sprung the offside trap before the break.
Stevo rounded the keeper for the clinching third.
AUCHINLECK, who are bidding for a 13th Scottish Cup triumph, head to Pollok looking to continue their hot run of form.
Second- half goals from Dwayne Hyslop, Keir Samson and Calvin Kemp gave them a 3- 0 win over Rob Roy.
KILWINNING, who beat LARGS 3- 1 in the league, will hope for same again when the teams clash at Barrfields while HURLFORD are hot favourites at home to Clydebank.
In the Premier League, GLENAFTON, who beat Clydebank 2- 1, play host to Petershill.
Dale Moore gave Glens an interval lead only for Jordan Shelvey to head the equaliser. Ayr loan kid Leon Murphy grabbed a late winner.
In the Championship, WHITLETTS take on Neilston at Dam Park looking to extend their unbeaten run under new boss Peter Leonard to four games.
Sean Ewart struck at the death in a 3- 2 win at St Roch’s who finished with only eight men.
Adam Forsyth and Jordan Baird got Vics off to a flier but the hosts levelled through Rab McGuire and Jordan Logan.
St Roch’s had Paul Tierney and Kieran Daw sent off before Forsyth had a penalty saved.
Robbie Hannah then set up Ewart to fire the winner. The hosts finished in shame when Thomas Hanlon was dismissed.
GIRVAN entertain Cumbernauld after beating Dalry 2- 0 for only their third league win. Callum McDade sealed it with a late winner after Craig Harvey sunk a first- half penalty
CRAIGMARK, who lost 3- 0 at Benburb, can close on fifth bottom Irvine Vics with a win at Dalmellington
In West League One, MAYBOLE entertain runaway leaders Gartcairn who have lost only one game in 22. Second bottom ‘ Bole earned a 1- 1 draw at Wishaw.
LUGAR try to bounce back from a 2- 0 defeat at Winton when they entertain Shotts.
ANNBANK get it tough in League Two away to second top Lesmahagow after leaving it late for a 2- 1 win away to Vale of Clyde.
Jordan Ryan’s early penalty was cancelled out before Cammy Ross fired the winner in the sixth minute of stoppage time.