Ayr United take a giant step

May 14 2009 By Michael Pringle

Chris Aitken

CHRIS Aitken scored twice in the first leg of this play-off match at Glebe Park to help Ayr close in on the play-off final.

Ayr United dominated the match and a first half double from Aitken, the second from the penalty spot, has put the Honest Men in a fantastic position for the second leg at Somerset Park on Saturday. Given that Ayr have been defeated only once at home this season, by SPL side Aberdeen, Brechin City now have a mountain to climb.

Aitken put Ayr in front after only eight minutes with a right foot drive from 20 yards that found the top corner of Craig Nelson's net. He doubled the advantage after 36 minutes from the 12 yard mark after Bryan Prunty had been felled in the box by Barry Smith.

Chris Aitken was denied a hat-trick by Nelson as Ayr finished the game much the stronger of the two teams.

Peterhead host Airdrie tonight in the first leg of the other play-off, the winners of both ties will meet over two legs to decide who will be promoted and relegated.

For the full details of both legs against Brechin and a possible preview of the play-off final make sure you buy your Ayrshire Post.