Voice of Reason: January 28

Jan 28 2011 Ayrshire Post (main ed)

OUR first goal shipped in six games.

Even the great teams can’t keep a clean sheet every week.

But after taking care of the Hibees in midweek, there was always the danger of a wee hic-cup.

But fear not my friends. Normal service will be resumed on Saturday.

Former Honest Men Davie Irons, Alex Williams and Willie Lyle are back in town.

Stenny are there to be shot at. And if Brian Reid gets the couple of players he needs to boost numbers, we have nothing to fear.

The championship is ours for the taking.

TALKING of United old boys. Let’s hear it for Ryan Stevenson.

The walking work of art blew the SPL title race wide open with his glory goal against Rangers.

Hearts are now firmly in the mix and breathing fear into the Old Firm.

Anything that gives another winner is a breath of fresh Ayr to the game.

And how fitting that a United diehard has played the trump card.

Just a pity that Jim Jefferies stole him for a song.

WELL done to Troon taxi boss Paul Foster who must be fare pleased with himself.

The dad of two won his fourth world indoor bowling singles at the weekend.

And walked off with a £40,000 cheque plus a lovely trophy.

I’ve never been the greatest fan of the carpet game.

But I’ll still be hurrying along to Prestwick Indoor in a few weeks.

Prestwick Cricket Club’s annual bash is unmissable.

FAREWELL to Honest Man stalwart Phil Gallie who died on Monday night.

The former Ayr MP was a Somerset Park regular and never tired of talking up his beloved United.

Phil was elated at Ayr’s cup win over Hibs and had been eagerly looking forward to the last 16 tie against St Mirren.

Sadly he won’t be with us for the biggest game of the season. But he won’t be forgotten.

ALL change in betting corner where we now have a temporary leader.

Spin king Allan Haggo has come out of the pack to bowl a googly.

While my choice was frozen off, Haggo had the bookies scampering for cover as he tipped up Man Utd to beat Birmingham.

Such bravery...the spirit of the competition.

This week, Haggo heads south and goes for Swansea 2, Leyton Orient 1.

Tailender Iain Ferguson, who can barely still see the field, puts the curse on Dundee as he tips them to beat Cowdenbeath 3-0.

I’m on a home banker with Ayr 2, Stenhousemuir 0.