Ayr Boswell 2 Largs Colts 2002 3

Colts made the trip to Ayr for this Tuesday night game. The Largs boys had won both previous games against the Ayr side though both were hard fought two goal margin victories. Colts kept faith in the starting eleven with Irwin in goals. The back four were Barbour Weir, Robson and Loudon. The midfield four had R.Coupar, Bainbridge, Cormack and McTaggart. Up front again were Smith and Brown. On the bench were subs J.Coupar, MacNeil and Leishman.

Colts started brightly though it was clear they were going to be put under pressure at all times by the Boswell side. On the fifth minute R.Coupar played a ball through for Smith who used his pace and strength to slot the ball home for an early Colts lead. On nine minutes Boswell played in a high ball that keeper Irwin seemed to misjudge though fortunately it was cleared. Colts were looking hesitant in defence and the hosts managed to get a goal back in the 17th minute when the Largs side failed to clear and keeper Irwin had no chance. Despite the quick closing down by Boswell the Largs players were getting on top and creating the better chances at this stage. On 25 minutes Leishman was introduced for Barbour at right back before Smith did well to hold the ball and setup Brown for a simple finish, 2-1 Colts. A minute later and Colts made it three when Bainbridge spotted the run of Cormack down the right and played in a pinpoint ball which was knocked over the keeper for a superb third for Largs. Just before the break R.Coupar played in Smith though it was saved for a corner. R.Coupar found space on the edge of the box to receive the corner from Bainbridge and then struck the ball goalwards only to see it come back off the inside of the post.

Into the second period and Colts were to face a very tough test. It started brightly enough with Brown having an early chance with a header which didn’t quite have enough power and was well saved. On 43 minutes there was a turning point when Colts Captain R.Coupar was taken out by a late and at best reckless challenge which ended his game. The referee was well positioned and issued the red card to the Boswell player. Colts brought on MacNeil with McTaggart moving into a holding role. With the hosts down to 10 men and Colts two goals to the good you would have hoped the Largs boys would kick on but it seemed to spur on the local crowd and with R.Coupar off Colts lost their shape and momentum. On 46 minutes Irwin pulled off an excellent save which he held well. Four minutes later after another free kick the bar crashed off the bar and over. The goal was coming and on 53 minutes keeper Irwin couldn’t hold the powerful effort and the Ayr side were back in the game. Colts were being penalised frequently at this stage for what looked like soft decisions and the pressure continued as Colts could not keep the ball. There were breaks by the Largs side most notably through Smith who run through though the shot went wide of the post just short of the hour mark. There was a further succession of free kicks down the Colts left with the bar being struck again and Irwin saving well. With two minutes left a through ball was well marshalled by Weir but the pass back to Irwin was short and it took quick movement from the keeper to reach the ball and clear. It was relief and not joy at the final whistle for Colts in this hard fought encounter.

Boswell are clearly a very good side that work exceptionally hard and have a good number of skillful players that look to play the ball. Despite being down to ten men and three one down they were the better side in the last 25 minutes of the game and arguably deserved to get something from it. Colts will learn from the experience and are delighted to do so and still gain the important three points. Losing the captain was clearly a blow to Colts as after this Boswell seemed to take control and had Colts under severe and sustained pressure. The local crowd and coaches were very vocal and Colts players will use this as part of their development and learning experience. Well done to every player for standing up and battling hard throughout and ultimately winning the match. Man of the Match was deservedly awarded to Smith for his outstanding work rate and contribution to the Colts goal tally.

Amazingly this was win number thirteen in a row for Largs during which time Colts have defeated some of the top sides in the league and lifted the Ayrshire League Cup. Colts now make the trip to Coylton for the next league encounter on Saturday. With ten more games to go in the season Colts are back top of the league though AC Irvine have a game in hand. That said the Irvine side have three tough games to come including this weekend against Boswell. The title race now looks to be between AC Irvine, Valspar and Largs all of whom face each other in the run in.

Largs: Irwin (GK), Barbour, Loudon, Weir, Robson R.Coupar(C), Bainbridge, Cormack, McTaggart, Smith, Brown Subs: MacNeil, Leishman, J.Coupar.