KAISAYR I.F.C.

KaisAYR (Ayr United) 2-1 Geordie Munrovers (Raith Rovers)

Saturday, 31st January, 2009

UK Cup and Both Leagues

KaisAYR welcomed Geordie Munrovers down to the Old Racecourse for one of the biggest games of the season so far - with a place in the IFA Cup quarter-finals as well as three crucial league points at stake. With a strong fifteen man squad available, regular starters Graeme Morton, Andrew Gamble and Barry Duddy having to make do with a place on the bench. Sam came in for his first start after an impressive outing in last weeks bounce game, partnering Gareth Samson in a new-look midfield.

The home side started the game brightly and almost went ahead in the sixth minute. Steve got on the end of Pete's flicked header and ran through on goal. He was tugged back just inside the box, but the ref allowed play to continue as he rounded the goalie. Unfortunately the man who had pulled him back, was on hand to clear off the line and the ref decided against bringing play back and awarding a penalty.

Munrovers threatened with a series of corners and long-throws, but the back four of Andy Napier, Simon, Declyn and Mark held strong with a series of blocks and clearances, preventing any real goalscoring opportunities.

KaisAYR showed their danger from set-pieces as Steve drilled a free-kick low and hard towards goal, which was just deflected wide, though the next free kick was to prove more potent. The same man curled in an excellent effort which came back off the post, and was instantly controlled by Pete who had followed in and proceeded to smash the ball home with his left foot from inside the six yard box.

This goal didn't stop the KaisAYR pressure and they continued to force the issue, although Kyle McKay was called into action with just five minutes of the half remaining - turning a vicious shot smartly round the post in mid-air.

By this point, Gareth and Si had a grip of the game in the middle of the park and the former linked well with Steve before the lay-off was struck just over the top by Pete right on the half-time whistle.

Half-time: KaisAYR 1-0 Geordie Munrovers

There was still no margin for error at this point and the Rovers enjoyed their best spell of the game in the opening ten minutes of the second half, although the KaisAYR defence were equal to anything that was thrown their way. Pete nearly made things more comfortable with another fizzing shot from 25 yards but he could only watch as it bent too far and went narrowly past the post with the 'keeper well beaten. Gamble made an appearance in place of Kenny, with Steve switching back to the right-wing and he had an impact within five minutes of his short appearance. Mark's excellent pass into feet found the Ramjet and as he tried to control and turn, the ball spun Pete's way. The big striker took a touch before shooting from just outside the box and it had just enough zip to squeeze under the goalkeeper and over the line to double the KaisAYR lead. Gamble should have added a third as he got on the end of a left-wing cross, but managed to get underneath the ball and it spun right over the top from just five yards out. His luck didn't get any better and his appearance was a relatively short one as he suffered a nasty head-clash when attacking a corner from the right. He was replaced by Barry on the left of midfield, with Pete dropping into midfield and Warney shifting up front in a bit of re-organisation.

With time ticking away and things looking very comfortable, the Rovers were restricted to long-balls down the middle, but it was one of these that caught the KaisAYR backline out and made things a little nervy. Simon and Dec attacked the same ball and when it broke to the Raith striker, he turned inside and was chopped down by Mark. The big centre-half stepped up and blasted home the spot-kick.

The visitors even sent their goalkeeper up for a late corner, but as it was overhit and bent right round the far post, the Rovers hopes of completing the comeback drifted away and KaisAYR booked their place in the IFA Cup quarter-finals, while also cementing their place at the top of the Scottish League.