ARDROSSAN 7 AYR 2nd XI 0 ARDROSSAN enjoyed an emphatic win over Ayr II’s on Saturday in their last home game of the season at St Matthew’s Academy.

The girls were in determined mood from the start, bombarding the Ayr defence at every opportunity. The first came from a lovely run by Chantelle Fisher who then dropped the ball back to Fiona Reid. Fiona’s powerful shot rebounded off the Ayr goalkeeper and Daniela Young was on hand to tap in.

The Ayr goalkeeper was kept busy but pulled off a string of good saves to deny the Ardrossan attack. She was powerless to stop the second however, when Fiona Reid found Amanda Stewart the back post with an accurate pass. Amanda played the ball behind the Ayr defence for Lauren Stevenston to hit home no. 2. Number 3 followed soon after as the Ayr defence were being pulled apart by Ardrossan. Lauren Stevenston’s run and cross was met by Chantelle Fisher, who coolly slotted the ball into the far corner.

The second half was an onslaught on the Ayr goal and by this stage the visitors were giving away countless short corners from pressure Ardrossan were putting on them. From Jenna Gossman’s corner, Fiona Reid played the ball to Kirsty Blackstock. The Ayr Goalkeeper parried her powerful shot and Charlene Jenkins was on hand for the tap in. Number five resulted in inter passing play between Gill jack and Fiona Reid in the middle of the field. The ball was then swept cross field to Kirsty Blackstock, who in turn played a lovely pass into the circle for Charlene Jenkins to slot home.

The pressure on the Ayr goal was relentless at this stage with full backs Laura Anderson and Eilidh Smith joining in the attack from the wings. No. 6 from Fiona Reid was the goal of the game as she met Chantelle Fisher’s cross and finished with a lifted reverse stick shot to goal. Charlene Jenkins was unlucky not to get her hat trick as the Ayr keeper brilliantly saved her shot but Kirsty Blackstock put in the rebound. This was a great result to finish the home season with. Although Ardrossan’s thoughts are focused on the cup final next Sunday, they still have their final league game to play against Glasgow University where they hope to hit 100 in goal difference.

This was a fantastic team performance and gives coach Winnie Dorrian a selection headache for the cup final, as there were so many positives to take from the game.

Defender Eilidh Smith was on top form and was given the player-of-the-match.

The game was tinged with sadness as Gill Jack bowed out of the first team after 17 years of total commitment and dedication to the team to concentrate on her family. ‘Auntie Gill’ you will be sorely missed.

She is the perfect role model for every player on the hockey field and an inspiration to all. Th eclub thank her and wish her well in the future and hopes she hasn’t hung her stick up for good.

Squad: N McKinnon; K Dunlop (Capt), L Mackie, L Anderson, E Smith, G Jack, F Reid, K Blackstock, C Fisher, C Jenkins, Stevenston, Daniela Young, A Stewart, A Panton, J Gossman. Coach: W Dorrian.

k's Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald.