Academy 14s v Motherwell 14s
Ayr United 14s produced another impressive home performance despite a slow start to the game. Although it was pleasing to see them being competitive for the majority of the game the players will be disappointed at the poor start as Motherwell scored three goals without having to work too hard. However Ayr didn’t let their heads go down and created several half chances before a slick passing move ended with a one two between strike partners Jamie Martin (pictured) & Euan McCance and it was Jamie Martin who blasted a shot beyond the keeper. Full back, Stuart Gray, also had an impressive opening period pushing forward at every opportunity.
Ayr dominated the second period with Lyall Cameron expertly organising the defence and the central midfield trio of Will Graham, Kieran Balfour and Callum Ogston controlling possession and setting up chances for Jamie Martin & Euan McCance. Also Ayr keeper Greg Connor made several good saves and played well throughout.
Ayr created several good chances but it was from the penalty spot that Ayr added to their tally. Jackson Sivewright was fouled in the box and Jamie Martin took the responsibility and coolly slotted the kick beyond the keeper for his second of the game. Ayr were pressing to get the equaliser but right at the end of the period a cross from the left was allowed to travel unchallenged to the back post and was forced in by the Motherwell player. The boys would have been annoyed at losing the late goal and on the balance of play probably deserved to go in level.
Motherwell started the third period well with a through ball allowing their striker to outstrip the Ayr defence and slot the ball beyond the keeper. However it didn’t take long for Ayr to get back playing good football and they created several chances before a great through ball from Will Graham set Jamie Martin clear and he nutmeged the keeper for his hat-trick. Jamie was then presented with an identical chance a few minutes later when a Jackson Sivewright pass sent him clear however this time the keeper did well to narrow the angle and make the save. Shortly after a slick passing move from the back presented Kieran Balfour with a long range chance which went agonisingly wide. This was followed by a well struck free kick from Will Graham which also went narrowly wide. Ayr pressed forward for the rest of the period but unfortunately despite their good play they could not get the goals to draw level.
Head Coach Jack Martin was delighted by the performance except for the poor start. He was encouraged by the fact that his team were competitive throughout the game and there were several excellent performances. The boys need to build on this performance and deliver an even better performance when Dunfermline visit Prestwick next week.
