Published: Tuesday, 19th January, 2010 3:00pm

AYR ON THE MARK

by Stewart McConnell

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Active Nation Scottish Cup Fourth Round: AYR UNITED 1 BRECHIN CITY 0

UNITED edged out the side they had defeated in last season's promotion playoffs, edging out plucky Brechin to storm into the last 16.

Junior Mendes and Ryan Stevenson combined to set up Mark Roberts to dodge past a defender before netting in three minutes to give Ayr the perfect start.

A Rory McAllister lob then crashed off the bar as Brechin started pressing.

But Ayr then had some excellent chances with Mendes twice coming close and Martyn Campbell and Roberts missing opportunities.

Craig Samson fouled McAllister in the second half and late on Ryan Stevenson twice came close but United held on to book a trip to Dundee or Livingston.