Ayr United boss Mark Roberts describes Scottish Cup draw as brutal

Nov 9 2012 by Mike Wilson, Ayrshire Post

The worst draw we could have got.

That’s how Mark Roberts views a Scottish Cup trip to either Forfar or Nairn.

Ayr face a nightmare trip north for the fourth round on Saturday, December 1.

But the Somerset gaffer is hoping it’s Highland League Nairn they’ll get.

Roberts groaned: “It’s an absolutely brutal draw, about the worst we could have got.

“We have Forfar four times in the league and I don’t like playing on their astroturf.

“I would much rather go to Nairn for something different and a day out for the fans. With SPL teams playing each other it is a chance to progress.”

Nairn, who brought former Ayr man Junior Mendes off the bench, fought back from 3-0 down to force a replay on Saturday.

They trail league leaders Wick Academy by eight points but have three games in hand.

Roberts is boosted by the return of Kyle McAusland and Darian Mackinnon for Saturday’s trip to Stenhousemuir.

The loan duo were refused permission by Rangers and Hamilton to play in the 2-1 win over Inverness Clach.

McAusland will slot into central defence in place of skipper John Robertson who hobbled off with a calf strain against Clach.

Davie Sinclair again misses out with ankle trouble but is targeting a return against Stranraer a week on Saturday.

Roberts said: “Kyle is big, strong and aggressive and we’ll need that as Stenny go back to front for big John Gemmell.

“Sinky needs to strengthen his ankle and is doing rehab.

“Anthony Marenghi’s knee is still a problem and he is going for a scan. His season has come to an abrupt halt after he started well.”

Martyn Campbell underwent knee surgery last Friday but faces a long haul back. As the Post revealed last week, big Bobo is refusing to take a wage until he is fit.

The reserves beat Annan 8-3 at Somerset on Monday evening with doubles from Mark Shankland and David Winters. An og and strikes from trialists brought up the tally.

Former Celtic youth keeper Willie Muir has signed a short term deal.

Ayr are 7/4 outsiders to beat Stenny who are 6/5. McBookie.com make the draw 5/2.

Ochilview isn’t a happy hunting ground for United - they have lost their last two league games there, 2-1 and 3-1.

Earlier this season, the sides drew 1-1 at Somerset and that’s an 11/2 chance.

First scorers include Michael Moffat at 6/1 and David Winters at 7/1.