Ayr United’s 16s turned in a polished performance versus Cowdenbeath at Prestwick Academy. Ayr dominated the game from start to finish and controlled the game with their high tempo, quick passing brand of football.
Sean Robertson was the first to threaten for Ayr when he raced through on goals but his lob drifted just wide. Ryan Nisbet was then unlucky not to be awarded a penalty after taking the ball round the keeper before tumbling to the ground. Robertson then opened the scoring with a cool finish after an error by a Beath defender. Steven McCarrison was next to threaten but his effort was well saved by the keeper.
McCarrison was having one of those days when the ball just wouldn’t fall for him though he was causing havoc down the right hand side but just couldn’t put the ball in the net. He went through twice one on one but was thwarted by the keeper on each occassion. Ayr soon doubled their lead however and it came from a Ewart cross from the left that was well finished by Nisbet. Nisbet could have scored again seconds later but fluffed his finish after going through on the keeper. Alan Forrest then saw a 25 yarder turned over by an impressive keeper. Nisbet was next to threaten but the keeper saved well with his feet. McCarrison then saw his shot cannon off the post as his bad luck continued.
Ayr scored their third of the game after an excellent team move. McCreadie’s shot was saved by the keeper but he reacted well to follow in on the rebound and squared it to Alan Forrest who tapped the ball home from two yards. McCreadie then made it four with an excellent finish from 12 yards. Mick Wardrope stepped into McCarrisons position on the right and seemed to inherit his luck in front of goals as he had 3 good chances to extend Ayr’s lead in the final 10 minutes but failed to find the net on each occassion.
Overall this was an excellent performance with 4 good goals, plenty of chances and a clean sheet from a well drilled and disciplined defence.
Report from Neil Duffy
Picture: Steven McCarrison
