Ayr United through to face Airdrie

May 18 2009 By Michael Pringle

Ayr United 3 Brechin City 2

CHRIS Aitken was the hero for Ayr United again as they overcame stubborn resistance from Brechin City to book their place against Airdrie in the play-off final.

Bryan Prunty looked to have put the tie out of the reach of the Glebe Park outfit when he pounced on a mistake by City keeper Craig Nelson to put the Honest Men three goals ahead on aggregate after 15 minutes. The striker had the chance to double the advantage on the day but Nelson made amends for his earlier error to block the shot with his legs.

Seven minutes from the break and totally against the run of play, Brechin were thrown a lifeline. Rory McAllister raced clear of the Ayr defence and fired home. Eight minutes after the restart Brechin were really back in the tie when a penalty kick was awarded despite Grindlay's challenge on Smith appearing to be outside the box. McAllister slotted home from the 12-yard spot.

The nerves were jangling and McAllister almost notched his hat-trick but Grindlay managed to get his hand to his shot and as it spun towards the line the keeper was able to get back and stop the ball close to the line.

Ayr finally put an end to Brechin's resistance with two goals in as many minutes. Kenny Connolly levelled the score on the day with a powerful header from a Martyn Campbell cross after 70 minutes then Chris Aitken sealed the victory with a tremendous swerving shot from 25 yards.

The first leg of the play-off against Airdrie is scheduled for this Wednesday at Somerset Park with the return being played on Sunday at 3.15pm.

Read Mike Wilson's match report and a preview of the two-legged final against Airdrie United in this week's Ayrshire Post.