Ayr 15's Shine in the Sun

 

Ayr 15's came up against a strong Thistle team at a sunny Prestwick. This was a big test for the Ayr lads but they came through it well and showed their class in abundance as they ran out comfortable winners.

 

Ayr started well and their first chance came after a strong run down the right from Jason Filippi who saw his angled drive fizz just wide. Ayr had most of the play and opened the scoring soon after when a great through ball from Wardrope found Nisbett who rounded the keeper to finish well. Ayr had further chances in the 1st period to extend their lead with McCarrison, Ahern and Campbell all unlucky not to find the net.

 

The second period was a more even affair. Mick Ahern struck a 25 yarder which flew inches over while Wardrope saw his 20 yarder well saved by the Thistle keeper who was by far the busiest of the two keepers. Thistle were showing great spirit and fought there way back into the game. 

 

A high looping cross into the Ayr box caused some uncertainty amongst the home defence and the ball fell to the Thistle striker who finished well. This setback seemed to rock Ayr and Thistle dominated the rest of the period.

 

The 3rd period couldn't have started any worse for Ayr when Thistle took a shock lead against the run of play. 

 

Thankfully the set back galvanised Ayr and they stepped up a couple of gears to totally dominate the remainder of the game. A great run and through ball from Ahern put Liam Anderson in on goal and he finished well from a tight angle. Aiden Keegan then sent in a great cross from the right which found an unmarked Nisbett who nodded home for his second of the game. 

 

Further chances came and went as Anderson broke through on goal only to see the keeper save well. Nisbett then saw a clever chip from distance sail just over. Nizzy made sure of his next chance though when he nodded home a Wardrope free kick to complete another hat-trick for the on fire striker. Fillipi and McCarrison both came close before Nisbett rounded off the scoring after good work from Ahern and Anderson.

 

Head coach Neil Duffy was relieved afterwards saying,"This was a cracking result and performance against a strong side. Everyone played their part in an excellent team performance. Ross Campbell and Shaun Vance were outstanding at the back while Wardrope and Willock ran their usual marathon and put in a great shift. The front three caused Thistle problems all day and led to a well deserved result."

 

Report by Neil Duffy