Arran United put up good show against Troon

The man who started Arran United returned to the island last weekend with his new team – Troon Thistle – to play a friendly tournament.

Matt Harvey, who left the island in April, is now coaching the Troon side which he brought over to face his old team now being run by Sharlene Little with help from the other coaches Ross, Martin, Frazer, Alan and Allan.

Around 60 children took part in the games played at Arran High School pitches and Astroturf in Lamlash with lots of both local and travelling support on the sidelines. Troon Thistle brought over two 2009 seven-a-side and two 2010 five-a-side teams. Arran United had one 2009 seven-a-side and two 2010 five-a side. Arran United’s 2009 seven-a-side team won two games and lost one. Arran’s 2010 five-a-side team won three and lost two.

Sharlene said: ‘To achieve these wins was exceptional as Troon train twice a week and play a match every Saturday compared to Arran training one day a week and we aren’t involved in a league of any sort.

‘I’m so proud of all the children involved as there was some outstanding football on display today. Parents provided an unbelievable amount of food for the after-match buffet and was very much appreciated by both clubs. We are now looking forward to taking the children to Troon for another friendly playing them on their own ground in the near future,’ she added.

Arran United train every Friday in Lamlash from 6pm to 7pm for primary age children and anyone wishing to come along should contact Sharlene for more information.

01_B44united14 The Troon keeper carefully watches an Arran shot.

01_B44united03 The Troon Thistle squad and coaches who travelled to Arran for the tournament.

01_B44united02 The Arran United 2010 five-a-side team.

01_B44united06 An Arran player shields the ball from his opponent.

01_B44united08 A Troon player closes in on an Arran attacker.

01_B44united05 A tight tussle for the ball.

01_B44united09 Action from an all-Troon encounter.

Two of the younger p

01_B44united10 The Troon keeper makes a good save from the close range shot.

01_B44united11 Arran close in on the Troon goal.

01_B44united07 An Arran corner comes into a packed penalty box.

01_B44united04 An Arran attack on the Troon goal.

01_B44united01 The Arran United 2009/10 seven-a-side squad.

01_B44united15 ayers in a tussle for the ball.

01_B44united13 An Arran player does a good job shielding the ball.

01_B44united12 Family and friends watch the action from the sidelines.