The home team had the better of the early exchanges and both Easton and McKeown had chances. Motherwell took around ten minutes to settle and Murphy’s high shot showed some intent.
Hammell played his part by releasing Sutton but a last gasp tackle from Campbell snuffed out the chance. Hammell followed that up by delivering a teasing cross which resulted in a corner.
We fell behind after half an hour due to some neat work from Ayr’s new signing, Rodger. His quick turn outfoxed Craigan and his shot beat Randolph. There was little goalmouth action before the break and we seemed too reliant on the long ball game. The spectacle was not helped by the arrival of a rainstorm and the shelter afforded by the dressing room would give some time for much needed thought.
The Icelandic manager, watching from the luxury(!) of the Somerset Park Stand, would have had his spirits lifted by the way Ayr matched us in the first half. Craig Brown made one change and Page started the second 45 minutes with Hammell making way.
With no sign of an equaliser another switch was made, Hateley replaced Jennings and Ayr made their third substitution followed by another double on the hour. Despite the changes in personnel and the number of trialists in their ranks, Ayr looked more comfortable that us. If we were looking for a confidence builder before Thursday’s game, this was not it.
Things took a turn for the better with 20 minutes remaining. A foul on Lasley earned a free kick and Forbes stepped up. His low shot flew through the defensive wall and into the net. That breakthrough sparked a bit of a revival and we pummelled the Ayr goal.
By this time there were only two or three of the original starters on the park for the Honest Men and it seemed inevitable that a winner would appear. McHugh came on for Saunders for the final ten minutes. If all of Brown’s substitutions are as effective then we’ll have a brilliant season ahead.
The youngster grabbed his chance and scored an 89th minute winner with a fine goal. He then struck the bar in added time.
Ayr will be more than pleased with their efforts. For most of the afternoon they matched the SPL team in all respects and only a late effort secured Motherwell’s win. The warm-ups are now over. The real business will start on Thursday.