SONS BEATEN BY AYR

Saturday 15^th October 2016

DUMBARTON slumped to a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Ayr United at the Cheaper Insurance Direct Stadium this afternoon, with defensive slips and lack of conversion up front costing them dear.

The visitors grabbed a very early lead when Sons lost the ball in midfield. Gary Harkins forced a save from Alan Martin, but Alan Forrest was on hand to tap the ball home from the rebound.

It took Dumbarton some time to get going after this initial blow. Josh Todd had a couple of chances, but by half time the score was still 1-0 to Ayr.

Andy Stirling replaced David Smith for the home side at half-time, as Stevie Aitken’s men came out determinedly looking to reverse the misfortune of the opening 45 minutes.

Joe Thomson (pictured) and Darren Barr almost pulled back for Sons during a bright start to the second half.

However, it was Ayr who pulled further ahead when Martin lost out to Harkins, who squared to Forrest for a too-easy second goal.

On the hour United effectively wrapped up the victory with a penalty, and Forrest’s hat-trick, when ex-Son Nicky Devlin was fouled by Daniel Harvie inside the box.

Before the end Thomson headed over the bar for Dumbarton, but Ayr also had opportunities to claim a fourth.

The loss puts Sons under increasing pressure in ninth spot in the Ladbrokes SPFL Championship, two points ahead of St Mirren, with six points from nine games at the conclusion of the first quarter of the season.

Full match report and reaction to follow. Match photos now online.

Simon Barrow