Campbell Finlayson

It’s four games unbeaten to start the season for Maryhill after a six-goal thriller against Whitletts Victoria down in Ayr on Wednesday night.

In a game that swung both ways throughout, goals from Craig Stevenson, Haydn Long and Craig Patterson ensured that the Hill would earn a point from the 3-3 draw.

The home side started much the brighter in the first half, but the first chance fell the way of Maryhill, with Chris Love firing against the back post from a free kick, before the Vics broke clear and saw a chance of their own blocked by Glen Cameron on nine minutes.

On 20 minutes though, they did take the lead. From another Hill set piece, Whitletts broke and with the ball looking like going out for a goal kick, it was hooked across the box where Cammy Ross was on hand to nod past Cameron.

Having struggled to get an early foothold in the game, it looked as though it could be a long evening for the Hill, but that was all turned on its head in the space of two minutes around the half hour mark.

First, Stevenson won the ball with a challenge in midfield before bursting forward and cutting inside to send a dipping effort flying over the keeper from distance to make it 1-1 and then just moments later, he turned provider as he got onto Jack Easdon’s header before squaring for Long to tap home his first competitive goal for the club.

Unfortunately, the lead would only last for eight minutes with a long throw not being properly cleared, allowing Marc Dyer to control the ball before drilling it low into the net.

The hosts almost moved back in front a minute later, but Cameron this time was equal to a low shot to his left as the sides went in level at the break.

It took only three minutes to see a goal in the second half and it was Maryhill who would retake the lead, Darren Kennedy playing an inch perfect pass through for Patterson who showed good composure to roll the ball past the Vics keeper.

Whitletts had a couple of chances to equalise again, first a loose ball was sent over from close range before Cameron kept out a powerful effort with a strong wrist, but with 11 minutes remaining, they would find a way through.

Another long throw caused chaos in the Hill box, with a flick on finding its way through to the back post where the unmarked Isaac Kerr was on hand to head past Cameron and secure a share of the spoils for the Ayr side.

Maryhill: Cameron; McEwan (Browne, 46), Love, Etherson, Meechan; Kennedy, Gray (Dobbs, 62), Stevenson; Easdon, Patterson (Clark, 83), Long