15s v alloa

15's in Five Goal Thriller

 

Ayr 15's played out a cracking game against a strong Alloa side at Prestwick. With chances galore at both ends Ayr just edged a five goal thriller.

 

Ayr got off to the perfect start within two minutes when Andy Willock played through Ryan Nisbet who finished well past the keeper. Ayr could have made it two minutes later from a similar position but this time Liam Anderson dragged his shot across the goals. After that the first period was an even affair with James Hart pulling off a cracking save low down to his right to keep Ayr in the lead.

 

Alloa got themselves back into it at the start of the second period with a fine equaliser after some good football. The setback seemed to spur Ayr on and they took control of the remainder of the period. Steven McCarrison was looking a real danger and twice within minutes he saw shots well saved by the Alloa keeper after creating space for himself. Ayr's second did come when Wardrope released McCarrison, who crossed for Nisbet, who finished coolly into the bottom corner. McCarrison again came close soon after with a sizzling shot which dipped just over. He eventually got the goal he deserved when Wardrope competed well to win a header in midfield, the ball fell to Nisbet who released McCarrison who finished well with a clever chip over the keeper.

 

The third period was a more dogged affair with fewer chances as both teams started to feel the pace of a frantic, high tempo first sixty minutes. Jason Fillipi had two near chances after a couple of lung bursting forward runs. McCarrison came close too but his shot was again well saved. James Hart pulled off another top save before Alloa eventually pulled one back from a corner which should have been cleared by the Ayr defence. Ayr saw out the remainder of the game comfortably to deservedly edge the game.

 

The backline of Keegan, McCraild, Vance, Howie and Campbell all had good games against a dangerous Alloa attack while Ahern, Willock, Wardrope and Ewart worked their socks off in the engine room and never allowed Alloa to settle. Nisbet, Fillipi and McCarrison looked dangerous all day and what was pleasing was that they linked well together and played off each other.

 

Report: Neil Duffy