#ramsdenscup

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).