Michael’s a treble hero for Medda
IRVINE MEADOW...5 KILWINNING ............
MICHAEL WARDROPE came off the bench to grab a hat-trick as he helped 10-man Medda put his old team to the sword in the South Challenge Cup.
The former Kilwinning man was in top form to see Irvine into the third round of the competition.
He said: “It was an incredible game of football and must have been a great watch for the neutral. I’ve been on both sides of this derby and it’s always a bit tasty. So it’s great to come out on top against them.
“This is a big cup to be involved in with Lowland League teams involved so it’s great to be in the next round. It’s my first hat-trick in competitive football so I’m absolutely delighted.”
Medda went in front through Jamie Martin before it was cancelled out by an Alistair McColm strike.
Into the second half and David Syme’s penalty gave Kilwinning an advantage but the game was soon tied up again when Medda skipper Mark McLennan tucked in his own penalty.
The home side went down to 10 men when Sean McIlroy picked up his second yellow but they still managed to take the lead with 25 minutes left when a long searching ball by Martin found Michael Wardrope and he knocked the ball past keeper Jamie Barclay before rolling into the net.
Kilwinning’s McColm had his side on level terms with a wonderful strike only to see Wardrope quickly restore Medda’s advantage. The former Ayr ace then stepped up deep into injury time to fire home an incredible free kick.
Medda co-boss Colin Spence said, “I’m buzzing for the boys but if I’m involved in any more games like that my red hair will soon be turning grey.”