Ayr United 0,
Blackburn Rovers 1
ALLY MacLeod's testimonial match at Somerset Park last night netted
the former Scotland and Ayr United manager some #25,000, but the honours
went to Blackburn Rovers.
Ayr, however, gave the English Premier League side plenty to think
about. After only four minutes, Alan McInally, guesting for the club
where his career began, headed a George Burley free kick down to another
former Ayr favourite, John Sludden, who, in turn, laid the ball off to
Graeme Robertson. His shot hit Bobby Mimms' left-hand post.
Rovers striker Mike Newell came close on several occasions, at one
point setting up Gallacher to head narrowly past just on half-time. In
terms of chances created, however, Ayr took the first-half honours.
Whatever Blackburn manager Kenny Dalglish said at the interval, it
certainly worked. After 51 minutes, Newell broke down the right and
Gallacher side-footed his low cross against the United bar.
Two minutes later Nicky Marker shot past from good position and as
Rovers pushed forward, good passing set up Mark Atkins, who missed.
In 75 minutes United midfielder Duncan George, whose style of tackling
upset the visitors, was booked. The free kick was played short to Le
Saux and his deep cross had the home defence struggling.
Ayr substitute Nigel Howard, with his first touch, was unfortunate to
head the ball straight to the feet of Marker, who scored from 10 yards.
AYR UNITED -- Duncan, Burley, Robertson, McQuilter, Traynor, George,
Kennedy, Sludden (Clyde), McInally (Bayern Munich), Burns, Annand.
Substitutes -- Carse, Spence, Howard, Fabiani, Sweeney.
BLACKBURN ROVERS -- Mimms, May, Le Saux, Sherwood, Marker, Andersson,
Ripley, Atkins, Gallacher, Newell, Wilcox. Substitutes -- Dickins,
Dobson, Makel, Berg.
Referee -- L Thow (Ayr).
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