Ayr 15s travelled to play Partick Thistle on Sunday, and put in a fine, battling performance against the Glasgow side.

 

Ayr started well in the first period and opened the scoring when Mick Ahern volleyed in a Mick Wardrope corner at the far post. Ayr where quickly into their stride and were playing some neat, flowing football while Thistle were a strong physical team and were causing Ayr a lot of trouble from set pieces. Partick ended the first period strongly and scored two late goals with the second coming from a set piece.

 

The second period was dominated by Ayr and they took charge with two well taken goals. Mick Ahern popped up at the back post again to notch his second while the goal of the game came soon after from Ross campbell. He picked the ball up on the halfway line, strode past two challenges and finished well from 25 yards. Ayr where unlucky not to increase their lead with Steven McCarrison hitting the crossbar with a well taken volley.

 

The third period was quite even. Ryan Nisbet ran through on goal only to see his shot squirm inches past the post. The challenges were, by now coming thick and fast with Thistle throwing themselves into tackles. To their credit, Ayr where standing strong and did not get drawn into the physical battle. Just when it looked as though Ayr where going to see the game out, Thistle popped up with a late leveller. A weak shot from outside the box somehow managing to worm its way into the net.

 

Manager, Neil duffy said after the game "All in all, this was a good start to the season from Ayr. The fitness levels where excellent, and at times they played some great flowing football. This was a strong team performance against a team that had caused Ayr a lot of problems last year."