Published: Wednesday, 12th November, 2008 3:30pm

AYR UNITED ACADEMY REPORT

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WITH the Under 19"s and 17"s having no matches this week, the focus of

the Academy was fully concentrated on the SFA Initiative where all three

sides were in action.

The U16"s took on Alloa at Recreation Park and turned in what coach Tom

Robertson described as a "solid performance". Cammy Marlow stepped up

from the under 15"s to play in this game to cover for injuries and

impressed Robertson when he came on as a second half substitute. Roddy

Paterson scored United"s goal after a good through ball from Gardiner.

United had the better of the game with some good possession and had a

few chances to increase their advantage which they failed to take. After

the game coach Robertson said that he was 'pleased with the all-round

performance, given that we were missing some key players but Cammy

Marlow fitted in very well for his first game playing at a higher level.'=

Meanwhile both the under 15"s and 14"s travelled to Angus to play

Arbroath in very difficult conditions. Coach Allan Paul stated that 'the

state of the pitch was atrocious and not conducive to good football. I

couldn"t take much from the game apart from the work rate the boys put

in, in facilities and conditions that should just not be permitted at

this level.'

Marc Dyer scored for Ayr, slipping a through ball from Paterson under

the keeper but many more chances went abegging for the visitors

throughout the game.

The under 14"s kept up their good form of late with Mark Shankland a two

goal hero, scoring in both of the first two periods. Ayr had plenty of

excellent possession and created plenty of chances throughout the game.

Coach Davie White felt that a bit more composure in front of goal would

have reaped real dividends. Yet despite their domination for large

spells of the game, White singled out two outstanding saves from keeper

Bobby McLatchie as being key to the outcome and the all round team

performance.

White said 'Due to the challenging facility and strong wind this was a

different type of game and experience for the Ayr squad. Their will to

defend their own goal and work hard throughout the match allowed us to

have more possession than our opponents. Another performance where the

players worked and communicated as a team . This is very pleasing for

the coaching staff we set that challenge to the players and they are

responding very well.'

This weekend"s fixtures:

SFL Youth Division:

Under 19: Ayr United v Dundee, Carrick Academy, Maybole. K.O. 4pm

Under 17: Ayr United v Raith Rovers, Greenwood Academy, Irvine. K.O. 11am

SFA Youth Initiative:

Under 16: Ayr United v Arbroath, Carrick Academy, Maybole. K.O 1.30pm

Under 15: Alloa Athletic v Ayr United

Under 14: Ayr United v Alloa Athletic, Carrick Academy, Maybole. K.O 11am