Ayr United 14s goal on the goal trail

Apr 1 2011 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

AYR United 14s were in easy street as they turned on the style against Cowdenbeath.

They raced ahead in 12 minutes when Blaine Swift and Donnie Campbell combined for Sean McKenzie to cross for Roy Barr to fire home.

Barr made it two after the keeper could only parry from McKenzie.

Ayr added another when a nice two touch passing move down the right involving Craig Bova, Michael Stewart and Barr set up McKenzie in the box to fire home.

More followed in 32 minutes. Barr chased Blaine Swift’s long ball and found McKenzie who netted from close range.

Two minutes later, McKenzie completed his hat-trick from Lewis Neilson’s inch perfect pass.

After the Ayr keeper made a great save, McKenzie unselfishly squared the ball to Barr for a tap in.

Adams and Neilsen struck woodwork before Adams released McKenzie who fired into the roof of the net.

Coach Michael Taylor said: "This was a very good team performance from every one of the boys who can be proud of themselves. The tempo was set high from the first to the last whistle with the football a joy to watch."

The 15s, who have lost only once all season, made it six wins on the trot away to Cowdenbeath despite a subdued performance which never really showed the players at their best.

Trailing after 10 minutes, Ayr finished the period strongly with Ryan Nisbett scoring twice, the first a clever lob over the keeper and the second a spectacular volley from 25 yards.

Ayr dominated the second period with goals from Ross Campbell and Mick Ahern before Cowden pulled one back.

Sean Ewart curled in a 25 yard free kick but Cowden again scored. Nisbett finished the game when he danced past four defenders in the box before squaring to Steven McCarrison who scored from eight yards.

Coach Neil Duffy said: "This team have set a high standard all year and the expectations are high every time they take the field. Although they failed to live up to those, they still managed the victory."

After a long break from competitive football after winning the Scottish League, the 17s got back into the swing with a smashing performance in their League Cup section at home to Berwick Rangers.

Goals came from Marshall, Wyllie, Barr (2), Forsyth (2), Brown and Campbell while keeper Kinniburgh saved a penalty.

Head coach Davy Adams said: "We were not at our best but our character shone through in the end."

lThe 19s drew 1-1 with Dundee at Troon on Sunday with Roddy Paterson on target.

lThe Irn Bru Tops For Youths campaign is hotting up and this week looks like being a good one for Ayr United Football Academy.

At the weekend, Ayr had around 1000 caps to be added to the total already collected so far. Closing date is May 7.

A spokesman said: “A special thanks to Michelle and Kenny at Subway in Ayr Central shopping centre. Michelle has brought in over 400 caps in a week.”

lSunday’s fixtures: 16s v Stranraer (Prestwick Academy, 2pm); 19s v Falkirk (away).