One of Ayrshire Junior football's longest serving players took his bow in front of a good crowd at Abbey Park, and in the process earned himself another £1,500 towards his Testimonial year. It was the Kilwinning old boys that took the field for the first 45 minutes. Boasting such familiar names as Iain Jardine and Colin 'Rusty' Harkness.

On a warm sunny evening Killie started the brighter and within 6 minutes they had the lead when Jose Quitongo found himself in acres of space in the penalty box and hit a low drive beyond the outreached arms of the 'keeper to make it 1-0. Killie continued to press and after good chances for Jaconelli with the head and Murray with his left foot, McCutcheon made it 2-0 when he slotted home after a neat build up in the 20th minute.

It didn't take The Buffs long to get back in the game, however. In the 23rd minute Killie were made to pay for some sloppy defending. They failed to clear the initial danger from a cross and Gerry Peline popped up at the back post, his shot was well parried by Stewart but Colin Harkness was on hand to tap in from 3 yards.

Almost immediately, from the kick off, Killie made it 3 - 1. The ball broke to Jaconelli and from 25 yards out he unleashed an unstoppable drive which went in off the post - the goalie had no chance. Three became four not long after in the 30th minute when Mark Canning found himself in space at the corner of the box and curled a well placed shot into the bottom corner.

Killie seemed to relax a little after that goal and The Buffs made a number of substitutions as time seemed to catch up with some of the older players legs. Kilwinning seized the initiative though and they pulled it back to 4-2 on the stroke of half-time. Stewart fumbled a cross he really should have had and Gerry Peline had the easiest of finishes to send the Buffs in on a high at half-time.

Kilwinning sent on their first team (plus Gerry Peline) for the second half. And the big man played 5 minutes of the second half before being substituted to a standing ovation from both sets of supporters. There was little goalmouth action as both teams stroked the ball about neatly in the opening stages of the second half. Shaun Dillon replaced Neil McGregor in the 52nd minute.

In the 55th minute Killie increased the momentum when Chris Boyle went close. Jaconelli, McCutcheon, Murray and Quitongo all had chances to increase Killie's tally, but they could not add to the four they already had. Greg Gilroy came on for Barry Smith in the 75th minute and Gary McGuinness replaced Chris Boyle.

There was more to follow though when The Buffs were awarded a penalty in the 80th Minute. Tom Currie's spot kick was well saved by Colin Stewart but Andy Stevenson was on hand to slot home the rebound. Both teams seemed to settle for the 4-3 score line after that and play out time. All in all an entertaining match enjoyed by both sets of spectators. Peline returned to the pitch at the end to thank all in attendance and received a second standing ovation. Best for Killie were Murray, Coyle and Jaconelli (well just for the goal at least).

Around 650 in attendance tonight including - Hippo, Dumpweed, The Ref, EHG2, Karen_S, Sean Hessey and Garry Hay - sorry if I missed you!

 

Killie Team -  Stewart, Canning, McGregor (Dillon 52), Coyle, Smith (Gilroy 75), Boyle (McGuinness 77), McCutcheon, MacDonald, Jaconelli, Murray, Quitongo. Unused Sub - Samson