Kilbirnie spring a cup shock

Aug 28 2009 by Mike Wilson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

BIG money Irvine Meadow were sent crashing on Tuesday evening as Kilbirnie won through to the final of the Ardagh Glass Cup.

Alain Kinney’s 32nd minute goal was enough to separate the teams but Meadow boss Chris Strain claimed: “We had 70 to 80 per cent of the ball but failed to take our chances.”

Kilbirnie will meet the winners of Craigmark v Cumnock who were set to meet on Wednesday evening.

On Saturday, ten man Cumnock came from behind to beat East Kilbride 3-2. A Tom Currie header gave them an interval lead but three minutes into the second-half,Willie Galloway was sent off for a last man tackle. David Feeney converted the penalty and then David Watt fired the visitors ahead.

Sub Gary McMenamin, on for only two minutes, equalised with a superb free-kick. Craig Baxter headed a late winner.

GLENAFTON have appointed former Ranger Derek Ferguson, who managed Stranraer last season, as their new boss. Midfielder Dougie Ramsay joins the coaching team along with former Glens Boys’ Club coach John Stewart. Chris Kelly steps down from his coaching role.

Glens trailed 2-0 at half-time away to Ashfield before hitting back with goals from Craig Feroz and trialist Stuart Livingston. A Portugese defender will feature as a trialist at home to Girvan on Saturday.

AUCHINLECK cruised to a 4-0 win away to Arthurlie with goals from Bryan Young, John Boyle, Brian Slavin and Martin Hughes.

GIRVAN striker Michael Moffat scored a hat-trick in a 3-1 win over Neilston 3-1 while MAYBOLE slumped 3-0 to Glencairn.

ANNBANK had Lee Holland sent off as they lost 3-1 at home to Renfrew, despite a spectacular 35 yarder from Paul McKenzie. Boss Steph McMillan said: “We had no desire and it was back to earth with a reality after outplaying Cumnock for long spells in the Ardagh Cup.”.

WHITLETTS managed only a late consolation goal as they fell 3-1 at Clydebank. Raymond Buchanan shot against the bar and Michael Fulton pounced on the rebound.

MUIRKIRK are flying high at the top of the Ayrshire League after beating Saltcoats 5-0 to make it two wins from two.

TROON have brought former Ayr United Stevie McIntyre on to their coaching staff. And they twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Lugar.

Trailing early on to a header from Jamie Baird, Troon equalised through a Rikki Hanvey penalty but then fell behind to a Graham Wark goal. Barry Scott replied but boss John Redmond admitted: “We stole a point.”

KELLO went seven up against Ardeer who had Greg Kean, Mark McKinnon and Dougie Ellis sent off. Goals came from Steven Hyslop, Marc McGinley, Paul Weir, David Frew, Philip Middlemiss, Kieran Pagan and Greg Livingstone.