Ayr United babes go out despite win

May 8 2009 by Mike Wilson

AYR United under 17s failed in their bid to qualify for the semi-finals of the League Cup despite finishing with a 3-1 win over Dumbarton.

On Friday night, United lost to Queen of the South in Dumfries, courtesy of a last minute penalty which saw keeper Sam Herbison sent off after John Frame had given Ayr a first minute lead.

That result meant United had to hope that Stranraer could beat Queens in their final match while United had to win at Dumbarton.

United boss Brian Reid took in the match and must have been impressed with not only individual performances but the team display as United ran out 3-1 winners with goals from Darren Baird (2) and sub Paul Bunten. However, it was all in vain as Queens and Stranraer drew 0-0.

Coach John Stewart said: “It’s disappointing to lose out so narrowly and in effect that last minute penalty on Friday night has cost us qualification. But the boys will learn from this and will become stronger as a result.

“We have had a fantastic year, finishing second in the league and losing only three of their 24 matches. They have set the benchmark for the standard of what we are looking for at the Academy. Most of these players are only 16 and now will have two years at under 19 level.“

In the SFA Youth Initiative, under 16 coach Tom Robertson was impressed with his side’s second-half display at Arbroath. United scored four times through Cowan, Gardiner and Roddy Paterson but the pick of the bunch was a superb lob from Scott Johnstone.

The under 15 match at home to Alloa was threatened to be abandoned by the referee if off the ball antics from the visiting players didn’t stop. Opposition players received a wrath of yellow cards while not one United player was booked.

Coach Allan Paul said: “I am very proud of the players.They were here to play football and remained focused on the task in hand. We would have scored a lot more than JJ Hawkshaw’s solitary header but for some superb goalkeeping.”

The under 14s travelled to Alloa and delighted coach Davie White with another good performance. He said: “A fine display again from the players who are really beginning to grow in stature.

A good all round performance with some delightful football and well worked goals from Kelly, Campbell and Shankland made it a very pleasant journey home.”