McBookie Ayrshire District League

CRAIGMARK BURNTONIANS 0

ARDEER THISTLE 3

by Matt Speirs

THISTLE are still seeking that elusive first victory in this season's league campaign and their lack of finishing once again cost them dear.

Ardeer started brightly against a visiting side who had manager John Redmond back in charge for a second spell. In 16 minutes Jordan Bruce sent a fine drive just wide of the post.

As the half progressed, Ardeer came more and more into the match and in 39 minutes experienced former Irvine Meadow striker Gareth Armstrong headed a Paul McKay cross against the post.

Two minutes later it took a good save by Louis Kerr to deny Armstrong the opening goal.

Craigmark opened the second half strongly and went ahead in 47 minutes when Dylan Thirtle sent a free-kick from wide on the left into the area and the ball beat everyone to land in the corner of the net.

Ardeer tried to get back into the match but their only effort on goal by Jordan Bruce in 59 minutes was saved by Louis Kerr. Midway through the half Ardeer's Paul McCann saved from Bryce Reid.

The points were wrapped up with 15 minutes remaining when substitute Grant Kelly latched on to a ball from Scott Dempster to net.

Ardeer threw everyone into attack to try to get a goal back but were caught out five minutes from time when Kelly broke clear and squared the ball to Graham Swailes to slot home a goal on his debut.

ARDEER THISTLE: McCann; Thomson, Nugent, McKay, Donnelly, Scott Reid, Bruce, Tan, Armstrong, Stephen Reid, Maxwell. Subs: Breen, McCann, Gemmell, Colligan.

CRAIGMARK BURNTONIANS: Kerr, McCubbin. Dawson, Barrett, McKay, Thirtle, Hall, Dunn, Dempster, Reid and Dyer. SubsL Kelly, Swailes, Holland, McCrorie, Hodge.