Ayr 1 United 0

A third minute goal from Craig Moore was enough to give Ayr United a win over United at Somerset Park. 

By Gareth Scott

After a comfortable win at Montrose last Saturday Robbie Neilson made two changes to the United line up to face Ayr in the big game at Somerset Park. Skipper Fraser Fyvie returned after being rested and there was an immediate debut for Charlie Seaman following his loan move from Bournemouth. Paul Watson and Aidan Nesbitt both dropped to the bench. Ayr's Lawrence Shankland who was the star the last time the teams met, was only fit enough to be listed as a substitute.

First Half:

United got off to the worst possible start when after only three minutes they fell behind. McDaid crossed from the left and Murdoch headed into the path of Moore who scored from close range. A minute later Crawford had another chance for the hosts but he blasted over. United then had their first chance when Fyvie swung in a cross but Safranko failed to make contact. With a very strong wind blowing there was very little football being played although the hosts were dominating with the wind at their backs. Towards the end of the half Ayr did well to clear a dangerous Seaman cross and then Cammy Smith had a shot that was easily gathered by Doohan.

Second Half:

Just after the break Ayr had a good chance but Moore just failed to connect. Ten minutes later Ayr had another chance but Murdoch shot wide from close range. Just after the hour mark United won a corner which Smith took and Frans headed just wide. Four minutes later United had their best chance of the night when Clark was played through but Doohan saved from close range. United then introduced Nesbitt who immediately became involved. Firstly he was on hand to clear an effort off the goal line and then shortly after he had a great chance but Doohan saved to thwart the United man. To round off a very disappointing night United's Gomis was red carded after picking up his second booking.

Summary:

A really poor night for United who really didn't turn up with the home side thoroughly deserving the win.

Teams:

Ayr: Doohan, Smith, Harvie, Rose, Bell, Docherty, Crawford, Murdoch, McDaid, Moffat, Moore (Shankland 65)
Subs: Hare-Reid, Higgins, Muirhead, Ecrepont, Hilton, McCowan

United: Siegrist, Booth, Frans, McMullan, Fyvie (Harkes 59), Stanton (Clark 59), Gomis, Safranko (Nesbitt 82), Bouhenna, C Smith, Seaman
Subs: Laidlaw, King, Watson

Referee : Don Robertson