Ayr United under 17s lose to Hearts

Dec 18 2009 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

AYR United under 17s lost 1-0 to a strong Hearts side but there were plenty of positives to be taken from a spirited display.

Malky Boyle's outfit were again without a host of first choice players through injury. Cameron Marlow was drafted in from the 16s while under 19 keeper Shaun Woods also started.

But despite the problems, the Honest Men began well at Carrick Academy and Allan Paterson almost opened the scoring with a curling effort that slipped inches past the post.

Dale McLelland had an enterprising 45 minutes but the half remained scoreless despite good play from both sides.

Both managers made changes at the interval and the Jambos were quicker out of the blocks and went ahead on 52 minutes after a flowing move. But Ayr battled hard in their attempts and Shaun Kelly went close with a 30-yard effort, before Darren Shaw headed over from close range.

Woods also made some fine saves but his good work couldn't prevent his side from slipping to a narrow defeat.

Boyle said: "All in all it was a very satisfying show from the lads as we more than held our own and matched our opponents. We just couldn't get the goal our hard work deserved."

Meanwhile, a mystery trialist hit a brace in a fine performance by the under 15s against Hearts. Gary Giffin also netted in what was a fine showing in the last match before the winter shutdown.

Coach Davie White said: "We challenged the players to express themselves and to be as creative as possible when we had the ball. To a man they all achieved this in what was a very good team performance.

“All the players contributed in a positive way and the coaches and players are looking forward to the new fixtures in January already."