Ayr United 4
Stenhousemuir 3
League (League One)

Match Report

A late Kevin Kyle header gave United maximum points in a dramatic encounter at Somerset Park.

Ayr were behind twice in the game, but Roberts’ men fought back admirably to creep into third spot in League One.

The home side started brightly with Michael Moffat notching from a penalty after being felled inside the box.

Nine minutes later, John Gemmell also scored from the penalty spot after Kyle McAusland committed a foul.

After 19 minutes, Stenhousemuir then went 2-1 in front after Sean Dickson capitalised on a defensive mix up from Alan Lithgow and David Hutton.

Before half-time, United’s flying winger, Michael Donald banged in a shot from a cross, allowing Ayr to be level at half time.

In the second half, Ayr started the brighter, and were agonisingly close to going in front.

A swinging Marenghi cross made its way to the back post, finding Kevin Kyle who slammed his shot agonisingly against the base of the post.

They were then made to rue that missed opportunity when McNeil turned tightly in the box before raking a drive across the face of goal and into the corner of the net.

Ayr remained calm and continued to knock on the Stenhousemuir door, getting their just rewards after 72 minutes through the third penalty of the game.

After substitute, Alan Forrest was fouled, a composed Michael Moffat notched his 13th league goal of the season, topping the scoring charts, going one ahead of John Daly.

As the game creeped to a close, Kevin Kyle nodded home a header after 85 minutes, looping it over the goalkeeper, sending Somerset Park into raptures.

After the match, Michael Moffat spoke exclusively to Ayr United and said: “We were behind in the first half after two defensive mistakes but we created a lot of chances throughout and I always thought we would win the game.

“I said to Scott McLaughlin when we went 2-1 down that it was important not to let the heads drop as I knew we could do it.

“I was delighted to score two goals myself and hit the first penalty down the middle which is a first for me.

“In the build up to the second penalty there was a long wait which was frustrating but the keeper moved early which made it easy for me.

“I am now on 13 league goals, with 14 overall so I am aiming to hit 25 before the end of the season.

“I am also leading the scoring charts in League One which I’m delighted with and hopefully I can stay there for a while.

“It was good to see Kevin Kyle score after his miss early on in the second half. He said he wanted the ground to open up at that point but I told him he would get another chance and that proved to be the case.”

Mark Roberts said: “At times we didn’t defend well but we picked up the three points which is all that matters.

“It was a great winning goal from Kevin Kyle and I’m delighted for him as he works really hard. He brings a real presence to the team because of who he is and what he’s achieved so I’m happy he scored the winner.

“David Hutton was excellent once again. He produces at least one wonder save every game.

“I was really pleased with how we passed the ball and got forward during the game as it was something we worked on in training earlier in the week.”

Match report written by AUFC Online