Ayr United 3
Queen's Park 2
Scottish Cup (Scottish Cup 3rd Round)

Match Report

United progressed into the Fourth Round of the Scottish Cup yesterday thanks to a 3-2 victory over Queen’s Park in torrential rain.

The scores were level at the break after Marenghi cancelled out Brough’s opener before Ayr stretched into a 3-1 lead thanks to goals from Lithgow and Malcolm. Spittal then grabbed a consolation for the League Two side.

The result means Ayr go into the draw for the next round which will be made at 12 noon on Tuesday.

A number of changes were made from the side that defeated Airdrieonians last week with Malcolm and Roberts restored to the starting 11.

Despite lying in bottom spot of League Two, Queen’s Park proved to be a free flowing passing side and were close to taking the lead after a counter attack put Blair Spittal clean through on goal but the winger rifled the ball wide.

The Spiders went in front after 23 mins when a well worked corner found its way to the onrushing James Brough who slammed his header home.

Michael Donald was a stand out for Ayr in defence and worked tirelessly to break down attacks before going on forays of his own.

He was close to drawing Ayr level but saw the ball agonisingly blocked on the line.

After scoring his first goal for Ayr United last week, Anthony Marenghi notched from another free kick. He stepped up after 40 minutes and lashed the ball beyond Birnstingl to draw Ayr level.

In the second half, United scored two goals in quick succession.

After 50 minutes a Roberts drive was slammed home by Alan Lithgow, his first goal for the club.

Moments later, Craig Malcolm scored on his return to the starting 11. Marenghi surged down the left flank before crossing to the striker who rifled the ball home.

Despite leading 3-1, the game was not over and Queen’s Park moved within one goal of Ayr’s tally after 65 minutes. A pass back was collected by Hutton, giving the visitors a free kick inside Ayr’s 18 yard box and Blair Spittal rifled the ball into the net.

The Spiders made the remaining 20 minutes a nervous affair but United held on to secure their place in the Fourth Round.

After the match Mark Roberts said: “It was all about getting into the next round and I’m delighted we did that but I was disappointed we didn’t kick on after going 3-1 in front.

“We brought Craig Malcolm back into the side and I was pleased he got on the scoresheet.

“Ants Marenghi’s goal was an absolute peach and shows how deadly he is from free-kicks.

“I would say it’s probably better than last week’s.

“Alan Lithgow scored his first goal for the club and I expect him to score a few for us as he’s so commanding.

“Mikey Donald was probably our best player. He is someone you can hang your hat on every week.

“In the next round we’ll be looking for a home tie and everyone else is of the same opinion.”

Craig Malcolm notched Ayr’s second and was delighted to be back in the team.

“To get a goal on my return to the team was brilliant,” he said.

“There’s a lot of competition up front now that Kevin Kyle is with us which means I need to take my chance when it comes along.

“To be dropped was obviously disappointing but hopefully I’ve given the manager a hard decision to make ahead of the next game.

“In recent weeks I’ve felt like I’ve had a point to prove so I’ve been training hard and taking part in reserve games so to play well and score was pleasing.

“Stranraer have got a replay in the Scottish Cup next week which means we’ll have a week off.

“It is obviously disappointing as we’re on a good run at the moment.”

Match report written by AUFC Online