Winter bites at United’s babes

Mar 12 2008 Ayrshire Post

THE winter break has clearly had an effect on Ayr United under 14s who have struggled since the resumption of the season last month.

This was evident against Dumbarton on Sunday and it was not until the third period that they started to play anything like their capabilities.

By this time they were trailing to a second period goal and had their trialist keeper to thank for keeping the score down.

United finally showed some form in the final period and when Gary Griffin set up Aidan McCartney, he slammed the ball high into the net.

Ayr then took the lead when the Sons keeper touched a 30 yard Lewis Kirkwood drive onto the bar and Griffin was on hand to net the rebound.

However, deep into injury time, United cheaply gave away possession and were punished when the visitors scored with a wicked double deflection.

Manager Allan Paul was not happy with the performance and felt his side were fortunate not to lose and is expecting a massive improvement from the players in this week’s fixture.

The under 15s turned in another positive performance against a very strong Raith side.

Lewis Gardiner has been on fire in the past few weeks and he gave United the lead early on when he pressurised the visitors defence into making an error and calmly slotted the ball past the keeper.

However, United lost their way in a ten minute spell in the first period and conceded two goals. Periods two and three were dominated by United who played their natural passing game but despite creating numerous chances, it was not until the dying moments that a Jo Maxwell penalty pulled them level.

Manager Tom Robertson again expressed his delight with his side’s performance, not only in their play but also their never say die attitude.

The under 16s had a blank week due to their match being postponed and the under 19s fielded a number of trialists in their match at Perth.

They took an early lead when Andy Scott nipped between the defender and keeper to find the net. United’s first half display was very positive and Stevie McMillan almost netted a second only for his effort to be cleared off the line.

Just before the break, Saints got back on level terms. An injury to the trialist central defender, who had played very well in the first half, resulted in a re-organisation and before United could settle into their new pattern in the second half, Saints capitalised.

United never recovered and Saints made their full time training tell with a further four goals without reply.

Fixtures: U14: Sunday: v Raith Rovers (a); U15: Sunday: v Stranraer (Carrick Academy, Maybole, 2pm); U16: Sunday: v Alloa (Portland Park, Troon, 2pm); U19: Thursday March 13: v Airdrie United (a).