Ayr United stung by Alloa

Feb 9 2009 By Michael Pringle

AYR’S title aspirations suffered as serious set back as Alloa snatched the three points at the death after David Gormley looked to have salvaged a point for the Honest Men.

As in last week’s match against Raith Rovers, Ayr were two goals behind before they really sparked into life. Brian Carrigan put Alloa in front from the spot after 21 minutes after Neil McGowan fouled Stuart Noble inside the box. Stephen Grindlay managed to get a hand to the penalty but it wasn’t enough to keep it out. John Grant put them two up after 34 minutes after he ran through the heart of the defence to slot home.

Alex Williams hobbled off just before the break and manager Brian Reid had used all three of his substitutes within minutes of the restart. It seemed to do the trick as Ayr started to move up the gears. Substitute David Gormley rifled home a tremendous strike from 20 yards after 65 minutes to start the comeback and nine minutes from time he was on hand to thunder the ball home after Alloa keeper Jellema failed to collect a high ball.

It looked now as if there was only going to be one winner and Ryan Stevenson had the opportunity to put Ayr in front within a minute of the equaliser but somehow he managed to balloon the ball over the crossbar with the goal at his mercy.

With two minutes remaining Alloa made a rare foray upfield and were awarded another penalty when Noble again went down under pressure. This time the challenge looked to be outside the box but Carrigan stepped up to blast in what proved to be the winner.

Ayr United now face a tricky trip up to Methil to face East Fife next Saturday. For a full match report from Mike Wilson and a preview of next week’s game in Fife pick up a copy of this week’s Ayrshire Post.