McBookie Ayrshire District League

DARVEL JUNIORS 1

ARDEER THISTLE 0

PROMOTION favourites Darvel remain on course for the league title after edging to victory against on-form Ardeer at Recreation Park.

The game was played in sunny conditions and watched by a bigger than usual home crowd.

Darvel, who have gained a number of close victories this season, started brightly and Ardeer were given an early scare when keeper Paul McCann spilled a low cross but captain Jamie Donnelly won the ball ahead of an attacker to clear the danger.

Ardeer had an opportunity shortly afterwards when Lee Munro struck a speculative first-time effort over the bar, however Darvel remained a threat with their direct physical play, and they eventually opened the scoring just after the half hour. An initial effort from the edge of the box beat McCann and struck the inside of the post, with Mark Armour well- placed to knock the ball into the empty net from barely a yard out.

The visitors were by no means out of the game. Darvel initially looked more likely to score a second goal though, Kenny Parris having a shot and a glancing header saved and Mark Gilmour slicing an effort wide.

On the hour, Darvel thought that they had doubled their lead, Armour netting again from close range, but the goal was disallowed for offside by referee Liam Gallagher.

As the game progressed, Ardeer became the better team and posed a real threat to the Darvel goal. Jordan Bruce had a header from a free-kick saved and Munro should have done better when his shot from the edge of the box lacked power and was easily saved by Darvel goalie David Markey. Darvel continued to look for another goal and Armour had a second chance to grab his brace, intercepting James Maxwell's mis-placed pass and advancing on McCann, but the Ardeer keeper made a fine stop.

Marley was then forced into a fine stop to parry Ryan Morrow's high goalbound shot over the bar. Not to be out-done McCann then made a superb one-handed save to keep a header out a few minutes later. Late on Ardeer pressed in search of an equaliser and, in addition to having a couple of penalty shouts turned down, twice came very close. Striker David Henry's glancing header from a Donnie Campbell free-kick had ex-Winton goalie Markey beaten but bounced inches wide, and Markey made another great save a few minutes from time to prevent Derek Kennedy from opening his Ardeer account.

Darvel were jubilant at full-time, but fans and officials from both sides were critical of the referee's performance.

Ardeer were unlucky in defeat, but a narrow loss to a side who have only been beaten once in the league so far this season, is far from a terrible result and Ardeer will now look ahead to a different challenge in Super Premier Division side Troon away in the opening round of the Ayrshire Cup.