Ladbrokes League One

RAITH ROVERS 1

AYR UNITED 1

by Calum Campbell and Lauren Johnstone

Pictures: David Sargent

A THRILLING top-of-the-table clash ended in a share of the spoils as Ayr United and Raith Rovers served up an enthralling 1-1 draw at Stark's Park.

With a bumper crowd inside the ground, this game was set up to be a captivating affair and it proved to be just that.

Although early chances weren’t clear-cut, Michael Rose did well to show his pace to clear after former Ayr striker Liam Buchanan had run behind the United defence.

In 18 minutes, Ayr should, have taken the lead after a wonderfully constructed move. Eighteen yards inside his own half, Alan Forrest controlled the ball on his chest before turning and slipping the ball to captain Paddy Boyle who again found Forrest and he in turn picked out Michael Moffat who played the ball to Shankland whose deft header from the edge of the box found Jamie Adams eight yards out. Inconceivably, the big midfielder mis-timed his header and put the ball over the bar.

Home player Lewis Vaughan went agonisingly close when his 18-yard curled shot just wide of debutant keeper Jack Ruddy's goal.

In 34 minutes, Ayr took the lead. Adams flicked the ball to Shankland at the halfway line and the striker nodded it to Moffat on the right before sprinting forward. Moffat played an exquisite pass over the Raith defence and back to Shankland who moved into the box. With the ball at an awkward height and keeper Graeme Smith almost on top of him, the United hitman lifted the ball over the keeper’s head and into the net.

Just four minutes later and Ayr were denied a stonewall penalty. Michael Moffat turned the ball over his shoulder to Shankland at the edge of the box who controlled on his chest, turned and went past central defender Iain Davidson who stretched and caught the striker’s leg bringing him down but a goal-kick was amazingly awarded.

United's lead only lasted for two second-half minutes. The home side was awarded a dubious free kick on the right-hand side of the box which allowed Vaughan the opportunity to deliver a dangerous set piece. He played the ball low across the face of goal, which was met by a deft flick from Spence and the ball nestled in the back of the net.

Ayr were awarded an indirect free-kick, six yards from goal after Raith defender Davidson held the ball between his legs to stop Ayr from tapping in at the back post. Tempers started to flare with defender Thomson starting the fracas by shoving a startled Craig Reid. Reid was moved away by his own players but was then approached at pace by centre-back Euan Murray. Reid and Murray were booked while Thomson took himself away from the conflict.

Just as referee Cook contented himself that he had dealt with the situation, Jamie Adams crashed to the ground on the goal line surrounded by Raith players. When the free-kick was eventually taken, with the whole Rovers team on the line, it was no real surprise that Shankland's fierce drive was blocked and cleared.

Raith were having their best period and Ruddy saved at the near post from Buchanan

Ayr weathered this period and in a rousing final 15 minutes, Moffat and Shankland strikes went close.

Late on, Ayr had another shout for a penalty as the ball hit midfielder Ross Matthews on the arm and gave him control as he cleared in the six-yard box.

Starman

Lawrence Shankland 3

Steven Bell 2

Craig Reid 1.