Late collapse costs United kids

Mar 19 2008 Ayrshire Post

A THIRD period collapse cost Ayr United 14s dearly at Raith Rovers on Sunday.

After losing an early goal, Gary Griffin fired Ayr level after great play by Danny Naismith.

Griffin got his second with an overhead kick while Aidan McCartney and Connor George both hit the bar.

However, the United kids lost their discipline in the third period after some physical challenges and Raith scored three times.

Roddy Paterson was the hero for the under 15s but coach Tom Robertson wasn’t happy despite seeing his side hit the net six times against Stranraer at Maybole, feeling they never moved out of first gear.

Paterson’s first was a superb finish from an Adam Cowan pass and this was quickly followed by another from Paterson. Mark Armour also scored to put United in control.

Goals were then exchanged for the rest of the match although United continued to have the better of the play.

Paterson completed his hat-trick while his fourth sandwiched the goal of the game from Lewis Gardner, who wrong footed the defender before hammering in a low shot.

The under 16s took the opportunity to play two 45 minute halves at Maybole against Alloa as they prepare to move to a higher level next season.

Paul Bunten calmly rounded the keeper to put them ahead. Alloa equalised before Bobby Colligan restored the advantage after the ball come back off the bar and both posts. However, two late goals denied the Ayr lads a good victory.

The under 19s completed their league campaign last Thursday with a 2-0 defeat away to Airdrie United.

Ayr dominated for 75 minutes but too many times instead of striking for goal when the chance arose they looked for that final pass.

After Airdrie went ahead, Ayr controversially had an equaliser from Andy Scott ruled offside. Ayr played with high energy and a good work rate but couldn’t turn their advantage into goals and were punished when Airdrie scored a late second.

Manager John McCaig said: “The fitness levels are improving all the time and the boys didn’t let their heads go down when they went behind.

“If we had an established striker on the park I have no doubt we’d have won the game.”

There are no fixtures this weekend.