South Shields 2
Ayr United 0
Raydale Cup (Semi Final)

Match Report

Gaffer Ian McCall fielded 2 trialists in the semi-final against South Shields with Andy O’Connell having his second outing and Kieran Gibbons (formerly of Aberdeen, Livingston and Cowdenbeath) looking to impress.

The semi-final started off at a quick pace with the English side taking a foothold in the match. After 3 minutes, Fleming was made to work by tipping over a volley round the post by Foley from close range.

Ayr’s first chance of the match came after 30 minutes with Crawford slipping the ball through to O’Connell in the box but the big striker was forced wide and his ambitious strike from a tight angle was well held by the South Shields’ trialist keeper.

With 39 minutes gone it was South Shields who took the lead through a touch of good fortune. Ex-Sunderland player Julio Arca swung in a freekick from the right and the ball evaded all the players in the box before being caught by the strong wind and curling into the opposite top corner leaving keeper Fleming clutching at fresh air.

It got from bad to worse for United 2 minutes later when controversially Devlin was adjudged to have fouled Foley for a penalty to South Shields. Devlin appeared to have made an inch perfect tackle flicking the ball away for a corner but the referee saw it differently. Captain Leepaul Scroggins made no mistake from the spot and coolly slotted home giving the English side a comfortable lead going into halftime.

Ayr did try to find a way back into the game in the second half and almost pulled a goal back on 53 minutes through Daryll Meggatt. Gilmour delivered a freekick from the right and Meggatt’s header went inches wide of the post.

Ayr continued to press and after 68 minutes almost scored in bizarre fashion. Gilmour swung in a corner and similar to Arca’s freekick, the ball was caught by the wind and this time almost went straight into the net if it weren’t for the keeper who managed to claw the ball away from the top corner.

In the latter stages Ayr had a series of chances which looked destined for the net but the clinical touch that was missing and they could not get back into the game.

Winners South Shields had booked their place in the final against Queen of the South in the final after the Dumfries side thumped Gretna 6-1 with goals from Dowie (x2), Smith (x2), Lyle (x2) with a trialist getting Gretna’s consolation goal.

Match report written by AU Media