Ayr United 3
Airdrieonians 2 (AET)
Scottish Challenge Cup (Third Round)

Match Report

IAN McCALL watched Ayr United scrape into the fourth round of the IRN-BRU Cup yesterday – then insisted they should have won at a canter.

But new boy Conrad Balatoni, who only signed on Friday night, nodded Ayr into the fourth round at sun-drenched Somerset Park.

Airdrie finished the game with 10 men after Iain Russell was sent-off for a petulant kick out at Balatoni. It was the 11th red card in 15 meetings between these clubs.

Ayr gaffer McCall said: "We played some absolutely magnificent stuff in the first half.

McCall hailed debutant Balatoni and added: "He is a threat and always has been. The last time he was at this level [the Championship] he won it."

Mick Wardrope and Jamie Thomas came close for Ayr before McGuffie unleashed a drive which keeper Rohan Ferguson turned wide.

The Diamonds had offered little threat but ended up taking a shock lead with their first opportunity in the 14th minute.

Russell was fouled by Brian Gilmour around 25 yards out with Conroy stepping up and finding the top corner from the resulting free-kick despite keeper Greg Fleming’s best efforts.

Ayr appeared to lose their way for a spell but were back on terms in the 35th minute. Paddy Boyle delivered a low ball into McGuffie who took a great first touch and then fired into the far corner of the net.

McCall’s men kept up the pressure with Daryll Meggatt’s header from a Brian Gilmour corner cleared off the line by Sean McIntosh.

However, the Diamonds would not survive for much longer as Ayr went in front on the stroke of half-time.

Gilmour swung in a cross from the right which was headed into the air by Thomas with Forrest arriving in behind to volley the ball first time past Ferguson.

But Airdrie equalised soon after the restart. A harmless ball into the box was cleared as far as MacDonald whose shot flew into the net after a heavy deflection off Balatoni.

Ayr almost won it in normal time when Meggatt’s cross found sub Andy O’Connell but his header was saved by Ferguson with Andy Ryan then clearing via the post.

The crucial breakthrough was made in the first period of extra-time when Balatoni powerfully headed home from Forrest’s corner. Airdrie’s comeback bid was wrecked when Russell saw red.

Diamonds head coach Kevin McBride had no complaints with the dismissal and said: "You can't lash out at somebody. It's a side of the game Iain knows he can't get involved in.

"We can't keep losing the goals we are when the ball comes into the box as we won't win games."

Match report written by Daily Record