U-19s hit by classic sucker punch

Aug 27 2008 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

AIRDRIE were punished for not taking their chances as they slipped to defeat at Maybole.

The young Diamonds produced a good performance against the Somerset Park outfit but that couldn’t prevent a first league defeat of the season.

It took a while for this game to get going, but when it did, Airdrie peppered the Ayr goal as they carved out numerous opportunities.

The best chance of the first half fell to Fraser Craig whose header was parried by home keeper David Mitchell with his defenders clearing the danger.

In the 48th minute Ayr were denied an opener when Aaron Connolly rattled a free-kick into the top corner of the net from 20 yards but the referee hadn’t blown his whistle so the effort was ruled out.

Ryan Donnelly spurned a great chance for the Diamonds when he screwed a header wide after some neat approach play.

Next to have a go was Jamie Bain when he fired in a shot from 25 yards but Mitchell made a brilliant save.

And in the 87th minute Airdrie were hit with a sucker punch when Ross Robertson hammered a shot past keeper Bobby Weir.

Airdrie: Weir, Fox, Byrne, Craig, Taylor, McCabe, Clark (Cruickshank), Ross, Fitzpatrick, McCluskey (Murray), Donnelly (Bain).