Irvine Meadow clinch Superleague title with dramatic win at reigning champs Beith

May 5 2011 By Fraser Wilson

IRVINE MEADOW ensured the West of Scotland bragging rights are heading to Ayrshire for the third year in succession when they clinched the Superleague Premier division title last night.

Chris Strain's side did it in style - defeating rivals and reigning champs Beith 3-2 having fought back from 2-1 down at Beith's Bellsdale Park.

Meadow, who lifted the title two years ago, are crowned champs with two games to spare after Auchinleck Talbot's hopes were dashed by a 2-1 defeat at Largs Thistle.

With a sizable travelling support behind them, Meadow set about their hosts from the off. But they suffered a setback when Chris Kerr fired the home side ahead.

Goal machine Michael Hughes levelled for Meadow before John Craig stooped to edge Beith ahead for a second time.

Strain's men rallied in the second half and ex-Pollok midfielder David McGeown proved to be the hero with a double to seal the title-winning points.

Even the 65th minute sending off of striker Richie Barr failed to derail their charge and, as news filtered through from Largs of Talbot's defeat, Medda players and supporters went wild.

It means they qualify for the Scottish Cup proper for a second time in three years after their memorable run in 2009 which ended with a last 16 tie against SPL Hibernian.