Ayr United v Forfar Athletic – Match Preview

Match Day three for the ‘Loons’ in Group D of the Premier Sports Cup brings with it a new challenge, a visit to Somerset Park to take on a Championship side in Ayr United who in their two ties to date have picked up maximum points netting an almost staggering ten goals in the process.

Scott Brown’s side who finished third in the Championship last season but failed at the first hurdle in the play-offs are without doubt building towards a title challenge this time again this time round. They have bolstered their squad with six close season signings to date, the latest former Dundee United defender Kevin Holt who has returned to Scotland after a spell with League of Ireland outfit Derry City. Four of those new faces started the 4-0 victory over Arbroath on Saturday past, George Oakley netting his fourth goal of the campaign against the ‘Lichties’, having netted a hat trick in the 6-1 midweek success at Annan.

Manager Jim Weir is in no doubt about the difficult test that awaits his side at Somerset Park, especially following the second half demolition job the ‘Honest Men’ carried out on Saturday. However especially following the good and pleasing performance against St. Mirren, Jim is confident that his charges can again give a good account of themselves. In saying that the manager is well aware that the ‘Loons’ players as a collective will have to be at their best against a full-time outfit, especially taking into account that the majority of the Athies squad will have completed a near full day’s work before making the journey to Ayrshire.

The ‘Loons’ management team as have the supporters have also it has to be said been delighted with the way the plethora of newcomers to the squad have settled in, quite a few hopefully set to become fans favourites as the season progresses. It will be a real test for the Alpha Projects Stadium @ Station Park squad as they look forward to the opening fixture of the league campaign at home to Stranraer on Saturday week, not forgetting the small matter of a local derby to savour this coming weekend.

Jim will have to make at least one change to the starting line-up on Tuesday, skipper Stuart Morrison having received yellow cards in both the Annan and St. Mirren fixtures forced to sit this one out through suspension. Brad Rodden will of course also be missing from the match day pool having moved on late last week, the management team taking their time to evaluate any further additions to their squad, currently eighteen in number. There are thankfully no major injury worries at this early stage of the campaign and the squad are raring to get back into action to complete their League Cup campaign before embarking on a busy August with seven competitive fixtures now scheduled.

The match referee on Tuesday will be Lloyd Wilson.

In the other game in the group tomorrow evening, Arbroath will entertain Annan Athletic.

Forfar Athletic supporters heading to Somerset Park will be accommodated in the West Stand section.

Tickets to be purchased in advance, https://tickets.ayrunitedtickets.co.uk/event/ayr-v-forfar-premier-sports-cup-away

Prices are as follows;-

Adults £15
Concessions (over 65’s & students) £10
Juveniles (13/17 year olds) £10
Under 13’s £5