Troon 2 Cumbernauld 1: Friendly defeat for United

Paddy McCabe went off injured in the first half at Troon

While Troon are currently fighting to avoid relegation, theyb showed their quality as both teams served up a very entertaining game in front of a decent crowd.

United, looking to build on their recent good league form, started in a different formation with both Chris Lennon and Jamie Watson leading the attack and Johnny Higgins back in the starting line up after suspension.

The home side settled first and a chance came then way of Moore after good work from Muir, but the forward shot was just wide.

United’s response was a lovely pass from Ryan Sullivan finding Watson and his cross was just missed at the back post by Lennon.

Play continued from end to end with United finding it difficult to penetrate against a solid defence in Collins and the impressive Barbour.

United had to make a substitution midway through the first half with the injured Paddy McCabe being replaced by Mikey McLaughlin.

With half-time approaching Troon finally got the breakthrough when some slack marking allowed Chatham to score from close range to give the home side a lead which they just about deserved.

The visitors made a couple of changes with Kieran Brown coming on at centre back and trialist Stewart at full back and it was a more purposeful United in the second half with Stevenson and McLaughlin prominent in midfield.

Further substitutions followed with Alan Clark making this first appearance this season returning from injury and Tiffany replacing Watson up front.

United levelled the score with an excellent move with Higgins releasing Tiffany wide on the right and his cross was met by Clark with his back post header giving Semple no chance.

The visitors now looked the more likely winners but were caught out with 10 minutes remaining when they gave away possession and a cross from the right was met by Chatham a full 16 yards out with a well directed header to Troon back in front.

United continue to press and should have drawn level when a Brown free-kick was handled in the box by Collins, but from the resulting penalty Lennon’s effort was saved well by Semple, denying United a deserved draw.

Overall it was a very well contested game and a good workout by both teams.

On Saturday United are at home to promotion chasing Shettleston.