Ayr United under 17s beat Stranraer to stay top

Oct 7 2011 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

AYR United under 17s kept up their 100 per cent start to the season when they beat Stranraer 3-1 at Prestwick Academy on Sunday.

The first-half was goalless but there were signs Ayr were getting on top as they forced a couple of fine saves from keeper Lorne Shanks.

Sub Chris Kelly entered the fray for the start of the second half and his energy and work rate had an immediate impact.

Within five minutes, Ayr were in front. Adam Fraser stole in behind the defence before squaring to Ryan McCubbin who smashed it high into the net after a long bursting 40 yard run.

The lead was doubled in 63 minutes when Kelly floated a free kick to Andy McCormack who scored with his third headed goal in three games.

Kelly rattled the bar while the keeper brought off a top class save from Dillan Dunn.

However, Stranraer clawed their way back to score in the 80th minute.

But Ayr sealed victory a minute later when Jackson Longridge lobbed the keeper from 30 yards.

The 15s beat on-form Livingston5-1 to delight coach Michael Taylor.

Goals from Lewis Neilsen and man of the match Jai Holland, with a 25 yarder, gave them a cushion.

Holland made it 3-0 after a Roy Barr shot was parried. Barr added a quick double before Livi pulled one back.

Sunday’s fixtures: 13s v St Johnstone (Prestwick Academy, 1pm); 14s v Stranraer (away); 15s v Stirling (away); 16s v Dumbarton (Prestwick Academy, 11am).