Ross County 1 - 1 Ayr United: County lose ground

Published on Sunday 19 February 2012 00:00

A LACK of killer touch proved costly as County’s lead in the First Division table was cut to three points by a plucky Ayr United. The Highlanders are now 19 games unbeaten and still retain two games in hand at the summit, but it was a case of ground lost as Ayr’s Liam Tomsett, on loan from Blackpool, struck a late wonder-goal for the equaliser.

Grant Munro’s early opener had seemed to set Derek Adams’ team comfortably en-route to victory in treacherous conditions but their best efforts became bogged down in squandered opportunities – despite Jonathan Tiffoney’s late red card.

Adams, the County manager, now preparing for Morton’s visit on Tuesday, said: “We had numerous chances to win the game – it’s just unfortunate we didn’t take them. We didn’t score the goals our play deserved. We’ve lost ground to Falkirk and there’s no doubt we could have won by a few goals.”

A dominant first half for County opened disastrously for Ayr in sodden conditions. Paul Lawson’s fierce corner from the left ricocheted in a crowded six-yard box where defender Grant Munro was placed to hook home.

Ayr came tearing out of the traps for the second half and Keigan Parker had a penalty claim waved away.

But disaster struck for the hosts with 11 minutes left. Liam Tomsett was given too much space and freedom and swirled a tremendous 30-yard strike high past Fraser.

A late County cavalry charge almost produced a winner from a Richard Brittain corner but Scott Boyd’s touch rolled agonisingly across the face of goal.

Ayr boss Brian Reid said: “We are disappointed to lose a sloppy goal, no disrespect to Ross County, but we can play better than that.”