Ayr United 17s lose their unbeaten run to Livingston

Oct 28 2011 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

AYR United 17s saw their proud run of 20 games undefeated, 18 of which were victories, when they lost to Livingston at Prestwick Academy on Sunday.

The result allowed Livi to leapfrog Ayr into top spot in the league.

Adam Fraser, fresh from a trial with Birmingham City, had two early chances, his second effort coming back off the post.

Livingston began to produce some good, short, sharp passing in midfield and it was no surprise when they took the lead in the 27th minute with a shot that beat keeper Andy Clark.

The lead was doubled with a looping header but Ayr got one back when Fraser left the chasing Livi defenders for dead, before confidently slotting home from 18 yards.

A rousing team talk from coach Davie White along with a team re-shuffle was the order of the day at the interval and it appeared to have an impact.

Dillan Dunn tested the visitors with his pace and strong running but in 76 minutes, Ayr failed to deal with a low cross and conceded a third to seal victory.

Team: Andy Clark, Dillon Welsh, Andy McCormack, Jack Harkness, Jackson Longridge, Ryan McCubbin, Neil Slooves, Chris Kelly, Andy Muir, Adam Fraser, Sean Robertson. Subs: Lee Gordon, Dillan Dunn, Ewan Bain.

MoM: Andy McCormack.

Ayr 16s travelled to Murray Park last Friday for a friendly against a mix of Rangers 15s and 16s.

It was a cracking game, with some great play by Ayr, especially in the first half.

Wardrope showed great composure to slip the ball past the keeper and give Ayr a deserved lead only for Rangers to equalise against the run of play.

Ayr regained the lead soon after the restart through Alan Forrest beforeRyan Nisbet broke through four challenges and Liam Anderson tapped the ball home.

Rangers pulled one back late on with a free header from a free-kick but Ayr comfortably held on.

Sunday’s fixtures: 13s v Stirling (a); 14s v Airdrie Utd (Prestwick Academy, 11am); 15s v Airdrie Utd (Prestwick Academy, 1pm); 16s v Ross County (a); 17s v Morton (a); 19s v Montrose (a).