Ayr United u19s crush Sons

Oct 30 2009 by Mike Wilson

AYR United under 19s beat the horrendous weather to crush Dumbarton 5-2 at Carrick Academy on Sunday.

Strong in the tackle and playing some delightful football, United were soon in front through a Scott Arthur free-kick. Aaron Connolly then added a double before the ‘Sons pulled one back just before the break.

Early in the second half, Ross Robertson scored with a brave header at the back post while Dumbarton hit the bar.

Robertson scored his second from the spot after good work by Brian Taylor. Dale Moore went close while Aaron Connolly almost completed his hat-trick but it was the ‘Sons who competed the scoring in the dying minutes.

Coach Stevie McMillan said: “We will be looking to progress from this display. Since I have joined the AUFA 19s group, I have been delighted with the response of the players.”

The under 17’s trip to Peterhead was postponed as was the under 14 and 15 matches at Dumbarton and Queen of the South.

The under 16s took just 22 seconds to open the scoring against St Johnstone when Aitken scored the first of his hat-trick. Dyer and Milligan also scored but it was the display against the wind in the second half that delighted coach Tom Robertson.

He said: “We should have been up against it in the second-half, playing against a gale force wind but the boys kept the ball on the ground and played football from the back.

“However, I was disappointed that they slackened off in the first-half when their overall performance was not what I expected or demand. To their credit, their attitude in the second-half was spot on and I’m sure that they will have learned a lot.”

The girls under 9 ‘A’ team faced their toughest opposition yet when they travelled to play Hamilton Accies. But they exceeded all expectations to produce an outstanding display.

Defenders Megan Lanni and Sophie Crichton led by example. There was a spectacular double from Hannah Taysum and another from Caitlin Taylor while there was good work from Nicola Fisher, Natalie Taylor and Nicole Lymburn. Goalie Hannah Davies gave another exceptional performance.

Coach Paul McFarlane said: “It’s the performance that is more important than the result at this level and the girls still have a lot to learn but they showed examples of some very good technical ability and teamwork that they should be looking to build on.”

The girls under 9 ‘B’ team are still looking for a goalkeeper. Contact craig.richmond@aufa.org.uk

Against Team Ardrossan, Saltcoats & Stevenson (TASS), Alyssa Pollock made some outstanding tackles as did Jodie Johnston. Chloe Strang covered every blade of grass in midfield and Roisin Hiddleston capped off another improved performance with a goal. Jennifer Nicol’s progress and confidence continues to grow.

Sunday’s fixtures: 14s v Queen’s Park (Carrick Academy, 12 noon); 15s v Arbroath (away); 16s v Queen’s Park (a); 17s v Airdrie United (away); 19s v Queen’s Park (away).