Honest Men Thwart Loons’ Clean Sweep Bid

Ayr United 3 Forfar Athletic 1

Ayr United denied Forfar a clean sweep of league victories against them with a deserved home win as the Loons continue to stutter towards what will hopefully be a play off place come the end of the season.  With both Brechin City and, more importantly, Airdrie United both losing Forfar got off the hook a bit after the Saturday afternoon dust had settled across the league table.

The Honest Men were early out of the traps and two goals up within thirteen minutes.  Firstly Andy Rodgers set up Stuart Bannigan to net from close in on eight minutes, then five minutes later Mark Roberts showed good strength to fire home from the edge of the box.  Thereafter the half belonged to Ayr United with the only perilous moment for the home goal being a wickedly deflected Martyn Fotheringham free-kick which ended up in the safe hands of Alan Martin.

Forfar were nearly three goals down at the start of the second half when Mark Roberts squandered a golden opportunity when he fired his shot high over the bar after good set up play by Andy Rodgers.  Forfar’s day was to get worse when Scott Gallacher went to ground whilst clearing a pass back.  Neil Duffy replaced the Rangers loan keeper as he was stretchered off with what looked like a leg muscle injury.

Gradually Forfar fought their way back into the game and both Graham Gibson and Paul McQuade saw efforts blocked by home keeper Alan Martin before Michael Bolochoweckyj glanced home a fine header from a Martyn Fotheringham corner fifteen minutes from time.  This was a chance for the Loons to put some pressure on the home side a push on for an equaliser, but the home side had other ideas when Davie Crawford fired and effort over the bar after more good work by Andy Rodgers.  This was only a warning of what was to come as Davie Crawford set up Stuart Bannigan on the left and he fired home his second and Ayr United’s third goal of the game with eight minutes remaining.

Overall the Honest Men deserved their victory although there was a spell in the second half when the Loons did come back into the game.  However, they would have been very fortunate to take anything from the match.  So it is on to the next game as the play-off race in the second division continues on the day Livingston were crowned champions.

Match Report by Cameron Davidson