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Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
110 million year old fossil found in canada
The 110-million-year-old dinosaur fossil was found in Canada's oil sands.
An oil company worker has stumbled upon a rare fossil of a plant-eating dinosaur buried in the oil sands of Canada's western province of Alberta.
The 110-million-year-old fossil belongs to an ankylosaur, a dinosaur with powerful limbs, armor plating and a club-like tail, Reuters reported.
The find has been a surprise to many archeologists since the region where it was found was covered by water in ancient times.
"We've never found a dinosaur in this location," said Donald Henderson, a curator at Alberta's Royal Tyrrell Museum. "Because the area was once a sea, most finds are invertebrates such as clams and ammonites."
Experts say the fossil had once been a creature about 5 meters long and 2 meters wide.
"It is pretty amazing that it survived in such good condition," said Henderson, adding that the fossil was not flattened by the heavy rock sediment.
"It is also the earliest complete dinosaur that we have from this province."
Work has been halted at the site when the discovery made and archeologists will have three weeks to remove the fossil and take it to the Royal Tyrrell museum.
The last major fossil found in northern Alberta was a giant reptile called an ichthyosaur, which was discovered 10 years ago near Fort McMurray.
bomb found in northern ireland
A timely tipoff has helped the Northern Ireland police discover a bomb, presumably planted by a dissident group, in Londonderry.
Police on Sunday described the bomb as a "substantial viable device" that could have caused deaths.
District Commander Stephen Martin believes a dissident republican group will accept responsibility for the attack.
"In my view it will be either the Real IRA or Oglaigh na hEireann," he said.
"It's just a highly built up residential part of the city within the walls and a device this size would have caused considerable devastation, " Martin added.
Sinn Fein MLA, Martina Anderson, also condemned this act, saying, "We are all of the view that an attack on any place in this city is an attack on us all."
"Even with people who have not been evacuated there is a sense of confusion, because in the city centre there are a lot of residential areas in and around this particular area," Pat Ramsey, SDLP representative said.
radiation found in usa rain
Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant was damaged by the earthquake on March 11.
Traces of radioactive iodine linked to quake-hit Japan's nuclear power plant have been found in rainwater samples taken last week in Massachusetts, US.
The low level of radioiodine-131detected in Massachusetts rainwater samples is comparable to the amounts found in California, Washington and Pennsylvania.
However, public health officials say the pollution poses no threat to drinking supplies, Reuters reported on Monday.
"The drinking water supply in Massachusetts is unaffected by this short-term, slight elevation in radiation," said Massachusetts Public Health Commissioner John Auerbach.
"We will carefully monitor the drinking water as we exercise an abundance of caution," he added.
Health officials also say they have found no detectable radiation in air samples examined in Massachusetts.
On March 11, an 8.9-magnitude earthquake, off the northeast coast of Japan's main island, unleashed a 23-foot (7-meter) tsunami and was followed by more than 50 aftershocks for hours.
The quake set off the nuclear problems by knocking out power to cooling systems at the Fukushima Daiichi plant. The incident caused nuclear meltdown and radiation leaks at the facility.
On Saturday, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) officials announced that leaks have been detected at units 1, 2 and 3 of the reactor and there is no timeline in sight to stop the leakage.
Japan's nuclear safety agency said on Sunday that radioactive iodine in the waters off the quake-hit site rose to 1,850 times the usual level.
Japan has ordered a halt in shipment of a range of farm products, as radiation was detected in vegetables from Fukushima Prefecture.
Japan has announced that nearly 28,000 people have died or are feared dead as a result of the disastrous quake and tsunami.
The quake is now considered Japan's deadliest natural disaster since the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake, which claimed the lives of more than 142,000 people.
bahrain police ransacking
A newly-released video of government-sanctioned crackdown of protests in Bahrain shows national and Saudi forces attacking people's vehicles.
The footage featured regime troops' causing damage to the cars and slashing the tires. Wearing masks, the gunmen were shown shattering the windows and taking away the contents.
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have dispatched armed forces to Bahrain to assist Manama's attacks on the popular revolution it has been facing since February 14.
The video showed government troops throwing stones at the vehicles, breaking the doors and throwing the contents outside.
Demonstrators in the Shia-majority Persian Gulf demand the ouster of the 230-year-old Sunni-led monarchy as well as constitutional reforms.
At least 24 people have been killed and about 1,000 others injured during the crackdown.
Earlier in the month, a widely-circulated video showed forces shooting an unarmed, middle-aged man twice at close range, despite the victim's not seeming to be posing any threat to them.
Ibrahim Mattar, a former member of the country's largest opposition group Al Wefaq said on Monday, "We have around 250 confirmed arrested and 44 who are missing, though that number fluctuates when people reappear after hiding from police."
Sunday, March 27, 2011
14s v cows
14s In Easy Street
Ayr were looking to build on a good performance last week by continuing to play some quick sharp passing while keeping disciplined in defence.
Ayr started the game very brightly and kept possession very well while being very patience in attack. Their first chance came in 12 minutes when a break away down the left with some quick fluent passing from Blaine Swift and Donnie Campbell, allowed Sean Mckenzie to cross for Roy Barr to fire home to break the deadlock.
Ayr were on the front foot, playing the ball around sharply from left to right and on 19 minutes another quick passing move resulted in Mckenzie getting clear and shooting at goal which the keeper could only parry in front of Barr to tap it in to add his second.
Recce Lapham and Lee Williamson were organising from the back and were having a easy day so far.
Ayr then added another with a nice two touch passing move down the right involving Craig Bova, Michael Stewart and Barr who then found Mckenzie in the box to fire home.
Ayr were quickly to add another on 32 minutes thanks to great determination from Roy Barr as he chased Blaine Swifts long ball, out muscleing the big defender finding Mckenzie with his pass, who showed good compsure to slot home from close range.
Ayr were on a roll at this point, hitting the back of the net again on 34 minutes. A nice move this time down the left hand side involving Donnie Campbell, Barr led to Lewis Neilson playing a inch perfect pass into Mckenzies path who then ran clear and slotted home for his hat trick.
Although in no danger of losing, Ayr had their keeper to thank after a wonderful one on one stop from Lewis Mcmurdo who came off his line very quickly to close the danger to keep his clean sheet. This gave Ayr a wake up call and on 50 minutes the quick sharp passing moves tore Cowdenbeath apart, this time involving Aiden Connor, Lewis Nielsen and Jordon Bruce who eventually played Mckenzie through, who unselfishly squared the ball to Barr for a tap in.
Adams nearly got on the scoresheet when a half struck clearance fell in front of him and he showed some great technique to get over the ball and strike it towards goal only for it to come back off the post.
Neilsen then tried his luck from 20 yards only to find his shot come off the bar and go over. On 73 minutes however Ayr did score another when some good play in the middle involved Adams releasing Mckenzie who fired the ball into the roof of the net.
Coach Michael Taylor said afterwards,"This was a very good team performance from every one of the boys who can be proud of themselves. The tempo was set high from the first to the last whistle with the football being a joy to watch."
Ayr were looking to build on a good performance last week by continuing to play some quick sharp passing while keeping disciplined in defence.
Ayr started the game very brightly and kept possession very well while being very patience in attack. Their first chance came in 12 minutes when a break away down the left with some quick fluent passing from Blaine Swift and Donnie Campbell, allowed Sean Mckenzie to cross for Roy Barr to fire home to break the deadlock.
Ayr were on the front foot, playing the ball around sharply from left to right and on 19 minutes another quick passing move resulted in Mckenzie getting clear and shooting at goal which the keeper could only parry in front of Barr to tap it in to add his second.
Recce Lapham and Lee Williamson were organising from the back and were having a easy day so far.
Ayr then added another with a nice two touch passing move down the right involving Craig Bova, Michael Stewart and Barr who then found Mckenzie in the box to fire home.
Ayr were quickly to add another on 32 minutes thanks to great determination from Roy Barr as he chased Blaine Swifts long ball, out muscleing the big defender finding Mckenzie with his pass, who showed good compsure to slot home from close range.
Ayr were on a roll at this point, hitting the back of the net again on 34 minutes. A nice move this time down the left hand side involving Donnie Campbell, Barr led to Lewis Neilson playing a inch perfect pass into Mckenzies path who then ran clear and slotted home for his hat trick.
Although in no danger of losing, Ayr had their keeper to thank after a wonderful one on one stop from Lewis Mcmurdo who came off his line very quickly to close the danger to keep his clean sheet. This gave Ayr a wake up call and on 50 minutes the quick sharp passing moves tore Cowdenbeath apart, this time involving Aiden Connor, Lewis Nielsen and Jordon Bruce who eventually played Mckenzie through, who unselfishly squared the ball to Barr for a tap in.
Adams nearly got on the scoresheet when a half struck clearance fell in front of him and he showed some great technique to get over the ball and strike it towards goal only for it to come back off the post.
Neilsen then tried his luck from 20 yards only to find his shot come off the bar and go over. On 73 minutes however Ayr did score another when some good play in the middle involved Adams releasing Mckenzie who fired the ball into the roof of the net.
Coach Michael Taylor said afterwards,"This was a very good team performance from every one of the boys who can be proud of themselves. The tempo was set high from the first to the last whistle with the football being a joy to watch."
17s v berwick
17s Cruise in Cup
After a long break from competitive football after winning the Scottish League, the AUFA 17's got back into the swing of things with a smashingperformance in their League Cup section home fixture against Berwick Rangers.
Goals from Marshall, Wyllie, Barr (2), Forsyth (2), Brown and Campbell gavethe team a comfortable victory which also saw Ayr keeper Kinniburgh saving a penalty. Davy Adams, 17's Head Coach said post match "We were not at our best todaybut the character of the players shone through in the end."
15s v Cows
15s Too Strong For Cows
Ayr 15s came away from Cowdenbeath with a comfortable victory despite a subdued performance which never really showed the players at their best.
It took Ayr a while to get going in the first period, they started slowly and were a goal down after 10 minutes. This seemed to spark a bit of life into Ayr and they finished the period strongly with Ryan Nisbett scoring twice. The first a clever lob over the keeper and the second a spectacular volley from 25 yards.
Ayr dominated the second period with some fine inter linking play between Wardrope, Willock and Ahern. Ayr's first of the period was the pick of the bunch when a short free kick in Ayr's half led to some fine one touch football, ending in Mick Ahern sending Ross Campbell through on goal with Ross finishing well under the keepers body.
Ahern then got himself on the scoresheet when he collected a ball on the edge of the box and turned the defender before finishing well from 20 yards.
Some slack play from Ayr saw them gift possession from their own short corner with Cowdenbeath capitalising from it, scoring a cracking goal from a fast counter attack.
The third period saw Ayr again taking the game to the Beath. Sean Ewart added to Ayr's tally with a curling 25 yard free kick which looped over the keepers head.
Cowdenbeath where full of fight though and pulled one back to keep the game alive. Ryan Nisbett finished the game though when he danced past four defenders in the box before squaring to Steven McCarrison who finished well from eight yards.
Although Ayr where well short of their best on the day, they still scored plenty of well taken goals against decent opposition but eventually cruised through to take the win. This result means that the 15's have still only lost once all season with this game taking them to six league wins on the trot since the winter break.
Neil Duffy enthused afterwards,"This team have set a high standard all year and the expectations are high everytime they take the field, today they failed to live up to those expectations but still managed the victory."
Report Neil Duffy
Picture Sean Ewart
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
ayr 16s v Saints
16's Edged Out By Saints
Ayr fought out a closely fought game against their Perth counterparts on the 20th, with plenty of goals to talk about.
The first half was close and indeed a scrappy affair, with both teams competing very well, but with not much football being played .
The game however burst into life after 30 minutes with five goals being scored before the end. First up were St Johnstone to take the lead only for Ayr to equalise through Sean Robertson.
The second half was again being played at a frantic pace, and like the first 45 minutes of play, the goals came near the end.
St Johnstone for the second time took the lead but Mark Shankland pulled Ayr back into the game once again.
St Johnstone however finished off the scoring when a quickly taken free kick was finished by their number seven to end the game in the visitors favour.
Coach Davie White said “ Our attacking play and quality at times was very good, but our desire to defend as individuals and a team must improve in the future games”.
Ayr fought out a closely fought game against their Perth counterparts on the 20th, with plenty of goals to talk about.
The first half was close and indeed a scrappy affair, with both teams competing very well, but with not much football being played .
The game however burst into life after 30 minutes with five goals being scored before the end. First up were St Johnstone to take the lead only for Ayr to equalise through Sean Robertson.
The second half was again being played at a frantic pace, and like the first 45 minutes of play, the goals came near the end.
St Johnstone for the second time took the lead but Mark Shankland pulled Ayr back into the game once again.
St Johnstone however finished off the scoring when a quickly taken free kick was finished by their number seven to end the game in the visitors favour.
Coach Davie White said “ Our attacking play and quality at times was very good, but our desire to defend as individuals and a team must improve in the future games”.
Kudos to the Irn Bru Cap Collectors
At first glance on collection yesterday, we had around 1000 caps to be added to the total already collected so far, so on behalf of the Academy, we thank you for your continued support. We still have until May 7th to go though, so keep collecting.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Ross Robertson interview
Former Academy star helps Ayr on their promotion chase!
With the country in recession and living through tough financial times, football clubs as well as businesses are finding it hard.The economic downturn has seen Ayr United looking to the Academy rather than spending money buying players in from different clubs.
This season, the supporters have seen two former Academy players feature heavily in the first team games in the shape of Jonathan Tiffoney and Ross Robertson.
Robertson has been involved in the first team matches throughout the season and it is intriguing to find out his views on the team’s promotion chase as well as his experience at the Academy.
Here is what Ross had to tell our reporter Michael Lamont when they sat down for a chat before Wednesday night’s game against East Fife.
Q: What clubs did you play for as a boy before joining the Academy and what age were you when you signed?
A: When I was 14 I played with the Hibernian pro youth team. From there I signed for Prestayr Thistle. I joined the Academy when I was 17 after Mark Shanks approached me when I was playing for Prestayr at the Rozelle tournament. I was also asked to join Queen of the South youths but I opted for Ayr as they are my local team.
Q: What did you learn during your time at the Academy and are there any Academy coaches who particularly helped your career?
A: The main thing I learnt was to have a good attitude. I learnt that being a good footballer isn’t all about being skilful, attitude is equally as important.Malky Boyle was a great help. He was my under 19’s coach and gave me lots of helpful advice.
Q: What advice would you give Academy players aspiring to reach your level?
A: The main thing I would say is to work hard at all times. In training and in games. If you do that and have the right attitude, opportunities will come and it’s just a matter of taking them.
Q: How have you found the step up from the under 19s to the first team? What is the biggest difference?
A: The players are far more physical and stronger. I also don’t get as much time on the ball as I did in the under 19’s games. It was difficult at first to adjust to the pace of the games but after a few matches I got used to it and I’m now really enjoying it.
Q: What are your personal goals for the rest of the season and beyond?
A: My main aim is to hold down a permanent position in the first team. I’ve enjoyed playing at this level and would like to be starting, getting as much playing time as possible and help the side to promotion. At the moment I just want to focus on Ayr.
Q: Who has given you the most advice since joining the first team?
A: Mark Roberts has been a great as he helps me and the younger boys a lot in training by giving us advice in order to complete drills more effectively. Every team needs more experienced individuals to give advice to younger players. He has also helped me with my diet. He’s given me advice on what to eat such as having pasta pre match to provide lots of carbohydrates. The Manager is a great help as well. He’s always talking and giving encouragement. As he was a centre back in his playing days, he has given me some great tips on playing in that position.
Q: This season, you have played in defence, midfield and as a striker. What is your preferred position and why?
A: My favoured position is centre midfield as you see a lot of the ball and you are more involved in the game. I really enjoyed playing there in the under 19’s and scored a lot of goals when I was in that position. However, at the moment, I am just happy to be involved in the first team and will play in any position as there are a lot of talented players that play in the centre of midfield.
Q: After the disappointing result against Livingston (12th Feb) do you and the rest of the squad still believe you can win the league or do you think the play offs are a more realistic aim?
A: Yes I firmly believe that we can still win the league. Our aim at the start of the season was for automatic promotion and we still think that can happen. The league is wide open and anyone can beat anyone. Every team will slip up and even though we still have to play Brechin and Livingston away from home, I am confident that we can go and get results up there.
Q: After the team’s impressive performances against Hibs and St Mirren, do you think that there is a big gap between SPL and 2nd Division?
A: No, there isn’t a big gap in quality. The biggest difference is that the SPL teams are full time and train more than we do. However, we showed that we can compete against some of the big clubs like Hibs home and away. We did well against St Mirren as well but were just unlucky.
Q: How big an influence do you think the fixture congestion will have in Ayr’s promotion chase?
A: I think it will play a big part, but as long as our players keep injury free and play well then we’ll have a great chance of promotion. Playing away in midweek doesn’t bother us as we are confident of beating any team in the league and proven that we can.
Ross Robertson has been an extremely reliable player for Ayr this season and has been a permanent feature in the first team. He has made many telling contributions in his first season including his first goal on the 29th January 2011 in a 4-3 win for Ayr United against Stenhousemuir at Somerset Park. Robertson rose above the defence to nod home at the Somerset Road end. He also came on against Hibernian at Easter Road and played an influential part in Ayr’s 5th Round cup tie against St Mirren.
Ross was very confident about the side’s ability to be promoted and seemed delighted to be involved with the first team. Ross spoke very highly of the Academy and this year, the AUFA (Ayr United Football Academy) is continuing to produce quality players such as Shaun Kelly, Dale Moore and Darryl Jones who have been on the bench for some crucial games lately. They will be looking to follow in the footsteps of Robertson who is a talented, confident player with a bright future ahead of him.
Interview and report by Michael Lamont
Photograph by D Sargent
Sunday, March 20, 2011
aufa sponsorship
Want your name on an Ayr strip? Start planning for future advertisements by sponsoring the Ayr United Football Academy.
Offers include a wide range of sponsorship opportunities, all helping to support
and fund the Talented Young Players Programme. So far this season, Ayr United have signed seven of the AUFA players on professional
contracts showing the advancement that the Academy has made in producing fine young
athletes able to compete with Ayr United's first team squad players for a place in the
top 11. Ex Academy players such as Jonathan Tiffoney, Alistair Woodburn and Ross Robertson
are all regulars in the squad. Current Academy players Darryl Jones, Ian Fisher,
Shaun Kelly, Dale Moore, Robbie Crawford and Roddy Paterson have all been chapping
at the managers door asking for a spot in the squad and have been getting some
playing time, further enhancing their experience. In the current footballing financial climate, this is the way ahead for Ayr United
but for the Football Academy to continue supplying players that can be pushing for
places in the team, they need sponsorship. The sponsorship that is on offer is by no means a one way transaction. The Academy
offer website visibility, photo presentations, press acknowledgement, profiles in the
Ayr United Football Programme and help to promote your business or products you may
have to name but a few. We want to help you and your business maximise your return on
investment. As the Academy is a charity and self financing, in order to sustain these levels of
playing standards, it is vital that we generate as much revenue to support the youth
players training schedule and we want to partner with local businesses in order to
achieve that. SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES INCLUDE: Youth Development Partner - £5000 Shirt sponsor - Logo on Front £1000 Shirt sponsor - Logo on Back £350 Travel suit/tracksuit - £750 Shorts sponsor - Logo on Shorts £200 Player sponsor - Profile on Website £75 Individual tailored packages are available on request, contact Marc at
marc.roseblade@aufa.org.uk or phone 07969 231642 to discuss details.
tops for youths
Irn Bru Tops For Youths
Ayr United still need your help in collecting Barrs product caps in the race for a slice of the £70'000 pot on offer from the Scottish League sponsors.
After 4 weeks of the promotion, Ayr currently sit 7th in the collection league table and ask for your help in raising a few more caps before the promotion ends in May.
You can collect the plastic caps from Irn Bru products, Strathmore water, Tizer, Orangina and St Clements. They can be from dumpy bottles right up to the 2 litre jumbo bottles with 8 bottle multi pack prices of Irb Bru dumpys costing sround £2.50.
Get collecting now and drop them into collection points at Ayr United club shop, Ayr Central shopping centre, Subway (within Ayr Central), Tesco (whitletts road), Ship Inn & McCabes.
Under 12s also have the chance to receive free tickets for remaining Ayr United home matches by collecting 15 caps and returning them to the club office in exchange for the next home game.
Ayr United still need your help in collecting Barrs product caps in the race for a slice of the £70'000 pot on offer from the Scottish League sponsors.
After 4 weeks of the promotion, Ayr currently sit 7th in the collection league table and ask for your help in raising a few more caps before the promotion ends in May.
You can collect the plastic caps from Irn Bru products, Strathmore water, Tizer, Orangina and St Clements. They can be from dumpy bottles right up to the 2 litre jumbo bottles with 8 bottle multi pack prices of Irb Bru dumpys costing sround £2.50.
Get collecting now and drop them into collection points at Ayr United club shop, Ayr Central shopping centre, Subway (within Ayr Central), Tesco (whitletts road), Ship Inn & McCabes.
Under 12s also have the chance to receive free tickets for remaining Ayr United home matches by collecting 15 caps and returning them to the club office in exchange for the next home game.
aufa 15s v stirling, march 2011
On a wet morning in Prestwick, Stirling were the visiting team to play Ayr United Football Academy under 15's.
Ayr started poorly in the first period and got away to the worst possible start after only four minutes. A long ball up field from the Stirling defender caused confusion between Howie and Hart which resulted in Howie fouling the Stirling striker on the edge of the box. From the resulting free kick the Stirling player stepped up and put his shot into the top corner of the net. Ayr just couldn’t get into there usual pattern of play and for all their possession, failed to threaten the Stirling goal in the first period.
After a change of formation and a few stern words from coach Willock, Ayr came out flying in the second period. Within five minutes they had created good chances to get the equaliser through an Ahern header and two shots from McCarrison which failed to hit the target. Further chances came and went through Keegan, Nisbet and McCarrison with the latter lobbing the goal keeper but watched his shot come back off the post. It was just a matter of time before the goal came and it did seven minutes before the break when some nice play between Keegan and McCarrison set up Ahern to finish well from nine yards out. Stirling were still a threat on the counter attack and it was a tremendous save from Hart in the last few moments of the period that kept Ayr on level terms.
In the third period Ayr continued to press the Stirling goal with Fillipi firing a shot from 20 yards just wide of the post before Wardrope hit a free kick that made the Stirling goal keeper produce a wonderful save, tipping his effort onto the bar which then landed at the feet of Fillipi but unfortunately he put it wide with the goal gaping.
The second goal did come and it came from a good run down the right by Fillipi who crossed to Anderson whose shot at goal was saved by the keeper, however a lively Nisbet was on hand to tap in at the back post to give Ayr the lead. Ayr continued to press for the third goal but Fillipi and McCarrison failed to stretch their lead with decent chances from inside the Stirling box.
Coach Andy Willock said afterwards "The boys struggled to get into their usual style of play in the first period but afterwards they played some excellent attacking play and should have won the game with a more convincing score line. Howie, Vance and McCarrison played really well."
Report by Jamie McCrae
Picture of Steven McCarrison
Ayr started poorly in the first period and got away to the worst possible start after only four minutes. A long ball up field from the Stirling defender caused confusion between Howie and Hart which resulted in Howie fouling the Stirling striker on the edge of the box. From the resulting free kick the Stirling player stepped up and put his shot into the top corner of the net. Ayr just couldn’t get into there usual pattern of play and for all their possession, failed to threaten the Stirling goal in the first period.
After a change of formation and a few stern words from coach Willock, Ayr came out flying in the second period. Within five minutes they had created good chances to get the equaliser through an Ahern header and two shots from McCarrison which failed to hit the target. Further chances came and went through Keegan, Nisbet and McCarrison with the latter lobbing the goal keeper but watched his shot come back off the post. It was just a matter of time before the goal came and it did seven minutes before the break when some nice play between Keegan and McCarrison set up Ahern to finish well from nine yards out. Stirling were still a threat on the counter attack and it was a tremendous save from Hart in the last few moments of the period that kept Ayr on level terms.
In the third period Ayr continued to press the Stirling goal with Fillipi firing a shot from 20 yards just wide of the post before Wardrope hit a free kick that made the Stirling goal keeper produce a wonderful save, tipping his effort onto the bar which then landed at the feet of Fillipi but unfortunately he put it wide with the goal gaping.
The second goal did come and it came from a good run down the right by Fillipi who crossed to Anderson whose shot at goal was saved by the keeper, however a lively Nisbet was on hand to tap in at the back post to give Ayr the lead. Ayr continued to press for the third goal but Fillipi and McCarrison failed to stretch their lead with decent chances from inside the Stirling box.
Coach Andy Willock said afterwards "The boys struggled to get into their usual style of play in the first period but afterwards they played some excellent attacking play and should have won the game with a more convincing score line. Howie, Vance and McCarrison played really well."
Report by Jamie McCrae
Picture of Steven McCarrison
mcdonalds tesco article
McDonald’s Community Coaching Programme Proves Successful
The Academy has recently started to provide a new coaching scheme to the youths of Ayrshire in the shape of the McDonald’s Community Coaching Programme.
The programme was set up in 2002 when McDonald’s and the SFA became Community Partners. Since then a Community Coaching Programme has been developed to help raise standards in grassroots football across Scotland. As well as giving youngsters the chance to hone their football skills, it has also provided an opportunity for budding coaches. The programme has provided jobs for over 2,000 community coaches. The initiative has also help set up 1,800 new football teams across Scotland since 2002.
This year, Ayr United Football Academy decided to deliver this programme to schools throughout Ayrshire. It is a four year programme so over this period, many schools and boys/girls clubs will get the chance to receive the coaching sessions.
Three coaches, in the shape of Scott Agnew, Craig Richmond and Shaun Ferrie deliver the programme for the Academy by carrying out training sessions to local primary schools. In the first year seven schools in Ayrshire have been given the privilege of receiving the McDonalds programme; Ayr Grammar, Holmston, Kincaidston, Forehill, Coylton, St Anns and Mossblown.
After the sessions the coaches ask who is interested in joining a club and they will encourage them to join one of the two teams set up by the programme - Ayr Boswell and Coylton Boys club, both at the under eight age group. This has been highly successful as it has led to two new under eight teams being created for those two teams. Both of these clubs will be entered into a 4v4 development league that will take place throughout Ayrshire.
Community Development Officer, Shaun Ferrie, who helps run the initiative for the Academy is very enthusiastic about the programme and said: “The programme has been a great success and to be able to deliver it myself has been great as I have seen the great benefit it has had. Not only do the kids get to play football and have a chance of joining a team but this project also looks for adults to get involved and gives them the chance to become a volunteer and help out with the organisation of a team whether it’s through coaching, organising games or dealing with finances.”
This programme is another example where the Academy is helping out the local community to great effect.
Report by Michael Lamont
14's Cruise to Victory
With a tough tie against a strong Arbroath side looming, the Academy 14's were looking to pick up where they left off last week with a cracking match on a crisp playing surface at links park.
Ayr started slowly with the tempo and passing not really coming together with Arbroath squeezing up and putting good pressure on the Ayr boys. Arbroath created the first chance of the game with a nice move around the box that fell to their number 6 who unleashed a 20 yard shot only for a brilliant stop from Lewis Murdoch to tip it away from goal.
This woke Ayr up and the short sharp passing starting coming together with some nice triangle passages of play. The tempo picked up and made for some excellent watching.
Blaine Swift and Aiden Connor were combining well down the left, getting balls into the box and causing some trouble within the Arbroath defence. On 34 minutes Ayr took the lead with a quick pass from Recce Lapham to Blaine Swift who drove forward, driving past two opponents before playing a lovely through pass to Sean Mckenzie who timed his run well beating the offside trap before placing the ball past the goalkeeper to give his side the lead.
Ayr then quickly doubled their lead on 38 minutes with a good move down the left when a through ball to Ryan Wilson couldn’t be controlled and was cleared but only into Donnie Campbell's path who took a good first touch to set himself up before striking the ball from 25 yards which looped over the goalkeeper into the top off the net to finish the first period off in Ayr's favour.
The second period started with Ayr coming out the traps and got their passing game started straight away. Their one touch passing and movement was a joy to watch and the Arbroath players were starting to get a bit tired after constantly chasing the ball.
The passing and movement soon paid off when Ayr added another goal. Sean Robinson found Recce Lapham with a strong pass who in turn moved it onto Sean Mckenzie who had pulled away from his marker, McKenzie flicked the ball into Ryan Wilsons path who did well to beat the offside trap and tucked the ball into the corner of the net with the help of the inside of the post.
The pressure continued from Ayr who were starting to get the ball wide and cross the ball into the box with increasing frequency. This style paid off with a few corners and the delivery from the wide boys, especially Aiden Connor and Donnie Campbell led to yet another goal for Ayr after a good delivery caused trouble when a crossed ball was only cleared as far as Declan Adams who moved onto it with a good first touch and showed some good technique to plant the ball into the top left hand corner from 20 yards.
Ayr created a number of chances before the end and if Ryan Wilson, Sean Mckenzie and Donnie Campbell had a bit more luck the scoreline could have been higher.
This was a good performance from the boys who showed some good high intensity and tempo in the game and all did their individual jobs very well. The defence was very compact and the communication throughout was very good.
With a tough tie against a strong Arbroath side looming, the Academy 14's were looking to pick up where they left off last week with a cracking match on a crisp playing surface at links park.
Ayr started slowly with the tempo and passing not really coming together with Arbroath squeezing up and putting good pressure on the Ayr boys. Arbroath created the first chance of the game with a nice move around the box that fell to their number 6 who unleashed a 20 yard shot only for a brilliant stop from Lewis Murdoch to tip it away from goal.
This woke Ayr up and the short sharp passing starting coming together with some nice triangle passages of play. The tempo picked up and made for some excellent watching.
Blaine Swift and Aiden Connor were combining well down the left, getting balls into the box and causing some trouble within the Arbroath defence. On 34 minutes Ayr took the lead with a quick pass from Recce Lapham to Blaine Swift who drove forward, driving past two opponents before playing a lovely through pass to Sean Mckenzie who timed his run well beating the offside trap before placing the ball past the goalkeeper to give his side the lead.
Ayr then quickly doubled their lead on 38 minutes with a good move down the left when a through ball to Ryan Wilson couldn’t be controlled and was cleared but only into Donnie Campbell's path who took a good first touch to set himself up before striking the ball from 25 yards which looped over the goalkeeper into the top off the net to finish the first period off in Ayr's favour.
The second period started with Ayr coming out the traps and got their passing game started straight away. Their one touch passing and movement was a joy to watch and the Arbroath players were starting to get a bit tired after constantly chasing the ball.
The passing and movement soon paid off when Ayr added another goal. Sean Robinson found Recce Lapham with a strong pass who in turn moved it onto Sean Mckenzie who had pulled away from his marker, McKenzie flicked the ball into Ryan Wilsons path who did well to beat the offside trap and tucked the ball into the corner of the net with the help of the inside of the post.
The pressure continued from Ayr who were starting to get the ball wide and cross the ball into the box with increasing frequency. This style paid off with a few corners and the delivery from the wide boys, especially Aiden Connor and Donnie Campbell led to yet another goal for Ayr after a good delivery caused trouble when a crossed ball was only cleared as far as Declan Adams who moved onto it with a good first touch and showed some good technique to plant the ball into the top left hand corner from 20 yards.
Ayr created a number of chances before the end and if Ryan Wilson, Sean Mckenzie and Donnie Campbell had a bit more luck the scoreline could have been higher.
This was a good performance from the boys who showed some good high intensity and tempo in the game and all did their individual jobs very well. The defence was very compact and the communication throughout was very good.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
/********* DECLARE AND INITIALIZE VARIABLES **************************/
// names of folder and pictures, in the order to put them into the slider
var picnames:Array = [
"flower_orange",
"flower_yellow",
"flower_pink",
"flower_red",
"flower_purple"
];
// constants
var PICPATH:String = "flowers/"; // folder with jpgs
var NPICS:Number = picnames.length; // number of pictures to load
var PICX:Number = 10; // x loc of big picture
var PICY:Number = 10; // y loc
var THUMBHOLDERX:Number = 0; // x location of thumbnail holder movieclip
var THUMBHOLDERY:Number = 240; // y location
var THUMBW:Number = 72; // width of each thumbnail
var THUMBH:Number = 40; // height
var MARGIN:Number = 10; // margin between thumbnails
var TOTALBYTES:Number = 212000; // approx sum of bytes in all jpgs (x 2)
var MAXPIXELS:Number = 12; // max number of pixels to move slider per frame
// mask definition; mask is assumed to cover some part of the thumbnail slider (here the numbers
// were chosen so that there are margins between the mask and the right and left edges of the movie
// (which is 420 x 290), and enough space above and below the thumbs to show them when they 'grow'
// on mouseover
var MASKX:Number = 10; // start x location of mask
var MASKW:Number = 400; // mask width
var MASKY:Number = 230; // start y location of mask
var MASKH:Number = 60; // mask height
var totalloaded:Number = 0; // running tally of bytes loaded from all pics
// index into pictures array, used for loading
var ipic:Number;
// set up loader, an instance of MovieClipLoader
var loader:MovieClipLoader = new MovieClipLoader();
// use the main timeline to listen to and respond to loader's broadcast events
loader.addListener(this);
/********* DEFINE FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING INIT FOR MOVIE SETUP **********/
// thumbnail rollover handler
function grow() {
this.onEnterFrame = function() {
if (this._width < THUMBW * 1.2) {
this._x -= this._width * .025;
this._y -= this._height * .025;
this._width *= 1.05;
this._height *= 1.05;
} else delete this.onEnterFrame;
};
}
// thumbnail rollout handler
function shrink() {
this.onEnterFrame = function() {
if (this._width > THUMBW) {
this._width /= 1.05;
this._height /= 1.05;
this._x += this._width * .025;
this._y += this._height * .025;
} else delete this.onEnterFrame;
};
}
// function to move thumbnail slider ("this" = thumbs_mc)
function sliderControl() {
var w:Number = this._width/2;
var hw:Number = mask_mc._width/2;
var npixels:Number;
// only do when mouse over slider mask
if (_ymouse > mask_mc._y && _ymouse < mask_mc._y + mask_mc._height) {
// mouse over left half of slider:
if (_xmouse > mask_mc._x && _xmouse < mask_mc._x + hw) {
npixels = (hw - _xmouse) / hw * MAXPIXELS;
this._x += npixels;
if (this._x >= 0) this._x = this._x - w;
// mouse over right half of slider:
} else if (_xmouse > mask_mc._x + hw && _xmouse < mask_mc._x + mask_mc._width) {
npixels = (_xmouse - hw) / hw * MAXPIXELS;
this._x -= npixels;
if (this._x <= -w) this._x = this._x + w;
}
}
}
// thumbnail click (onrelease) handler
function openPic() {
pic_mc.loadMovie(PICPATH + picnames[this.i] + ".jpg");
}
// assign event handlers (called when all jpgs are loaded)
function setupHandlers() {
pct_txt.removeTextField(); // don't need loading indicator any more
thumbs_mc.onEnterFrame = sliderControl;
for (var i:Number = 0; i < NPICS*2; i++) {
thumbs_mc["mc"+i].onRollOver = grow;
thumbs_mc["mc"+i].onRollOut = shrink;
thumbs_mc["mc"+i].onRelease = openPic;
}
}
// listener function for broadcast 'done' message (for each pic)
// onLoadInit gets executed when the movieclip has been loaded into _mc AND
// its width and height data are available.
// (_mc = the movieclip being loaded into)
// this routine sets the size and position of each thumbnail clip as its jpg
// is loaded and starts the next one loading. When all have been loaded,
// a random picture is loaded into pic_mc and setupHandlers is called to
// assign handlers to each thumbnail movieclip
function onLoadInit(_mc:MovieClip) {
// this gets done when the jpg is completely loaded:
_mc._width = THUMBW;
_mc._height = THUMBH;
_mc._alpha = 99; // for image clarity
// give the movieclip a property to remind it who it is
// (used by openPic to know which big picture to open)
_mc.i = (ipic >= NPICS ? ipic-NPICS : ipic);
// add picture size to totalloaded variable
totalloaded += loader.getProgress(_mc).bytesTotal;
// now load the next one (if there are more) or set up handlers if done
ipic++;
if (ipic == NPICS * 2) {
// start with a random photo displayed when all thumbs loaded
pic_mc.loadMovie(PICPATH + picnames[Math.floor(Math.random()*NPICS)] + ".jpg");
setupHandlers();
} else if (ipic >= NPICS) {
// load jpg into duplicate thumbnail (will already be cached)
loader.loadClip(PICPATH + picnames[ipic-NPICS] + ".jpg", thumbs_mc["mc"+ipic]);
} else {
// load jpg into thumbnail
loader.loadClip(PICPATH + picnames[ipic] + ".jpg", thumbs_mc["mc"+ipic]);
}
}
// listener function to handle broadcast progress messages
// make pct_txt show cumulative loading progress
function onLoadProgress(_mc:MovieClip, loaded:Number) {
var loadedsofar:Number = totalloaded + loaded;
pct_txt.text = Math.floor(loadedsofar / TOTALBYTES * 100) + "%";
}
function init() {
// create holder for pictures
createEmptyMovieClip("pic_mc", 1);
pic_mc._x = PICX;
pic_mc._y = PICY;
// create (and draw) holder for thumbnails
createEmptyMovieClip("thumbs_mc", 2);
thumbs_mc.beginFill(0, 100); // black
thumbs_mc.moveTo(0, 0);
thumbs_mc.lineTo(2 * (MARGIN + THUMBW) * NPICS, 0);
thumbs_mc.lineTo(2 * (MARGIN + THUMBW) * NPICS, THUMBH);
thumbs_mc.lineTo(0, THUMBH);
thumbs_mc.endFill();
// drawing the thumb holder at 0, 0 and then moving it makes its reg point = upper left
thumbs_mc._x = THUMBHOLDERX;
thumbs_mc._y = THUMBHOLDERY;
// create, draw and enable mask over thumbs (could use different variables to define mask
// if desired)
createEmptyMovieClip("mask_mc", 3);
mask_mc.beginFill(0x0000cc, 100);
mask_mc.moveTo(0, 0);
mask_mc.lineTo(MASKW, 0);
mask_mc.lineTo(MASKW, MASKH);
mask_mc.lineTo(0, MASKH);
mask_mc.endFill();
mask_mc._x = MASKX;
mask_mc._y = MASKY;
thumbs_mc.setMask(mask_mc);
// create loading textfield indicator
createTextField("pct_txt", 4, 200, 100, 40, 100);
var tf:TextFormat = new TextFormat();
tf.align = "center";
tf.size = 12;
tf.font = "Verdana";
tf.color = 0xFFFF00;
pct_txt.setNewTextFormat(tf);
// make empty movieclips in thumbs_mc for each pic to go into
// make double the number so the slider can move continuously and show content
for (var i:Number = 0; i < NPICS * 2; i++) {
var mc:MovieClip = thumbs_mc.createEmptyMovieClip("mc"+i, i+1);
mc._x = i*(MARGIN + THUMBW);
mc._y = 0;
}
// set the pointer to the first jpg in the array picnames
ipic = 0;
// start loading jpgs (ipic is initialized to 0)
loader.loadClip(PICPATH + picnames[ipic] + ".jpg", thumbs_mc["mc"+ipic]);
}
/********* CALL THE INIT FUNCTION TO START THE MOVIE *****************/
init();
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Ayr 14s, Comeback Kings
This was a game that promised to be a good test for the Ayr players on a lovely wide playing surface which would allow them to play to their normal strengths against a well organised Alloa side.
The first period started with Alloa on the front foot, playing the ball around in the midfield area as Ayr struggled to get out of the blocks in the early minutes. This was causing Ayr's midfield to be forced back deep into their own half and were literally on top of their own defenders which allowed the Alloa midfield to see lot of the ball and spray the ball about.
Alloa's strikers were also pressing the defence, not allowing Ayr to get their passing going meanwhile Ayr strikers Ryan Wilson and Roy Barr were working hard for the team but thus far weren’t getting any joy up front.
Alloa kept on the attack and got their reward as a cross from the left was not cleared away safely, and with a pinpoint volley from the talented Alloa number six, the ball nestled into the top right hand corner of the goal to give his side a well deserved lead.
After the goal, Alloa kept going strong and were controlling the game, requiring some good saves from Ayr keeper Sean Robinson to keep the scoreline as it was. The first period ended with just the one goal for the home side whilst Ayr still looked to get themselves started.
Ayr started the second period slightly better although the midfield were still sitting deep and not pressuring their opponents but with the introduction of Sean McKenzie gave the Alloa defence something different to think about and McKenzie nearly got on the score sheet after a long ball caused an error from the Alloa defence which saw him run clear to knock the ball through an Alloa defenders legs but his shot was stopped by a great save by the goalkeeper.
Ayr started to express themselves a bit more and this was evident as Aiden Connor picked up the ball on the halfway line, driving at the defence stepping by the right back but unfortunately the cross got blocked but showed a better attacking prowess from the Ayr side as the second period ended.
The third period saw Ayr increase the tempo and start to get the better of their hosts by not allowing them any time or space to play.
The ball was getting played into some good areas and with the players positive attitudes, they were starting to impose their will on the match. This was apparent none more so than Michael Stewart who was causing havoc down the right side with long dribbling runs giving a man of the match performance.
Ayr eventually got there equaliser through another positive move by Stewart who beat a man before producing a wonderful through ball to McKenzie who showed good composure to slot it past the out rushing Alloa keeper. Ayr looked a lot brighter and had a hunger about them, quickly getting back on the attack with Reece Lapham who struck a magnificent 20 yard effort of the crossbar and unfortunately Ryan Wilson couldn’t convert the rebound due to some good defending by Alloa's rearguard.
Ayr then added another with a wonderful solo effort from Michael Stewart who picked the ball up in midfield and showed the confidence to drive past five Alloa players before striking the ball past the goalkeeper.
Ayr now had the bit between their teeth, testing the keeper again and again. Alloa's keeper needed to be in inspired form as he stopped a brilliant shot from McKenzie down to the left and with McKenzie and Ryan Wilson working their socks of upfront it was just a matter of time before this pressure paid off.
A direct ball from Blaine Swift was misjudged by the Alloa defenders mainly due to the pressure put on them by McKenzie which allowed Wilson to run onto the free ball to finish superbly with a volley into the left corner leaving the goalkeeper rooted to the spot.
Ayr coach Michael Stewart commented afterwards,"It took us a while to get into the match against a well organised Alloa team but when the players eventually started their engines, they got motoring. There was a lot of hard work involved today but the boys never dropped their heads, always believing they could drag themselves back into the match and once we scored, there was no looking back."
This was a game that promised to be a good test for the Ayr players on a lovely wide playing surface which would allow them to play to their normal strengths against a well organised Alloa side.
The first period started with Alloa on the front foot, playing the ball around in the midfield area as Ayr struggled to get out of the blocks in the early minutes. This was causing Ayr's midfield to be forced back deep into their own half and were literally on top of their own defenders which allowed the Alloa midfield to see lot of the ball and spray the ball about.
Alloa's strikers were also pressing the defence, not allowing Ayr to get their passing going meanwhile Ayr strikers Ryan Wilson and Roy Barr were working hard for the team but thus far weren’t getting any joy up front.
Alloa kept on the attack and got their reward as a cross from the left was not cleared away safely, and with a pinpoint volley from the talented Alloa number six, the ball nestled into the top right hand corner of the goal to give his side a well deserved lead.
After the goal, Alloa kept going strong and were controlling the game, requiring some good saves from Ayr keeper Sean Robinson to keep the scoreline as it was. The first period ended with just the one goal for the home side whilst Ayr still looked to get themselves started.
Ayr started the second period slightly better although the midfield were still sitting deep and not pressuring their opponents but with the introduction of Sean McKenzie gave the Alloa defence something different to think about and McKenzie nearly got on the score sheet after a long ball caused an error from the Alloa defence which saw him run clear to knock the ball through an Alloa defenders legs but his shot was stopped by a great save by the goalkeeper.
Ayr started to express themselves a bit more and this was evident as Aiden Connor picked up the ball on the halfway line, driving at the defence stepping by the right back but unfortunately the cross got blocked but showed a better attacking prowess from the Ayr side as the second period ended.
The third period saw Ayr increase the tempo and start to get the better of their hosts by not allowing them any time or space to play.
The ball was getting played into some good areas and with the players positive attitudes, they were starting to impose their will on the match. This was apparent none more so than Michael Stewart who was causing havoc down the right side with long dribbling runs giving a man of the match performance.
Ayr eventually got there equaliser through another positive move by Stewart who beat a man before producing a wonderful through ball to McKenzie who showed good composure to slot it past the out rushing Alloa keeper. Ayr looked a lot brighter and had a hunger about them, quickly getting back on the attack with Reece Lapham who struck a magnificent 20 yard effort of the crossbar and unfortunately Ryan Wilson couldn’t convert the rebound due to some good defending by Alloa's rearguard.
Ayr then added another with a wonderful solo effort from Michael Stewart who picked the ball up in midfield and showed the confidence to drive past five Alloa players before striking the ball past the goalkeeper.
Ayr now had the bit between their teeth, testing the keeper again and again. Alloa's keeper needed to be in inspired form as he stopped a brilliant shot from McKenzie down to the left and with McKenzie and Ryan Wilson working their socks of upfront it was just a matter of time before this pressure paid off.
A direct ball from Blaine Swift was misjudged by the Alloa defenders mainly due to the pressure put on them by McKenzie which allowed Wilson to run onto the free ball to finish superbly with a volley into the left corner leaving the goalkeeper rooted to the spot.
Ayr coach Michael Stewart commented afterwards,"It took us a while to get into the match against a well organised Alloa team but when the players eventually started their engines, they got motoring. There was a lot of hard work involved today but the boys never dropped their heads, always believing they could drag themselves back into the match and once we scored, there was no looking back."
Ayr & Alloa 16's Stalemate
Ayr's under 16's made the journey to Alloa knowing that they were in for a difficult game after previous encounters between these two sides had always been closely contested but with Alloa
coming out narrowly on top in the last three meetings.
The home team started at a furious pace and inside the first minute Andy Clark made an outstanding save pushing a ferocious shot on to the bar and over for a corner.
Ayr were taking a long time to make any impression on the game as Alloa took full advantage of the
wide open spaces of Recreation Park pushing Ayr back for long spells. However, the Ayr boys worked
hard and gradually began to show more as an attacking force towards the end of the first half and indeed stole
the lead in the 35th minute when Adam Fraser finished clinically from just outside the box after a flowing Ayr move.
The second half started like the first with Alloa seeing most of the ball and in the 55th minute they scored from
close in after an excellent cross from the right.
From that point the game developed into an end to end contest with both teams serving up highly entertaining spells of play with further opportunities to score being manufactured by both sets of players, but with good goalkeeping and stout defending in evidence the scoreline remained the same.
Coach John Given spoke after the 90 minutes saying, " Overall this was a good hard fought match which left both team's respective coaches happy with their player's performances and commitment."
Ayr 15s, Pride Over Clyde
On a cold and damp afternoon at Prestwick Academy, Ayr started the quicker of the two sides on show with Mick Ahern having the ball in the net after only four minutes but the referee deemed it to be off-side.
This was a sign of things to come in the first period as Ayr continued to press the ball in the Clyde half and the first goal came after just eight minutes when a nice passage of play involving Keegan and Willock sent Nisbet through on goal to slot past the Clyde keeper.
Ayr's next goal came within a minute of the restart with Nisbet picking the ball up in his own half then playing an excellent through ball to send Anderson clear on goal and he placed it past the keeper into the far post.
Ayr had further chances to increase their lead with the best of them coming from Nisbet, Ahern and McCarrison but none could find the net. However, Ayr did get another when Nisbet intercepted a pass between the Clyde defenders to go through on the keeper to finish well for his second of the afternoon.
The second period saw Clyde pressing Ayr hard, not giving them a moment on the ball and with only two minutes of this second period played, they finished with a good strike past Hart into the Ayr goal. Clyde continued in this vein and were the stronger team throughout this period of play adding their second goal of the day with a 20 yard strike that flew high past Hart and into the back of the net.
Ayr though, continued to create chances and Nisbet completed his hat-trick
with seconds remaining of the period when he slotted the ball past the stranded Clyde keeper.
As the third period started, the Ayr players were stunned as straight from the restart, Clyde went up the pitch and scored their third of the afternoon but the third period was to prove more of an even affair than the two previous with firstly Nisbet getting another Ayr goal after a good break involving McCarrison and Ahern but only after Fillipi's shot at goal had hit the bar.
Clyde, to their credit kept fighting and never let there heads drop and added another goal of their own with a good finish. However Ayr were not finished scoring with McCarrison getting on the score sheet with an excellent 25 yard strike that left the keeper with no chance.
Coach Jamie McCrae said afterwards,"It was a really good open game played in the correct manner with both teams trying to play football. Ayr started really well but we need to learn not to allow teams back into games by giving away sloppy goals. There were some excellent performances today especially by Nisbet and Ahern."
On a cold and damp afternoon at Prestwick Academy, Ayr started the quicker of the two sides on show with Mick Ahern having the ball in the net after only four minutes but the referee deemed it to be off-side.
This was a sign of things to come in the first period as Ayr continued to press the ball in the Clyde half and the first goal came after just eight minutes when a nice passage of play involving Keegan and Willock sent Nisbet through on goal to slot past the Clyde keeper.
Ayr's next goal came within a minute of the restart with Nisbet picking the ball up in his own half then playing an excellent through ball to send Anderson clear on goal and he placed it past the keeper into the far post.
Ayr had further chances to increase their lead with the best of them coming from Nisbet, Ahern and McCarrison but none could find the net. However, Ayr did get another when Nisbet intercepted a pass between the Clyde defenders to go through on the keeper to finish well for his second of the afternoon.
The second period saw Clyde pressing Ayr hard, not giving them a moment on the ball and with only two minutes of this second period played, they finished with a good strike past Hart into the Ayr goal. Clyde continued in this vein and were the stronger team throughout this period of play adding their second goal of the day with a 20 yard strike that flew high past Hart and into the back of the net.
Ayr though, continued to create chances and Nisbet completed his hat-trick
with seconds remaining of the period when he slotted the ball past the stranded Clyde keeper.
As the third period started, the Ayr players were stunned as straight from the restart, Clyde went up the pitch and scored their third of the afternoon but the third period was to prove more of an even affair than the two previous with firstly Nisbet getting another Ayr goal after a good break involving McCarrison and Ahern but only after Fillipi's shot at goal had hit the bar.
Clyde, to their credit kept fighting and never let there heads drop and added another goal of their own with a good finish. However Ayr were not finished scoring with McCarrison getting on the score sheet with an excellent 25 yard strike that left the keeper with no chance.
Coach Jamie McCrae said afterwards,"It was a really good open game played in the correct manner with both teams trying to play football. Ayr started really well but we need to learn not to allow teams back into games by giving away sloppy goals. There were some excellent performances today especially by Nisbet and Ahern."
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