Kyle McAusland is baffled by Ayr United's slump against East Fife

Dec 21 2012 by Mike Wilson, Ayrshire Post

Kyle McAusland couldn’t believe what he was seeing as Ayr blew a 2-0 lead.

But the loan Ranger insisted: “Eighth is definitely a false position for us.”

McAusland fired Ayr 2-0 up in 17 minutes after Fife defender David White had turned a David Sinclair cross into his own net.

But after frittering chances to extend the lead, United were floored by a storming second-half fightback.

McAusland claimed: “In the first-half, we played outstanding football, creating chances and scoring goals.

“But the second-half was the complete opposite and nowhere near good enough.

“I don’t know if we felt too comfortable but slackness crept in. We should be seeing off these games.”

Michael Moffat missed chances to bury the game at 2-0 and some fans pointed the finger.

But McAusland rapped: “If you take away Moffat’s goals we would be near the bottom of the league.”

Exasperated Mark Roberts was left seething at the highs and lows.

He said: “I don’t know how we lost that game. We could have scored 10 goals and that’s not exaggerating.

“The first 45 minutes was the best I’ve seen for a long time. We were outstanding - but there are two sides to football and we didn’t do the dirty side.

“That’s why we are sitting third bottom of the league.

“We started defending too deep in the second-half and I could see their goals coming. It’s a horrible feeling.

“Bobby Barr caused us mayhem after the interval - he’s great wee player who shouldn’t be playing at this level.

“Collin Samuel also caused us problems when he came on. I am so angry and disappointed after everyone played great in the first-half.”

Ayr were gifted the lead in three minutes when White diverted Sinclair’s cross into his own net as he attempted to clear.

When McAusland found space at the back post to knock home another Sinclair delivery, Ayr looked well on their way.

The game would have been buried if Moffat had won a penalty after being barged as he headed over from a McAusland cross.

The leading scorer then hit the post after being sent clear by David Winters. Then he was foiled by a great block by keeper Calum Antell.

That was a signal for boss Billy Brown to throw on his subs and put the game back in the mix.

Scott McBride hit two in nine minutes, the second a penalty after Ryan McStay fouled Jamie Pollock in the box.

Ayr were gazumped in the final minute when White drove home the winner after Barr’s free-kick was only half cleared to his feet.

Brown claimed: “Ayr battered us in the first-half and we never got near them. Our fighting spirit deserved something.”