Ayr United go down fighting

Sep 21 2009 By Michael Pringle

Mark Roberts

DESPITE a rousing second half performance from Ayr, Ross County took all three points.

The damage was done within the first 15 minutes of the play. Two goals in three minutes gave County a lead which, in the end proved unassailable for the Honest Men despite their best efforts to take at least a point from the match.

By the end of the 90 mminutes the Dingwall outfit had ensured the Scottish First Division top spot was still their own.

The opener came after 12 minutes, Richard Brittain latched onto a headed clearance from Wille Gibson and rifled the ball home from the edge of the box.

Three minutes later Iain Vigurs carved the Ayr defence open then released Steven Craig who finished with aplomb.

Whatever it was that Ayr boss Brian Reid said to his players at half time it certainly worked wonders. The Honest Men came out and with the wind at their backs, made a real go of it. With only eight minutes of the second half gone, Mark Roberts pulled a goal back after cutting through the County defence.

Both teams finished the match with only ten men as Keddie for the hosts and McGowan for the visitors were both red carded.

Next up for Ayr United is second placed Raith Rovers at Somerset Park.

For the latest on Ayr United don't forget to pick up a copy of this week's Ayrshire Post.