Falkirk 17s v Academy 17s
The Academy 17′s travelled to Stirling on Sunday to take on the unbeaten Falkirk at Stirling University. The game started at a frantic pace with Falkirk dominating the early part of the game as the Ayr player’s took time to adjust to the pitch.
Falkirk tried their luck with a couple of efforts from distance but neither attempt caused James Hart in the Ayr goal much trouble.
With the Ayr midfield of Andy Willock (pictured), Michael Wardrope, Steven McCreadie and Alan Forrest starting to take control of the game, Ayr started creating chances with Ryan Nisbet, Chris Vance, Alan Forrest and Michael Wardrope having attempts at goal.
Ayr eventually took the lead their play deserved when excellent play from Steven McCreadie and Ryan Nisbet set up birthday boy Alan Forrest to blast the ball high into the net from 12 yards.
However Falkirk were dangerous breaking forward and a long ball over the Ayr defence sent their number 9 through on goal. With Craig McCracken trying to get back he was unlucky to give a foul away and the referee pointed to the spot. This resultant spot kick was expertly saved by the outstanding James Hart when he pulled off the save of the match by diving low to his right hand side to palm the ball on to the post and away to safety.
Ryan Nisbet was then unlucky not to extend Ayr’s lead when his header was cleared off the line by the very good Falkirk Number 2. Ryan then had a shot from 12 yards saved by the Falkirk keeper. However just before half time Falkirk got the goal which some of their excellent play deserved when a counter attack allowed there number 9 to score.
The 2nd half was totally dominated by the impressive Ayr team and further goals from Alan Forrest and Michael Wardrope made it 3-1 before Falkirk got a consolation goal 4 minutes into injury time.
This was a fantastic team performance and a very professional display. Falkirk’s director of football Alex Smith was also in attendance at today’s game and he also commented on how impressed he was by this Ayr United team.
After the match, manager Andy Willock said ‘that was an excellent display against a team who have beaten Rangers, Hamilton and Motherwell this season. It was also very pleasing to see James Hart back to his best today.’
