Draw at Dingwall signifies improvement

October 1st 2011. Ayr United travelled up to Dingwall with a makeshift defence, conceded a goal in the fifth minute... and went on to lose 4-0 against Ross County, the third consecutive away game they had conceded four goals. Fast forward 20 weeks and Ayr United travelled north with a makeshift defence, conceded a goal in the seventh minute... and went on to earn a point in a gritty, characterful performance played out in wintry conditions.

Missing John Robertson - still out with a calf injury that can't heal quick enough - and Martyn Campbell, Brian Reid lined up with the same defence that ended United's impressive cup win over Falkirk last Wednesday, meaning Eddie Malone partnered Chris Smith with Adam Dodd dropping to left-back (for a more in depth look at Ayr's line-up and shape see rosscountytactics.com's excellent analysis).  It may have been an unfamiliar back four but County's opener was more predictable. Ayr have certainly improved their set-piece play in recent weeks, in defence and attack, but a low ball into the near post was deflected out by McMenamin and the second ball into the box was nodded on for Grant Munro to prod home from six yards.

That early lead really should have put the game into the 'routine' category for the champions-in-waiting but Brian Reid's men should be commended for matching their opponents on a heavy pitch. Ayr had a lot more possession than expected but the usual suspects, McGowan in particular, were often guilty of giving away the ball by trying to pass one man too many and simply not moving the ball about quickly enough. County - despite resting six players for their midweek cup game at home to St. Mirren - seemed to find it difficult to get out of second gear and lacked that creative spark to break through a disciplined performance from the away side.

Reward for that endeavour came on 80 minutes when, almost out of the blue, Blackpool kid Liam Tomsett picked the ball up in space 30 yards out and didn't need a second invitation to unleash an unstoppable shot into the top-right hand corner. (A goal that I really wish I had been paying attention to see...). It capped off another strong performance from the 18 year-old midfielder, full of energy and a game awareness that belies his age.  Added into the mix was a goal line clearance at the death as Ross County finally showed some urgency but that, coupled with a couple of excellent saves we've come to expect from Kevin Cuthbert, was enough to see out the final whistle.

Liam Tomsett struck a sensational equaliser

News over the Victoria Park tannoy that Queen of the South had conceded yet another late goal turned this point from a good one to a great one and the Honest Men now travel to Firhill on Tuesday night with the chance to climb out of the bottom two spots in the league table for the first time since the start of December.  Ayr have now drawn six of their last eight league games, and while it has kept them in touch with relegation rivals Raith Rovers and Queen of the South, need to start converting one points - and games in hand - into three points.

Tiffoney. No stranger to a red card. 

Ayr and Thistle played out a dismal goalless draw at Somerset back in December but that point saw Ayr climb to 8th place.  If Ayr are to repeat that on Tuesday it will have to be without Jonathan Tiffoney. Ayr's right back picked up a red card almost immediately after Tomsett's equaliser to add to the three he received last season. With over 50 first team starts under his belt, the majority of them at right back, the oft stated excuse: "he's not a right back" is starting to wear thin. Its natural that any youngster will struggle for consistency but Tiffoney is often his own worst enemy. Losing possession, looking for fouls, snarling at referees and rash challenges are all part of the 20 year-old's game he could do without. Not many agreed when Brian Reid brought in Jim Lauchlan to replace Tiff at right-back towards the end of last season, but the rational was understandable. John Robertson seemed to be Brian Reid's first choice in that position at the start of this season, but injury to Martyn Campbell necessitated his move to the centre where he has forged an impressive partnership with Chris Smith. Now Robbo has joined Campbell on the sidelines, Tiffoney's latest mis-demeanour is less than welcome with the squad so stretched and he may find he's replaced by a new face for a second consecutive season.

To end on a negative would be a disservice, however, to the efforts of Brian Reid's players. Beyond the unbeaten run - seven games if we're only counting 'normal time' - there have been notable improvements to the side, and aspects of United's game, which should stand them in good stead for the run in. If we can somehow have more luck with injuries, Ayr have every chance of staying in this division. That, more than any cup run, would be a massive achievement.

United's season Bairn again?

May 25th 2005. The Champions League Final. The Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul. Liverpool turn round Milan's three goal advantage in the space of only six second-half minutes on the way to fifth European Cup. Nothing about Ayr United's Scottish Cup 5th Round victory over Falkirk on Wednesday night quite matched the scale of that occasion, but the comeback was certainly of similarly unlikely proportions.

Falkirk started the game like a train. The first 20 minutes or so was perhaps the finest display I've seen in the First Division. The Bairns were passing and moving at lightning speed and Ayr were chasing shadows. After six minutes, sixteen year-old Craig Sibbald ran at Tiffoney, passed the ball back to Willie Gibson who laid it off to left-back Tam Scobbie. His deep cross into the box found 19 year-old Blair Alston - given too much room by the returning Martyn Campbell sixteen yards out - and the youngster looped an unstoppable header right into Cuthbert's top right hand corner. Even at this stage I thought the game could well be over.

1-0 after six minutes and it looked like game over

Minutes later and an out-of-sorts Jonathan Tiffoney gave the ball away to Sibbald who's cross found the dangerous Moroccan Farid El Allagui six yards out but he was unable to steer the ball goalwards. This was ominous. It wasn't a case of Ayr sitting back, defending, standing off even - something that appears to becoming clichéd accepted opinion of Brian Reid's team following the League Cup semi-final. Ayr just simply could not get the ball from the visitors.

So, when Andy Geggan forced home an equaliser 13 minutes later there was a huge sense of relief. "OK, we might not get hammered here". Influential in the build up to the goal was Micheal Moffat. Restored to undoubtedly his best position up front, Moff took in a throw in from Eddie Malone, jinked and played the ball into Adam Dodd at an acute angle on the box. Dodd rocketed the ball against the cross bar, the ball may have crossed the line, but Geggan made sure.

That knock put Steven Pressley's team out their stride just enough. There was a penalty claim as Sibbald went down in the box but Malone hadn't done enough for referee Crawford Allan to point to the spot. I've seen the Falkirk youngster go down easily before, perhaps so has Allan. Falkirk were still on top, but quite as much as on top as previously.

At half-time it was level and Brian Reid did his best Rafa Benítez. Playing on his 27th birthday Micheal Moffat was playing like a man determined to prove Reid has been wrong to leave him stranded on the left of midfield. Not that some of his best plays didn't come out wide. Moments into the second-half, Moff received a ball up the left touchline, turned Darren Dods and accelerated away from the veteran defender and bore down towards the Somerset Road End in an exhilarating display of individual skill and pace. The stramash that ensued ended in Ayr's first penalty appeal of the night but signalled The Honest Men's intent and an intensity that wasn't to give up for the remainder of the game.

Instrumental in United's remarkable revival in the second-half was the introduction of Micheal McGowan for Alan Trouten on 51 minutes, Trouten's troublesome hamstring again playing up. The front four of Dodd, Moffat, Roberts and McGowan were pressing high up the pitch, right on top of the Falkirk defence. In the centre of the park Geggan and the impressive Tomsett were sweeping up, making it difficult for the Bairns to pass their way out their own half.

Just 5 minutes after his introduction, McGowan had created what was to prove the winning goal. Receiving his own throw back from the always available Tomsett on the left he made for the touchline. After getting the better of highly rated Falkirk right-back Keiran Duffie, McGowan crossed into a packed penalty box where the experienced Dods inexplicably handled. The same-aged Mark Roberts showed significantly more composure, making no mistake from the spot. Falkirk keeper Micheal McGovern didn't even move.

United didn't give up. They continued to press and harass. Falkirk were forced to go long and were clearly rattled by the home team's intensity. McGowan continued to run at Dark Blue shirts. Unlike for most of the season, however, the former Clyde winger was passing one, two, more men and the delivering. ''If he played like this every week, he'd be playing for Man City'' one North Terracing observer noted.

There was a third penalty shout as McGowan tricked his way into the box and struck the ball at Huddersfield-bound Murray Wallace. Another move down the right brought a shot which McGovern appeared to carry over the line. Yet another presented Andy Geggan with a guilt edged chance at the back post he could only cushion against the post. Breathtaking.

There is no doubt Ayr deserved this win. Steven Pressley threw on two giants up front at the death to supplement El Allagui but that simply isn't Falkirk game, even against a makeshift defence following Martyn Campbell's injury.

Ayr's remarkable unbeaten midweek cup run was extended to eight games in a performance that bodes well for the remainder of the league season. The final 45 minutes was perhaps the best football Ayr have played all season. The addition of Blackpool loan-duo Adam Dodd and Liam Tomsett as added a better balance to the side with a natural left sided midfielder and a real impressive operator in the centre of the park in Tomsett. The 18 year old has all the energy of Steve Bowey but vitally also a composure on the ball that could see him play an important part in Ayr's survival hopes.

Those survival hopes are unlikely to be given much of a boost later today (Saturday) as the Honest Men take on league leaders Ross County at Victoria Park, where the Staggies are yet to lose in the league this season. Injuries to John Robertson and Martyn Campbell will necessitate a reshuffle at the back meaning even bookmakers odds of 9/1 (or better) may be generous. But Ayr need to start picking up league points sometime and there would be no better place than at the home of the Champions-elect. Relegation rivals Raith Rovers and Queen of the South have both earned a point against County in recent weeks, albeit at home. A win for Ayr would send a strong message to Kirkcaldy and Dumfries. The side proved on Wednesday night they have it within them.

Is there no defence for defending?

Saturday 29th January - Scottish Communities League Cup Semi Final
Ayr United 0, Kilmarnock 0
Kilmarnock win 1-0 after extra time

Jose Mourinho brought the term 'parking the bus' to British football after his Chelsea side were unable to unlock a resolute defensive display from Tottenham in September 2004 and it has subsequently entered the lexicon of football clichés.  It carries entirely negative connotations, yet has contributed to some famous results: Scotland twice beating France in 2006 & 2007, Rangers' UEFA Cup run in 2007/08 and Mourinho's own Inter Milan at the Nou Camp as they beat Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate to reach to the 2010 Champions League. So some of the vitriol aimed at Brian Reid for employing the same approach against local rivals Kilmarnock in a Scottish Communities League Cup semi-final tie billed as the biggest ever Ayrshire derby has been surprise.

Ayr's semi-final tactics didn't please everyone...

A football game can be approached in two ways. You can go out to win, or you can go out not to lose. The best approach? Well, that depends primarily on the strengths and weaknesses of your side and of the opposition. Ayr's strengths during their run to the semi-final was being difficult to breakdown. Being well organised, and resolute and frustrating higher league opponents. There was no rational for changing the approach for the semi-final. Not the wide expanses of Hampden Park. Not the 25,000 crowd. Not the opposition. If first and foremost you set out not to get beat, the chances to win the game will come along. Possession, completed passes and creating goal scoring opportunities do not give a team the right to win a football match.

Ayr's only change to the starting XI that defeated St. Mirren in the quarter-final saw St. Mirren youngster Jamie McKernon come in for local lad Ross Robertson in midfield. That meant that Gareth Wardlaw came in for Mark Roberts up front with Michael Moffat withdrawn to a wide midfield spot as Ayr went 451. The formation worked against an atrocious on the night Inverness side in a gameAyr dominated. It was perhaps fortunate to work against Hearts in the next round of the League Cup as Ayr capitalised on a defensive error, questionable disallowed goal and some woeful penalty kicks from the Jambos. But it worked an absolute treat in the quarter-final at St. Mirren Park.

Back to the buses and Danny Lennon was irked by Ayr's tactics on the night: "What did they bring to the game?" asked the St. Mirren manager. "For all our dominance we couldn’t break down a parked bus and eleven traffic wardens". There was credit for sticking to the game plan, but definitely not the performance. Which grated a little. Brian Reid responded: “If parking the bus gets you the result then I’ll park the bus and take it. As the game wore on we were the better team". He was spot on. Urged on by a noisy travelling support in Paisley, Ayr finished the game strongly. Set piece after set piece was won and after 81 minutes Eddie Malone's perfect delivery into the box was met by the head of Chris Smith for the winner. It was the Honest Men's only attempt on target in a game in which they had given up 64% of possession yet it was a deserved win for a United side that grew in confidence in the face of a toothless St. Mirren attack.

This is what Ayr United tried to replicate at Hampden. They didn't come for penalties as suggested by the Telegraph's Ewing Grahame. Penalties were not Ayr's only hope as asserted by the Sunday Mail's Gordon Waddell. Brian Reid told Chick Young post-match his side had not come looking for penalties and his word should be enough. Penalties would have merely been the consolation for the game plan not quite working out. At least Waddell had the good grace to express admiration for Ayr sticking to their guns, recognising that if they had opened up Killie had the armoury to make them pay: "The Honest Men were well within their rights to play the game they needed to get the outcome they wanted". Grahame showed no understanding, to the extent that makes you wonder if he was in full possession of the facts. I certainly doubt he sees much of Ayr United. "Negative". "A staggering lack of ambition". A shoe-horned reference to Scotland's 4-6-0 experiment and even an opening gambit that Brian Reid had effectively failed his audition for a move to a bigger, full time club. Disappointing.

After the game Kenny Sheils, Killie's unorthodox manager, had a lot to say about the tactics of the Honest Men, perhaps where Grahame took his steer. The Ulsterman is after all an engaging and convincing character. Musing that Ayr had employed the same coach company used at St. Mirren, he said. "Football is about entertainment. People come and pay to be entertained and the easiest component in football, or any sport, is to defend. But anybody can do that". No, Kenny they can't. As pointed out by United's kid reporter Michael Lamont, if that were the case maybe Killie wouldn't have conceded nine goals in two games versus Inverness. And wouldn't have had to change both centre-backs for their Hampden appearance. Defending is every much as part of the game as attacking.

And Brian Reid's job wasn't to entertain. It was to win the game. In this of all games a victory was all that mattered. Had Ayr pulled off a repeat of their exploits at St Mirren Park – and they came very close at Hampden – to criticise the game plan would have entirely churlish. Describing United's approach as 'negative', 'anti-football' and lacking in ambition misses the point. It is disrespectful to Brian Reid and it is actually disrespectful to the quality possessed by Kilmarnock. Yes the game plan was to soak up pressure, to frustrate but importantly it was also to counter attack. To use Wardlaw’s ability to hold the ball up front and the pace and direct running of McGowan and Wardlaw on the flanks. The fact that Ayr were unable to implement this aspect of the strategy was not down to a negative approach. It’s not as if players were refusing to cross the half way line.

New centre-back partnership aside, a subtle alteration to Killie’s shape improved their capacity to dominate this game. Winger James Dayton supplemented the support given to loan front man Paul Heffernan by Gary Harkins and Dean Sheils, giving Killie more width than in recent weeks. With support from left-full back Ben Gordon this stretched the game and made it difficult for Ayr to break from their defensive third. When they did, too often there just weren’t enough numbers to make the ball stick – it’s difficult for the midfield to be in two places at once – when it did, well Kilmarnock were no strangers to a strategic foul to stop any momentum.

The game simply didn’t open up they way Ayr’s quarter-final against St. Mirren had. Maybe it was the big Hampden pitch. Maybe it was the occasion. Or just maybe it was because Kilmarnock have the better players. No one would argue Kilmarnock were the better side, or that they deserved to win the tie. But don’t tell me they deserved to win to because of Brian Reid’s tactics. They deserved to win because they were patient, persistent and because, eventually, they got the goal.

Kenny Sheils felt that Ayr have good players and that if they had ‘come out’ could have won the match. I can’t agree. It’s not Ayr’s strength and it would have simply left too much space for Killie’s front four to do serious damage. In a First Division campaign where Ayr have predominately been on the back foot, on the occasions where there has been an onus on the side to come out and attack they have been found wanting, notably at home to Annan Athletic in the Ramsden Cup and also versus Montrose. Indeed, United’s best attacking display of the season arguably came against Inverness, where the counter attacks became so frequent it looked like an onslaught. He may think that football is about two teams going out to win a game, and that only one side did that on Saturday butAyr did try to win the game. There should be no apologies or teeth gnashing because the approach to winning the game was not for the purists.

One thing Sheils did get right was that the Ayr players deserved enormous credit for their work rate and how much they put into the game. Ayr United fans should be immensely proud of what the side has achieved in the League Cup this season. After 45 minutes on Saturday it was ‘so far so good’. After 60 minutes ‘we’re still in it’. After 70 minutes even Kenny Sheils thought we were going to win it. The bottom line is that  Ayr's approach had them 11 minutes (and penalty kicks) away from the biggest result in the club’s history.

Golden opportunity goes up in smoke

Saturday 3rd December - Irn-Bru First Division
Queen of the South 4, Ayr United 1


Bang. 97 seconds of madness and Ayr United's four game winning streak on the road came to an end on a dismal day in Dumfries, a 4-1 defeat ending any hopes of some breathing space at the foot of the table going into Yuletide.  At the start of the week United fans were speculating that three points against Partick Thistle on Wednesday followed by a win against struggling Queen of the South would see Ayr go eight points ahead of tenth place. Instead, on the back of an insipid performance against the Jags at Somerset and a second-half collapse at Palmerston the Honest Men have slumped to 9th, one point ahead of Raith Rovers who now occupy bottom spot.

Despite promising to freshen things up Brian Reid made just one change to the starting line-up with Gareth Wardlaw replacing Mark Roberts in the lone role up front.  It's the tried and tested formula away from home for United and it meant that Tam McManus would have to wait for his first start in his second spell at the club.

The first half started with a conservative approach from both sides. The sides matched up with 3 men each  in the middle of the park meaning most of the constructive play came out wide, where the contest between the veteran Allan Johnston - 38 years old later this month - and Jonathan Tiffoney perhaps the most intriguing, particularly as the youngster seemed to be struggling with an injury.

The deadlock was broken just after the half hour mark and it was against the run of play. Just prior, Ayr had fashioned a great chance as great interplay at the edge of the box saw Alan Trouten send a dangerous low ball across the face of goal but there were no takers. Then a ball half-cleared by the Ayr defence found midfielder Stephen McKenna around 35 yards out in space in the middle of the park and he took no time in sending an unstoppable shot into the top right-hand corner. While you might question why the former Airdrie man had so much space, Ayr seemed to be set-up well in defence and the strike, McKenna's second in the space of a week, has to go down as the sort of wonder goal you can do little about.

McKenna's strike left Cuthbert with no chance

Queens visibly took confidence from the goal and Ayr were sloppy in possession but the home side had conceded two equalisers at Cappielow seven days ago and did so again on the stroke of half-time. McGowan found space to strike the ball at goal and Lee Robinson could only parry the ball out to Wardlaw who rolled the ball home at the back post. Ayr would have had justification for feeling aggrieved if they had gone into the break behind and a decent argument could be made that the deserved to be in-front.

Ayr started the second-half much the stronger, dominating the early exchanges. Queens were unable to get out their own half but for all their possession United failed to create any clear cut chances. Micheal McGowan and Alan Trouten were both having another one of those all too common days, where flashes of neat and clever play ultimately end in losing possession through a poor cross or an attempt to pass one man too many.  Queens responded with a double substitution. A tiring Allan Johnston was replaced by Nicky Clark while the largely ineffective Tam Brighton made way for Kevin Smith, a thorn in Ayr during his time at Raith Rovers. Meanwhile, McManus, Roberts and co. continued to mill about in the background of the visitor's dugout.

The changes were like-for-like but had an immediate effect.  A previously composed United defence was tested for the first time in the game.  Under pressure, Tiffoney blundered on the ball in the box, sending a woefully short pass pack to Cuthbert which United's No. 1 did well to pluck from the feet of Smith.  Then the moment that was to change the game.  Eddie Malone got caught not only wrong side but also awkwardly under high ball played into the box and in the process of turning simply hacked Nicky Clark from behind. It was a clear penalty and one of the clearest red card's I've seen since Ludo Roy head butted that Forfar player at Somerset Park.  Former Ayr man Scott McLaughlin left footed the ball past Cuthbert.

It didn't have to be the killer blow but what followed effectively ended any chance Ayr had of getting back into the game.  Just 46 seconds later Ayr had lost possession from the kick-off, and with the defence at sixes and sevens, Danny Carmichael was presented with the simple task of netting after a ball from Smith found the Dumfries-born youngster in acres of space in the box.

Ayr's enforced defensive reshuffle, Geggan to right-back and Tiffoney across to left-back - along with the introduction of McManus up-front alongside Wardlaw - came too late and in truth Ayr were lucky a buoyant Queen of the South only added one more goal, another long-ranger this time from Simmons. Gareth Wardlaw was stretchered off with an ankle knock to compound the misery and the demeanour of his replacement Mark Roberts, who had declined to warm up at half time with the other subs, summed up the mood amongst the visiting support. 

Queens had benefited from a wonder strike to take the lead in the first half and made the most of a 97 second spell to forget for Eddie Malone and the United defence to win a game that, although Ayr were never ahead in, looked to be the Honest Men's for the taking around the hour mark.

So what next for Ayr? Brian Reid's men have conceded 19 goals in just seven league games on the road this season - shipping four on four separate occasions.  Changes are required, but with limited options in terms of defensive personnel the answer may lie further forward.  Playing Wardlaw along up front has proven effective in United's league cup encounters against SPL sides, when the onus is on the opposition to attack. But in the First Division Ayr are coming up against teams - home and away - where all out defence is never going to be the solution to earning three points. Geggan and McKernon provide a solid enough foundation but the four ahead of them simply isn't working.  At times, Trouten and McGowan are passengers the side can ill-afford. Their combined return rarely justifies Reid's persistence. The lone striker - Roberts or Wardlaw - is isolated while Moffat is persisting manfully in a role he clearly isn't suited.  Tam McManus adds to Reid's attacking options and not playing two up-front is becoming increasing perverse.  Whatever the approach, three points at home to Ross County looks to be a tall order before games at Livingston - only three points ahead - and Raith Rovers at home on Boxing Day, two games already shaping up to be season-defining.

The Opposition
Queens started the game like a team struggling at the bottom of the table. A lack of confidence was clear but credit to manager Gus McPherson who set up his side to match United, particularly in midfield where McLaughlin, McKenna and Simmons countered Geggan, McKernon and Trouten. They were no nonsense at the back - if in doubt put it out - and happy to play the long ball up the park to ease the pressure - effective tactics in the circumstances. 

The Doonhamers face a difficult game away to on form on Dundee on Saturday and seems unlikely they will go on a run of results that will see them move away from the relegation zone and unimaginable that they won't - along with Raith Rovers - be Ayr's main rivals in fight to avoid Second Division football next season.  Mark Campbell and Ryan McGuffie will strengthen and add experience to their defence when they return from injury, and they look solid in the middle of the park but despite a four-goal display today their goalscoring credentials are questionable. You would certainly take McManus, Wardlaw, Roberts, Moffat (supplemented by McGowan going forward) over the options available to Gus McPherson. Although  you sense the former St. Mirren manager would get more out that particular striking quartet...

Very superstitious... but writing not yet on the wall

If you were to list Brian Reid's top managerial attributes its unlikely that 'tactical nous' would be top of the list. That's not to say he is a bad manager but like Mike Bassett, England Manager its a strict "four, four, f**king two" as far as Reid is concerned.

In an age where live football from across the globe is available 24/7, managers line up their 10 outfield players in all manner of formations and where a whole new generation of experts (no, not your Hansens, Lawrensons and Shearers on the Match of the Day sofa) are blogging about false No. 9s and dissecting the finest detail of the game, supporters now more than ever are armed with the knowledge (or think they are) to question the tactical status quo. Added to the minor idiosyncrasies of Ayr United under Reid; the endless goals conceded from crosses, an inability to retain possession at throw ins and the incessant quick free-kick routines that squander possession and territory endlessly and it suggests a manager unwilling - or unable - to adapt and, perhaps, tactically naive?

So, it was something of a departure, although not entirely alien, that Brian Reid lined his side up with just one up front for the League Cup visit of SPL side Hearts last Wednesday. That one, Gareth Wardlaw, led the line masterfully, harrying the Jambo's defence, winning the ball in the air, holding it up. Supported by Alan Trouten, as the forwardmost midfielder in a central three and, when they could, widemen Michael Moffat and Michael McGowan, it was an approach that succeeded ultimately. Ayr saw the best of Wardlaw, and perhaps also Trouten, with the former's perseverance leading to the Honest Men's equaliser, as he pounced on a mistake by Zaliukis.

The formation of 451 (or 4411) suited Ayr's game plan in a match where they were generally expected to lose. Hearts passing game in the middle of the park was disrupted, and their back four were often left without an easy short ball, leading to them increasingly having to look long and losing possession as Ayr's back line, in particular Chris Smith, dealt with the largely impotent John Sutton (Cuthburt's fingertip save down to his left in the first half apart).

Initially, things did look ominous. In the 30 minutes or so Ayr couldn't get out of their half. Pinned back by Hearts and the conditions, with their wide men Novikovas and Templeton threatening, there was no out ball and Wardlaw cut a distant figure. However, as United grew in confidence, spurred by a fine defensive performance from Jonathan Tiffoney in the right full back slot, the plan started to work. Wardlaw was holding the long(er) ball up to him, hassling and harrying - Moffat, McGowan and Trouten were providing support while McKernan and Geggan ensured Ayr remained solid in front of the back four.  That provided the platform for a performance full of effort and endeavour which more than matched their SPL opponents, a few of whom (Rudi Skacel) looked like they'd rather be anywhere than a rain lashed Somerset Park.  Add to that some good fortune in Hearts' disallowed goal and Zaliukis' slip and the Honest Men deserved their spot kick win, not least for the composure in which the penalties were dispatched.  When Marko stepped up for number four there was little doubt the old ground would be witnessing another famous 'shock'.

Fast forward to Saturday and the visit of Queen of the South. Two points adrift of four teams - including Queens - on seven points at the foot of the table there was a sense this was a 'must win' game. Or at least a 'must not lose'. Getting cut adrift at the foot of the table this early season would be ominous not to mention harsh given the player's endeavour and performances so far.  Gus McPherson's side came into the game having beaten the First Division league leaders in consecutive weeks at Palmerston, including a 4-1 thumping of Greenock Morton just seven days on from Morton inflicting the same result on United. However, Ayrshire rivals Kilmarnock had done Ayr a favour as they demolished Queens 5-0 at Rugby Park a day prior to Ayr's cup heroics. For 60 minutes the Dumfries side - down to 10 men following the sending-off of striker Kevin Smith for an elbow on Leon Panikvar - had been given the run-a-round on a moral sapping evening. Despite conceding 8 goals in two games and slumping to the bottom of the league it was Ayr that went into the game on a high.

Ayr United were without Wednesday's one man up front Gareth Wardlaw with a knee injury but despite lacking an obvious like-for-like replacement Brian Reid decided again to line up 451. Reid is known to be a superstitious manager.  From the combination of black or white shirts, shorts and socks, to his place in the Stand for the Ramsdens Cup run this season, if it worked in the previous game Reid will seek to keep everything the same the following week. But tactically? With a key component of the game plan unavailable?   Ultimately, Ayr earned three important points - but only after a struggle - and Roddy Paterson joining Wardlaw's replacement Mark Roberts up front and United reverting to 442.

This isn't a traditionalist 'you must play two up front at home' concern. Or based on a misunderstanding that one up front is necessarily defensive, but an observation that without Wardlaw, we simply don't have the personnel to go one up front. Sure, Mark Roberts has the clever feet and experience - but he doesn't have the physicality to plough the lone furrow on his own. Against a centre-half partnership of Mark Campbell and Ryan McGuffie it was always going to be a tough ask.

I've no doubt that a departure from 442 to more defensive formation - like we did against Hearts - can serve United well this season, especially on the road.  Indeed, at Dundee, it was notable that Mark Roberts was playing a deeper role, although again a lack of mobility saw him almost stranded between the midfield and Wardlaw up-front at times. But it has to be applied on the basis of the opposition and the players at Brian Reid's disposal - not what worked well last time out.  Another end of season collapse, with Brian Reid floundering for a formula that works, will see the writing on the wall for his managerial career.  Reid's tactics need to start convincing.

Meanwhile, here's Stevie Wonder...

A very long road home for atrocious Caley as Ayr shine under new floodlights

Wednesday 24th August - Scottish Communities League Cup, 2nd Rnd
Ayr United 1, Inverness Caledonian Thistle 0

The Ayrshire Post's Voice of Reason summed it up nicely: "I think we might have a team on our hands here".

Its a long time since I've see Ayr totally dominate a side the way they did Inverness on Wednesday night - the fact it this was a part-time team in from their work up against SPL opposition making it all the more impressive. This was an entertaining performance that showed that United can convert those impressive performances of late into victories.

Even the early departure of Martyn Campbell, who lasted only 10 minutes before a knee problem forced him off didn't phase Ayr, with Gareth Armstrong coming in at right-back and putting a composed display which defied his youth. The midfield battled and pressed and Michael McGowan put in another performance to wow the Somerset Park faithful. Even Chris Smith had a stormer, defending like a man possessed with the importance of a clean sheet.

Ayr's goal came from a set-piece, an area of our game that has notably improved.  McGowan played the ball in low to the front post where is was flicked on by Mark Roberts into the path of Malone who neatly side-footed home.  Speaking to Kicktalk on Ayr this week, Reid admitted it was an area the side had worked on and with Robertson (both John & Ross), Campbell, Wardlaw and even Geggan able to attack the ball, and some dangerous deliveries coming from the boot of McGowan, Ayr could benefit this season at both ends of the park.

Progress in this competition with the next round seeded guarantees an SPL side in the next side and, notwithstanding some poor attendances in this competition, the potential of a decent pay day that could seriously bolster our chances this season.  There's an incredible positivity about the old place at the moment... long may it continue!

The Opposition
Manager Terry Butcher described the game "the lowest point of his managerial career" and playing Ross Tokely as a holding midfielder must rank as his worst tactical decision. The former England international skipper appears to have a massive job on his hands to prevent Caley sliding back into the First Division.  His side lacked much of anything in midfield and upfront Foran cut a lonely, frustrated figure with no or little support. What they lacked in ideas and a formula to create chances they didn't even make up for in effort or endeavour.  Simply put, Caley didn't fancy this and you've got to wonder if they have enough quality in the squad to turn things round.

Rodney Marshall's flag ensures a fair point

Saturday 20th August - Irn-Bru First Division
Ayr United 2, Falkirk 2

[Note: I starting writing this post before the Ill Firm embarrassed nobody but themselves last night]

Can Scottish football really get any worse? asked STV. "Another night of Euro despair marks a new low for our game. There are no excuses, and few words left to describe it" wrote Ronnie Esplin.  What a load of hyperbolic nonsense. After Saturday's thrilling game in the Somerset sun, not too many of the 1938 supporters in attendance would agree, or probably care.  It was a fantastic game, and although a slew of missed chances and controversially disallowed goal suggests Falkirk were unlucky not to win, provided yet more evidence that United can hold their own in this division.

Ayr started badly and Falkirk were ahead after just 8 minutes.  Michael Moffat, demonstrating why wide midfield isn't his best position, was caught in possession on the right and the ball was threaded through Ayr's back four for Kallum Higginbotham.  Smith came across to challenge the former Rochdale man but was easily beaten as Higginbotham turned inside coolly curled the ball past Cuthbert into the bottom right hand corner.

United's defence was all over the place, with even the classy John Robertson looking uncomfortable in the face of Falkirk's youthful exuberance.  After 11 minutes Falkirk should have been two ahead. Another botched quick free kick routine - I wish Brian Reid would give up on this tactic - and 16 year old Craig Sibbald found Moroccan Farid El Allagui but the striker shot wide (more on him later).  Mark Roberts summed it up with a audible moan at Robertson: ''Robbo, that's a shambles".

Things were looking ominous for Ayr but they showed great character to draw level on the half-hour mark.  McGowan and Moffat switched flanks and this was to prove the catalysis.  Comfortable with both feet, the former Clyde winger seems to operate best on the right and after giving Dundee left-back Matt Lockwood a torrid time last week it was former Scotland U21 internationalist Thomas Scobbie who was on the receiving end here.  The equaliser came as McGowan played a one-two with Robertson who put in a perfect cross for Gareth Wardlaw to head home.  Many folk would like to see Robertson line up in the middle of defence alongside Campbell but the veteran's quality going forward from right-back should not be underestimated and Wardlaw grabbed a 'traditional' strikers goal, the type of which have been rare at Somerset Park in recent seasons.

Inspired by the goal and McGowan's wing play, Ayr were now competing well and for a time it was one way traffic towards McGovern's goal.  Geggan hit the post with a burst from midfield which is quickly typifying the hard working midfielder and Moffat had a header well saved. So Falkirk's second goal on the stroke of half-time was more than unfortunate. The goal was set in the context of a tussle royale between Martyn Campbell and El Allagui.  One challenge too many saw Campbell go into Stephen Finnie's notebook after 36 minutes and from that point on El Allagui seemed to be intent on getting the big centre-back sent off.  Any contact saw the Moroccan go down so as he raced through on goal - having escaped with just a talking to from Finnie when a yellow card looked certain - Campbell knew he couldn't touch him as he set off in pursuit. Cuthbert could have maybe done better in the one-on-one, but 2-1 it was.

Spurred perhaps by a sense if injustice, the second-half continued in much the same vain and Ayr grabbed an equaliser on the hour mark.  Wardlaw did well to earn a foul 20 yards out as Darren Dods made the challenge and Eddie Malone sent a superb free-kick curling up and over the wall into the bottom right hand corner. The game at this point was an incredible spectacle.  Fast paced with chances at both ends, both keepers - and the woodwork - being kept busy. The game was also gaining a bit of an edge with five Falkirk players going into the book in short succession, including El Allagui (eventually) but shortly after the Moroccan got his way as Martyn Campbell was ordered off following a tussle on half-way in which Campbell seemed to kick out at.  It was disappointing from Campbell and unfortunately entirely foreseeable.

Faced with seeing out the final seventeen minutes down to ten men it was inevitable that United would be under the cosh and Falkirk lay siege to Kevin Cuthbert's goal.  Ayr remained resolute, however, and the final act of the game summed up their deserved fortune.  With the ball in the back of the net and Kallum Higginbotham celebrating with the Falkirk fans, the Ayr supports' attention was drawn to Assistant Referee Rodney Marshall's raised flag.  Joy amongst the home end and by the time it had sunk into the visitors, irony had been added to agony with Higginbotham booked for celebrating a 'goal' that was ruled out (rightly, according to Brain Reid in the Ayrshire Post this week).  The full time whistle went almost straight away marking the end of a thoroughly entertaining game, well worth the admission price.  Its not often you can say that about Scottish football today and maybe, just maybe, Scottish football isn't as bad as people make out...

The Opposition
Like Hamilton on the opening day of the season, Falkirk travelled to Somerset Park with a raft of promising youngsters. Indeed, 11 of their match day 16 were still teenagers - and it showed in their inability to capitalise on their man advantage in the closing period of the game. There was no doubting their endeavour or technical ability but ultimately it was a lack of composure in front of goal (and perhaps luck...) that prevented Steven Pressley's kids earning all three points. At the back, the influence of Darren Dods is obvious - no more so as he was called upon to calm down the No. 2 Elliot Duffy, after Marko had wound the right-back up into a rage over a seemingly innocuous incident.  Falkirk were missing a similar character in midfield and although Geggan and McKernan didn't have many years on their opponents in the middle of the park, they probably edged it. And upfront, Higgenbotham and El Allagui will cause may defences trouble, particular the troublesome Moroccan. El Allagui was a constant menace to Martyn Campbell and came out on top - and there aren't many strikers at this level who can say that.  He seems to posses the attributes of a 'traditional' British centre forward but also a continental nous rare in this league. I'm certain he'll be infuriating Ayr fans again this season and that Falkirk are a side on the up.  Its probably too soon in their development for the Bairns to be challenging for the title this season, but they will certainly have a say.

United make a point at Dens

Saturday 13th August - Irn-Bru First Division
Dundee 1, Ayr United 1
 
The Scotland on Sunday observed that should Ayr United replicate more results like this 1-1 draw at Dens Park “they should have no problems” consolidating their place in the First Division. More than the result, however, it was the performance that confirmed that, on the evidence of United’s start to the season, we should have nothing to fear.

Gareth Wardlaw, Jamie McKernan and Gareth Armstrong kept their places following Tuesday night’s Ramsdens Cup win over Raith Rovers and Alan Trouten, Micheal McGowan, Andy Geggan and Mark Roberts all returned meaning Micheal Moffat (briefly) had to make do with a place on the bench. There was no return for veteran Alex Burke as Reid gambled with an inexperienced looking central midfield duo of McKernan and Geggan but the 19 year old St. Mirren loanee was a more than capable replacement for Burke - who must now wonder what role he’ll play in future weeks - while Geggan (24) put in another assured performance full of action and energy.

The game started with a booking for John Robertson after just 67 seconds, although I have to admit I was still queuing to get into the ground at this point, £19 not sufficient apparently to allow for two turnstile operators. Or even one competent one. (Maybe if Dundee spent less money on antagonistic stewards but enough on that subject). I wasn’t long in my seat when Alan Trouten limped off with a groin injury to be replaced by Michael Moffat but it didn’t take long for Ayr's cult hero to make his mark. A determined burst forward from Geggan resulted in a corner taken by Micheal McGowan on the right. His initial effort was straight at Jake Hyde, but the Dark Blues failed to clear and the ball found its way back to McGowan who sent in an inch perfect cross on to the head of Moffat who opened his account for the season, leaving the 39 year-old Rab Douglas no chance. It was an ‘un-Moffat’ like goal and the sort you would be raging if your side conceded, as the Moff was totally unmarked, just six-yards out.

The Dundee reaction was as you might expect from a team unbeaten in nineteen months at home. Wingers Nicky Riley and Jamie McCluskey played high up the pitch and caused full backs Chris Smith and Gareth Armstrong real trouble, the latter yellow carded after just 16 minutes but the rest of the Dundee attack provided little and a combination of good defending, poor delivery into the box and weak finishing meant Cuthbert wasn’t being over-exerted in the Ayr goal. Although Dundee were on top at this stage, Ayr were battling well and Wardlaw, leading the line on his own with Roberts supplementing the midfield in the deeper role, had an effort chalked off after 25 minutes for a foul on Dundee centre-back Craig McKeown. The big Dundee No. 5 was having a torrid time at the hands of Wardlaw and would have been relieved to hear the referees' whistle but the decision appeared soft.

Dundee’s equaliser did come on the half-hour mark and it was McCluskey who was instrumental with a super out-side of the right foot strike. Given too much space by the United defence, the former St. Mirren man elected to shoot from 20 yards out on the right. Cuthbert may have got a touch on the ball it arced towards the top left corner only to clatter off the crossbar but he, and Armstrong, were powerless to prevent Jake Hyde bundling the ball home from close range. Dundee – and McCluskey – buoyed by the equaliser went in search of another goal before half-time but, as Ayr became a little careless in possession, Campbell, Robertson and Cuthbert remained resolute at the back and the sides went into the break level. 

The second-half developed into a more open, end-to-end affair as both teams enjoyed periods of pressure, interspersed unfortunately with some baffling decisions from referee Stevie O’Reilly. Wardlaw was winning and holding the ball up well, linking up with Moffat - deployed on the left - and Roberts while McGowan, switched to the right to give Armstong some protection on that side, showed some neat skills to beat the experienced Matt Lockwood at left-back a number of times. A long range effort from McKernan on 66 minutes tested Douglas before Ayr had perhaps their best chance ten minutes later. Ross Robertson, on for Wardlaw, broke down the right hand side and into the box but had his effort scrambled away, the follow up from Moffat was smothered by Douglas.

Ayr finished on the back foot as the 4000+ home crowd looked for a winner but it never became real backs-to-the-wall stuff. The Dees’ best chance came as Kevin Cuthbert tipped a Leighton McIntosh shot on to the crossbar and recovered to beat away the rebound, although Riley was offside. Martyn Campbell did have a header from a corner at the opposite end, and a goal would have rounded off another fine performance for Big Bobo but the ball flew inches over. Campbell, along with Robertson and when called upon Cuthbert marshalled those around them and ultimately Dundee lacked the firepower to break United down for a winner that despite what Barry Smith may have said, would have been undeserved on the balance of play and chances created. Ayr had travelled to perhaps the toughest venue in the division and earned their first point of the season.

Prior to the game Micheal McGowan told the Daily Record: "We'll play without pressure because as far as everybody is concerned we are already relegated – so it is up to us to prove them wrong”. There may be no pressure, but there is still a nervousness about the team. Perhaps they need to stop mentioning the 'R' word altogether and approach games with a bit more more positive mental attitude. But hopefully results like this will instil more confidence and belief in the side, and they'll treat teams with a little less respect. Falkirk, an unknown quantity packed full of youngsters, and a Raith side we know we can beat are next up at Somerset providing the perfect opportunity to build on a solid start to the league campaign and ensure we end August well clear of the foot of the table. As McGowan also said: "On our day we're a match for anyone in this league."

The Opposition
Like Hamilton the previous week, Dundee are expected to be challenging for a return to the SPL and like the Accies seemed to lack fire power up-front.  Steven Milne returned from injury but Campbell and Robertson dealt with him comfortably. There was little support from the centre of midfield and the main threat came out wide, from McCluskey and Riley - although they will certainly come up across tougher full backs that Chris Smith and 17 year old Gareth Armstrong.  At the back, too, McKeown never quite looked comfortable. Dundee's success last season came on the back of a sense of injustice and although its still early days a lack of goalscoring threat will be causing concern for Barry Smith.

New season... same old frailties

Saturday 6th August - Irn-Bru First Division
Ayr United 1, Hamilton Accies 2


During the summer I almost, almost, took the time to look through AUTV to note down the number of goals we conceded from corners and set pieces last season. Balls into the box that our defence didn't deal with. I didn't but it wasn't a surprise that our Achilles heal should cost us again as First Division football returned to Somerset Park.

It was a game dominated by corners, with sixteen in total, as both sides enjoyed sustained periods of pressure in the other's 18 yard box.  Hamilton's Dougie Imrie and United's Michael McGowan provided some quality deliveries but ultimately Hamilton - and 35 year-old 6ft 2in Accies centre-back Mark McLoughlin - were able to capitalise.

Ayr had started well, with Michael McGowan scoring after 8 minutes following a great move involving Roberts and Moffat. But that was undone 20 minutes later when Robertson, otherwise his classy self in the right-back slot, was out jumped by McLaughlin, Cuthbert nowhere having pulled off a full stretch to turn a Hopkirk shot out for the corner.  As the half progressed, United were sitting far too deep and allowing Accies to dictate without causing Cuthbert too much concern.  Roberts was the front man, with Moffat in a withdrawn role behind meaning Ayr lacked that out ball that could have relieved some pressure.

Into the second-half and it took just 10 minutes for Hamilton to grab what would prove to be the winner. Again McLaughlin got the better of Robertson following what appeared to be a wrestling match in the six yard box. It seemed incomprehensible that a foul hadn't been committed, either on Cuthbert - with the experienced Simon Mensing causing a nuisance on the goal line - or Robertson but referee George Salmond was uninterested.  Ayr really lack a physical presence across the whole team to deal with such dangerous set-pieces. Smith, Malone and Geggan may be brave but ultimately we weren't big enough or strong enough to hold out against such a bombardment.

Ayr did have chances to grab an equaliser that on the balance of play would have been deserved. Billy Reid withdrew the influential Crawford and brought on the defensive minded Canning and seemed to settle for what he had, despite United appearing to tire.  Brian Reid's men continued to press and Wardlaw, on as a sub should have done better with a ball knocked down to him seven or eight yards out by Campbell; Cerny made a great save from Robertson and perhaps the best chance fell to Trouten.  Running on to a great through ball from Geggan, the winger, with space still ahead of him to run into, tamely shot at Cerny.

In the end, it was disappointment at the manner of defeat but some positive signs in the way we competed with a Hamilton side that will be up their challenging at the end of season.  The defence, with two competitive clean sheets already under their belts, dealt with Hamilton in open play and the interplay between Moffat, Roberts and the midfield at times showed up well and earned us a great goal.

However a postscript to the game is the injury to Eddie Malone - thankfully not as serious as first feared - which really brings into focus how threadbare Brian Reid's squad is.  Further loan deals could be in the offing but it isn't lightweight  novices from the SPL U19s we need, notwithstanding Brian Reid's commendable commitment to playing football 'the right way'.

The Opposition: 
For all Billy Reid's guarantee that Hamilton will play some sublime football this season - with an emphasis on youth - it was two set pieces and an experienced, no-nonsense defence that won them the game. In terms of their playing-style, I was expecting more. Despite being tidy on the ball, young Ali Crawford in particular catching the eye, they certainly didn't outclass United and were not shy to launch it out of defence when required.  Its obvious that Accies are missing a striker or two to put away the chances Imrie and co. will create but, with Mensing and McLaughlin in defence - not to mention Cerny between the posts - they will be serious title contenders. Cerny was a £180,000 signing when he joined Accies in 2009 and that tells its own story in the difference between the two sides.


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