YFS
Two of the best sides from Ayrshire met up at a floodlit Dam Park to determine who would be going home with the league title. Kilwinning and Largs both went unbeaten during their league campaigns so this match was always going to be tight. It was, with Kilwinning getting the better of their opponents in penalties after regular and extra time was unable to separate the sides.
Largs got off to a great start as they took the lead with the game’s first chance. A free kick on their right hand side was drilled into the area. Striker Harry Donaldson was able to get his head onto the ball before the keeper and flicked the ball into the back of the net.
Kilwinning responded well to the early set back, having the better of the next ten minutes but unable to create any clear cut chances. They were able to equalise soon enough. Jack Beck’s corner was aimed towards the near post where Callum Rugg was looking to attack the cross. Rugg got in front of his marker allowing him to nod his side back on to level terms.
Another corner for the Kilwinning side saw them come close to taking the lead. Jack Beck took again and his delivery found Darren McIntyre who directed a header towards goal. Largs’ Shaun Galloway was on the backpost and able to clear the shot before it went over the line.
With five minutes remaining in the first half Kilwinning were able to take the lead. A free kick was given twenty five yards from goal in a central position. John Pirrie laid the kick off to Jack Beck who smashed his shot round the wall and into the back of the net leaving the goalkeeper helpless.
Kilwinning could have extended their lead before the half time whistle went as they created another two good chances. Firstly, Jack Beck was involved again as his strong run down the right wing let him find the space to drill a ball in across the face of goal. Largs’ keeper punched the effort away from goal but it fell straight to McEvoy Brandon who was six yards out. The attacker was unable to sort his feet out quickly enough and his effort flew over the bar.
The final effort of the opening period came from another Kilwinning corner. Beck’s cross was attacked by Callum Rugg looking to get himself an unlikely second goal of the game from defence. Rugg’s header was down low and forced an excellent save from Neil Flack to keep his side in the game going into the half time break.
Kilwinning went into the dressing rooms at half time winning by a single goal. They had the better possession out the two teams but were unable to turn their possession into clear cut chances for most of the half. Largs started brightly but after the opening goal seemed to sit back and try to hit their opponents on the counter attack.
