Ayr United want Somerset magic to beat St Mirren

Feb 4 2011 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

GIVE us some Somerset magic and grab another SPL scalp.

Ayr United hope struggling St Mirren will be the next to fall in an eagerly awaited Scottish Cup cracker on Saturday.

And the biggest crowd of the season – with around 5500 expected - can roar them on the way.

Kilmarnock, Dundee United and Hibs have all fallen before – now it’s the turn of the beleagured Buddies.

Boss Brian Reid warns: “While we are still big underdogs, Saints won’t underestimate us after what has happened before.

“But we have a good home record and anything can happen in the cup.”

Twenty goal Mark Roberts, who scored a stunning lob in the 4-3 win over Stenhousemuir, is in the form of his life and ready to wreak more pain on the shaky Saints.

Reid jokes: “I hope he scores another 20 for his goals have been exceptional this season. If Lionel Messi had scored that in the Nou Camp he would have been given God like status.

“But nothing surprises me about Marko. He plays with a smile on his face and is capable of anything as he proved against Hibs.”

Ayr were planning to take video evidence to Hampden on Wednesday to fight Jonathan Tiffoney’s bizarre injury time red card against Stenny.

DVD footage shows Tiffoney hadn’t been booked earlier. But ref Neil Watters clearly thought he had when he flashed another yellow followed by a red.

Chairman Lachlan Cameron said: “There is no procedure for this and you can’t appeal a yellow card. But we are hoping that common sense will prevail.

“I am not expecting anything other than a successful outcome.”

Watters appeared to be influenced by shouts from the Stenny bench as he consulted his linesman at length before reaching for his pocket.

Reid said: “If the card is not rescinded it will make a farce of Scottish football.”

Whatever the outcome, Tiffoney is still available for Saturday but Alan Trouten’s straight red means he is out.

Stuart Bannigan, who missed the Stenny win with a back strain, is expected to be fit. Willie Easton, who came off at half-time with back trouble, should also make it but Andy Rodgers (hamstring) is a big doubt.

A big police and stewarding operation will be in place on Saturday. Tickets will be checked amid fears that some counterfeits may be doing the rounds.

The Somerset Park shop will remain open on Thursday to 7.30pm for ticket sales. It will open on Saturday at 9.30am but will stop selling tickets at 1pm. The car park in front of the stand will close at 2pm.