Ayr United manager David Hopkin called on his side to be more clinical in front of goal as they lost on penalties in their Group E League Cup opener against Albion Rovers.

The Honest Men kicked off their competitive campaign for the 2021/22 season away at Cliftonhill in their first game of the group against League Two side Albion Rovers.

Rovers, managed by former Ayr player and manager Brian Reid, managed to keep United at bay to a 0-0 draw over the 90 minutes to secure a penalty shootout.

Goalkeeper Cammy Binnie saved spot-kicks from Michael Miller and Tomi Adeloye, while Ryan Stevenson, David Wilson, Scott Roberts and Charlie Reilly netted for Rovers to give the hosts the bonus point.

Hopkin says his side should have taken their early chances and ensured the game did not end up at spot kicks.

He said: “In the first half, we had three or four really good chances and we have to take them.

“We could have been comfortable after seven or eight minutes and been two nil up.

“At half time, I said to the players we have to keep going but the longer it is a stalemate I think the players get into the mentality that they do not want to lose it.

“We lost the gameon penalties which was disappointing because with no disrespect, Aiden McManus in net for us did not have a save to make all game. We have to do better though and it is the final decision making in the last third that we are lacking.

“So it is a position that we are working hard to get players in that are going to help us. “

Elsewhere on the park United announced another signing last week with 24-year-old Englishman Charlie Albinson penning a one-year contract from Warrington Town.

Hopkin says he is thrilled to get the young shot stopper signed and have some competition for the gloves at Somerset Park.

“We are delighted to now have two goalkeepers signed to the club who will both compete for the number one spot.

“Charlie is young and has really good potential.”