St Johnstone 1, Ayr United 2 as Honest Men take pole position in Viaplay Cup Group A
dailyrecord.co.ukAyr went top of Group A with a vitally important win in Perth tonight as they moved into pole position for a crack at the knockout stages of the Viaplay Cup.United earned a big three points against Premiership St Johnstone as they remained unbeaten in their group campaign with only Alloa to visit Somerset Park on Saturday.
And they could even afford the luxury of a late missed penalty as they left McDiarmid Park with a vital victory that continues their fine pre season form.Lee Bullen made three changes from the side which beat Stenhousemuir at Cumnock with Charlie Albinson, Nick McAllister and Finn Ecrepont in for starts.
United fans got a glimpse of new signings Aiden McGeady and Ahkeem Rose - but only in the warm up as both were put through their paces following their recent moves.
Saints began the brighter and Cammy Ballantyne scooped over the bar when well placed before Stevie May drew a great save from Charlie Albinson when the striker really should have scored.Ayr slowly grew into the first half and ex-Saints man Jamie Murphy fired a free kick just wide, while Franny Amartey was a useful pace outlet down the right hand side as they looked to find the breakthrough.And it duly arrived on the half hour when a delicious delivery from Murphy via a free kick was met by the head of George Stanger six yards out.Ayr were looking comfortable as half time approached before some slack defending cost them dearly on the stroke of the interval.
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