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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Mike Wilson & Ayrshire Post

Friday night football is the future, claims Girvan boss Matt Maley

Matt Maley hopes Friday night football can be part of Girvan's future after the Hamilton Park floodlights were hanselled in style.

The Carrick El Clasico against Maybole ended 1-1 with both teams billing the experiment a huge success.

Girvan boss Maley revealed: “It's part of a new era for the club and is thanks to a lot of hard work behind the scenes.

“We only got the lights two months ago and were keen to test the appetite of Girvan folk for evening football.

“It was only fitting that Maybole, as our derby opponents, should play us in the first game.

"They brought a good number with them and a crowd of between 300 and 350 made for a cracking atmosphere.

"Driving into Girvan and seeing the floodlights on was a great spectacle and is something we are keen to repeat whenever possible.”

Girvan made a point through a last-gasp Lewis Clark header despite claims that 'Bole back-up keeper David Hill was fouled in the process.

Maybole new man Ryan McChesney struck the bar before Euan Smith fired the visitors ahead from a free-kick.

With only five games remaining in West of Scotland League Conference A, Maley admits his thoughts are now drifting towards building for next season.

He revealed: “We want to finish with as many points as possible to achieve some respectability but the hard work for next season is beginning now.”

On Saturday, Girvan head to in-form Craigmark who are pushing hard for promotion.

Ladywell boss Carlo Walker, who will welcome Darvel in the South Challenge Cup, claimed: “The Friday night atmosphere was terrific and the players enjoyed something different.

"We were unfortunate to lose our keeper Ally Semple who was injured in the warm-up."

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