Football: Darvel beat Annbank in 10-goal thriller

Nov 30 2012 by Lizzie Smith, Kilmarnock Standard

Darvel 7 Annbank 3 Ayrshire League

Darvel bagged the points in a 10-goal fest against a strong Annbank at Recreation Park on Saturday.

A Jordan Ryan hat-trick and goals from Alan Moodie, Jamie Henderson, Paul Walker and Sean Scott sealed their third win in the Ayrshire League.

After dominating the opening spell Annbank went ahead through a Tucker Sloan shot from inside the box.

Against the run of play Alan Moodie levelled the scores heading home from a corner.

Annbank continued to put pressure on Darvel. The visitors went in ahead at half-time after Fraser hit an unstoppable 20-yard shot from a free kick into the top corner.

After the break Darvel had a reshuffle, with Fraser Gall being replaced by Grant Kirkwood who went into the centre of defence, Andrew McConnell moved into the middle of the park and Adam Black joined Ryan up front as Andy Hislop dropped back to left midfield.

Early in the second half a Hislop run down the left released a great ball for Ryan to bring the teams level.

Before Annbank had a chance to reply, Darvel went on the attack again and a loose ball was controlled by Henderson, who hit a sensational 25-yard left-foot shot which screamed into the top corner.

On 65 minutes veteran Paul Walker cut in from the right and, with a packed penalty box in front of him, played a sublime chip shot over the keeper to put Darvel 4-2 ahead.

Playing some great football, Irvine Valley side Darvel kept pressing and Ryan beat his marker to shoot low into the net for number five.

Shortly after Ryan netted number six and his hat-trick with a well struck shot after good build-up play.

Annbank battled to the end, with Sloan hitting the bar with a fine shot before they forced home their third with a header from a corner kick.

Darvel were not content to play the game out and continued to carve out chances before Sean Scott, on for the injured Ryan, shot home for number seven.

Scott could have made it eight when he shot narrowly past.

This Saturday mid-table Darvel are at home to fourth-placed Irvine Vics. If previous encounters this season are repeated this game will be a cracker and not to be missed. Kick-off is at 1.45pm.

The club want to thank Irvine Fencing for their continued support and sponsorship.