#ayrunited

A little less than 12 months ago, Ayr United travelled to Paisley to face St. Mirren in the second round of the the League Cup… and were demolished 5-1. The result was confirmation that a promising pre-season had indeed pulled the wool over pundits eyes and that Mark Roberts side were not the proposition many had thought they were.

Tonight, in similar circumstances, one of the only parallels against Premiership new boys Partick Thistle was that Martyn Campbell was substituted early into procedings.

This was an impressive performance from United that left the majority of the 400 strong team travelling support heartened.

There were many positives to take from the game. Roberts has worked hard over pre-season on the side's shape and United again showed discipline in that regard, despite missing Robbie Crawford and then Campbell. Josh McArthur showed himself to be an able deputy despite his young age and, well, Anthony Marenghi didn't do too badly against experienced opposition.

Thistle appeared to deliberately target Ayr's left hand side, where Gordon Pope has yet to convince. The former Auchinleck man has appeared ponderous and unsure and although Thistle's opener after 12 mins came from right back Stephen O'DONNELL the goal had more to do with a brilliantly executed strike than poor defending, collectively or individually.

To Ayr's credit, the goal did not see the hosts go on to stamp their authority on the game as you might have expected and at half time United were very much in the game. Their best effort saw Malcolm's effort come off the crossbar after good work from Moffat.

Into the second half and United created a number of chances and for a spell were very much on top. The midfield was working hard, as was Michael Moffat who, supported by McLaughlin, Donald and substitute Forrest (with Malcolm acting as the pivot up front), drove forward on a number of occasions with pace and power.

Partick's second, a header from Conrad BALATONI, was therefore a real disappointment but, instead of allowing their heads to drop, driven forward by skipper Scott McLaughlin, Ayr seemed to get stronger and showed great desire and fight.

Ayr's deserved goal came from another surge forward and saw McLaughlin exquisitely chip the ball into the path of Mark SHANKLAND who bravely headed home.

Shankland started last season as Roberts first pick but was quickly dropped out of the first team picture. Without knowing what went on behind the scenes, Shankland appeared to be misused. Tonight's cameo show he he has something to offer from the bench (at least). Ayr were lacking that something last season but in Shankland and Alan Forrest have two exciting young talents to add to Mark Roberts attacking armoury.

Shankland came within a coat of paint of earning the Honest Men an equaliser few few could have grudged. The only grumble is possibly Roberts should have made thales change earlier.

At full time, the players looked disappointed their efforts had not reaped a more fitting conclusion and acknowledged the United support who, to a man, rose to acclaim their efforts. All too often last season those fans witnessed the players slinking off the park with not so much as a second glance at those who had followed the side. It may seem trivial, but the difference means a lot.

Ayr open their league campaign away to Arbroath on Saturday in what is now a much anticipated game.  Bouyed by tonight's performance, it will be a good yardstick for United's prospects this season.

TEAM: Hutton; Hunter, Pope, Campbell (McArthur), Lithgow; McGowan (Forrest), McLaughlin, Marenghi, Donald; Moffat, Malcolm (Shankland).

The Honest Men, eventually, booked their place in the 2nd round of the Ramsdens Cup on Saturday against a stuffy Queen's Park side at the National Stadium. 

United's travelling support had to wait until the 89th minute for the winner, a special goal from Alan Forrest. In truth, the victory was more comfortable than its timing suggests.  Ayr recorded 15 attempts on goal (7 on target) to the opposition's 5 (3 on target) and had the bulk of the possession. 

Mark Roberts's biggest selection dilemma was whether to pick Martyn Campbell or Josh McArthur alongside Alan Lithgow, with Campbell being given the nod.  In his first competitive game since limping off at St. Mirren Park in the 10th minute in August 2012 - and just his 17th in two years - Campbell showed up well, making a number of key interceptions, providing an assist to Michael Moffat for Ayr's equaliser and also proving to be influential in the opposition's penalty area. Listed as a trialist, Campbell is sure to pen a deal in the near future. 

But for one loose header from Lithgow - superbly mopped up by Campbell - and a couple of instances where Pope was beaten for pace on the left-hand side, United's defence was comfortable and keeper David Hutton had only a couple of routine saves to make, although he will be disappointed not to do better with the Spiders penalty opener where he appeared to dive over the ball. 

The wide expanses of the perfect Hampden Park pitch suited Ayr's game plan with full-backs Gordon Pope and Adam Hunter supporting Michael McGowan and Michael Donald effectively as Ayr went forward in waves.

The central midfield duo of McLaughlin and Crawford were well balanced and provided a solid platform. Both could have grabbed a goal in the game, Crawford in particular is coming ever closer to his first goal in senior football.

Up front, Craig Malcolm held the ball up extremely well and was unlucky not to have a more productive afternoon: a cross which Moffat headed home was harshly ruled out for a supposed handball. He also played his part in the winner, playing a one-two with man (boy) of the moment, Alan Forrest. In Alan Forrest, Ayr have a match winner, who Roberts must surely seek to give more game time.  

Ayr now go into Wednesday's draw and will be paired with either: Airdrie, Annan, Berwick, Falkirk, Rangers, Stranraer or Queen of the South. 

TEAM: Hutton; Hunter, Pope, Campbell, Lithgow; McGowan (Forrest), McLaughlin, Crawford, Donald; Moffat, Malcolm (Shankland).