Howard Thistle's last ever match

May 22 2009 by Clair Fullarton, Kilmarnock Standard

THIS was a win tinged with sadness for Howard Thistle. With manager John McCracken taking his last match and club secretary William Lindsay stepping down this turned out to be Howard’s last match ever.

The boys went out fighting though and despite going a goal down early on, goal machine Colin King equalised with a header from a corner.

Within the next ten minutes Muirkirk had retaken the lead despite missing a penalty with a great save from Ewan McIver.

Howard equalised again though. John Samson delivered a great ball to his brother Brian at the back post who headed in soundly for 2-2.

Minutes later McCracken played the ball to Strawhorn from right back who fed Colin King, who struck a beautiful shot into the net for a 3-2 lead at half-time.

The second half saw Muirkirk attack constantly and Ewan McIver made some brilliant saves to keep Howard in the game.

These saves included a second penalty save and helped him to man of the match, as Howard held on to win their last ever three points.

Howard would like to thank all those who supported and played for them for the past seven years and wish the players all the best for the future.