Ayr United babes are at the races

Apr 10 2009 by Mike Wilson

AYR United Academy under 19s crushed Morton 5-2 in the SFL Youth League Cup after racing 3-0 up in 15 minutes.

Ross Robertson fired a 22 yard cracker, Aaron Connolly got the first of his first half hat-trick from a free kick and then drove home a spectacular strike. Morton got one back but Connolly completed his treble.

The home side scored again two minutes after the restart but Ayr had the last word when Scoular set up Robertson to chip the keeper .

Manager Tom Robertson said: “Some of our passing play was top drawer and we’ll take this into our final group match looking to capitalise on this display.”

A Paul Bunten double gave United under 17s a 2-0 win away to group leaders Dumbarton.

Keeper Ross McBride was injured in the warm-up and was replaced by Sam Harbison and right on half time Dale Moore was taken to hospital as a precaution after a late challenge.

The opener came when the Sons keeper fumbled a Fisher free-kick and Bunten poked home from close range. Steven Harris made a goal-line clearance before playing in Thompson whose cross was fired home by Bunten.

Manager John Stewart said: “This will set us up nicely for a massive game on Wednesday night against Queen of the South at Dam Park.”

In the SFA Youth Initiative, the under 14s played Stranraer at Somerset Park. After a slow start, Ayr scored in all three periods with Rae grabbing a hat-trick. Also on the mark were Shankland and Griffin.

Coach Davie White said: “We played well in periods of the game, especially when the players raised the intensity of their passing and movement but we could have shown more composure in front of goal.”