Late Winner takes Ayr out of the Drop Zone: Hamilton Academical 2-3 Ayr United

Ayr pick up their first away league victory of the campaign

Ayr United recorded their first away victory of the season yesterday, with a 2-3 victory over recently relegated Hamilton Academical.

The Home side took the lead from the spot, when Paul Currie scored  from the spot and doubled their advantage when Celtic loanee, Greig Spence, scored with a header.

But United clawed their way back into the game when Michael Moffat showed some great individual skill after picking up the ball and sending it past David Hutton in the Hamilton sticks, for 2-1 shortly after the break. Ayr were back on level terms on the 57th min when John Robertson scored his first goal since re-signing for the Honest Men at the Beginning of the season. When it looked like the points would be shared, mid-week hero, Chris Smith, converted in the final seconds to give United the first away three points of the season.

Brian Reid said:

"Tuesday night’s result provided a massive boost for everyone and we were just happy to come here and get a result. When we were 2-0 down, not a lot of people would have thought we would have come back to win but the final score shows great spirit between the boys and we are all delighted."

Hamilton Academical: Hutton, McAlister, Canning, McLaughlin (Anderson 58), Gillespie, Currie (Lyle 82), Mensing, Crawford (Chambers 73), Imrie, Paterson, Spence.
Unused Subs: Thomson, McBride
Goals: Currie (17 pen), Spence (45)
Booked: Mensing, Gillespie

Ayr United: Cuthbert, Tiffoney, Malone, J Robertson, Smith, R Robertson, Trouten (McKernon 75), Geggan, Moffat, Wardlaw (Roberts 76), McGowan
Unused Subs: McWilliams, Burke, Connolly
Goals: Moffat (51), J Robertson (56), Smith (90)
Booked: Cuthbert

Attendance: 1,699
Referee: David Somers

Ayr make League Cup Semi-Final, Scottish Cup Third round draw also made

Main Stand at St Mirren Park

Last night Ayr United defeated Saint Mirren of The SPL in Paisley to book a place in the last four of the League Cup.

With Kilmarnock beating the Second Division outfit, East Fife, it has been set up perfectly for tomorrow's draw. The teams that will be in the hat for the Scottish Communities League Cup are Ayr United, Kilmarnock, Falkirk (who beat Dundee United at Tannadice on penalties) and either Hibernian or Celtic, who face each other tonight.

United beat the buddies to secure a first national semi-final since the 2001-02 season, in which Ayr went on to reach the League Cup final but lost in the Semi-final of the Scottish Cup. Chris Smith, who had been ruled out of the side that were convincingly beaten at home by Dundee on Saturday, due to a clash with 'keeper Kevin Cuthbert against Livingston in the previous week which left him concussed, converted an Eddie Malone free-kick in the 81st minute of the game, right in front Ayr's impressive 1,200+ supporters who made the journey to Paisley to see Ayr United's first trip to the New Saint Mirren Park and third SPL scalp of the season so far.

The draw was also made for the Third Round of the William Hill Scottish Cup, were Ayr United will host Third Division club Montrose at Somerset Park.

Ross County- Match Preview

Today, the Honest Men the long trip to Dingwall in the Highlands to face Ross County. Ayr go up north on the back of three home points against Queen of the South last Saturday, when Mark Roberts late strike was enough to send the Somerset faithful in jubilation. Although, Ayr go into the game on the back of a vital three points and a second SPL scalp of the season, the Brian Reid's men have a less convincing away record, in the last two away games United have conceded eight and only scored one and have recorded an away point since Dundee. Ross County on the other hand have an extremely good home record and remain undefeated, yet only wining one game.

Martyn Campbell

United will be with out centre-half Martyn Campbell, who had cartilage damage revealed and could be out for 10 to 12 weeks. John Robertson is also a doubt for the long trip to Dingwall with a hamstring injury, and the hero against Hearts, Gareth Wardlaw, is a doubt due to a knee injury.

County will be with out Steven Craig, who will serve the third match of his eight match suspension. Michael Gardyne is a doubt and Colin McMenamin.

Brian Reid told the Ayrshire Post:

We’re going up there with a bit more confidence now and the key, as I’ve always said, will be consistency. I was annoyed by the cheap goals we had gifted in a couple of away games, but it’s been good to get back on track against Hearts and Queen of the South.

Reid also told the Ayrshire Post that Chris Smith and Ross Robertson could have the chance to defend their jersey's:

I’ve always believed that if you play well, you keep your jersey. So even if John Robertson and Martyn Campbell had been fit, I’m not sure they would be walking back into the team. Ross and Chris were solid and played their part in a young defensive unit which I thought played very well.

Ayr Draw Buddies in Quarter-Finals after Second SPL scalp of the Season

Ayr make their first trip to New Saint Mirren Park

Ayr United were drawn away to Saint Mirren in the Quarter-Finals of the Scottish Communities League Cup Today, after last nights historic victory over Heart of Midlothian at Somerset Park.


The Jambo's, who finished third in Scotland last year took the lead shortly after half time when Scott Robinson eventually beat Ayr hero, Kevin Cuthbert, for only his second competitive goal, the other being at Ibrox against Rangers. It looked as though the Edinburgh club had doubled their lead and killed off United's cup dreams for another season, when Eggert Jonsson had the ball past Cuthbert, only to be denied when Referee, Iain Brines consulted his linesmen and gave Ayr a free-kick for a handball in the box. Gareth Wardlaw, then capitalised on a slip from Hearts defender and captain, Marius Zaliukas, to equalise for the Honest Men. The Part-Time side held, not only through normal time but also through extra-time to win convincingly on Penalties. With Michael Moffat, Alan Trouten, Jamie McKernan and Mark Roberts scoring from the spot from Ayr and Eggert Jonsson scoring the visitors only penalty, with Danny Grainger and Rudi Skacel missing the visitors penaltys.

Brian Reid praised all of his part-time players:

"The fitness and the effort of the players was second to none. It was an entertaining game and I am delighted to be through. The players deserve the plaudits tonight."

The Honest Men have been drawn away to Paisley side, Saint Mirren in the Quarter Final. The tie will be played at the New Saint Mirren Park on either Tuesday 25 or Wednesday 26 October 2011.

The Full Draw is as Follows:

• St. Mirren v Ayr United
• Dundee United v Falkirk
• Hibernian v Celtic
• Kilmarnock v East Fife

Ayr sink Buddies in Pre-Season: Ayr United 1-0 St Mirren

Today, the Honest Men started the new season at home to St Mirren of the SPL in a pre-season friendly.

The team consisted of many new faces. Such as: Andy Geggan, Michael McGowan, John Robertson, Gareth Wardlaw and Kevin Cuthbert. Some familiar faces could be recognised as trialists like: Eddie Malone and Mark Roberts. Who yet to have deals signed at Somerset although it looks likely they will immanently.

It wasn't until late into the game the dead lock was broken, when sub, Roddy Paterson gave the honest men the lead. Shortly after, Patterson hit the cross bar with the keeper well beaten.

The St Mirren team included two former Ayr players: Craig Samson and Gary Teale. Where as Ayr had three former Buddies in Mark Roberts, Gareth Wardlaw and Eddie Malone.

2 New Faces at Somerset and 1 Old one

Yesterday, Dean Keenan confirmed via twitter, that Michael McGowan, formerly of Alloa and Kevin Cuthbert formerly of St Johnstone have joined the club for the season ahead. John Robertson, who has already played 119 times for the Honest Men, has according to various reliable sources on Football Forums joined Ayr for a third time.

Elsewhere, Brian Reid has got his eye on former fans favourite, Gareth Wardlaw. Wardlaw, who was released by St Mirren at the end of the season, played over 20 times in the SPL for the Buddies. Reid's only competition over Wardlaw, comes from Falkirk, who are also interested in the striker.

In's and Out's

Pre-season training began today, with many new and 'old' faces rejoining the Honest Men.

John Robertson

Andy Geggan

Ins<
Gareth Wardlaw (FW), St Mirren.
Michael McGowan (MR), Alloa Athletic.
John Robertson (DC/DR), Partick Thistle.
Andy Geggan (RB/MF), Dumbarton.
Kevin Cuthbert (GK), Greenock Morton.

Gareth Wardlaw and John Robertson will be no strangers to the Somerset Faithful. Robertson has already 119 games for Ayr under his belt in two stints at the club and Gareth Wardlaw had three years at Ayr already.

Michael McGowan

Kevin Cuthbert has also joined the Honest Men. The 6 foot goalie has alot of experience in the First Division, having played for both St Johnstone and Greenock Morton respectively. Ayr also swooped in on Midfielders, Michael McGowan from Alloa Athletic and Andy Geggan from Dumbarton.




Outs>
Andy Rodgers
Willie Easton
David Crawford(GK)
Ally Woodburn
Aaron Connolly
Alan Martin
Jim Lauchlan

As well as David Crawford and Stuart Bannigan who have returned to their Parent clubs.

Andy Rodgers has signed for Stenhousemuir. and Jim Lauchlan has retired. Where as the rest of the above are all now free-agents.

Signings Update

It has been reported that Eddie Malone has signed a new contract at Somerset Park. Malone, who scored the winner in Clyde's famous Scottish Cup victory against Celtic, joined the Honest Men after featuring as trialist away to East Fife.

The Ayr Advertiser Reported that former St Johnstone and Morton Goalie, Kevin Cuthbert will be an Honest Man, subject to a medical. Ayr Gaffer, Brian Reid told the Advertiser's "SportScene" that he was interested in Cuthbert when he was still at St Johnstone.

The Advertiser also wrote of three other players that could be Ayr Players soon (including a SPL striker). Although Brian Reid is keeping his cards close to his chest, players linked with Ayr are Mark Campbell, Brother of Martyn and former Ayr, Falkirk and Raith, who still resides in Ayrshire, John Robertson, who played in the same Ayr team as Campbell, who had reportedly been spotted at Somerset Park, Stewart Kean, who had recently been released by Morton recently and still holds the record for youngest player to score for Ayr United and Andy Geggan, who's name has been associated with Ayr since the beginning of the transfer window.

Summer Catch-Up

2011-12 'Leaked' Home Jersey

Many things have happened at Somerset Park since Michael Moffat sealed promotion to the First Division. First of all, one of the most recognisable features of Ayr, the Somerset Floodlights, have been pulled down! It was a sad day for the supporters of Ayr United. As well as the lights, many of the squad also left Somerset. Such as: Willie Easton, Andy Rodgers, David Crawford. As well as many others future remain unknown, like Scott McLaughlin, Eddie Malone and Ryan McCann. Alan Martin has also rejected a new contract.

It has also been rumoured that Dumbarton's Andy Geggan has become an Honest Man. As well as former St. Johnstone and Morton Goalkeeper, Kevin Cuthbert, who has been reported by the Daily Record. However, the only confirmed signings have been Mark Shankland, who had knocked back Liverpool, Rangers and Celtic, Dale Moore and Iain Fisher.

The new home top was 'leaked' according to sponsor Bodog. Although they were available for purchase only a few days later.

End of a season and an era as famous 'Somerset Lights' come down.

Many of the finest and most memorable moments to Ayr fans where under the iconic pylons pulled down recently: Andy Walkers second penalty of the 1999 cup clash against rivals Kilmarnock, Mark Roberts goal against Hibernian earlier this season, one of the numerous games of the cup runs of the early 21st century amongst many others.

The 36 metre tall pylons erected in 1970 are going to be replaced by new 'state of the art' 20 metre ones, but will never replace them in the skyline of the 'Auld Toon'.

Ayr one foot in the Final following annihilation of Forfar: Forfar Athletic 1-4 Ayr United

Ayr United go closer to regaining First Division status after beating fellow Promotion Hunters Forfar Athletic at Station Park.

Forfar Athletic 1-4 Ayr United

After 3 victories over the Honest Men in the League campaign, Forfar welcomed Ayr to Station Park for the Irn-Bru Division One Play-Off Semi-Final First Leg match. Ayr went into the game on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Brechin City, although United fielded a weakened side. Ayr welcomed back Eddie Malone and Martyn Campbell at the heart of the defence.The Honest Men also gave starts to Ryan McCann, Jonathan Tiffoney and Mark Roberts, who where all rested against Brechin City.

McCann scored Ayr's Third.

Ayr opened the scoring after two minutes through Michael Moffat, but celebrations were short lived, as Forfar's Chris Templeman equalised within 10 minutes of going behind. But Brian Reid's men once again gained the advantage when Michael Moffat enforced some calamitous errors which lead to an own goal.

Rodgers Sealed the Game

Ayr opened the second half with a goal from Ryan McCann only 7 mins after the restart. Andy Rodgers also netted his 9th goal of the season and third in three games to seal the game in favour of the Honest Men, who take a three goal advantage back down to Somerset Park on Saturday.

The Other Irn-Bru Division One Play-Off Semi-Final was at Glebe Park between Brechin City and Cowdenbeath, a repeat of last years final, in which Cowdenbeath were victorious over the two legs, once again in that tie the First Leg remains a Stalemate as Brechin overcame a two goal deficit to bring the tie completely even again as Away Goals are not valid in the Play-Off's.

FORFAR ATHLETIC: Duffy, Ross, Bishop (O.G.- 35)(Sellars- 45), Bolochewckyj, I. Campbell (Mowat- 80), McCulloch, Fotheringham, R. Campbell (Deasley- 70), Hilson, Templeman (10), Gibson
Unused Subs: Dobbie, Tulloch
Manager: Dick Campbell

AYR UNITED: Martin, Lauchlan, Smith, Malone, Campbell, Trouten, Tiffoney (Bannigan- 55), McLaughlin, McCann (52), Moffat (2), Roberts (Rodgers- 76)(87)
Unused Subs: Crawford [GK], Robertson, Easton
Manager: Brian Reid

Attendance: 924
Referee: John McKendrick

Honest Men secure Sponsorship deal with Bodog

Today Ayr United Secured a deal with Bodog, the Worlds largest online gambling Company. Bodog, headed by Billionaire Canadian, Calvin Ayre said "When I heard that the club was looking for a sponsor I knew I was going to make an offer but the fact that the colours are also the same as the Bodog brand colours sealed it".

The fee received by Ayr United is undisclosed, but Commercial Director, Hughie Cameron described it as 'Substantial'. Ayre also added “I won’t pretend I know the area well but with a fondness for a drink and in particular Cabrach and Hendrick’s Gin, barely a day goes by without me toasting the local economy in some way. When I heard about this I just couldn’t resist and I hope that between the Bodog brand and myself we can bring some more good times to Ayr United. We have plans to really get behind the team, not just hand over a cheque, and I am looking forward to paying a visit this summer and raising a glass to The Honest Men.”

Ayr seal Second Place despite Defeat:Brechin City 1-0 Ayr United

Brechin's Trinity Road Stand

Ayr set off to Angus knowing they may be returning on Wednesday to face Forfar if the results went right. However Brechin City required at least a point to secure a play-off spot, which looked certain until there recent run of form. Brian Reid's Ayr started with out Mark Roberts, Jonathan Tiffoney and Ryan McCann being rested and the usual pairing of Martyn Campbell and Eddie Malone where not available due to injury, which saw the untested pairing of Chris Smith and Bobby Donnelly at the back. Andy Rodgers started after scoring two of Ayr's three goals against Airdrie at home the previous Saturday, with Michael Moffat, who got the other.

Ayr Started with Alan Martin in nets, Willie Easton at Left Back, Jim Lauchlan at Right Back with Bobby Donnelly and Chris Smith playing as Centre-half's. Stuart Bannigan, who recently returned from a suspension and toe injury, played on the left of the midfield, Hibs loanee, David Crawford started on the right wing and former Airdrie partnership of Scott McLaughlin and Alan Trouten making up the midfield. Andy Rodgers and Michael Moffat, who is believed to be watched in recent games by a scout from St Mirren, starting up front. The bench featured three Ayr United Football Academy players, all of which came on.

As the teams came out for the kick-off, so did the sun. The hosts had the majority of chances, recently named SPFA  Second Division Player of the Year, Rory McAllister, coming close a few times early on, sending the ball into the Trinity Road a couple of times, before converting in the nineteenth minute. After the goal Ayr settled into the match, bringing play into the Brechin half for the majority of the remaining first half, safe in the knowledge that Ayr's play-off place had been cemented away to Dumbarton two weeks previous. United returned in the second half once again maintaining the majority of possession but failing to convert everything. In the seventieth minuet a début was given to 15 year old, Mark Shankland, when he replaced David Crawford to play on the right wing. Shortly after Brian Reid gifted another début, Gareth Armstrong replacing Bobby Donnelly.

BRECHIN CITY: Nelson, McBain,. Cook, McLauchlan (White- 62), Moyes, Molloy, Fusco, Janczyk, Redman, McAllister (Kirkpatrick- 85), Megginson (McKenna- 66)
Unused Subs: Scott, Byers

AYR UNITED: Martin, Lauchlan, Easton, Donnelly (Armstrong- 75), Smith, Trouten, Crawford (Shankland- 68), McLaughlin, Rodgers, Moffat (Patterson- 85), Bannigan
Unused Subs: Crawford

Attendance: 577

Final League Table:
1-  Livingston: W 25, D 7, L 4, F 79, A 33, GD +46, PTS 82
------------------------------------------------------------------
2-  Ayr United: W 18, D 5, L 13, F 62, A55, GD +7, PTS 59
3-  Forfar Ath: W 17, D 8, L 11, F 50, A 48, GD +2, PTS 59
4-  Brechin City: W 15, D 12, L 9, F 63, A 45, GD +18, PTS 57
------------------------------------------------------------------
5-  East Fife: W 14, D 12, L 9, F 77, A 43, GD +17, PTS 52
6-  Airdrie Utd: W 13, D 10, L 14, F 52, A 60, GD -8, PTS 48
7-  Dumbarton: W 11, D 9, L 18, F 52, A 70, GD -18, PTS 40
8- Stenhousemuir: W 10, D 8, L 18, F 46, A 59, GD -13, PTS 38
------------------------------------------------------------------
9- Alloa Athletic: W 9, D 8, L 18, F 49, A 71, GD -22, PTS 36
------------------------------------------------------------------
10- Peterhead: W 5, D 9, L 20, F 47, A 76, GD -29, PTS 26

Play-Offs: Confirmed Play-off schedule:

Semi-Finals:
Wednesday 11th May (First Leg):
Forfar Athletic v Ayr United (7.45pm) (Station Park, Forfar)
Brechin City v Cowdenbeath (7.45pm) (Glebe Park, Brechin)
Saturday 14th May (Second Leg):
Ayr United v Forfar Athletic (3pm)(Somerset Park, Ayr)
Cowdenbeath v Brechin City (2pm) (Central Park, Cowdenbeath)

Final:
Wednesday 18th May (First Leg):
Ayr United/Forfar Athletic v Brechin City/Cowdenbeath (TBC) (Somerset Park/Station Park)
Sunday 22nd May (Second Leg):
Brechin City/Cowdenbeath v Ayr United/Forfar Athletic (TBC) (Glebe Park/ Central Park)

Livingston v Ayr United: LIVE!

Livingston v AYR UNITED: LIVE From Almondvale Stadium!

Ayr United go into the game on the back of two victories, against play-off rivals Forfar and Brechin. Where as Livingston, secured the Second Division title at Stenhousemuir's Ochilview with a 3-0 win.Livingston will hope to maintain there unbeaten home record until the end of the season, as Ayr United did in the 2008-09 campaign. The Clubs have met twice already this season, both at Somerset Park, Both sides winning convincingly on separate occasions. Today is the first of a double header of Livingston-Ayr United matches this week, the Honest Men take the trip to West Lothian again on Tuesday night. Ayr currently sit second in the league after the three-nil hammering of closest Play-Off rivals, Brechin City at Glebe Park.With Michael Moffat netting his fifth goal since stepping up from the junior circuit in January, Mark Roberts breaking his recent Penalty spot Hoodoo and a first goal for new loan signing, David Crawford from Hibernian.

Starting Line-up

Ayr United: Alan Martin, Jonathan Tiffoney, Chris Smith, Eddie Malone, Martyn Campbell, Ross Robertson, Michael Moffat, Alan Trouten, Andy Rodgers, Mark Roberts, Stuart Bannigan.

Subs: David Crawford (GK), Jim Lauchlan, Ryan McCann, William Easton, David Crawford

9 mins: Ayr make a good start but Livingston have the first real opportunity. Falling to Liam Fox.

11 mins: Lovely play from Ayr a Chris Smith ball in, eventually Andy Rodgers wins a corner.

Both teams playing a bit sloppy now.

28 mins: Moffat knocks the ball just wide of the post.

Ayr Starting to dominate in West Lothian.

37 mins: LIVINGSTON DOWN TO 10 MEN!!! Iain Russell has been sent off for an elbow on Martyn Campbell.

Peterhead equalise against Brechin, Ayr looking to cement second place.

HT: Ayr go into the break unlucky not to be ahead.

No Changes to either team, second half under way.

56 mins: Easton on for Robertson and McCann on for Rodgers

76 mins: David Crawford on for Michael Moffat

Official Attendance at the Braidwood Motor Company Almondvale Stadium is 1,492

FT: The points are shared at Almondvale. Ayr only one point ahead of Forfar who sit in third place, but are 6 points ahead of Airdrie in fifth. Livi top scorer will miss the clash on Tuesday after receiving a straight Red Card for Violent Conduct.

Back on winning ways: Airdrie United 0-5 Ayr United

New singing, Martin started.

Ayr United went into the game on the back of a mid-week defeat to then bottom side Stenhousemuir, where as Airdrie had beaten East Fife at Bayview.

Ayr had the first opportunity of the game, when a Michael Moffat through ball to Loanee Paul Willis was intercepted. Then Airdrie where quick to reply, when former Scotland Under-21 goalkeeper, Alan Martin, who only signed on Friday night, after being released by English Championship side, Leeds United, had flicked a Stevenson free-kick to keep the home side out, Martin was taken to hospital after the game after an injury picked up in the same incident. The game went quiet, and both teams didn't look like scoring before the break.

Shortly after the teams came out, Paul Willis, on loan from Dunfermline Athletic, slotted home a Michael Moffat cut back for the opener. Not long later, former Airdrieonians and Airdrie United player, Mark Roberts, netted from 30 yards out. Then finally, after eight games, a deserved goal from forward Michael Moffat. Another former Diamond, Alan Trouten, came close but was saved by the keeper, but Scott McLaughlin scored from the rebound. In the final minutes of the game, Substitute, Andy Rodgers was brought down in the box by Euan Grant, who was sent off, Rodgers stepped up to take the penalty and scored his sixth goal of the current, campaign and his first from the spot. The final whistle went and Ayr's hit and miss form continues ahead of next Saturday's home clash with Alloa Athletic.

AIRDRIE UNITED: Ridgers, Bain, Lovering (Owens- 68), Grant, Fairweather, Devlin, Johnston (MacKay-Steven- 60), McCord, Gemmill, Donnelly (Ferguson- 58), Stevenson
Unused Subs: Szpilcynski, Smith
AYR UNITED: Martin, Lauchlan, Smith, Malone, Campbell, McCann, Willis (50), McLaughlin (82), Moffat (69), Roberts (62) (Rodgers- 73)(87 pen), Trouten
Unused Subs: Robertson, Tiffoney, Bannigan, Crawford
Referee: Anthony Law
Attendance: 966

Off-Form Ayr win against Promotion Rivals: Ayr United 2-0 Brechin City

 In the Previous two games, at home to Livingston and East Fife, Ayr United had Conceded 7 with out scoring.

Bannigan opened the scoring.

The Defence was altered after a disastrous two-games, where the reliable Eddie Malone and Martyn Campbell partnership was reintroduced and experienced Jim Lauchlan replaced Jonathan Tiffoney who dropped to the bench, after picking up a niggle in the 4-0 defeat at home to East Fife. Bannigan moved to the left wing as Willie Easton, started a suspension and Alan Trouten returned from a three match suspension. Ryan McCann, was still not available after picking up a Back injury. However, Andy Rodgers was now available for selection again after returning from a hamstring injury. Brechin City looked to enlarge the gap between Second and Third place sides, starting the Forward partnership of McAllister and former Ayr player McKay, on loan from Kilmarnock.

McLaughlin scored the second.

Early on it looked like the flood-gates would once again open on the Somerset Park turf. As the visitors bossed the opening ten minuets. Ayr eventually started to play and put pressure on the Brechin City defence. Just before the Break, Loanee from Partick Thistle, Stuart Bannigan put Ayr United in front, after January signing, Michael Moffat, supplied the ball.

After the Break, Ayr kept the pressure on, testing Ayr Legend, Craig Nelson, in the Brechin goal on many occasions. Michael Moffat once again crossed the ball in for Ayr's only ever-present, Scott McLaughlin, headed the ball past Craig Nelson. Ayr continued to dominate the second half with visitors hardly testing David Crawford in front of the Away support.

AYR UNITED: Crawford, Lauchlan, Smith, Malone, Campbell, Trouten, Willis (Tiffoney- 83), McLaughlin, Moffat, Roberts (Rodgers- 83), Bannigan

Unused Subs: Robertson, Trialist, Jones

BRECHIN CITY: Nelson, McLean, Cook, McLaughlan, Moyes, Janczyk (Kirkpatrick- 64), Fusco (Redman- 25), Molloy, McKay (McKenna- 53), Byers, McAllister

Unused Subs: Scott, White

Referee: Gary Hilland

Attendance: 1,092

Update

International Call-Up!!!
19 Year old Right-Back, Jonathan Tiffoney has been selected to Represent Scotland Under-21's in a closed door friendly. The last out-and-out Ayr United Player to get called up for the Under-21's was Gary Teale, who later made 13 appearances for the Scotland first team after a move to Wigan Athletic in the Premiership.

Top-of-the-Table-clash
Livingston are the visitors at Somerset Park on Saturday. Livi are four points ahead at the top of the table, but have played won more game.

Buddies Victorious: Ayr United 1-2 St. Mirren

A packed Somerset Park watch as SPL outfit pass to the Quarter-Finals of the Scottish Cup.

Ayr United went behind early on when former Kilmarnock and Inverness striker, Craig Dargo scored for the Paisley club. After Going down Ayr looked like giving Saint Mirren a game. Saints Striker, Michael Higdon, miraculously stayed on the park after only receiving a booking for a red-card offence. Dargo doubled Saint Mirren's lead seconds before the Break.

Ayr look to be lifted i the second-half, and hard work payed off when a cross from the right-wing was handled by a Saint Mirren player in the area. Mark Roberts converting his twelfth penalty kick of the season and bring Ayr back from the dead. It wasn't to be for Brian Reid's Honest Men, when the large away support cheered referee, Euan Norris's whistle.

Stats:

Possession(%)

 Ayr United 53--47 Saint Mirren

Shots (on Target)

Ayr United 8 (5)--(7) 14 Saint Mirren

Fouls

Ayr United 9--17 Saint Mirren

Corners

Ayr United 3--4 Saint Mirren

AYR UNITED: 1. Crawford, 2. Tiffoney, 3. Malone, 4. Lauchlan, 5. Campbell, 6.McCann, 7. Robertson, 8. McLaughlin, 9. Bannigan, 10. Roberts (pen 58), 11. Smith

Unused Subs: 12. Woodburn, 14. Kelly, 15. Patterson, 16. Moore, 20. McWilliams (GK)

SAINT MIRREN: 1. Gallacher, 2. van Zanten, 5. Mair, 6. Potter, 14. McGregor, 17. McAusland, 8. Thomson, 11. Goodwin, 9. Dargo (7, 45) (45. McLean-75), 10. Higdon (33. Mooy- 90+2), 19. McGowan (7. Murray- 81)

Referee: Euan Norris

Assistant Referees: James Bee, Gary Sweeney

Fourth Official: Crawford Allan

ATTENDANCE: 5,997

Other Reports: BBC Sport, Kick Talk Podcast, stmirren.tv

Saint Mirren: Match Preview

Saint Mirren make the short trip down to the Ayrshire Coast on Saturday, a fixture that has already been contested this season in the form of a pre-season friendly.

The Last time the clubs met in a competitive match was in August 2009, a League Cup meeting in which Saint Mirren won 2-0. Ayr United haven't beat 'The Buddies' in a competitive fixture since February 2004.

Saint Mirren are currently second bottom of the SPL, four points ahead of Hamilton Accies, who currently have a game in hand over the Paisley club.Ayr United go into the fixture with a better run of form than 'The Saints' and have already taken one SPL scalp in the Scottish Cup defeating Edinburgh club, Hibernian, who defeated Saint Mirren on Wednesday night.

Ayr will be with out long-term injury sufferers Bobby Donnelly and Dean Keenan. But have brought in experienced Centre-Back, Jim Lauchlan, who played against Stenhousemuir. Brian Reid will be down to the bare-bones in terms of attacking players, with Mark Roberts the only established striker available, with Andy Rodgers (Groin) doubtful and Michael Moffat cup-tied. Both Willie Easton (Hamstring) and Stuart Bannigan (Back) are also doubtful.

Saint Mirren will be without former Honest Man, Gareth Wardlaw (pictured) due to injury and it is unlikely the only other former Ayr Man (Craig Samson) will feature.

It is reported that Saint Mirren have almost sold their allocation of 3,000 tickets. Although, The Scottish Sun had reported that the tickets for the game have already been started to be forged. The whole of the Main Stand has been sold out and it's likely the Somerset Road End will soon follow Suit.

Former Saint Mirren player, Mark Roberts (pictured), netted his twentieth goal of the season against Stenhousemuir and his hoping to keep  it up when he plays against his old side. The only other ex-Buddie in the Ayr team is defender, Eddie Malone, who played an important part in taking the Hibernian game to a replay, in which the Honest Men won. But most famously he was the player who scored the winner for Clyde in their historic cup win over Celtic 5 years ago.

Ayr United where victorious in their last match, at home to Stenhousemuir. But finished the game with only nine-men, after Alan Trouten was given a straight-red and Jonathan Tiffoney a second booking, after only recieving one. Saint Mirren haven't won a game since their last cup outing which they won convincingly by 6 goals to one. Ayr United are currently unbeaten in 2011 and conceded only 5 goals and are currently second top of the Second Division, behind Livingston.

Tops of for the Honest Men.

Soft drink company, AG Barr, have announced a deal, in which an SFL club could win a possible £10,000 from handing in Irn-Bru bottle tops to certain places (The Paper Hut, Main Street and Bestway Basra, Whittlets Road in Ayr). The Competition will last until the 7th of May 2011.

Referee Main Talking Point in 7-Goal Thriller: Ayr United 4-3 Stenhousemuir

9 Man Ayr United victorious against Stenhousemuir at Somerset Park.

Ayr took the lead from the spot after only 6 minuets when Alan Trouten was brought down in the box, with Mark Roberts calmly converting from the spot. However, Stenhousemuir equalised within the first half when the referee bewilderingly awarded the away side a penalty and gave débutante, Jim Lauchlan , a booking. Shortly after the penalty Ayr where down to 10 men, when Alan Trouten's challenge was deemed to be a straight red.

Not long after the break, Ayr regained the lead when Jim Lauchlan made contact with a Jonathan Tiffoney corner. Ross Robertson, after only coming on at the break, scored his first Senior goal, when he headed over Stenhousemuir Goalkeeper, Chris McCluskey and into the net. It looked like it was all over when Mark Roberts got his 20th goal of the season, with an amazing chip-cross that made its way into the visitors goal. Stenhousemuir showed they where still in it when Simon Lynch scored after being on the park only 4 minuets before scoring. Warrior's defender, Jordan Smith also scored showing their intent in taking something from the game. As Stenny pushed  for an equaliser, the most confusing decision was made by referee, Neil Watters,   when after consulting his Linesman twice he decided to show Jonathan Tiffoney a red card, for a second bookable offence, when he hadn't been booked already. Ayr held out the final minuets of the game to keep hot on the tails of Livingston, who won 4-3 in the last minuet to stay top.

AYR UNITED: Crawford, Tiffoney, Malone, Lauchlan, Campbell, McCann, Trouten, McLaughlin, Moffat, Roberts (6 pen, 63) (Smith- 78), Easton (Robertson- 45, 54)
Unused Subs: McWilliams, Woodburn, Kelly
STENHOUSEMUIR: McCluskey, Lyle, Thom, Smith, Dickson, Anderson (Plenderleith- 56), Thomson, Clark (33 pen) (Lynch- 73, 77), Murray, Strachan, Dalziel
Unused Subs: Brown, Thomson, Quinn
Attendance: 1,181 (+1 Dog)
Referee: Neil Watters

Ayr United's next opponents are Saint Mirren at Somerset Park in the Fifth Round of the Scottish Cup, tickets are available from the club shop and are:
Adults: £15
Children: £10

Ayr held at Home: Ayr United 2-2 Peterhead

Ayr United missed the chance to go top of the League at Somerset Park, when both Livingston and Brechin had their games postponed.

Ayr opened the scoring 12 minuets into the game when Andy Rodgers was brought down in the box, and Mark Roberts calmly slotted it in to give Ayr the lead. Roberts got the chance to double the score when Jonathan Tiffoney was brought down in the box 20 minuets later. Just before the break Andy Rodgers came off to be replaced by new-boy Michael Moffat. At half-time the comfortable 2-0 lead looked to be enough to rocket Ayr up to top-spot. Ten minuets after the restart Ayr were awoken by the harsh reality of Second Division Football when Peterhead's Graeme Sharp brought the deficit back down to one. Martyn Campbell looked to of killed off the Blue Toon when he had put the ball in the net, but the referee harshly gave John Bateman, the Peterhead Goalkeeper a free-kick. Peterhead later pulled the result back to 2-2 when David Ross beat Ayr keeper, David Crawford. Ayr bombarded the Peterhead goal in the final twenty minuets, but unsuccessfully failed to go top of the table.

Ayr United: Crawford, Tiffoney, Smith, Malone, Campbell, McCann, Bannigan, McLaughlin, Rodgers (Moffat- 38), Roberts (12p, 28p), Easton
Unused subs: McWilliams, Robertson, Woodburn, Kelly
Peterhead: Bateman, Donald, Smith, Smith, Ross, Strachan, McVitie, Sharp (54), Clark (Wyness- 45), Bavidge, Ross(65)
Unused Subs: Jarvie, MacDonald, Gethans, Emslie
Referee: Richmond
Attendance: 1,226

Peterhead: Preview

Ayr United could regain top-spot with a victory over Peterhead at Somerset Park. The North-East based club are currently 11 points behind Ayr United in the Second Division table.

The Last Meeting saw Ayr take the three-points at Balmoor, with goals from Roberts, Trouten, McCann and McKay for Ayr and Smith and a Ross Robertson Own Goal for the home side. The last time Peterhead visited Somerset Park, Mark Roberts scored a injury time penalty to secure a point for Ayr United.

Michael Moffat is Available for Ayr United, after not being able to feature in Ayr's Historic victory over SPL side, Hibernian. Stuart Bannigan's loan deal has been extended to the end of the season by Partick Thistle boss, Ian McCall. Ayr will be without long-term injury victims Bobby Donnelly and Dean Keenan.

Ayr Kill Hibs at Somerset: Ayr United 1-0 Hibernian!!!

Brian Reid's Honest Men batter demoralised Hibernian Side at Somerset Park.


An Ayr United side, literally down to the bare-bones, with 14 senior players fit, managed to scalp low-in-confidence Hibernian at Somerset Park.

The First Chance fell to Ayr United when Andy Rodger's cross was narrowly missed by Mark Roberts.The game was only twenty minuets old before Ayr veteran centre-forward Mark Roberts brought down a high ball from Rodgers, before twisting and turning several times before slotting the ball past Hibs keeper, Smith, who was chosen over Mark Brown, who took the tie to a replay, when he Pulled of an amazing save at Easter Road.

Hibernian attacked the Ayr goal immanently after the kick-off but where to be denied by Ayr keeper, David Crawford. 

For the rest of the half, most of the Hibernian players remained anonymous. With only notable action was between ex-K*ll*e forward, Nish and Ayr keeper David Crawford.

The SPL side had the better of of all the chances in the second half, squirming them all! Hibs dominated possession in there quest for an equaliser and made Crawford work for the glory.

Goal-hero, Mark Roberts was substituted in the final minuets of the game, being replaced by local-boy Ross Robertson. Referee, Bobby Madden, blew the final whistle to signal a historic Ayr United Victory.

Possession

Ayr United  -  Hibernian

37%  -  63%

 Shots (on Target)

Ayr United - Hibernian

8 (5) - (13) 20

Fouls

Ayr United - Hibernian

4 - 16

Ayr United: 1. Crawford, 2. Tiffoney, 3. Smith, 4. Malone, 5. Campbell, 6. McCann, 7. Bannigan, 8. McLaughlin, 9. Rodgers, 10. Roberts 19(12. Robertson- 89), 11. Easton

Unused Subs: Woodburn, Kelly, Moore, McWilliams

Hibernian: 21. Smith, 2. Hart (24. Wotherspoon- 67), 6. Murray, 14. Dickoh, 20. Hanlon (28. Booth- 80), 11. Rankin, 17. McBride, 33. Miller, 9. Nish, 10. Riordan, 19. Duffy (7. Zemmama- 64)

Referee: Bobby Madden

Attendance: 3,826

Replay- Build Up!!!

As the Scottish Cup Fourth Round replay approaches, And the prize of a home draw against Saint Mirren or Peterhead is on offer some of the Sky Cameras have already visited the Auld Toon.

Ayr United will be with out long-term injury victims Bobby Donnelly and Dean Keenan. But Right-Winger, Alan Trouten could make a return after being left out against Alloa on Saturday, which saw Ayr United top the Division. Michael Moffat is unavailable to play in the Scottish Cup due to already featuring for Girvan in the earlier rounds.

That last time the two clubs met at Somerset Park, Hibernian where the victors, by two goals from Derek Riordan and Gareth Wardlaw pulling it back to 2-1. However, Ayr United where the winners of the most important of all the games, in the CIS Cup Semi-Final, when Ayr Hero Eddie Annand scored from the Spot.

Brian Reid's side are Optimistic about there chances. Recieving a massive cash boost could also see there chances of promotion to the First Division improve.

Top of the League!!!

Brian Reid's side pick up the three points in Alloa to top the Second Division.

Both teams made little chances in the first half. And the deadlock was broken half an hour when Willie Easton headed a Ryan McCann cross.New boy, Michael Moffat, who signed from Girvan was left on the bench but made an introduction shortly after Easton's goal.

Ayr United: Crawford, Tiffoney, Smith, Malone, Campbell, McCann, Bannigan (Moffat 68), McLaughlin, Rodgers, Roberts (McKay 77) ,Easton (64)(Robertson 88)
Unused subs: McWilliams, Woodburn.

On the Telly!

Sky Sports announced that it would be broadcasting Ayr United's Scottish Cup Fourth Round replay against Hibernian Live (which has been moved to Tuesday 18/01/2011)!

It is suspected that Ayr United would make roughly £60,000 from the fixture.

The game is pay-on-the-gate at Adults: £15 and Children:£10.

Ayr hold off Hibs- Hibernian 0-0 Ayr United

Ayr United went into the Fourth Round tie against Hibernian as massive underdogs but where unlucky not to gain passage to the next round.

Hibs started the game as the better team but Ayr settled down and created the better of the chances, Scott McLaughlin, getting the better of Hibernian keeper, Mark Brown, but still sending it wide.

As the second half took place, Ayr looked again the better of two sides. But it was a while before any questions where asked, Mark Roberts was fouled just on the line of the 18-yard box for a free-kick, that Ayr United felt should have been a penalty. However Scott McLaughlin's effort was only inches from sending Ayr into the lead. The next good chance was to fall to Ayr as well, when Jonathan Tiffoney Danced around the SPL defenders as if the weren't there, but no-one was there to receive the ball into the middle. It looked like Ayr were going to record a famous victory when Andy Rodgers received a ball from the heavens, took it past two Hibee's before Mark Brown saved Hibs.

Possession

Hibernian  54%-46% Ayr United
Shots(on target)

Hibernian 8 (2)-(1)4 Ayr United

Fouls

Hibernian 15-6 Ayr United 

Hibernian: 

31 Brown, 3 Grounds, 6 Murray (17 McBride- 47), 14 Dickoh, 15 Thicot, 20 Hanlon, 7 Zemmama (24 Wotherspoon- 75), 22 Galbraith, 33 Miller, 10 Riordan, 19 Duffy (23 Trakys- 75)

Unused Subs: 21 Smith, 16 Stevenson

Ayr United:

1 Crawford, 2 Tiffoney, 3 Smith, 4 Malone, 5 Campbell, 6 McCann (15 Robertson- 84), 7 Trouten, 8 McLaughlin, 9 Bannigan, 10 Roberts (12 Rodgers- 82), 11 Easton (14 Woodburn- 77)

Unused Subs: 20 McWilliams, 16 Kelly

Referee: Bobby Madden 

Assistant Referees: Alan Cunningham and Brian Templeton 

Fourth Official: Craig Charleston

Attendance: 6,056

Ayr victorious against Sons - Ayr United 2-0 Dumbarton

After going over a month with out a game Brian Reid's men managed to get the first competitive game since the 5-0 Scottish Cup Victory over Sunnybank.

Ayr took the lead after 11 minuets when Ryan McCann was brought down in the box, with Mark Roberts Converting for his 15th goal in all competitions. Ayr relied on former 'Sons' Keeper, David Crawford to keep the advantage through to the break, with a spectacular footed save.

The Second have saw a revitalised Dumbarton team shooting towards the Railway End and almost equalised when Eddie Malone cleared off the line. But it was to be Ayr who scored next to kill off any late Dumbarton come-backs, when Danny McKay scored his sixth and likely to be final goal for the Honest Men after being on the park only 60 seconds.

Ayr United picked up their first League points since the 1-0 victory over Airdrie United at Somerset Park on the 6th November 2010. Ayr are currently in third spot and only two points off of Livingston and one point behind Brechin City.

Ayr United:
Crawford, McCann, Smith, Malone, Campbell, Bannigan (Robertson- 79), Trouten (Woodburn- 77), McLaughlin, Rodgers, Roberts (11) (McKay (78)- 77), Easton
Unused Subs:
Taggart, McWilliams

Dumbarton:
Grindlay, Devlin, Nugent, McNiff, Linsay, Brannan (Campbell- 64), Cook, Geggan, Walker, McShane (Carcary- 51), McLeish (McStay- 84)
Unused Subs:
White, Wallace

Attendance: 1,224