Mark Roberts hails Ayr United strike partner Tam McManus

Mar 12 2010 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

Mark Roberts hails Ayr United strike partner Tam McManus

MARK ROBERTS says strike partner Tam McManus has turned around Ayr's season and breathed fear into relegation row.

Roberts scored his eighth goal of the season while McManus made it four from five as United turned up the heat on wavering Morton.

But Roberts is in doubt as to what has transformed the Honest Men. He claimed: "Tam has given us that wee spark we needed up front. He is a goal threat all the time, works hard, is always on people's cases and makes sure that centre-halves never get a minute's peace.

"I've always said I'll not be the guy who'll score week in, week out. I'll create a lot more than I'll score but if you've got someone like Tam, he'll put them away and we wouldn't be in the position we are now."

Roberts reckons Morton are now treading water with Ayr on their heels. He said: "They are a big, strong side but we won the game so they'll be looking behind them right now.

"Teams won't like coming here for a run of midweek games under the floodlights. Our home record over the last couple of years has been excellent and we’re confident here against anyone."

Ayr rode their luck early on when Peter Weatherson cracked a shot off the post and Donovan Simmonds used his speed to terrorise their defence. But fortunately, he couldn't finish.

Ayr struck with their first look at goal in 26 minutes when McManus flicked the ball on and Roberts lashed a shot over Colin Stewart from 25 yards.

Roberts was then crocked in a challenge by Dominik Shimmin who was booked. After nine minutes off the park and two stitches in a hip injury, Roberts returned but it was only short lived and he limped off for good.

It was game over in 48 minutes when Ayr added a second goal and Morton ran up the white flag. Shimmin brought down Steve Bowey as he ran on to a through ball from on loan Celtic debutant Danny Lafferty.

A stonewall penalty and McManus showed no sign of nerves as he blasted the ball past Stewart.

Teenager Danny McKay, on for Roberts, caught the eye with a powerful performance full of running. Bowey buzzed in midfield, Martyn Campbell was a defensive rock while Chris Mitchell walked off with the sponsor's champers.

There was late scare when Ayr lad Stevie Masterton powered in a 22 yarder but Craig Samson superbly tipped it over.

Morton's day, which began brightly, ended with more misery when skipper Stewart Greacen was sent off for a second yellow with six minutes left.

Boss Brian Reid admitted: "We didn't play well in the first-half and were fortunate to be 1-0 up but it was far better after the interval. We are hitting a bit of form and now there are a few clubs looking behind them."

STAR MEN: ***Steve Bowey; **Tam McManus; *Chris Mitchell.

AYR - Samson; Mitchell, Aitken, Campbell, Lafferty; Keenan (K. Connolly 79), McGowan, Bowey, Borris; McManus (Mendes 82), Roberts (McKay 41). Unused subs: Grindlay, Woodburn.

MORTON - Stewart; McGuffie, Reid (Graham 73), Shimmin, Greacen, Tidser, Jenkins (Finlayson 64), Masterton, Weatherson (McGregor 85), Simmonds, McAlister. Unused subs: Cuthbert, Paartaluu.

Ref: Steven Nicholls; Crowd: 2145.