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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Eric McGowan

Two sets of brothers score as struggling Scots football team earn first win in four months

Two sets of brothers got on the scoresheet as a struggling Scots football side registered their first win in four months.

Siblings Ciaran and Declan Walsh and identical twins Chris and Shane Jackson, who all play for Ayrshire outfit Irvine Vics, completed the unique feat in a 5-2 league win against Muirkirk on Saturday.

Their goals helped Vics earn three points for the first time since September 18 - enough to lift them off the bottom of the West of Scotland League Conference A.

It was the first time all four players have featured together in the starting 11.

And Vics boss Dougie MacDuff reckons good old fashioned sibling rivalry could've been a vital spur as his side finally got back to winning ways.

He said: "I think being brothers gives the lads a wee edge. If one scores, the other one wants to get in on the act.

"Ciaran told me that as soon as he scored he started winding up Declan.

"If that made him desperate to grab one for himself then I'm not going to complain.

"All four lads were excellent but it was a really good team performance on the day.

"That's the first weekend I've been able to enjoy in four months."

Muirkirk were quickest to adapt to the wild and windy conditions at Burnside Park and Vics had goalkeeper Chris Taylor to thank for keeping the scoreline blank in the opening exchanges.

Three times he denied the hosts in one-on-one situations before Shane Jackson pounced on defensive hesitancy at the other end to blast Vics in front.

Chris Taylor impressed (Irvine Herald)

Muirkirk hit back within five minutes, John Hetherton applying a cool finish after Matt Deehan gave possession away cheaply.

But Vics got their noses back in front just before half time thanks to Chris Jackson's superb diving header.

And odds of an away win looked good when Ciaran Walsh found the net with a fine finish from 16 yards after the break to make it 3-1.

Muirkirk had other ideas though and Jamie Gray quickly reduced the deficit from the penalty spot.

The next goal was going to be crucial and it fell Vics' way after the award of another penalty.

Chris Jackson's spot kick was saved but Declan Walsh was quickest to react to the rebound to put the visitors 4-2 in front.

A red card then reduced Muirkirk to 10-men and Ciaran Walsh sealed the three points for Vics with another top finish from 16 yards.

The midfielder's two goals were slightly overshadowed however after he was given his marching orders late on for a second yellow card.

Boss MacDuff added: "It's a good win for us but the important thing is we don't get carried away.

"It's only three points at the end of the day and we need to try and build some momentum between now and the end of the season."

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