15's Down to Bare Bones

A depleted Ayr squad travelled to Almondvale for a late kick-off with the 15's only having 10 fully fit players due to injuries and late call offs and an injured Ryan Nisbett made up the 11 although playing with a groin injury.

Despite this they put up a great show and their never say die attitude shone through to the end. Livingstone are a decent team at this level and were further bolstered with the addition of two over age players.

 

The first period was an even affair, both teams where trying to knock the ball about which meant an exciting open game to watch.

 

Nisbett was the first to threaten but was thwarted by the keeper with the midfield four of Anderson, Wardrope, Forrest and Willock all putting in a great shift and never allowed Livingston time to to settle on the ball. 

 

Ayr took the lead after 20 minutes when a Wardrope corner caused panic in the Livingston defence, the ball ricocheting around before bouncing into the net off a Livi defender.

 

The second period again flowed from end to end with both teams creating chances. Firstly Wardrope headed over from close range, Fillipi hit the side netting from an acute angle while Forrest came close with a free kick. 

 

Livi got themselves back into it with a drive from the edge of the box with flew into the bottom corner but Ayr struck back almost immediately when Nisbett scored at the second attempt after the keeper saved his first effort. 

 

Livingston were allowed back into it with the last kick of the period when the referee awarded them as soft a penalty as you'll see. He gave it for a push in the box which most failed to see.

 

The third period again saw both teams create chances. 

 

Filippi was inches away from connecting in front of the goals, Anderson had an effort saved at the near post while Nisbett stung the keepers hands with a drive from 20 yards. 

 

Ayr's keeper James Hart also had to be on his toes to keep out a few Livi attempts that came close and was eventually beaten when a 25 yard free-kick flew in over his hands into the top of the net. 

 

Ayr refused to lie down and Nisbett came within inches when the keeper parried a shot that somehow squirmed over. Ayr had a great chance in the final minute when Anderson broke free from the defence but somehow dragged his shot just wide of the post.

 

Coach Neil Duffy, exhausted at the end, spoke highly of his players, "This was a tremendous effort from the boys, they where dead on their feet at the end and gave everything to the cause. The late call offs where disappointing and left Ayr with bare bones. However it was a cracking game with chances at both ends, everyone of the boys can feel proud of their days work and can take a lot of positives from a very spirited display."