McBookie Ayrshire District League

SALTCOATS VICTORIA 2

CRAIGMARK BURNTONIANS 3

by Matt Speirs

THE points went to Dalmellington in an entertaining match at Campbell Park. but Craigmark must be worried that they lost control of the midfield in the second half and allowed Saltcoats back into the match.

Craigmark looked good in the opening exchanges and deservedly took the lead in eight minutes, Mark Dyer setting up Adam Lawrie who slipped the ball into the net.

Saltcoats had a chance to get back on level terms two minutes later but Joe Young shot wide from eight yards.

Two minutes later Craigmark added a second goal when Mitchell was allowed to run through from an offside position to net.

Three minutes later Mitchell again had a chance but his shot rebounded from the post to safety.

Saltcoats had another chance to score in 25 minutes but Calum McDade shot straight at Mark Higgins.

Craigmark extended their lead in 28 minutes when Lawrie broke on the left and his low cross was netted by Mitchell.

Three minutes from the interval McDade hit a 30-yard shot which produced a fine save from Mark Higgins.

Saltcoats came out on the front foot in the second half and Ryan McKie should have done better in 51 minutes than hit the side net.

Four minutes later Scott Dempster set up Mitchell but his effort produced a fine save from Martin McDonald.

McDonald produced another fine save in 63 minutes to deny Mitchell.

Saltcoats were taking command of the midfield picking up all the second balls and it was no surprise that they pulled a goal back in 65 minutes, McDade heading a Sean Quinn corner-kick into the net.

A minute later another fine save by Martin McDonald denied substitute Kieran Nisbet adding a fourth goal for Craigmark.

Mark Higgins had to be at his best to deny McDade a second goal and preserve his side's two goal advantage.

Eleven minutes from time we had the goal of the match when Matthew Santos sent

a 20-yard shot which Higgins got his hand to but could not keep the ball out. Right from the restart, Mitchell brought out a fine save from McDonald to keep his side in the match.

Time ran out on Saltcoats and it was Craigmark who picked up the three points.

SAlTCOATS VICTORIA: McDonald; Kean, Easton, Arthur, Harkin, Anderson, Santos, Young, McDade, Hollis. McKie. Subs: Houston, Quinn, Reid, Grayson, Gallacher.

CRAIGMARK BURNTONIANS: Higgins, Barrett, S. McKay, R. Mckay, Kirkwood, Dempster, Gallacher, Dyer, Mitchell, McLelland, Lawrie. Subs: McCambley, Hall, Reid, Nisbet.