Ardrossan Winton Rovers
Winton Aim For Victory
Ardrossan boss Frye hopes for lucky home win
WINTON Rovers are aiming to make it third time lucky at home to Ardeer Thistle in their quest for their first league win of the season.
However, bad news came in threes at the weekend when Rovers had a trio of players red carded. Mark McCann saw straight red against the South Ayrshire outfit (Girvan) effectively putting the game beyond Rovers who were trailing two nil.
Boss Derek Frye said "the game was an uphill struggle after losing a goal with less than two minutes on the clock." He said "We lost two goals through basic mistakes. However we were playing some good football and played some of our best after McCann's red card. We were in the game and playing well when Mark lashed out - he had to go off but I wouldn't have expected that from someone with his experience."
Sean Quinn also saw red after a second yellow and goalkeeper Stevie O'Neill was given a second yellow for comments to the referee at the final whistle. Rovers boss Frye said "The referee was the worst I have seen in many years."
Rovers host Ardeer on Saturday where they will be aiming to get their season on track with only McCann missing from the squad. "We have had an early season hiccup but this is a marathon and not a dash," said Frye. "Whoever is leading the marathon at the start is not always the winner."
Thistle manager Andy Harvie praised his side after a second victory. He said "It was a good performance on Saturday, I was delighted because we played some really good football. The clean sheet was especially important after the last couple of results."
New signing Daryn Gibson was on the scoresheet for Thistle at the weekend. The former Cumnock striker's low drive added to Saltcoats Vics' woes and helped boost Thistle to joint top spot after two games.
However, Thistle will have to make do without the forward for this weekend's trip to Ardrossan. Boss Harvie said "Daryn had an excellent game on Saturday and he settled in really well. We'll miss him on Saturday because he is on holiday. I'm delighted with the way guys like John Nolan and Jimmy Noble have helped younger players with their experience. The sectional cup pre-season allowed us to use the whole squad and the team is now coming together. We are not getting carried away but are progressing in the right way."
Harvie, who is from Ardrossan, is relishing the prospect of taking his side to Winton Park on Saturday but is taking nothing for granted ahead of what he thinks will be a tight game. "I am looking forward to it, but I don't think there will be much in it. Hopefully we can come away with another three points."
This article has been reproduced by kind permission the editor, Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald.