Early strikes set Darvel Vics on the way

Jun 12 2009 by Clair Fullarton, Kilmarnock Standard

DARVEL got off to a great start in this game when John Craig beat two men out on the left before cutting back in towards the goal and squaring the ball to Alan Young.

Darvel's top scorer took a touch before curling the ball into the bottom corner.

Darvel wasted no time in doubling their lead, as Craig flicked a free kick into the path of Young, who clipped the ball past the keeper and in off the post.

That early two-goal cushion gave Darvel a great base to work from.

The game was almost done and dusted ten minutes later when Sean Scobie hit a screamer from 30 yards that looked like it was heading for the top corner, but it flew just over the bar.

Alan Young almost sealed his hat-trick on the half hour mark as he raced on to another through pass, but the ball wouldn't sit kindly for him and as he rounded the keeper he could only fire wide into the side netting from an acute angle.

Vics keeper Sean Trainer had no real saves to make in the first half and the half ended with Darvel still leading by Young’s two strikes.

In the second half, Ayr came out all guns blazing as they looked to get back into the game, but they were finding it increasingly difficult to get past the resolute Vics defence and their chances were limited.

The biggest danger came from a cross, but Trainer raced from his line to punch the ball well clear.

John Craig then did brilliantly on the right wing to rob a defender, before cutting inside towards the goal and laying the ball back to strike partner Young.

He rifled the ball goalwards yet again, only to watch his effort thunder off the bar, bounce on the line and somehow stay out.

Newly introduced substitute Grant Hunter had a great chance to kill the game off with 15 minutes left as he broke free of the defence, but his shot was saved by the keeper.

Darvel didn't have to wait long before the game was put beyond doubt though as Craig picked up the ball at the halfway line and sprinted goalwards.

This time, he ignored Young and managed to sidestep the out-rushing keeper before slotting the decisive strike into an empty net.