Irvine Meadow co-boss Colin Spence insisted there was no better way to win a game after two late goals gunned down gung-ho Troon on Saturday.
Spence hailed a ‘big three points’ after Jamie Whyte and Mick Wardrope found the net in the last two minutes to see off the adventurous Portland Parkers.
The Ayrshire rivals went into the West of Scotland Premier Division clash at Meadow Park level on points and Spence admits it was important to re-establish a gap and stay within touching distance of the top six.
“We made a habit of winning games late on last year but I think it’s the first time we’ve done it this season,” he said.
“There’s not a better way to win to be honest because it gives them no time to get back into the game.
“Troon came here to win. They kept four up the park and they were very dangerous on the break.
“Their assistant Dean Keenan said to me before the game that a win would take them above us for the first time this season, so I knew what their team talk would be. It was important for us to keep Troon below us.
“Games against the very top sides will take care of themselves but it’s important we pick up results against the teams around us.”
The first half was an entertaining, hard-fought affair with Connor Boyd having the best of the home side’s opportunities.
His clearest sight of goal came after defensive mix-up saw the ball fall kindly to him outside the box but his attempted lob over stranded keeper Marc Fisher cleared the crossbar.
In the second half, Meadow defender Neil Slooves found the net after an almighty goalmouth scramble only for the offside flag to go up.
Troon striker Jordan Black forced Meadow keeper Marc Waters into a terrific save just minutes before Whyte headed the hosts into an 88th minute lead.
Troon’s afternoon unravelled quickly from there, sub Ryan Nisbet seeing red for dissent before Wardrope made it 2-0 by slamming home Sam McCloy’s excellent cross at the back post.
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