Ayr United 1 - 1 Ross County

Published on Saturday 14 November 2009 20:57

Ayr United 1 - 1 Ross County

TEN-MAN Ayr hauled themselves off the foot of the table with a battling draw as County squandered the chance to step up their promotion bid at chilly Somerset.

United's new signing, Junior Mendes, threatened in the opening minute when he beat Scott Morrison on the right touchline only to fire straight at goalkeeper Michael McGovern.

County's studied passing game almost brought reward when a slick move created space for Richard Brittain whose shot was blocked by Neil McGowan.

At the other end, Mendes was denied a goal when he latched on to Ryan Stevenson's flick and saw his first effort blocked by Scott Boyd before McGovern saved the striker's rebound effort.

But the breakthrough finally came in 41 minutes when Boyd left his defensive beat to meet Brittain's corner with a powerful header which gave United keeper Craig Samson no chance.

Ayr's hopes were dealt a blow on the hour when Stevenson was shown a straight red card for a dangerous tackle on Alex Keddie.

However, the home side almost drew level when Billy Gibson met Dean Keenan's corner with a net-bound header, which McGovern did superbly to claw over the bar.

McGovern then denied Alistair Woodburn with a brave save at the substitute's feet.

But United clinched a point when Woodburn was scythed down by Keddie and Mark Roberts slotted the penalty.

The visitors should have nicked the points at the death but Steven Craig shot wide with the last kick of the game.