Marymass derby 2022: Irvine Meadow and Victoria put on 'game to remember'

His side edged a thrilling match, finished under the Meadow Park floodlights, which really burst into life in the last 10 minutes as the game finished 2-1.

Played in front of nearly 1,500 spectators, the Medda co-boss said “the atmosphere on Friday was ready made” for the players to put on a show.

Picture credit: Charlie Gimlour Photography

And that is exactly what they did, even if fans were made to wait for the best of the action.

The first half was a cagey affair, with Irvine Victoria showing little sign of stepping off their Premier League opposition. Though despite having their share of the ball, it was Medda who passed up real opportunities to push ahead.

Spence said: “We missed three or four really big chances in the first half and to be fair to the Vics, they done really well too, I thought they battled away and caused us problems.

Picture credit: Charlie Gimlour Photography

“If we took they good chances, we could have went in at half time in a comfortable position.”

Though the game remained 0-0, until the 85th minute, when caution was thrown to the wind.

Medda first took the lead with super sub Keir Milliken squaring the ball across the goal, for Jamie Martin to dispatch at the back post.

Picture credit: Charlie Gimlour Photography

Vics could have been forgiven for putting their heads down, but they did not, and battled to get themselves level.

After some pin ball around the Meadow six-yard box, Shane Jackson found enough room to blast the ball beyond Joshua Bysouth. Wild celebrations, including a pitch invasion from the away support ensued, as the match looked destined for penalties.

After a brief break to restore order, the match got back underway, and in the dying moments, the Vics were dealt a sucker blow.

Milliken done well to win a foul on the edge of the D, before Conor O’Donnell struck a sweet curling effort in off the post at the goalkeepers side to send the home support into raptures and secure the Marymass cup for Irvine Meadow.

Colin Spence commented: “I’ve not heard anyone that was at the game complaining, I think everyone’s went away buzzing, it’s a game that’ll be spoke about for such a long time.

“Especially with such a dramatic ending, I think that was worth the admission fee alone, just seeing that last ten minutes of the game unfolding.

“I think the fans make that occasion and that’s one of the sweetest ways to win a game.”