Ayr United babes on a nine goal spree

May 1 2009 by Mike Wilson

AYR UNITED under 17s crushed Stranraer 9-0 to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the SFL Youth League Cup.

Darren Baird led the way with four goals and other strikes came from Paul Bunten, man of the match Scott Arthur, George Thompson, Jordan Kelly and Dale Moore.

Coach Peter Stewart said: “We gambled with a new formation as we knew that we had to get goals. We had worked on it in training and it paid off as the boys were magnificent in every department.”

United under 19s were left to rue their late collapse at Dumbarton in the opening match of their League Cup campaign as they failed to qualify for the semi-finals. Group winners Dumbarton equalised 15 minutes from time to secure the point they needed in a 1-1 draw against East Stirling to qualify.

In the SFA Youth Initiative, United manager Brian Reid was an interested spectator as he took in the under 14 match at Rosebank Park, Lugar and also the second half of the under 15 match at Townhead Park, Cumnock, with Arbroath the visitors for both sides.

The under 15s gave two players from the under 14s, Mark Shankland and keeper Bobby McLatchie, the chance to play at a higher level in preparation for next season and coach Allan Paul was delighted with their involvement.

He said: “McLatchie made a couple of excellent saves while Mark linked up well down the flanks and was instrumental in Mark Dyer’s goal.” Other goals came from Tommy March (2) and Allan Paterson (2).

Under 14 coach Davie White said of his game: “This was a fantastic performance and the possession of the ball was some of the best they’ve had all season. We defended and attacked as a team and I am sure Brian Reid will have been very impressed.”

United found the net three times through Graham, Kelly and a fantastic drive from Baird.