How the Ayr United stars rated in the big derby

Jan 16 2009 by Mike Wilson

STEPHEN GRINDLAY - superb penalty save from Allan Russell prevented Killie from taking a 3-1 lead which would have put them in the driving seat. And ten minutes before that, had a great double stop from Garry Hay and Frazer Wright. An inspired display by the big shot stopper. RATING 8.

ALLAN DEMPSIE - the former Hibs and Elgin full-back had a tough time against Willie Gibson but stuck to his task well with a no nonsense display. Was sacrificed for Alex Williams with five minutes to go as Ayr looked to rescue the tie. RATING 7,

NEIL McGOWAN - a committed warrior who has been a main man for Ayr in recent weeks. Picked up the game's first booking after leaping to the defence of keeper Grindlay after challenges rained in on the shot stopper. RATING 7.

SCOTT WALKER - had a tough time against the tricky David Fernandez and looked to be struggling when he picked up a sore one midway through the first-half. Battled on but bitterly disappointed when he sent a free header wide from a Chris Aitken free-kick. RATING 7.

MARTYN CAMPBELL - another rock like display from a player who is having a superb season after leaving his injury woes behind him. Gave away the penalty when he brought down Garry Hay but was relieved to see Grindlay bail him out with a super penalty save. RATING 7.

RYAN STEVENSON - rose to the big occasion with a derby performance to remember. Did brilliantly to set up the opening goal and put in a powerful display full of running and power. Was unlucky to be booked when he seemed to get a toe to the ball. RATING 8.

DEAN KEENAN - Mr energy and commitment. If Ayr had 11 Keenans in their team, they would be in a league of their own. Never stopped grafting with a typical whole hearted display and was rewarded with the opening goal. Unusually for him, scored with a diving header. RATING 8.

CHRIS AITKEN - the skipper has his terracing critics but surely silenced a few here. Took most of the set plays and had one net bound effort punched away by Damian Rascale. RATING 7.

BRYAN PRUNTY - the 14 goal striker couldn't add to his tally but it wasn't through lack of trying. Picked up a needless booking after an unnecessary tangle with Frazier Wright. Came close to a goal but was foiled by Rascale's punch. RATING 7.

DAVID GORMLEY - the find of this season, and many others, from Glenafton. Never stopped running and provided the clever flick-on to Ryan Stevenson's cross which Dean Keenan buried with a stunning header. His hold-up play and clever turns worried the Killie defence. RATING 7.

WILLIE EASTON - Stan had a slow start to his Ayr career but is now a fans' favourite. Great left foot and a good work ethic. Gets the job done quietly but efficiently and always looked to push forward. RATING 7.

ALEX WILLIAMS - on the park for only five minutes but is now a United legend after his sublime finish booked a Rugby Park replay. Wee Eck danced away as if he had won the World Cup, celebrating with a kiss and cuddle with ref Steve Conroy. A goal to remember for years to come. RATING 8.

Subs not used: Stewart, Agnew, Henderson, Weaver. Booked: McGowan, Stevenson, Prunty, Easton, Williams.

KILLIE - Rascle; Fowler, Hay, Pascali, Wright, Murray, Bryson, Gibson, Russell, Fernandez, Invincible. Unused subs: Bell, Skelton, Hammill, Flannigan, Simmonds.

Referee - Stevie Conroy; Crowd - 9280.