Ayr United u17s hit Gretna for five

Nov 27 2009 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

AYR United under 17s overcame horror weather conditions to hit five past Gretna on Sunday.

Malky Boyle's side was hit by injuries and youngsters Tommy March and skipper JJ Hawkshaw were drafted in.

But the changes didn't affect them and doubles from March and Scott Johnston, and a goal from Dale McLelland sealed a 5-1 win at a blustery Carrick Academy.

Coach Allan Paul said: "I'm delighted as it was a good all-round display. The boys did very well to hold their discipline in sometimes trying circumstances and learned another couple of lessons on how to approach certain opposition.

“There were many good displays from a lot of the players with Johnston up front involved in almost everything, and the two youngsters did very well. They didn’t look out of place."

The under 15s bounced back from last week's disappointing display to turn on the style against Baillieston BC. Chris Kelly grabbed a double and Mark Shankland and Scott Baird scored but the main talking point was the goal scored by keeper Bobby McLatchie, who saw his clearance fly in the wind and over the head of the keeper.

Coach David White said: "We were looking for a positive reaction andalthough we feel the boys can play better than what they showed, their collective attitude was first class. The players must now kick on and continue to show this application over the next few weeks."

The under 16s were involved in a dire tussle against Queen of the South that was ruined by the adverse weather conditions.

Coach Tom Robertson said: "This was a game best written off as there is not a lot of development that can be done in conditions like that.

"Defensively we were very strong with Cammy Marlow organising well but our play in the final third was not good enough."

Sunday’s fixtures: U19s v Elgin (Carrick Academy, 1pm); U17s v Arbroath (Carrick Academy, 3pm); U16s v Partick (Petershill Park, 4pm); U15s v Queen’s Park (Lesser Hampden); U14s v Partick (Carrick Academy, 11am).