Ayr United babes throw it away

Mar 27 2009 by Mike Wilson

AYR United Football Academy under 19s threw away a half-time lead to lose 3-2 away to Dumbarton in the SFL Youth League Cup to leave new boss Tom Robertson disappointed.

With no competitive match for some time, United played their third game in a week after their travels to Montrose (3-3) and Ross County (3-6) and perhaps the travelling took its toll.

Trailing after 15 minutes, Ayr continued to dominate with Kinnaird and Ireland both just failing to convert Connolly crosses.

The equaliser came when Robertson headed home a Dickson free-kick. They went ahead just before half-time when Ireland netted from the spot after Connolly had been upended.

Dumbarton levelled after a long throw but only a good save from the home keeper denied Robertson. Just as a draw was looking likely, another long throw into the box caused confusion and the Sons striker slammed home the winner.

Robertson said: “This was an excellent first half performance that was ruined by our defensive frailities in the second half. Basic errors and our inability to win individual battles proved very costly but if we can sort these out for the next game and turn in a good display for the full 90 minutes, then we can get ourselves back in the mix for qualification.”

There we no such problems for the under 17s who beat Stranraer 3-0 at Stair Park, Thompson heading home a Fisher free-kick at the break.

With the wind at their backs, Ayr played the entire second half in the Stranraer half. Arthur headed over and a top save from the home keeper denied McMunn. The second goal came when Arthur used the wind to his advantage to curl a delightful shot into the top corner.

Arthur added the third when he got the end of a superb through ball from Bunten.

United took the opportunity to give some match practice to Kelly, Harris and Bain who had all been missing from action for a number of weeks.

Manager John Stewart said: “The game was ruined as a spectacle by the wind and along with a fiery park made it difficult to play. We changed our style at half time and it worked well to give us a good start to our qualifying campaign.”

In the SFL Youth Initiative, the under 16s produced a fine display at Perth against St Johnstone. Scott Johnston finished off a superb passing move for Ayr while Roddy Paterson netted from close range and Dale McLelland thundered in a strike.

Saints hit back with two penalties but that didn’t detract from a solid performance from a team that is developing nicely as they prepare for competitive SFL action next season.

The under 15s did well away to Cowdenbeath. After an early goal from Greig, Tommy March scored a neat goal after some good play by Allan Paterson and as United dominated the final period, Justin Greig grabbed a brace to compete his hat-trick.

Coach Allan Paul said: “This was another good attacking performance. The boys are playing some good football and are playing well as a unit but the goals we lost were poor and we need to work a bit harder on defending set pieces.”