KAISAYR I.F.C.

KaisAYR (Ayr United) 1-2 Braes Bairns (Falkirk)

Saturday, 12th August, 2006

Both Leagues

KaisAYR slipped to defeat in their first competitive outing of 2006/07, but there was much to be pleased about in the performance.

Co-gaffers Henderson and Noble laid out a straightforward 4-4-2 system, incorporating most of the players who lost out in last weeks friendly against Sparta Jag. The only changes to the team were Fab coming in between the sticks, Gamble moving in to a right-midfield role and Grammy coming into centre-midfield allowing Pete to partner Steve in attack.

Both sides had chances in the early stages, with Steve Noble coming close for the home side with a dipping effort after about ten minutes. Despite kick-outs causing a problem for KaisAYR, the Falkirk defence were put under pressure by the ever-willing running of Gamble, whilst Gareth and Grammy started to wrestle a hold in the middle of the park.

Grammy was next to threaten the visiting goal with a couple of rasping drives from outside the box, and the KaisAYR skipper also sent a free-header past the post from a corner.

The United supporters looked certain to open the scoring after a delicious interchange around the edge of the box between Steve and Gamble sent Gareth through on goal. The visiting 'keeper did well to parry his shot and Dave Vital could only watch in disbelief as his powerful follow-up was headed off the line by a Bairns defender.

It wasn't all one-way traffic though and KaisAYR were to rue the missed opportunities as their nippy centre-forward was sent through on goal. Fab came rushing out and failed to make contact with the ball, and Bell pointed at the spot. Niall Simpson tucked the penalty away comfortably to give the visitors the lead. There was a further blow just minutes later as Ally Dunlop's jinking run past three defenders was crudely brought to a halt and he had to be replaced by Grace. Dave moved into left-back with Grace taking over on the left-wing. As KaisAYR tried to level matters, Pete was next to threaten as Dave and Steve broke clear down the left and the latter played the ball across. Unfortunately the visiting defence were quick to recover and the big strikers weak left-footed effort was easy for the goalie.

The best piece of individual brilliance was pulled off by the impudent Gamble. Faced with the full-back he played a back-heeled nutmeg and raced in on goal - his stunning shot was heading for the postage stamp until the Bairns keeper made an excellent save

The home side went into the second half still a goal down, but ready to step things up after a frank half-time discussion. They were hardly into their stride before losing another soft goal as Colin Stanners effort was only parried by the KaisAYR number one who couldn't hack the ball away as it bounced in off the post.

A two goal deficit to pull back, but not playing particularly badly. Richie changed things around soon after, replacing Simon with Martin Shields and moving Grace into a sweeper role in a new 3-4-3 formation. Gamble moved up front to join Pete and Steve.

This change saw KaisAYR dominate the remainder of the match and they were handed a lifeline with a well-worked goal. Vital's teasing cross from the left was pulled down and slid across the goalkeeper by Pete to make the score 2-1 with about fifteen minutes remaining.

Martin's surging run into the box saw the ball deflect off a Bairns hand but the penalty claims were turned away and after a fumble by the goalie on the edge of the area, Steve's shot went just past the post. In the dying minutes, after the homesters had used the remainder of their substitutes, Steve's floated corner was only glanced by Paul McArthur when a better contact may have seen the net bulge.

All in all, disappointing to start the season with a defeat, but plenty of positives to take from a much-improved performance. Gareth and Grammy shared the man of the match award for their efforts in the centre of the park.