Arbroath get a point away to Ayr

Arbroath earned a good point today at Somerset Park, to lift themselves out of them relegation zone. Arbroath lined up with Inglis in goal, Flyer, Rennie, McLeod, Bishop and Miller at the back, a midfield 3 of MacDonald, Cusi and Henner and Swankie and Brazil upfront.

Ayr started the brighter of the sides, and had the early possession, but didn’t create may goalscoring opportunities. After 10-12 minutes, John Cusick pulled his hamstring, and had to go off injured. He was replaced by Euan Donaldson, who went to left back and Marc Miller moved to central midfield.

After around 15 minutes Arbroath had the first chance of the match. A good cross in from the left by Marc Miller was met by the head of Alan Brazil, and the keeper made a good diving save to his right. A few minutes later though, Ayr went ahead. A corner in from the right was met by the head of Scott McCulloch, and despite an attempted clearance off the line by Flyer, the linesman said the ball had crossed the line. McMullen didn’t really complain, so I assume it was the correct decision.

Paddy Connolly then had a header ruled out for offside, but from where I was standing (nearly in line with the linesman) it looked onside.
 
A few minutes later at the other end, Alan Brazil had a good chance to equalise. A mix up between the Ayr goalkeeper, Peter Cherrie, and their central defence let Alan Brazil in but his shot from a tight angle and on his left foot his the side netting.

Gavin Swankie had another chance right on Half Time, but his shot was easily saved at the near post by Peter Cherrie, and the teams went in at half time with Ayr United leading 1-0.

Arbroath brought on Paul Farquharson for Gavin Swankie( apparently he took a knock to the knee, but will still be training on Monday) and Farqy immediately was involved in the play. Some good pressure by Arbroath down the left wing saw a good ball across goal to Alan Brazil, but his header was a yard wide of the left hand post.

Arbroath then scored in the 59^th minute. A free kick was put into the middle by Euan Donaldson, and Jamie Bishop met the ball perfectly and put it into the net. This warmed the NINE away fans right up!!

The equaliser seemed to put some life into Ayr, and Arbroath were just trying to hold out for the last 30 minutes. Ayr won 14 corners during the 2^nd half, and from 1 of these Marc Miller had to clear the ball off the line.

A mixture of poor finishing and good goalkeeping from Neil Inglis, saw the game finish 1-1, a great away point for the Lichties!