Match: Kilbirnie Ladeside v Rossvale
Date: 04/08/20201
Competition: WOSFL Premier Division
Entry Fee: £8
Travel: £5.90
Miles completed today: 38
Total miles remaining: 43152
This match was billed as a must win for both sides. The WOSFL Premier Division can be an unforgiving place as Kilbirnie and Rossvale have found out so far. Both sides sit with 0 points after 5 games but the good news is that something had to give way and I hoped to see two teams that realised the importance of this and as always I hoped for as many goals as possible.
The game was priced up As Kilbirnie 4/6 – Draw 21/5 – Rossvale 2/1. In layman’s terms this is the bookies way of telling us they’re not really sure but it should be a close game.
This was my first trip to Ayrshire and I’ll admit I’m completely unfamiliar with it’s villages and where they are. This was a pretty easy journey as I live between Paisley and Glasgow. A train into Paisley followed by another to Glengarnock and it’s only a short walk to the ground.
The Ground
If there’s any groundhoppers reading this – Valefield Park is an absolute must visit. It’s an old school ground with lots of terraced areas and 3 covered stands situated throughout. Whilst the pitch was on a bit of a slope it was in great condition. There’s a bar for alcoholic drinks and I was even a fan of the giant Kilbirnie flag in the corner. This added nicely to the atmosphere.
Another healthy crowd turned out for this one, and I couldn’t help but notice the amount of supporters draped in Ladeside colours – particularly replica shirts.
This is obviously a community that get right behind their club and I love to see it.
The Game
It’s a strange game to look back on. I thought both sides were capable of playing good football. Some of the attacking play was excellent however the game was won on the ability to defend. Both sides created good attacks but Kilbirnie’s inability to deal with Rossvale’s attacking exploits was the difference between the 2 sides.
Kilbirnie had changed to their white away kit as Rossvale sported yellow and red hoops.
Rossvale took the lead early on but were pinned back by an outstanding strike into the opposite top corner from Ladeside. 1-1 at half time.
Kilbirnie came out strongly in the second half and had a good 5-10 minute spell but were quickly deflated when Rossvale scored 2 in quick succession. Both teams created chances from then on in but Rossvale were finding ways through with ease whilst dealing with the dangers fairly well at the other end.
On another day Kilbirnie could’ve scored another few if not for good goalkeeping – they certainly had enough efforts on goal and half chances.
However they really struggled defensively and Rossvale were clinical with their chances.
Thoroughly entertaining although not the result I’d hoped for in my quest to support all the home teams!
Full Time: Kilbirnie Ladeside 1-6 Rossvale
MOTM
I’ll pick a MOTM each game I attend. This isn’t the official MOTM, just who I feel was the standout player.
There were plenty of excellent performances to choose from. In fairness it’d be tough to pick a Kilbirnie player for this but on the other side both Young & Kerr scored twice for Rossvale however I’m going with Rossvale goalkeeper Craig Gordon.
Gordon pulled off two of the most unbelievable saves in the second half. The first was to claw a free kick out of the top corner and on to the post.
The second was low down to his right after a close range header from a corner with very little time to react.
He also made another 4/5 saves you’d expect him to make however his ability to hold these efforts struck with plenty of power along with the two wonder saves showed impressive technical ability and provides priceless reassurance to his defence. A top performance in a position that often goes unnoticed.
Afterthoughts
Whilst Rossvale will be delighted, this will be a very tough result for Kilbirnie with the locals voicing their discontent on the way out. In a league where seven are relegated it’ll be tough to see a way back now which is a real shame as the club on size and infrastructure more than deserve a place in the Premier Division.
The club aren’t going to rest on their laurels however – as they have parted company with their manager as I’m writing this!
I was told by one of the locals walking down the street after the game that this is the worst Kilbirnie side he’s ever seen.
As a regular he’s far more entitled to an opinion on this than I am but I don’t think they’re a million miles away from where they need to be on that showing. For me, Kilbirnie were very unlucky to lose by 5, however defensively they were extremely poor and at least two of the Rossvale goal came from basic errors at the back. This needs addressed and fast.
I wish them all the best and sincerely hope their results pick up in the near future.
Ultimately, I’d definitely recommend a visit here. It’s a lovely wee ground.
GroundhopScot 