Ayr United gear up for play-off showdown against Forfar Athletic

May 13 2011 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

WE beat them last time – now let's do it again.

That's Brian Reid's message to Ayr United ahead of their play-off shoot-out against Forfar.

On Wednesday night, Ayr head to Station Park – where they have lost twice this season – before hosting the return leg on Saturday.

The prize is a home tie against either Cowdenbeath or Brechin a week on Wednesday before an away day climax on Sunday, May 22.

Boss Reid admits Forfar will be tough opponents but with a host of rested players returning, he is confident Ayr will march on.

Skipper Mark Roberts, Ryan McCann, Jonathan Tiffoney, Martyn Campbell and Eddie Malone all sat out Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Brechin.

But all the big guns will be back for the season's defining shoot-outs.

Forfar fancy their chances after beating Ayr three times this season. But a 3-1 victory at Somerset last month gives United the last word.

Forfar won 4-1 at home in October and 3-2 at the beginning of April. And they scored a smash and grab 1-0 win at Ayr in March.

Reid declares: "You are only as good as your last game against them – which we won. In the 4-1 game, we went down to nine men and had four penalties against us.

"It was blowing a hurricane in the 3-2 game when there were wind assisted goals. We battered them for 90 minutes in the 1-0 defeat at Somerset when they ran up the park and stole the points.

"We proved we are the second best team in the league so we will go into the game with confidence.

"We beat them the last time so we know what it takes. I’m looking to beat them home and away."

Ayr will take a big support with them to the north-east and Reid believes they can be an extra man.

He said: "They give us great backing and were magnificent when we went to Brechin in the play-offs two years ago and won 2-0.

“It’s an old cliché, but the fans can be our 12th man.”

Reid was cheered by the performance of the youngsters who played in the defeat at Brechin, the final league game of the season.

He said: “Mark Shankland is only 15 so it was encouraging to see him a get a chance. Gareth Armstrong also came on for a cameo appearance while wee Roddy Paterson has been scoring loads of goals for the under 19s.

“They all handled it well and there are others also like Cammy Marlow who are also knocking on the door.

“Ayr United are a good club to be a youngster at for they know they will get their opportunity if they are good enough.

“I’ll certainly look to use them in the pre-season and take it from there.

“With budget constraints, I would hope next season’s team would have a good spine of experience together with the fresh legs of youngsters.

“But right now all I am thinking of is the play-offs and taking us back to the First Division.”