Ayr United Academy

Apr 2 2008 Ayrshire Post

WITH Elgin cancelling their trip to play Ayr United U14s at Maybole due to school holidays in the Highlands, it was up to the U15s and 16s to represent the Academy at the weekend.

The under 15s made the long trip to Elgin and created numerous early chances, the best falling to Paterson and Cunninghame, who was denied by the bar.

In the second period, Paterson was again denied by an excellent savebefore the Ayr boys lost their way, conceding three quick goals.

Going into the third period, Elgin added another, before Ayr got their rhythm going again and were rewarded with strikes from Gardiner and Paterson.

However, manager Tom Robertson was satisfied with his team’s overall performance and commended them for their play after a 5½ hour journey from Ayr on Sunday morning.

The under 16s travelled to Cumbernauld for an early kick-off against Clyde.

Scott Arthur gave Ayr an early lead from close range while Jordan Kelly and Paul Bunten also went close.

But it wasn’t until the second period that United extended their advantage with a 30 yard screamer from Kelly.

An OG plus another from Bobby Colligan put United in the driving seat before Jordan Kelly added another couple for his hat-trick.

In the third period, Kelly set up Bunten for a deserved goal and despite Clyde getting a late consolation, manager John Stewart was delighted with his team’s performance.

The under 19s opened their League Cup campaign with a 3-0 defeat by Partick Thistle at Maybole on Sunday.

United, who have been drawn in a tough section, had keeper Stewart Strachan to thank in the second half as he made some fine saves as the visitors dominated.

Fixtures: April 6 v Dumbarton (a); April 13 v Hamilton (h) TBC; April 20 v Queen’s Park (a).

Sunday’s fixtures: Under 14 v Stirling Albion (a); Under 15 v St Johnstone (at Carrick Academy, Maybole, 2pm); Under 16 v Stirling Albion (h) TBC.