Ayr United 19s finish the season with win over Queen of the South

Apr 22 2011 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

AYR UNITED 19s finished off their league season in style with a 2-0 win over high flying Queen of the South.

Dale Moore hit the bar early on while Gareth Armstrong put in another outstanding performance with some excellently timed tackles.

The deadlock was broken when the ever improving Cammy Marlow slid an excellently weighted pass through to Roddy Paterson who easily passed the ball under the out rushing keeper.

Marlow hit woodwork while Sean Kelly was foiled by two good saves before Marlow again rattled the bar.

Paterson completed his second brace in two games to take his tally for the season to an incredible 35 goals.

The win ended a great season for the Ayr 19s. A tremendous Scottish Cup run and a decent showing in a difficult league shows the huge steps forward this side has made in a short space of time.

Ayr coach Stevie McMillan said: “The players were outstanding. All the players deserve kudos tonight with exceptional performances coming from the defence, the midfield and the attackers.”

Ayr 15s shone in the sun as they beat a strong Partick Thistle team at Prestwick Academy.

They led at the end of the first period when a great through ball from Wardrope found Nisbett who rounded the keeper to finish well. McCarrison, Ahern and Campbell were unlucky not to add others.

Thistle equalised in the second period and took a shock lead against the run of play early in the third.

That galvanised Ayr and they dominated the remainder of the game.

A great run and through ball from Ahern sent Liam Anderson to finish from a tight angle. Aiden Keegan then crossed for anunmarked Nisbett to nod home his second.

Nisbet nodded home a Wardrope free kick to complete another hat-trick and then rounded off the scoring after good work from Ahern and Anderson.

Head coach Neil Duffy said: “This was a cracking result and performance against a strong side. Everyone played their part. Ross Campbell and Shaun Vance were outstanding at the back while Wardrope and Willock ran their usual marathon and put in a great shift. The front three caused Thistle problems all day and led to a well deserved result."

The under 16s travelled for their first meeting with Dundee this season minus five of their regulars due to injury.

Dundee went ahead with a penalty but Ayr hit back when Sean Robertson converted from eight yards out after Mark Shankland, fresh from the 19s match on Thursday night, crossed from the left.

Adam Fraser then crossed for Robertson to head Ayr into the lead.

Only a couple of good stops from Andy Clark kept Ayr in front before Matt Howie crossed for Shankland to bullet in a header.

Chris Kelly had the final say with a fine finish from 15 yards after good work by Robertson.

Ayr coach John Given said: "All in all this was a good solid performance from Ayr that left the us (coaches) satisfied with the team's effort and determination. Take this along with some good passages of play produced on a very difficult pitch and we have to be happy with the advancements the players are making."

Meanwhile, Gary Gibson, head coach of the 14s pro youth team, has resigned due to a change in his employment.

Gary has been with the Academy for almost four years, with a short break, and has coached the current 14s squad since they were 12.

Head of youth and community development, Davie White said: “I am sorry to lose Gary, as he has been a committed and hard working coach. Gary built a strong coaching team and leaves behind an excellent squad of players.”

Stuart Brady will assume the head coach role until the end of the season when a decision will be made about positions for 2011/12.

Sunday’s fixtures: 17s v Queen of South (away).