PREMIER League Troon came from behind against an impressive understrength Maybole to secure a point and stay in top spot.

The game also doubled up as the Stuart McGrady Memorial Trophy, in honour of the Maybole player who tragically died earlier this year. It was an entertaining game, which was a fitting tribute to the popular player.

Troon began well and Scott Chatham missed three good chances which could have put them ahead.

However Maybole, who had just 12 available players, with boss Carlo Walker looking to strengthen the squad, competed well and held their own.

The home side went ahead against the run of play on the half hour when an Alan Love free-kick was turned home from close range by John Frame.

Troon were the better side after the break, with Chatham missing four further chances.

However Maybole had an opportunity when Mark Cameron had a shot well saved by former Ayr United goalie Ally Semple.

But Troon levelled in 59 minutes when Chatham drove the ball home from just inside the box.

Maybole boss Carlo Walker was encouraged with his team’s showing and said: “It was a good result for us against a very strong Troon side who have strengthened their squad and that has to be encouraging for us. We are still in with a chance of qualifying for the quarter-finals and will keep plugging away. I am looking to add two or three players to the squad.” Troon counterpart Gordon Burns said: “We didn’t play well in the first half although were better after the break. Scott Chatham scored a good goal but missed quite a few other chances for us, his finishing let him down.” MAYBOLE: Weir; McKay, Love, Cameron, Stevenson, Shankland, Cuthbertson, Frame, Goodwin, Paterson.

TROON: Semple; Ure, Armstrong, Keenan, Collins, Chatham, Muir, Spence, McKenna, McKnight, Harvey. Subs: Forsyth, Wyllie, Shirkie, Moore.