Struggling Saltcoats Victoria's nightmare season hit a new low after they were thrashed 12-0 by Whitletts Vics.
The rock-bottom Seasiders were blown away at wind-lashed Campbell Park on Saturday as they were eight down by the break, shipped a dismal dozen overall and had two players sent-off in the second half.
It's now 84 goals conceded – and a -70 goal difference – from 18 West of Scotland League Conference A matches for Saltcoats who headed into the new campaign with high hopes and renewed enthusiasm.
However, early-season changes in the dugout and dressing room wrecked best-laid plans with boss Derek Frye relying mainly on amateurs and youngsters playing at this level for the first time.
"At half-time we told them it was damage limitation," former Ayr United, Clyde and Stranraer ace Frye told Ayrshire Football News afterwards. "It is what it is. We're chasing games all the time.
"When I came in, there were 25 players. Seven wanted away so I let them go and then there were another seven who hadn't seen Campbell Park so I was down to 11 players.
"We've tried to get players in and that's what we've done. Training is good, they work very hard but we just can't compete on a Saturday. That's it in a nutshell.
"I'm 65 now and don't need this but you just get on with it, don't you?"
Frye insists there is a future for Saltcoats but acknowledges it is going to be next season before they can shine again.
He added: "I'll be glad, and I've said this to the club, when we get relegated and we find our level; playing against clubs like us will suit us.
"The club is fine. The club will go on. It will find its level. We will be here. We will get through this season on the pitch, not a problem."
The floodgates opened in the 10th minute when Louis Kerr slotted home with Kieran McLaughlin given far too much time and space in the box to make it 2-0 four minutes later.
Callum Ogston's first-time volley made it three with Jordan Boyd scoring a six-minute hat-trick and Cammy Ross on target with a terrific long-range strike as Whitletts were 7-0 up by the 35th minute.
A deflected strike from Jamie Henderson was the eighth and the referee's half-time whistle came as pure relief for a Saltcoats team who were being put through the mill.
Kerr grabbed number nine before Aaron Tait saw red after a second booking in the 57th minute. Seven minutes later, the Ayr men hit double figures when Ross headed home.
In the 68th minute, substitute Scott Dempster got in on the act with a close-range finish before defender Kian Murdoch was sent-off for denying the visitors an obvious goalscoring opportunity.
Credit to under-siege Saltcoats keeper Martin Johnston. He made two fine saves towards the end but he was beaten for the twelfth and final time when Isaac Kerr arrived unmarked at the back post to nod home.
Whitletts boss Geordie Grierson, who had a short spell as Saltcoats boss four years ago, said: "It was and it wasn't a satisfying afternoon as I was here as manager and they are lovely people. But I've got a job to do.
"I thought in the first half we played some excellent stuff into that strong wind. We moved the ball quick and I was pleased with the link-up play. In the second half, it was about being professional.
"For me, Cammy Ross was the best man on the park. He is a top player and learning all the time."
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