Ayr United out to make it five

Jan 9 2009 by Mike Wilson

THEY’VE beaten Kilmarnock the last four times. Now pumped up Ayr United are dreaming of five in a row.

And a packed all-ticket Somerset Park can be Ayr’s extra man on Saturday when the teams lock horns in the Homecoming Scottish Cup.

Boss Brian Reid is determined to give the fans a day to remember. He said: “I’m continually reminded that Ayr have a great record against Killie – let’s hope the hoodoo continues.”

It’s the biggest test of Reid’s managerial career and he’ll have his whole family rooting for him in the stand.

He revealed: “I lost my mum Anne on January 10 two years ago when she was only 61 so this is an emotional day for me.

“She was so enthusiastic and had to be banned from coming to games because she shouted so loud. I hope she’s looking down on us with some good fortune.

“We’re an Ayrshire family. I come from Beith and have relatives in Troon, Maybole and Alloway. They’re hoping for a day to remember.”

Reid adds: “Everybody in the town is excited and tickets have been selling like hot cakes.

“We’ve got to believe we can win. We are unbeaten at home in the league so are going into the game with plenty of confidence.

“We showed we can compete with the SPL when we lost only 1-0 to Aberdeen in the Co-op Cup and certainly weren’t outplayed.

“Of course, Killie are favourites but we believe we can do it.”

Ayr had the bottom six SPL side watched in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Falkirk and are conscious they have taken more points away than at home with wins at Motherwell and Hibs in the last month.

But Reid points out: “The cup is a different kettle of fish. However, Jim Jefferies is a very experienced manager and I know he won’t underestimate us.

“But I am sure our players will get a big lift and an extra yard from playing in front of a huge crowd.”

Reid expects to have a clean bill of health from which to choose. Neil McGowan missed last Tuesday’s 1-0 win at Brechin with a virus while Willie Easton (back) and Ryan Borris (ankle) had to be taken off early.

But all three are back in training and itching to be involved in Ayr’s biggest game for years.

Bryan Prunty, with 14 goals from 22 starts, is the man who Killie fear but David Gormley, Alex Williams and Ryan Stevenson can all chip in.

Jefferies is under pressure to deliver a win to end Killie’s rotten record. He said: “Since the draw was made, I’ve been made very aware of how important it is to win this game.”

Fans have been urged to be in the ground 30 minutes before kick-off to ease congestion. The car park will close at 1.45pm while the club shop will be open from 12.30pm to 2.30pm.

The tie was edging close to a 10,185 sellout in midweek. Remaining home tickets will be on sale up to 3pm on Friday with late opening on Thursday up to 7.30pm for sales and ticket collection.