Ayr United

  • 5-3-1
  • 1st in Scottish Championship

    Hibernian 5-0 Ayr United

    Anthony Stokes marked his first start since returning to Hibernian with a double as the capital club booked their place in the quarter-final of the Betfred Cup with a 5-0 win over Ayr.The Irishman kick-started his third stint at Easter Road when he nodded home a Danny Swanson corner from close range in the 19th minute.Stokes turned provider when he slipped a fine through-ball for Simon Murray, who converted his ninth goal of the season in cool fashion.The same pairing linked up after the break to end the game as a contest, with Murray whipping in a superb deep cross for Stokes to bundle into the net at the back-post.Late strikes from Efe Ambrose and Deivydas Matulevicius concluded the scoring as Hibs claimed a comprehensive triumph.Making is first start for Hibs since inspiring Hibs to a 3-2 win over Rangers in the William Scottish Cup final in 2016, Stokes deservedly picked up man of the match - and will be desperate to keep his place when Neil Lennon takes his side to Ibrox on Saturday for the first rematch between the clubs since that afternoon at Hampden.While the hosts dominated, Ayr boss Ian McCall will be rightly furious with the sloppy nature of Hibs' opener. Stokes was left an unforgivable amount of space to head a Swanson delivery beyond Jordan Hart.Murray doubled the Hibees' advantage before the break, latching on to a pass from his strike partner and continuing his hot-streak with a composed finish.Ayr were rocking as Stokes lashed two efforts inches wide from distance and the former Celtic striker did finally get his second of the evening when he met a superb delivery from the irrepressible Murray and belied a tight angle to poke the ball beyond the scrambling Hart.Ambrose reacted quickest to make it 4-0, nudging an effort over the line after a John McGinn corner had caused havoc in the Honest Men's area.And there was time for Matulevicius to add further gloss to the scoreline, with his shot from just inside the box deflecting beyond Hart for the Lithuanian striker's maiden goal in Hibs colours.ends
    • 7Y
    • PA Sport

      Ayr United 1-0 Kilmarnock

      Andy Geggan marked his return to Ayr with a derby winner to leave Kilmarnock in danger of a second consecutive group-stage exit from the Betfred Cup.The defender capitalised on poor marking to head the only goal at Somerset Park 39 minutes into his first game since returning from a five-year spell at Dunfermline.The goal was thoroughly deserved and Ian McCall's side showed resilience to extend Kilmarnock's 24-year run without victory at their Ayrshire rivals' ground, which hosted a near capacity crowd of about 6,000 fans.Kilmarnock announced the signing of Alex Samizadeh from Bolton before kick-off and the teenage striker started on the bench as Stephen O'Donnell, Calum Waters, Kirk Broadfoot and Alan Power made their debuts.Ayr, who went full-time following relegation from the Championship, created the first real opportunity as Jamie Adams was allowed a free header on the six-yard line following a corner but Jamie MacDonald got down well to stop.Power had a half-chance after a late sprint into the box to meet a corner but he volleyed well over and soon gifted possession away inside his own half before MacDonald pushed Craig Moore's shot away.The goalkeeper then parried Declan McDaid's free-kick wide of his near post but was left exposed again from the resulting corner as Geggan met McDaid's delivery to nod home from close range under little pressure.Jordan Jones had looked the most threatening visiting player and Ayr often resorted to foul means to stop the winger's forward runs.However, referee John Beaton ruled there was no infringement when he went down inside the box after wriggling between two opponents early in the second half.Jordan Hart was finally forced into action following Rory McKenzie's well-hit long-range drive but the home goalkeeper proved up to the task as he gripped the ball on the soaked surface.Kilmarnock were enjoying plenty of possession but Ayr defended their box well and MacDonald was called into action several times as Ayr put their rare second-half attacks to good effect. Jones forced Hart into a decent stop after cutting inside before MacDonald prevented Robbie Crawford netting a sensational second after a mazy run, but one goal proved enough.ends
      • 7Y
      • PA Sport

      Ayr United

      SOCCER

      Ayr United

      SOCCER

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      Scottish Championship

      Goal Difference
      9
      1st
      Goals Scored
      16
      1st
      Assists
      7
      4th
      Goals Conceded
      7
      5th