Late Irvine Equaliser Sees Points Shared at Campbell Park

Saltcoats Victoria were forced to settle for a point at Campbell Park after Irvine Victoria struck in stoppage time to earn a 1–1 draw in Saturday’s West of Scotland Football League Third Division Ayrshire derby.

The Vics made the perfect start, taking the lead after just six minutes through Owen McGhee. The striker’s early goal gave Saltcoats the advantage and set the tone for a match in which the home side would have opportunities to put the game beyond their visitors.

Despite creating chances to extend the lead, Saltcoats were unable to find the crucial second goal. Manager Stevie Wilson felt his side had done enough to put the contest to bed, particularly after creating three good opportunities later in the game.

The closing stages brought further drama when Aaron Robertson was sent off in the 86th minute, leaving Saltcoats to see out the remainder of the match with ten men.

With the three points seemingly within reach, Irvine continued to push and found their equaliser in the 91st minute, Euan McInally scoring to make it 1–1 and ensure the points were shared at Campbell Park.

Speaking after the game, Wilson admitted his disappointment at not taking maximum points.

“We are really disappointed not to pick up maximum points today. We got off to a really good start with Owen getting an early goal, but we should have killed the game long before Irvine Victoria got the equaliser.”

The manager also gave credit to the visitors for continuing to battle until the final whistle, while stressing the need for his own side to be more clinical when they are on top.

“We had three gilt-edged chances to put the game to bed, but we need to learn from it and punish teams when we are on top.”

Attention now turns to the next challenge, with Saltcoats travelling to face Giffnock. Wilson is looking for his side to respond quickly as they move on from the disappointment of Saturday’s late equaliser.