Mixed emotions as Prunty helps send his hometown team down

May 27 2009 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

AIRDRIEONIAN Bryan Prunty believes the play-off final tide turned in Ayr’s favour thanks to their second half super show at Somerset Park.

The Honest Men were trailing 2-0 at the interval last Wednesday night, and facing another season in the second division, until boss Brian Reid stepped in and stripped the paint from the dressing room walls.

Having been torn to shreds by their furious gaffer, Prunty and his team-mates blitzed Airdrie with a relentless attacking display and snatched a draw thanks to a deadly double from New Broomfield old boy Mark Roberts.

And Ayr hitman Prunty - who was freed by the Diamonds last summer - reckons that stunning spell of pressure swung the balance of power towards the part-timers.

The 25-year-old, who lives in Glenmavis, told the Advertiser: “I feel that, over the two legs, we just shaded the victory.

“Looking back to Wednesday, we flew out of the traps at the start of the second half and getting an early goal gave us the impetus to push on.

“We hadn’t played well in the first half and it wasn’t looking good for us. There were a few harsh words from the manager at half-time, and rightly so. You probably couldn’t publish what was said.”

Prunty admitted the win meant more given that it came against his former employers, but feels for his hometown team who will be heading to the likes of Arbroath and Peterhead next season.

He said: “I didn’t feel as if I was going back there with a point to prove but I suppose the win was extra special for me as I was released by Airdrie last year.

“I am still fond of the club and my family are fans but they were all happy for me on Sunday. I have had more downs than anything in my career so far and I thought my chance of playing first division football again had gone.

“The Airdrie fans were fantastic with me as well and they know I gave 100 per cent every time I went out there for them.

“They gave me a nice reception when I came off in the second half on Sunday which was pleasing and I would just like to thank them for that.

“Obviously the final result wasn’t good from Airdrie’s point of view, but I am an Ayr player now and I want success.”

Prunty has backed the Diamonds to win the second division title but says the Honest Men look set to snub a return to full-time football.

He added: “As far as I am aware, we will be staying part-time so it is going to be a huge challenge for us next season. But we don’t fear anybody.

“The second division is quite a physical league and Airdrie will be a big scalp, but if they can cope with that and pass the ball well, I don’t see them having many problems.”