Ayr Archives - SNN Sports

Partick Thistle 1-0 Ayr United: Hosts continue promotion bid with solid win

Partick Thistle 1-0 Ayr United Drozd (38′) Partick Thistle snapped their three-match winless run with a 1-0 victory at home to Ayr United. A slow opening 20 minutes led to 0 chances of note, put Partick Thistle’s game plan was clear from the off: A high press on Ayr United’s backline giving them no time on the ball. United’s Luke McBeth was first in the book for a foul on Robbie Crawford. Ayr began to grow into the game, a deep delivery to the back post from a free-kick saw their first chance of the match come off the post. Thistle went up the park following the chance as Seb Drozd went down in the box, but Nick Walsh waved the subsequent penalty appeal. Tony Watt would go close moments later, getting on the end of a Patrick Reading cross, but his header would come off the crossbar. The hosts found themselves in front shortly before half-time, Ayr goalkeeper Harry Stone spilled the ball from a corner, allowing Drozd to pounce from close-range, giving his side the lead. Tony Watt nearly doubled Thistle’s lead as his effort was cleared off the line by Dylan Watret, Crawford then had an effort from outside the area fly over the bar. Aidan Fitzpatrick nearly had Partick Thistle off to the ideal second half-start, some neat football from the hosts saw Ben Stanway play the winger through on goal, but his left-footed effort was agonisingly close as it found the side netting. Ayr were close to equalising through a flurry of chances early in the second-half. Owen Stirton’s header was saved by Liam McFarlane before debutant Oliver Whyte saw his close-range effort blocked. Stirton would go one-on-one moments later, shooting wide. Ben Summers was next to test McFarlane in the home net, but it was an easy save for the Thistle shot-stopper. More tidy football from the hosts nearly doubled their lead as Tony Watt played an inch perfect pass up the line to Fitzpatrick, who’s cross was laid off to Crawford outside the box, but the midfielder’s first-time effort was once again over the bar. Stanway went down in the Ayr box 10 minutes into the second-period, but once more Nick Walsh waved any penalty appeals. The match was devoid of any big chances for the next half an hour, but Dan O’Reilly and Kevin Holt both found themselves in Nick Walsh’s book. Substitute Ben Dempsey tried Stone from range late on, but his effort was straight into the keeper’s arms. Fitzpatrick would catch onto a loose ball minutes later, testing Stone once more who collected an effort bound for the bottom corner. The Glasgow side seen out the closing minutes to run out 1-0 victors, leaving them second in the table and unbeaten in their opening five, their last home defeat in the league was a 2-1 loss to Hamilton Academical in April 2025. Ayr now sit 7th in the Championship, winless since opening day. Partick Thistle travel to Stenhousemuir in a top-of-the-table clash next Tuesday as Ayr United host newly promoted Inverness on Saturday. Partick Thistle: Liam McFarlane (GK), Patrick Reading, Seb Drozd (Goal 38′), Oisin Smyth, Robbie Crawford (Ts’oanelo Lets’osa 69′), Dan O’Reilly (C), Aidan Fitzpatrick (Cammy Logan 90′), Cale Loughrey, Ben McPherson, Ben Stanway (Ben Dempsey 69′), Tony Watt (Alex Samuels 73′). Ayr United: Harry Stone (GK), Kevin Holt (Jamie Douglas 85′), Reece Lyon (C), Owen Stirton (Josh Landers 65′), Leon King, Ross Taylor, Oliver Whyte (Thomas Hatton 65′), Ben Summers, Luke McBeth (Jamie Murphy 74′), Dylan Waters, Scott McMann (Liam Dick 74′). Referees: Nick Walsh, Frank Connor (assistant), Daniel McFarlane (assistant) Attendance: 3,869

September 5, 2026

Match preview: Partick Thistle continue promotion hunt at home to Ayr

Partick Thistle host Ayr United tomorrow afternoon in match day five of the Scottish Championship. Mark Wilson’s side currently sit 2nd in the Championship, two points behind newly promoted Stenhousemuir. Ayr, managed by the man who led Stenhousemuir to the second tier, Gary Naysmith, currently sit sixth in the table with five points. Partick Thistle will look to snap their three-match winless run tomorrow, with their last victory coming against Livingston on the 7th August. The Glasgow side managed to remain unbeaten at home in the league last season as they narrowly missed out of promotion at the hands of St. Mirren in the play-offs. They come into this one on the back of a 0-0 draw in a Glasgow Derby at home to Queens Park. As for Ayr, they are currently without a win in their last five. Their last win came on the Championship’s opening day at home to Arbroath. Their last match was a 1-1 draw at home to Greenock Morton. The visitors could also be bolstered by the arrival of Josh Landers on loan from West Ham on deadline day. A product of the Hibernian academy, Landers has been in fine form for West Ham at youth levels since making the switch down south 18 months ago. Earlier this week, the 19-year-old scored four goals for West Ham U21 as they were beaten 5-4 by Chelsea U21 in Premier League 2. The match kicks off at 3pm at the WrightKerr Stadium at Firhill.

September 4, 2026

“Nobody can say we didn’t deserve it” – Ayrshire Derby Manager Reaction

Neil McCann praised his side’s “character” after emerging victorious in a five-goal thriller against local rivals Ayr, becoming the first side to progress to the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals. Nicky Clesenco’s 89th-minute winner sparked wild scenes in the packed-out BBSP Rugby Park, but Killie were made to work for their win after The Honest Men had twice led through Owen Stirton and Ross Taylor. McCann was delighted the hosts could stand up to the pressure. “Congratulations to Ayr United for their quality and their endeavour. It’s always difficult when you’re the side that’s having to make the game. “We showed a lot of character tonight. There’s a lot of pressure on this game, let’s not kid ourselves. The fans that turned out were magnificent, and I’m so happy our boys showed the quality to put us in the quarter-finals. “Nobody can say we didn’t deserve it. We were the team in control of the match, they had a bit of quality on the counter attack. Tonight, we can celebrate. I’ve told them to go and enjoy it. “We showed a lot of guts and I’m so happy.” In contrast to the delight of the home boss, Ayr United’s Gary Naysmith admitted the defeat “one of the sickest” he has faced in his career thus far. It was a night that could have been so different for The Honest Men, who started the first and second half in lightning-quick fashion. “Apart from winning the game, they couldn’t have given me any more. We stuck to the game plan, always looked a threat on the break. “We started the first half and the second half the better team. Towards the middle and end of both halves, Kilmarnock came into it and asked us questions. Big games have big moments, and Harry Stone’s collision with Kevin Holt allowed Clesenco the opportunity to chip into the net. “In the main, we defended really well. We were just lacking numbers. It caught up with us a wee bit. “We just leave Harry be, it’s just a mistake. He was tremendous again tonight, came for everything, made some big saves. It’s a horrible way to lose a game. “That’s up there with one of the sickest feelings I’ve had at the end of a game.” Kilmarnock are next in action on August 29th against Jim Goodwin’s Dundee United, still waiting for their first victory in the Scottish Premiership. Ayr United will look to add to their unbeaten Championship start against Raith Rovers in Kirkcaldy.

August 15, 2026

Ross County 2-1 Ayr United: Ross County edge past Ayr United to keep survival hopes alive

Goals by Duncan and Iacovitti seals a massive victory in the relegation battle as the Staggies survival hopes strengthen. Ayr were quickly in the attacking phase as a strike by Dempsey was deflected off a County defender which rattled the post to deny Ayr an early lead. Ross County fired ahead after 3 minutes, Ryan Duncan who smashed it following a deflection into the bottom right hand corner following a corner as relegation worried County took a vital advantage. A scrappy opening half hour with just the one goal, apart from that there hasn’t been many clear-cut chances as County still lead. Ayr were nearly level, a scrappy moment in the box which was regained which landed to Liam Dick with his effort heading wide of goal which went out for a corner which was whipped in as Kevin Holt headed one off the bar to deny the equaliser. It looked almost certain a second was coming as a free kick into the box and Iacovitti headed the ball into Wright with his effort somehow smashing wide of target. Ayr were level after 40 minutes after a ball was crossed into the back post where Anton Dowds struck it in to damper County’s relegation hopes. Into the second period, Ross county nearly restored their lead as a ball into the box found Randall but his tame effort was caught safely. A dull second half as neither said have came close to creating any clear cut chances as both sides try and push to go ahead with the Staggies battling to keep their Championship status alive. Ross County restored their lead after 69 minutes as Duncan worked his way onto the edge of the box, crossed the ball in and Iacovitti headed one home to keep their Championship dreams for next season alive. Jamie Lindsay had a chance in the dying stages from distance but fired his effort a bit too high of target as they look to seal the victory in a fascinating relegation battle. A massive win in the relegation fight for the hosts although they still remain bottom with Aidrie drawing with Partick Thistle. A massive game for County next week with Morton if they are to avoid the drop. Ross County: Carson (6), Wright (6), Gallagher (6), Iacovitti (7), Randall (6), Docherty (6), Chilvers (7), Duncan (8), O’Sullivan (6), Carbon (6), Phillips (6). Substitutes: Foster (6), Smith (7), White (6), Lindsay (6). Ayr United: Mitchell (5), Dick (6), King (5), Holt (6), McMann (6), Dempsey (6), Bannigan (6), Rus (7), Summers (6), Murphy (6), Dowds (7). Substitutes: Watret (5), McRoberts (5), Hislop (5).

April 18, 2026

Rankin appointed at Ayr United on Interim Basis

Ayr United have announced John Rankin as their interim manager for the final six games of the Scottish Championship season. The former Hamilton boss resigned from the South Lanarkshire side in November, and takes over from Scott Brown, who left Ayr by mutual consent on Monday Ayr United formally announced the appointment on X earlier today, ‘John will take training today and will be assisted by Jamie Murphy, Tommy Tait and Dave Timmins’. The Honest Men are perched just eight points above the relegation playoff positions, but still have a chance of capturing consecutive promotion playoff appearances.

March 31, 2026

St Johnstone vs Ayr United – Match Preview

St Johnstone are back at McDiarmid Park on Tuesday night where they will face fellow Championship outfit Ayr United in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Challenge Cup. The last meeting between these sides finished 4-2 to St Johnstone at Somerset Park. McKenzie and Murphy scored first half goals to put The Honest Men 2-0 up going into the break, but second half goals from Foulds, a brace from McPake and a stoppage time goal from Fotheringham meant that St Johnstone left with all 3 points. In the previous meeting at McDiarmid Park, the game finished goalless. St Johnstone come into this fixture off the back of a 1-0 home defeat to Dunfermline Athletic, which was The Saints’ first home league defeat of the season, ending an unbeaten run of 11 games. As a result, the Perth outfit now sit 2 points ahead of Partick Thistle in 2nd, who come to McDiarmid Park on Friday night. Before their defeat against Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline Athletic, St Johnstone had not lost in 7 games in all competitions, winning 5 and drawing 2, and in that run, Simo Valakari’s side kept 6 clean sheets. Ayr United come into this fixture off the back of a 2-1 league defeat against Partick Thistle at Firhill. As a result, Ayr United have moved below the play-off spots in 5th, behind Dunfermline Athletic on goal difference. Scott Brown’s side have only won 1 in 5, with that win coming at home against League 2 outfit Stranraer at home in the Challenge Cup. In continuation, Ayr have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 8 matches in all competitions. To reach this stage of the competition, The Saints defeated Hearts B away from home, Gullan got the goal which sent them through. In the last 16, St Johnstone beat Championship strugglers Ross County 2-0 at McDiarmid Park, a goal from McPake and a first Saints goal from Lloyd sent them through to the quarter-finals. To reach this stage of the competition, Ayr United defeated Peterhead 2-1 at home, Dowds and McAllister got the goals. And in the previous round, the Ayrshire outfit defeated League 2 side Stranraer. Main, Dempsey, Finney and Thomas all got on the scoresheet. Simo Valakari on his side’s defeat against Dunfermline: “Dunfermline were very dangerous up front and very solid at the back. One action decided the game. They took their chance and we didn’t take ours. That’s why we can have no argument about the result. Most of the season we have been on the right side of the small margins because we’ve been doing so many right things. This afternoon they didn’t go for us. Maybe we weren’t at our best – especially in the opposition’s box. We created moments. You get these kinds of games, but still the boys gave everything. When we win, we celebrate and tonight we suffer.” Ayr United assistant manager, Steven Whittaker, on Tuesday night’s Challenge Cup meeting with St Johnstone: “It’s a competition we have aimed to do well in. It’s a tough draw but we go there having had a good performance earlier in the season. “We need to re-group, learn from today and hopefully go up there and put a good performance in.”

January 26, 2026

Partick Thistle Continue Push For Automatic Promotion After 2-1 Win Over Ayr United

Alex Samuel’s first half header earned Mark Wilson’s Partick Thistle a vital three points in the fight for the title as they defeated Scott Brown’s Ayr United 2-1. The match started slow, but with 12 minutes on the clock, former Ayr United player Logan Chalmers opened the scoring for the hosts after Kevin Holt failed to intercept Patrick Reading’s through ball. That wasn’t the end of the drama, as just two minutes later, Thistle’s continued pressure on Ayr saw Luke McBeth’s cross find Alex Samuel’s head and fall into the bottom left of Liam Russell’s net. Ayr United’s first half went from bad to worse, Leon King’s foul on Alex Samuel in the penalty area on the 19th minute saw referee Grant Irvine point to the spot. Chalmer’s stepped up to the penalty spot hoping to get his second of the match, however his effort down the middle was saved by the leg of goalkeeper Russell. The penalty save brought some hope for Scott Brown’s side, as his squad started to take the game to the Jags. Ben Dempsey’s effort on the 21st minute deflected by the post of Josh Clarke’s goal and earned The Honest Men a corner which they failed to capitalise on. Ayr United looked more comfortable for the remainder of the second half creating some well worked plays but failing to cause Thistle’s Clarke any problems. Ayr’s manager Scott Brown was shown yellow for dissent on the 35th minute, mostly out of frustration after his side’s poor first half performance. Ayr United almost found away back into the game late into the first half, their best chance of the game comes from a cross from Scott McMann and lands on Anton Dowds head, but his effort hits the side netting of Josh Clarke’s goal. A tactical substitution for Scott Brown saw Jude Bonnar being replaced by striker Curtis Main in a hope to get something from the game. And it was almost a dream start to the half for Ayr when Kevin Holt’s header looked goal bound, but it was blocked off the line by Thistle captain Lee Ashcroft. Partick Thistle almost extended their lead to 3, after Ben Stanway’s cross almost sneaked a way into the back of the net but was tipped over the bar by Liam Russel. Substitute Curtis Main got one back for the visitors on the hour mark after George Finney’s rocket was blocked and the striker was there to pounce on the rebound and find the top right corner. 72 minutes in Lee Ashcroft’s header was saved well by Russel, and moments later he was needed at the other end of the field to hold off Anton Dowds in a one-on-one battle near the Thistle goal. In the 79th minute, Alex Samuel’s original chance turned into a catalogue of blocked efforts from the Ayr United defence to keep themselves in the match. George Oakley’s burst of pace found him in a good position wit just two minutes remaining, but his powerful effort was parried away by Josh Clarke. In the dying moments of the match, Scott Brown’s continued dissent was punished with a red card, which really summed up Ayr United’s afternoon. Results elsewhere give Partick Thistle the chance to go top of the league by a point this Friday if they win away to current leaders St. Johnstone, after they fell to a 1-0 defeat to Dunfermline Athletic at McDiarmid Park. As for Ayr United, their next outing is also away to St. Johnstone as they travel to Perth on Tuesday in the Scottish Challenge Cup. The aforementioned defeat to the Saints and subsequent Dunfermline victory means Neil Lennon’s side have leapfrogged them into the play-offs on goal difference.

January 24, 2026

Dundee United 2-0 Ayr United – Dundee United leave it late to ensure they don’t suffer any upset

Dundee United host in-form Ayr United to Tannadice in the Scottish Cup Fourth Round as Jim Goodwin’s side aim to avoid any upset. A frustrating opening period with no chances at all with both sides showing struggles of keeping the ball, losing possession on many occasions. Dowds had a fantastic chance after 8 minutes, a strike from distance but Richards with a brilliant diving save to deny the Ayr striker an opener. The hosts had a chance of their own, a corner in from Fatah which was punched away by Russell in goals but only as far as Will Ferry who volleyed it from just inside the box but fired just high of goal. Sapsford a minute on had a chance from distance but well stopped by the Ayr shot-stopper. Ayr had a great chance after 18 minutes. A brilliant ball by Finney into Holt where the former Dundee United man whipped the ball across goal but couldn’t find anyone lurking to tap it in. A horrible mistake at the back by Ayr allowed Fatah to have a run at goal but outstanding play by Holt to get back and prevent any danger. Ayr with a wasted chance, an outstanding ball by Dempsey who fed the ball into Jamie Murphy who should’ve unleashed his strike earlier but took far to long and was too late as the hosts were back in position to deny Ayr firing ahead. Stephenson with an unreal attempt from range after 37 minutes but his strike fired just inches wide of goal to ensure the game remains goalless. Into the second 45, substitute Trapanovski had a chance of his own doing what he does best, cutting onto his right and unleashing which was a weak effort which didn’t really test Russell in the Ayr’s goal. Unreal work by Trapanosvki again causing mayhem on the left-hand side, twisting and turning but still can’t get his side in front but some excellent work by the North Macedonian international. Youngster, Cleall-Harding took on a strike from the edge of the box but was well palmed away to avoid the hosts firing in front. Great play by Rus for Ayr, an error by youngster Cleall-Harding as he passed it straight to the Ayr forward with a darting run with his strike flashing wide of goal. Poor play in the middle by Dempsey, losing the ball which fell to Sibbald who put it into the path of Fatah with his strike being well tapped away by Russell. Mark McKenzie with a darting run who fed the ball into Dowds but the attacker just couldn’t control it as the ball went out for a goal kick. A flurry of chances for the hosts, firstly an attempt from close range easily tipped away by the Ayr keeper which was whipped back into the box with Moller getting his head to it but the strike goes just wide of goal. Strain with a ball into the box after bodying off Rus which then found Moller in the centre of the box which found the back of the net to give the substitute his first goal for Dundee United. A darting run by Trapanovski once again, he squared it to the substitute Camara who calmly struck it into the back of the net to put the nail in the coffin for Ayr. Not the best of watches but Jim Goodwin won’t care as his side are into the next round in which wasn’t the most entertaining of games but it’s the hosts who progress as Ayr are out. Dundee United: Richards (6), Ferry (6), Keresztes (6), Graham (6), Cleall-Harding (7), Stephenson (7), Naamo (6), Sibbald (6), Fatah (7), Sapsford (6), Watters (6). Substitutes: Trapanovski (7), Strain (6), Stirton (5), Camara (8), Moller (8). Ayr United: Russell (7), Holt (6), Bannigan (7), Dowds (6), Dempsey (7), Murphy (6), King (6), McKenzie (6), Rus (7), McMann (6), Finney (7). Substitutes: Bonnar (6), Main (6), Summers (6), Thomas (6).

January 17, 2026

Ross County 3-3 Ayr United: Points Shared in six-goal Thriller

Ross County welcome Ayr United to Dingwall as both teams are eager to get back to winning ways. The Staggies make four changes from last week’s defeat at Gayfield against Arbroath as Dean Cornelius, Kieran Phillips, Dylan Smith and Gary Mackay-stevens come in to replace Scott Fraser, Jamie Lindsay, Connor Randall and Alex Iacovitti who drops to the bench. Scott Brown makes just one one change from their 1-0 defeat against Dunfermline as Kevin Holt returns as Liam Dick drops onto the bench. County had an early flurry with Duncan whipping in a corner with Alki Wright getting a head on it but a good stop by Mitchell with another good chance being cleared by Stuart Brannigan. Ayr had a chance of their own, Mcallister with a cross into the box with Mark Mckenzie meeting the cross but a comfortable save for Trevor Carson in goals. Ronan Hale has a decent enough effort, Hale on the left hand side, cutting in unleashing a strike with a simple catch for Mitchell as moments later, Hale again with a similar strike but on the right which struck side. Ethan Walker got the Honest Men ahead after 22 minutes, Mckenzie with a low driven cross into the box, Walkers with plenty of space eventually controlled the ball and struck home to get Ayr in front. The hosts had a big chance, a lose piece of play by Ayr which allowed defender Alki Wright to have a chance of his own but not enough accuracy as it fires wide. Ronan Hale got county back level, a ball up the field to Hale where he cut onto his right foot and struck it home doing what he does best to get the Staggies on level terms. It didn’t take county long to fire ahead as a cross from Declan Gallagher across the box found Jordan White who put County ahead. Scott McMann from distance almost got Ayr back level but a brilliant fisting save by Carson to keep his sided in front. A bright first half display by County but as soon as the hosts went 2-1 up, Ayr looked to use that as motivation as it was a good response but failing top draw level. A very entertaining first half in the Highlands. Four minutes into the second half, Duncan almost added a third for County with his strike being tipped over by David Mitchell in goals. Jordan White had his second of the afternoon, multiple attempts beforehand but Jordan White took on a strike and smashed it home to get a third. Ayr found one back, a cluster in the box with the ball landing at Scott McMann where he struck it nicely into the bottom right hand corner. Substitute Curtis Main levelled the tie, a shot from the edge of the box smashing past Trevor Carson following a goal line block by Wright following an initial attempt. Mark Mckenzie could’ve had Ayr ahead, a powerful strike from close range but going out for a throw in to the hosts. In the dying stages, if a winner was to come, it certainly looked in favour as the visitors as we were in for a nervy end. It ends level but what a game as both sides put their quality on show. Both sides will leave on a positive note in a sensational game of football for the neutrals. Ross County: Carson, Crompton, Wright, Cornelius, Hale, Phillips (O’Sullivan 75′), Smith, Mackay-Stevens (Iacovitti 75′), White, Duncan, Gallagher Subs: Laidlaw, Foster, O’Sullivan, Clark, Iacovitti, Reid, Scott. Ayr United: Mitchell, Mcallister (Dick 66′), Holt, Bannigan (Main 58′), Ure, Murphy (Bonnar 66′), King, Walker, McKenzie, Rus, McMann Subs: Russell, Dick, Want, Main, Thomas, Bonnar.

November 9, 2025

Partick Thistle Level on Points With League Leaders

Partick Thistle continued their terrific start to this year’s Championship campaign as they came from behind to defeat Ayr United 2-1 at Firhill. Ethan Walker put Scott Brown’s side in front in added time of the first half, before a five minute double after the interval from Tsoanelo Letsosa and Ben Stanway gave Mark Wilson one over his former teammate. The result moves the Jags behind leaders St. Johnstone only on goal difference, with the Perth side inflicting Thistle’s only league league defeat this season on the opening day. It is the first time Ayr have tasted defeat since Thistle dumped them out the Premier Sports Cup in August. The away side were under pressure for large parts of the first half, but Thistle failed to make their advantage count. Jamie Murphy sent Walker through, and the right winger made converted The Honest Men’s only attempt on target of the half in first half injury time. Whatever Mark Wilson said to his players certainly had a lasting impact. One minute into the second period, Logan Chalmers whipped a cross in from the left flank, and Letsosa turned the ball home to bring the scores level. Then on the 50th minute, Stanway pickpocketed Kyle Ure inside the Ayr penalty box, and his finish sailed to the top right corner with the aid of a deflection to complete the five minute salvo. Ayr’s goalscorer Walker picked up his second caution of the match with 18 minutes to play, making Thistle’s job of protecting their slender advantage all the easier. Partick Thistle are now level on points with St. Johnstone, and travel to another one of Wilson’s former teammates in Barry Robson this Saturday to take on Raith Rovers, who have lost their last three games. Ayr are back in Glasgow on Saturday to face Queen’s Park, hoping to keep 5th place Dunfermline from leapfrogging them into the playoffs before facing them in the Friday night fixture on Halloween.

October 22, 2025