Annan Athletic 1
Ayr United 6
Scottish League Cup (Premier Sports Cup - Group D)

Match Report

George Oakley smashed a hat trick as Ayr got their new season off to a stylish start.

Last season's top scorer wasted no time in hitting the goal trail again as his treble set the tone for a romp at Galabank.

League Two Annan were left chasing shadows as the Honest Men put in a dominant display to get their Group D campaign off to a flier.

Debutant Dom Thomas, Ethan Walker and sub Lucas McRoberts were also on target as Ayr showed no mercy to their lower league opposition.

Ayr handed four competitive debuts to Thomas, David Mitchell, Shaun Want and Liam Dick as a new-look United took to the Annan astroturf to kick off the campaign.

And United almost got the dream start when skipper Jamie Murphy saw his header blocked on the line before firing the rebound just over the bar.

Ayr should have been behind moments later, though, and needed a point blank stop from Mitchell to deny Zander Craik as they were cut wide open.

United did calm their early nerves when Walker continued his hot pre-season form by applying a cool finish to Nick McAllister's cross.

McAllister went close to doubling the lead when his header was hooked off the line and Walker fluffed a golden chance when clean through on goal.

But United's dominance eventually told when Oakley tapped home after great work by Murphy.

The night quickly unravelled for Annan after the restart as they imploded and lost a further two goals inside 90 seconds.

Oakley was chief tormenter as he completed his hat trick with two sharp finishes with the Annan defence seemingly still in the dressing room.

The game was long past over as a contest and Brown was able to ring the changes as Ayr coasted home.

Annan did grab a consolation when Aidan Smith turned home from close range but that only served to ignite Ayr again and sub Lucas McRoberts produced a poacher's finish to make it 6-1.

Match report written by Daily Record