St Johnstone 3
Ayr United 3 (4-5 on pens)
Scottish Challenge Cup (Quarter Final)

Match Report

Despite producing a late comeback Saints were narrowly beaten on penalties this evening as their KDM Evolution Trophy campaign came to an end against Ayr United.

George Oakley fired the Honest Men into a two-goal lead after 28 minutes however, Josh McPake pulled a goal back from the penalty spot after he had been fouled by George Finney to give Saints a lifeline before the break.

Ayr restored their two-goal cushion just two minutes into the second half when Kevin Holt turned home a Stuart Bannigan free kick. Saints refused to fold, though, and set up a dramatic finale. Liam Smith pulled a goal back with a fine right-footed effort before Jamie Gullan took the match to penalties, reacting quickest to slot home the rebound after his initial spot-kick had been saved by Max Thompson.

In the shoot-out, Stevie Mallan saw his effort kept out by Thompson as Ayr moved 2-1 ahead after two penalties each. Toby Steward produced a vital save to deny Mark McKenzie to keep Saints hopes alive, and with the sides locked together after five kicks apiece, sudden death was required. There, Matty Foulds was denied by Thompson which sent the Honest Men through to a semi-final tie against Inverness CT.

Played at Falkirk due to the game being postponed 3 times.

Match report written by St Johnstone FC Web