Positive return to league action for Ayrshire's WoSFL sides

For a number of weeks now, many clubs have seen their endeavours across the divisions sidelined while various cup competitions took place.

However, Saturday, November 9, featured a full fixture card from top to bottom.

The Premier Division had a number of interesting clashes, with very little separating any of the teams doing battle.

At Barrfields, top played second as Largs Thistle hosted Clydebank. Stuart Davidson's side became the first this season to take points off the Bankies following a 0-0 draw.

However, it will be a feeling of opportunity missed for the North Ayrshire outfit who played the majority of the 90 minutes against 10 men, after Matt Niven was sent off just 13 minutes in.

The points were also shared in two matches played in East Ayrshire.

At Beechwood Park, Auchinleck Talbot fell beyond to Gartcairn, before coming back to take the lead heading into the final 15 minutes.

But Gartcairn battled back and levelled the tie to ensure the points were shared in a lively 2-2 draw.

There was another Desmond over at Loch park, where Glenafton Athletic hosted in-form Troon FC.

In a thrilling encounter, Troon twice led, including going 2-1 up as the clock hit 90, before Hugh Kerr struck with the final kick of the game to ensure the match ended level and the points were shared.

Another draw was played out at Bellsdale Park where reigning champions Beith Juniors took on Darvel in an all-Ayrshire clash.

Despite both sides having their chances, the deadlock could not be broken and it finished in a 0-0 draw.

Elsewhere in the top league, Hurlford United fell further into relegation trouble after losing 3-2 at home to Johnstone Burgh.

Coupled with a win for Benburb against Pollok, the result puts Darren Henderson's side three points back from safety and third from bottom.

It was a huge weekend for Cumnock Juniors, who overcame a challenging run of results and major injury woes to pick up an outstanding 1-0 win away at Shotts Bon Accord.

The result puts Stephen Swift's side four points clear of the drop zone and back within touching distance of the chasing pack in mid-table.

In the First Division, it was a great weekend for the teams chasing the promotion places.

Top placed Arthurlie built on their lead in top spot with a 1-0 win over Maybole Juniors, who currently sit in fourth place.

However, the other two sides occupying the top three places dropped points, allowing the chasing pack to edge closer.

On of the sides to benefit were Kilwinning Rangers, who moved within six points of the top three with a 1-0 win at home to Petershill - a victory which was secured via a last minute winner from Bryan Boylan.

Ardrossan Winton Rovers also moved on to the same points tally after an impressive 3-1 win away to Kirkintilloch Rob Roy.

Kilbirnie Ladeside missed their chance to put themselves into the same position, as they lost 3-2 at home to Irvine Meadow in a thrilling fixture.

The result edges Meadow to within four points of safety, with Ben Carson's side having two matches in hand on most of the sides above them.

Into the Second Division and Muirkirk Juniors remain in top spot despite dropping points after a 1-1 draw away to Caledonian Locomotives. Though it was a point gained for the East Ayrshire side - who only levelled the match in time added on.

The result allowed Whitletts Victoria to cut the gap to top spot after they picked up a 2-0 victory away to Yoker Athletic on Saturday. They are now just six points behind the leaders.

Bonnyton Thistle also kept up their resurgent form with a 1-1 draw at home to Kilsyth Rangers meaning they are now four league matches unbeaten.

While Craigmark Burntonians failed to build on their first win of the season last weekend, as they fell to a 3-1 defeat at home to Lesmahagow.

In the Third Division, Lugar Boswell Thistle are now looking up rather than down following yet another positive result.

A 3-1 win over Girvan at the weekend puts them just six points back of the promotion places, and eight clear of their opponents in the relegation zone.

Ardeer Thistle are now just two points back of the top three after they returned to winning ways on Saturday.

Sean Kenney's side put in a stellar showing as they picked up a resounding 4-0 win away to Glasgow United.

It has been a tough week off the park for Irvine Victoria, who parted company with their management team this week and saw a number of players head for the exit door.

However, it was a great week on the park as they defeated Glasgow University 3-2 to pick up just their second win of the season. They are now just three points from safety though remain in second to last position.

While Dalry Thistle were handed a 3-0 defeat following a long journey to face Threave Rovers on Saturday.

Despite the loss, Thistle remain in mid-table and just five points back of the top three places in what is a tightly packed division.

In the Fourth Division, Kello Rovers fell slightly off the promotion pace following a 0-0 draw with Carluke Rovers on Saturday.

While Eglinton FC put themselves back into contention with a 3-1 win at home to Newmains United.

The Kilwinning-based club are now just six points back of the top three with a game in hand on those above.

Finally, it was a frustrating weekend for Saltcoats Victoria who played out an exciting 2-2 draw at home to Giffnock.

Though it will feel like two points dropped for Stevie Wilson's side who led the match 2-0 before being pegged back.