DETERMINED Ayr United boss Ian McCall says securing survival with Ayr United would be one of his biggest achievements.

He spoke out after the battling 1-1 draw away to Falkirk saw them close within a point of third bottom Dumbarton.

Goalkeeper Greg Fleming was the hero, saving a penalty, having conceded only two of his last 16 efforts.

The boss said: "That wasn't bad against a team who finished second in the Championship last season and are hoping for second or third again. I would say a draw was a fair result although we are looking for wins now more than draws now. Our centre backs did really well. Scott McKenna had a good game and Paddy Boyle was different class.

"Kevin Nisbet was excellent and had a couple of good chances to score although I'm not sure if he will be going back to Partick Thistle (from whom he is on loan). I will have to talk to the club to see.

Brian Gilmour did really well when he came on but ran out of steam a bit later on. Greg Fleming did well to save the penalty, he has an amazing record and also made another couple of important saves for us."

Asked about his overall aim McCall said: "We wanted to do better but if we can finish eighth then that would be one of the biggest achievements of my career."

United on Saturday enjoy a break from the routine of the league when they host Queens Park in the fourth round of the William Hill Scottish Cup.

The home side will be hoping to progress, with the prospect of playing a big name in the last 16.

They will be boosted with the likely return of striker Craig Moore, who has been out with secondary concussion since July.

The United manager added: "I will use my full squad and can't afford to rest anyone. You can never afford to take a Queens Park team lightly. They will be up for it but it's an important game and hopefully we can win and reach the last 16 of the cup."

Meanwhile we can look forward to a derby battle featuring younger players from the club on Sunday.

Ayr United host Kilmarnock in the Scottish Under-20s Youth Cup quarter-final.

Kick-off is at 1.30pm at Somerset Park and organisers will be looking for a good attendance as the young Honest Men bid to overturn their county rivals.