Ayrshire Wild: side battle hard but can’t find win

As one of the only sporting fixtures to go ahead this week, both sides observed a two-minute silence followed by the national anthem in remembrance of HRH Queen Elizabeth II prior to the face-off.

Straight from the off at the Braehead Arena, Wild were on the offensive, and after some great link-up play from Dylan Murray and Tom Morgenthaler they got their first shot on goal in the opening minutes.

Though this lack of a score to show for this play was the tale of the evening for the Wild.

The more experienced Paisley side would incur numerous penalties in the first period, though Wild could not make them pay, and it was the home team who took the lead before time was out, ending the period one to nil up.

This continued to be a feisty match in the second period, but the Wild didn’t let this get to them, as they battled back to level the game as the tension was building.

However, a hard few minutes in the second period is what turned the match, as Paisley managed to edge ahead once more, doubling their lead a matter of minutes later and it was one which the Wild could not claw back.

The second period ended with the Pirates 3-1 up heading into the final action of the evening.

The rough and tumble theme remained throughout this third period, as too did the Wild waves of attack, but unfortunately with very little to show for it.

It was hardly one way traffic, though on chances alone, this is a match North Ayrshire Wild feel they could have taken a result from.

Despite busy netminders at either end, the third period would see no further scoring, and the Wild coming home empty handed.

It was a commendable performance from the young Wild side, against their far more experienced opponents.

Despite the disappointment of the result, they will keep their heads held high, and know with performances like this the results will come.

Wild are back in action on September 17, as they host the Dundee Tigers.