Arran dream team in seventh heaven
The newly-formed Arran team had their historic first home game on Sunday afternoon in the Ayrshire Sunday Amateur Football League.
A large crowd of more than 250 went along to support the team in the game against Kilmarnock-based club Killie United in ideal weather conditions at the Ormidale Park.
Manager Alan Murray made three changes to the team that had beaten Dalry 9-0 the week before, with Matthew Dobson, Adam McNicol and Fraser Gilbert all featuring in the starting line-up.
Arran dominated possession in the early stages of the game but were unable to break the deadlock. Killie were using the counter-attack to good effect and came close to scoring a couple of times with one shot being tipped onto the bar by David Heenan in goals.
Eventually the home team made it 1-0 when Archie McNicol ran through on goal and placed one into the bottom corner. Five minutes later, Archie was manhandled to the ground inside the area and the referee pointed to the spot, awarding a penalty.
Archie stepped up but uncharacteristically ballooned the penalty high and wide, almost taking out one of Fred Galbraith’s windows in his house on the road opposite.
Killie were reduced to 10 men when their midfielder flew into a tackle with both feet in the air and studs showing. Thankfully, Babbies MacNeil, who was on
the other end of the tackle came out of it unscathed.
However, Matthew Dobson was less fortunate in a tackle before half-time as the Killie forward put in a mistimed tackle forcing Dobson off through injury. Surprisingly, the player was only given a yellow card.
Cailin Applegate was brought on to make his first appearance for Arran and 30 seconds from the start of the second half he got his first touch and slotted the ball through the keeper’s legs to get off to a dream start.
Toby Wingham then got in on the act and scored two goals in quick succession to take the score to 4-0. Killie’s heads were down and spaces opened up for McNicol – within a 10-minute spell he had scored another three, taking his tally to four goals for the match.
Another comfortable win for the Arran boys who have scored 16 goals and conceded none in their first two games of the league.
The match was kindly sponsored by Mark West Flooring and Andrew Ross Bain was also on hand to represent main sponsor, Arran Energy.
The visitors waited until the later boat and enjoyed the hospitality in Brodick Golf Club which was a gesture appreciated by both sides.
Arran AFC thanked the golf club for their hospitality and to Matthew Keir and the Parks for providing all the food for the players after the game.
Tomorrow (Sunday), Arran face a bigger test as they travel to play Irvine Victoria, who are a much stronger outfit. All visitors and supporters are encouraged to attend.