Champion Ayr United 17s end with a win

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

CHAMPION Ayr United 17s finished the season in style with a 2-1 win away to Partick Thistle on Sunday.

But they had to come from behind when Thistle took the lead in 33 minutes from a free-kick.

Ayr started the second half strongly and levelled with a Cammy Marlow header from a Steven Hutchinson corner.

Ayr’s never say die attitude paid off in 87 minutes with a Marlow through ball being flicked back from JJ Hawkshaw into the path of Scott Aitken who fired home from six yards.

Head coach Davy Adams said: "This result is typical of the boys’ characters all season. They never give up and fought for each other. Every member of this season's squad should be proud of what we achieved and they have been a pleasure to work with."

The 14s held their nerve to draw with Queen of the South at Prestwick Academy.

Queens, who are one of the better teams at this age group, went ahead when a shot slipped under Lewis McMurdo who was left helpless by the slippery surface.

The visitors added another when they reacted quickest after a header crashed off the bar from a corner.

Roy Barr was foiled by a great save as Ayr sparked into life and they were rewarded with a goal from Sean McKenzie.

Ryan Wilson had an effort flagged offside before striking a sweet shot into the roof of the net.

Sean McKenzie added a double, the second a 25 yarder for the goal of the game. Queens got one back but Ayr held on.

Coach Tony Bryson said: “The boys showed great discipline and can be rightly proud of the character, desire and skill they displayed against a talented team.”

The 15s edged out Alloa in a five goal thriller at Prestwick Academy.

Ryan Nisbet fired Ayr ahead from an Andy Willock pass but James Hart made a cracking save to preserve the lead.

Alloa equalised at the start of the second period but a cool finish from Nisbet restored the lead.

Steven McCarrison chipped the keeper for Ayr’s third but Alloa had the last word.

The backline of Keegan, McCraild, Vance, Howie and Campbell all had good games while Ahern, Willock, Wardrope and Ewart worked their socks off in the engine room. Nisbet, Filippi and McCarrison were always dangerous.

The 16s turned in a classy display away to East Fife with Mark Shankland, fresh from his first team debut the day before, sending them on their way.

Adam Fraser and Shankland both hit the bar but it was the Fifers who levelled on the stroke of half-time.

Ayr regained the lead when Jackson Longridge played a slide rule pass into the path of Shankland who cooly slotted home.

Sean Robertson lobbed the third after Neil Slooves split the defence.

Coach John Given said: "This was a first class performance. The game was littered with fine individual displays."