On Sunday 14th August 2016 Ayr United Womens FC travelled South to Stair Park to take on Stranraer in their first competitive game in the SWFL2 league restart after a short summer break.
Ayr headed onto the park full of confidence but were wary of an always improving Stranraer side and the game was played in perfect conditions, with the playing surface immaculate.
Stranraer made all the early running as Ayr took time to settle into the pace of the match.
After ten minutes the whole complexion of the game changed as Tamara Sommers drove up on the left hand side to give Ayr the lead. Following the opener United took complete control of play, and quickly added another goal, this time from Rachel Scott.
Ayr were by now completely dominant in all areas of the park, and a strong run from deep inside the Ayr half saw Kerry Fitzsimmons add a third, with Scott grabbing another two before half-time to complete her hattrick sending Ayr into the break with a comfortable lead.
Half time: Stranraer Ladies 0-5 Ayr United Ladies
The second half saw Stranraer give a valiant attempt at making more of a game out of the encounter but Ayr United goalkeeper Natalie Docherty was never in danger of losing a goal whenever Stranraer engineered a foray into the Ayr half.
Several changes were made by both sides but they had little effect on the pattern of the game.
Ayr missed several well created chances, with Jodie Barbour, Chanelle Hillhouse and Louise Gillespie all coming close to putting their names onto the score sheet.
Then to add on to the unfortunate run for United, Caron McIntyre had a goal chalked off, due to an offside decision. However Ayr went on to completely dominate in the final stages with Barbour being rewarded for an excellent afternoon’s work with a brace of goals, assisted by Chanelle Hillhouse and Stephanie Thomson respectively.
This signalled the end of what turned out to be a positive return to competitive play for the Ayr Ladies and the three points helps cement their control of second spot in the SWFL2 South West division.
After the game Ayr United Ladies Head Coach David Danaher said:
“The players were very good today and thoroughly deserved their win. We can now clearly see the shape of the team and the ladies are comfortable within their roles. We aren’t there yet but are heading in the correct direction.”
Full time: Stranraer Ladies 0-7 Ayr United Ladies
Scorers: Scott (3), Barbour (2), Sommers (1), Fitzsimmons (1)
Ayr United: Docherty, Masterson, Frame, McIntyre, McBlain, Gillespie, Fitzsimmons, Mair, Bradley, Hillhouse, Thomson, Barbour, Scott
Reported by Marc Roseblade
Picture: Ayr United Football Academy
