Ayr United hold St Johnstone to stay unbeaten

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

BRIAN REID reckons Ayr's second unbeaten game in a row against SPL opposition augurs well.

And the Somerset Park chief believes a good spine is the key.

Ayr followed up their 1-0 win over St Mirren by holding the Perth Saints to a 1-1 draw.

And Reid insists summer signings Kevin Cuthbert and John Robertson are already proving their worth.

He claimed: "I feel we have a decent backbone to the team. Cuthbert is a very able keeper and a good talker while Robbo is another experienced player who helps those around him.

"It's important to have a good spine to help and organise the young ones. Old heads have a big part to play."

Chris Millar gave Saints an early lead in the Somerset Park sunshine. But that was quickly cancelled out by a Mark Roberts penalty.

Saints had most of the ball thereafter but couldn't penetrate a solid defence where Robbo, Martyn Campbell, Chris Smith and Eddie Malone were outstanding.

Reid said: "I'm pleased we got another good test and held our own against another SPL team after beating St Mirren.

"You expect St Johnstone to have the possession they did as they are full-time and a Premier League team but we held our shape well and had a few chances.

"We are still rusty and there is lots to work on but overall I'm quite positive."

Trialists Richie Hart and Alex Burke both got part of the game while six subs were introduced from the bench.

Saints almost raced ahead in five minutes, courtesy of a crazy own goal. Millar whipped in an inviting cross which Smith nearly turned past Cuthbert with a flying header.

Ayr's chief threat was carried by Michael Moffat who showed great skill to burst into the box with the ball at his feet. But his cutback from a tight angle was an easy save for Peter Enckleman.

Alan Maybury brought former Perth keeper Cuthbert into action in 10 minutes with a well hit 25 yarder. But Cuthbert was equal to the task with another good save.

Saints made their class count to take the lead in 32 minutes. Kevin Moon's clever pass set up Millar who cut inside before firing into the bottom corner.

But the lead lasted only seven minutes. The ever dangerous Moffat was sent flying by Peter Enckleman and Roberts, who was listed as a trialist, wrong footed the keeper from the spot.

It might have been billed as a friendly – but try telling Gareth Wardlaw it wasn't competitive. He had the collar of his shirt ripped apart and then took a boot in the face but still came up all smiles.

Saints almost regained the lead in 76 minutes when an effort from trialist Marcus Haber was scrambled off the line before Steven Anderson had a close-in shot saved.

But amid a flurry of substitutions, the game died a death although Ayr's Andy Geggan forced a good save late on.

Saints boss Derek McInnes was full of praise for Ayr and reckons they will do well this season.

He said: "We knew Ayr would be competitive and I have no doubts they will acquit themselves well in the First Division."

AYR: Cuthbert; J. Robertson, Malone, Smith, Campbell (Armstrong 73), Trialist (R. Robertson 69), Trouten (Tiffoney 69), Geggan, Moffat (Wardlaw 57), Trialist (Marlow 78), Trialist (McGowan 65).

ST JOHNSTONE: Enckleman, Maybury (Davidson 57), Craig, McCracken, Wright (Anderson 46), Morris, Adams (Trialist 46), Millar (May 85), Moon (Mackay 57), Trialist (Higgins 78), Finnegan (Robertson 65).

Referee: Ian Brines.