Ayr United babes blown away by Morton

Jan 23 2009 by Mike Wilson

COACH Malky Boyle claimed Ayr United Academy under 19s had a bad day at the office as they surrendered their 100 per cent home record, along with their league ambitions, with a 3-2 defeat by Morton.

In horrendous conditions, Morton took an early lead but United went close when Paul Leighfield’s powerful header was saved. The equaliser came on the stroke of half time when Conn Boyle found Michael McKinnon who deftly flighted the ball into the top corner.

With the wind behind them, Ayr started strongly in the second half but found the Morton keeper in top form. Ayr keeper David Mitchell made way for a trialist but within a minute he was picking the ball out of the net. Before Ayr could gather themselves, Morton struck a third.

Ross Robertson pounced on a cross to pull one back. Boyle said: "All round it was a bad day at the office. We were forced to make changes through injury and could not cope with them. Having said that, we created enough chances to win three games, but if you don't take them, this is what can happen".

The under 17s, with under 16 coach Tom Robertson in charge for the day, beat Airdrie United 3-0.

Ayr took the lead in the 27th minute when Paul Bunten flicked on an Ian Fisher pass to Brian Taylor and Scott Arthur slotted the ball home. Then Stewart Milligan headed home a Bunten corner before the break.

The goal of the game came when Ian Marlow played the ball to Bunten who drove it wide left to the onrushing Archer. His ball across the face of the area was controlled and cooly slotted home by Bunten.

Coach Robertson stated “This was a well deserved victory for the lads who played well in difficult conditions and turned in a good solid performance.”

Sunday’s fixtures: Under 19s v Raith (a); Under 17s v Alloa (Carrick Academy).