McBookie Ayrshire District League

ARDEER THISTLE 2

MUIRKIRK JUNIORS 2

ARDEER squandered a two-goal lead against a visiting side who mounted a late comeback to salvage an unlikely draw.

Poor winter weather and drainage issues at Ardeer Stadium have affected Ardeer’s season, with this being only the fifth game played by the Stevenston club at home in the last six months.

They sit bottom of the league with games in hand on all opposition but although they looked a tad sluggish, they were the more impressive side in the first half.

Muirkirk headed over the bar from a free kick early on but barely had another chance as the half progressed. The ball was in the Muirkirk net 20 minutes in but the goal was rightly disallowed for an aerial foul on goalie George Scott.

Ardeer were controlling the match with few in the way of clearcut chances although Gareth Armstrong came close when his low 20-yard drive went just wide.

Ardeer’s opener came almost out of nowhere in 40 minutes. Defender Jamie Donnelly picked up the ball in midfield and went on an enterprising run into the area. His shot was parried away by Scott but James Maxwell tucked home the rebound from two yards.

Thistle continued to dominate after the break and created more chances than in the first half. Steven Tan’s striker from the edge of the box flashed just wide, Ryan Morrow volleyed over and Jordan Bruce hit an effort right at the goalie. Pressure finally paid off in 75 minutes when substitute Stephen Reid picked out Maxwell with a fine diagonal pass, and the forward rounded the keeper and slotted home.

Muirkirk were well organised and although Ardeer were tiring due to a lack of match practice, a home victory looked to have been sealed. However, the visitors pulled a a goal back in 79 minutes when a free-kick from the right was played into the box which Thistle keeper Paul McCann failed to collect and he ball fell into the path of trialist striker Andrew McQuade who slotted home from six yards.

Ardeer came close when Stephen Reid nearly caught Scott off his goal-line but the keeper recovered to make the save.

However, the hosts looked nervy and increasingly tired after conceding the first goal and the momentum was with Muirkirk late on.

Late on home goalie Paul McCann saved a netbound Gary Russell header.

Muirkirk were then awarded a controversial free-kick in stoppage time after Gary Nugent ha cleared the ball from defence but was mystifyingly penalised by official Tony Fullerton for a foul after a Muirkirk player had come into contact with his leg. The visitors slotted home the set-piece to clinch a point.