Forfar Athletic 0
Ayr United 1
League (Second Division)

Match Report

DEBUT boy Gary Miller got his Ayr career off to a flyer as he bagged all three points for the Honest Men.

The young full back struck with a clinical finish from 20 yards to hand United another deserved win on their travels and stretch their great run of form away from Somerset Park.

Ayr arrived at Station Park with bad memories of their last visit to Angus - a 1-0 defeat which was their last loss on the road in middle of February.

But there was no repeat performance here as United put in a solid display and keeper Mark McGeown was rarely troubled between the sticks during a quiet afternoon.

Boss Robert Connor handed Miller his first start after signing on transfer deadline day and the youngster immediately looked the part as Ayr flew out of the blocks.

And they could have been ahead within the first sixty seconds when Jerome Vareille outfoxed Loons defender Gary Lynn before sending in an effort which was diverted on to the post by Sean Murdoch.

But the woodwork also came to Ayr's rescue soon after when Michelle Lombardi got his head to a Darren Gribben shot and the ball smacked off the upright as United escaped.

However, Ayr took control of the game from that point and Forfar relied on fine stops from Murdoch to deny Vareille and David Dunn as the opening goal looked increasingly likely.

And the deadlock was duly broken in the 38th minute when great work from Vareille on the edge of the box helped to set up Miller, who crashed the ball beyond the helpless Murdoch from just outside the area.

The ever dangerous Vareille almost made it 2-0 when Murdoch went walkabout and the Frenchman screwed a volley wide of the target as Ayr looked to put the game to bed.

But they had to survive a strong penalty claim on the stroke of half time when Paul Lunan appeared to be held back in the box but ref Alan Freeland waved away the home side's claims.

The Loons had another couple of shouts turned down in the second half, including one for a handball by Dunn as Ayr sailed close to the wind.

But after riding the storm, United could have added to their tally as the game reached its conclusion, with Murdoch producing a fine save to deny Chris Robertson before Vareille shot wide after bursting clean through.

Match report written by Ayr United FC Official Website