Ayr United 0
Rangers 2
League (League One)

Match Report

Somerset Boab helped raise the roof with a rousing pre match performance, but two second half goals from Rangers ensured it was the away side who had something to shout about after the game.

With Somerset Park packed to the rafters, Ayr fought valiantly in the first half, holding their own against the League One leaders and having chances to take the lead. In the second period though, McCoist’s men exerted pressure with two goals in three minutes enough to secure victory.

Ahead of the game, Roberts fielded an experienced side naming himself, Martyn Campbell and Kevin Kyle in the starting 11.

In front of a raucous crowd, United fed off the atmosphere, surging forward early on and hitting the post after five minutes.

Michael Moffat darted down the left wing before squaring to Donald who agonisingly hit the woodwork with a drive from eight yards out.

Ayr imposed themselves on the game with McLaughlin seeing a free kick tipped over the crossbar by Cammy Bell.

The visiting side were backed by more than 6,000 supporters and had a golden opportunity early on with Little finding himself one on one with Hutton but Ayr’s number one got down well and made the save.

Donald was a threat for Ayr and after 29 minutes, he rifled a shot at goal but saw it fly over the crossbar.

In the second half, United were shooting towards their own support, but spent the majority of the period camped inside their own half.

After an early period of pressure, Rangers took the lead after 56 minutes when commanding centre back, Bilel Mohsni picked the ball up inside the box before slamming home beyond Hutton.

Ayr were reeling after going behind and moments later, Lewis MacLeod rocketed the visiting side into a two goal lead.

A cross into the box allowed the youngster to perform an acrobatic overhead kick, reaching the ball before Hunter could, giving Rangers a two goal cushion.

Ayr were struggling to test the Gers rearguard in the second half and made a number of changes to enhance their attacking prowess.

Roberts brought on Marenghi, Forrest and Malcolm giving them an added edge in the closing stages.

Ayr nearly pulled a goal back when Forrest drove at the heart of the Rangers defence before passing to Malcolm who saw his shot balloon over the bar.

United fought valiantly but two goals in a three minute spell at the start of the second half prevented Ayr from taking any points from the match.

After the game, Mark Roberts said: “Their first goal came through a lapse in concentration which was disappointing.

“We did really well in the opening 20 minutes. Our shape and work rate up until half time was top class as well.

“The second goal could be disallowed for dangerous play. Kyle is penalised for a high boot on Ian Black earlier in the game and I don’t think MacLeod against Hunter was any different.

“We had a game plan and it worked brilliantly for 45 minutes but as soon as Rangers got their second goal, the game died which was disappointing.

“We maybe should have had more of a go than what we did in the second half.”

Michael Donald said: “I really enjoyed the game and thought we performed well in the first half.

“In the second half we switched off early on which was disappointing.

“Playing in front of the full house was unbelievable. The fans were different class and gave us an extra buzz.

“I was devastated to hit the post after five minutes. I don’t know how it managed to hit the woodwork. When I looked up I couldn’t believe the ball hadn’t crossed the line.

“After the game, we said we’ve got to focus on playing against teams we expect to beat.

“We’ve not won in a few games and we’ll need to put that right next week.”

Match report written by AUFC Online