Hurlford Thistle end the season in style

Jun 19 2009 by Clair Fullarton, Kilmarnock Standard

HURLFORD played their 48th and final game of the season against local rivals Knockentiber.

Despite their heroics in reaching the Scottish Cup final, and then playing league game catch-up, Thistle started the better of the two, and were playing the more attractive football.

On 16 minutes it was no surprise when they opened the scoring.

Greig Gilroy collected the ball just inside the Tiber half and drove forward, beating a couple of players.

He then unleashed a right foot shot that gave keeper Catterson no chance.

Hurlford were well on top now and they pressed home their superiority on 28 minutes.

Graeme Broadfield accepted a ball out of defence, turned towards goal, looked up to see he had no support and thundered a shot past the bemused Catterson.

The second-half was a carbon copy of the first, with Thistle looking to add to their two first-half goals.

The large support had to wait until the 80th minute to see the game finish as a contest.

Paul Gilroy turned left back McKerrell inside out, got to the byline and fired in a low cross, which Richard Reeder connected with, but Catterson pulled off a good save.

However, the ball then broke to Scott Easton who prodded the ball over the line for Thistle’s third.

Hurlford passed up a couple of chances to make the victory even more emphatic.

The management and committee of Hurlford Thistle AFC would like to thank Wullie and Morean Hamilton for their continued support.

They would also like to thank the players for a memorable season, and the supporters who turn out in all weathers to cheer on their favourites.

The management and committee hope to do even better next season.