Ayr United 3 - 3 Forfar Athletic: Ayr book date with Brechin

Published on Friday 13 May 2011 19:58

Ayr win 7-4 on aggregate

AYR booked a play-off final date with Brechin when they finished the job they had started at Station Park in midweek.

But United boss Brian Reid declared: "The job is only half done and we know we are in for tough games on Wednesday and Sunday."

Leading 4-1 from the first leg, Ayr extended their advantage in just 12 minutes when Michael Moffat ran on to Stuart Bannigan's through ball and calmly picked his spot under the diving Neil Duffy.

However, the Loons refused to buckle and threw themselves a slender lifeline when Martyn Fotheringham released Dale Hilson and the striker showed excellent composure to turn inside Martyn Campbell before netting in the bottom corner.

Forfar were almost right back in contention when Hilson fired a 25 yard shot towards goal only for Alan Martin to claw the effort behind.

At the other end, Moffat rattled the base of a post as United almost restored their lead with the last shot of the first period.

But Ayr only had to wait until four minutes after the break to go back in front on the day when Scott McLaughlin met a Mark Roberts cross with a firm downward header.

Forfar levelled for a second time when Barry Sellars netted from 16 yards.

The Loons looked like they had snatched a consolation win when Ross Campbell netted from the spot in 90 minutes.

However, Alan Trouten converted a penalty at the other end as the game ended all square.

Forfar manager Dick Campbell, sent to the stand early in the second half after a disagreement with referee Brian Winter, said: "A draw was fair today but we lost the tie in midweek."