Ryan Stevenson reckons defeat was worst day of his life

Jan 30 2009 by Mike Wilson

Ayr United 2 Arbroath 1

SHATTERED Ryan Stevenson says his stunning winner against Arbroath on Sunday makes up for the worst moment of his career.

Stevo revealed he hardly slept after the 3-1 Scottish Cup defeat by Kilmarnock which left him feeling numb. But his 30 yard swerver, which closed the gap to five points on leaders Raith, had him smiling again.

He said: "I was absolutely gutted by the cup defeat which was the lowest I have ever felt. The fans and club deserve better but it was a massive disappointment to come away with nothing especially after being 1-0 up.

"There were plenty of positives from the first game but in the replay we didn't as a team play as well as we could. I couldn't sleep on Thursday and Friday as I was so gutted.

"That's me up to five goals but this time last season I was sitting on 15 so I need to add to that to help the team. I feel I have let myself down this season and want to do better as there is no question this club should be in the First Division."

Ayr fell behind in 35 minutes when David Gormley needlessly handled a free-kick from former Scotland man Colin Cameron, who is on loan from Dundee. Steven Weir slammed home the penalty.

A minute before the break, Ayr were level when after a scramble at the edge of the box, Stevenson prodded the ball on for Alex Williams who fired in his ninth of the season.

New boy Kenny Connolly replaced the injured Martyn Campbell at half-time and Ayr stepped on the gas. And in 63 minutes, Stevo cut inside to fire home an unstoppable rocket.

Boss Brian Reid said: "It was always going to be a dangerous game after the cup exploits. Some were leg weary but Scott Walker, at 33, was as fresh as anything while I am delighted for Ryan who showed great energy, capped off by the winner."

STAR MEN: ***Ryan Stevenson; **Scott Walker; *Neil McGowan.

AYR - Grindlay; Dempsie, Walker, Campbell (Connolly 46), McGowan; Borris, Stevenson, Aitken, Easton (Agnew 60); Williams, Gormley, Unused subs: Stewart, Woodburn, Henderson. Booked: Gormley

ARBROATH - Hill; Rennie, Forsyth, Raeside, Bishop, Lunan, Cameron (Gates 80), McCulloch, McGowan (Ross 62), Sellars, Weir. Unused subs: Morrison, Campbell, Black. Booked: Raeside, Lunan.

Referee - Steven Nicolls; Crowd - 1256.