Match Report

Stenhousemuir v Ayr United at Ochilview Park, Stenhousemuir on 16.4.16

Ladbrokes SPFL Division One       Att 652

Stenhousemuir 0 Ayr United 4 [ Donald 1, Moore 47, Preston 78pen, 88]

The Warriors were in desperate need of points in this game to stop a slide into the relegation play-offs. Whilst a very late goal at Airdrie did the damage last week it was a very early goal that threw them off course this time.

Stenhousemuir started the game with Jon Robertson at right back with Jamie McCormack at left back in a rearranged defence once again. Euan Murray returned from suspension though in place if the now suspended Stuart Malcolm. A number of other players were not fully fit so it was vital that they got off to a positive start.

They were undone though as Ayr who had also made changes opened the scoring within 50 seconds. Jordan Preston picked up the ball in the centre circle before taking a few steps forward and sliding a pass behind the home defence for Michael Donald to shoot back across goal and into the net.

It took a while for Stenhousemuir to get into the game but they did have a chance in the 26^th minute when Alan Cook picked out Colin McMenamin but the striker leant back and fired over the bar from inside the box.

On the half hour Ayr should have scored their second when Robertson was disposed but Preston shot past the post with just the keeper to beat. In the 32^nd minute a powerful strike by Mark Gilhaney forced Greg Fleming into a one handed stop. After the resultant corners caused problems the home side had shouts for a penalty when Nicky Devlin appeared to handle on the ground.

As the end drew to a close there were other chances for the Warriors as Small shot just wide from close range in the 38^th minute and in the 44^th minute he had another strike saved before McMenamin had a shot blocked.

All that counted for nothing though as just after the restart Ayr extended their lead. A Donald free kick wasn’t cleared properly and Preston through clever footwork set up Moore who fired into the roof the net though it took a touch of Murray in the process.

After that the game was finished as Stenhousemuir showed little of the fight that has seen them get late points in games. McMenamin came closest after beating the offside trap but couldn’t beat Fleming in the 70th minute but they rarely threatened and Ayr made it three nil in the 78^th minute after Ciaran Summers tripped Ross McCrorie and Preston converted the spot kick.

In the 88^th minute the scoring was completed when Preston took advantage of a dreadful pass across the defensive line and the striker could not believe his luck before firing the loose ball into the net.

Stenhousemuir -McCabe, Robertson [Summers 59], McCormack, Meechan [b61], Murray, Stirling [McCroary 90], Gilhaney, Beith [b60], McMenamin [Marenghi 78], Small, Cook. Subs not used – Hamilton, Millar, Eddington and Barclay

 Ayr United – Fleming, Devlin, Boyle, Docherty [b90], Graham, Murphy [b51], Moore [Stevenson 75], Crawford [Wardrope 71], Preston, Forrest [McCrorie h/t] and Donald. Subs not used – McLauchlan, McGuffie, Hodge and Newman

Referee – Barry Cook      Assistants – Stephen Mitchell and Daniel McFarlane