McBookie Super League First Division

MAYBOLE 1

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 0

by Matt Speirs

BATTLING Maybole gained three valuable points in this relegation tussle to give them some hope in their fight against the drop.

And new signing Neil McGowan made an impressive debut as he played a key role in what was Maybole's second win of the year.

For the first time in several matches, Maybole were able to field their strongest side for this important match with goalkeeper Grant Weir making his first start in more than three months after recovering from injury.

In their first attack of the match Carlo Walker's hosts almost took the lead.

Allan Love's lob forward found Mark Cameron, who beat the 'keeper to the ball but headed wide.

Maybole then opened the scoring on five minutes when a well-flighted Love free kick into the penalty area caused a scramble in the box and Andy Stevenson prodded home from close range.

On 21 minutes Grant Weir preserved his side's advantage with a fine save to deny Ben Carson an equaliser.

Two minutes later Weir once again showed his class, producing an even better save to deny former Ayr United player Ryan Caddis.

Winton were reduced to 10 men when Conor Browning was sent off for foul and abusive language.

Right on half time, Winton's Ian Reid and Mark Cameron went into the referee's book.

As the ground conditions deteriorated under foot, neither side could make much headway with the match developing into a midfield battle.

Five minutes from time Ryan McKay was sent off for a double booking.

In a last attempt to get something from the match Iain Reid moved up front but to no avail as the home side held on for a vital victory.

MAYBOLE: Weir, Todd, McGowan, Frame, McKay, Cuthbertson, Cameron, Peacock, Stevenson, Love, Reilly. Subs: Doolan, Harris, Thomson, Connor and Kerr.

WINTON: Wardrope, Turner, Richardson, Marriott, Reid, Carson, Browning, Willett, Bradford, R Caddis, Gemmell. Subs D. Caddis, Cochrane, Trialist, Watt.