Ayr United close the gap on Rovers

Jan 26 2009 By Michael Pringle

Ayr United 2 Arbroath 1

AYR United closed in on leaders Raith Rovers ahead of their top of the table meeting next Saturday. Ayr looked to be suffering from a Scottish Cup hangover after their exit to Ayrshire rivals Kilmarnock on Thursday night as they struggled to get going.

Ex-Scotland internationalist Colin Cameron fired a shot in which Grindlay managed to gather at the second attempt before Arbroath went ahead from the spot after after 35 minutes, David Gormley handled inside the area and Steven Weir promptly tucked away the penalty kick. Weir then fired over the crossbar as the Honest Men looked as if they were happy to see out the half with a one goal deficit.

Alex Williams, in for the injured Bryan Prunty, had other ideas though when he restored parity right on half time. Stevenson latched onto a loose ball and poked it through to Williams who rifled it home.

Martyn Campbell was replaced at half time and it looked a more purposeful United team who emerged for the second forty five. Ryan Stevenson crashed home a tremendous 30 yard swerving effort to put the Somerset men back in front after 63 minutes.

Ayr could have added to their goal tally but were rarely threatened by Arbroath. For a full match report and a preview of next week’s table top clash against Raith Rovers don’t forget to buy this week’s Ayrshire Post.