Match Report - By Steven Mew

City recorded their fifth win on the trot in the league with a well deserved victory over Ayr on Saturday at Somerset Park.

The Honest Men’s problem this season has been inconsistency, and after beating Raith Rovers away from home last week, they crashed to a heavy home defeat against a City side that didn’t really need to get out of first gear.

City had the first chance of the game when Charlie King cut in from the left and beat several players before firing his shot just wide of the post.

However, it wasn’t long before City broke the deadlock. A corner from the left had been cleared but only as far as Darren Smith, who played the ball back out to Byers who fired in an inviting cross, so inviting that Ayr midfielder Paul Weaver headed it into his own net.

Just 8 minutes later City doubled their advantage with a slick passing move. Charlie King intercepted a slack pass in midfield before playing a through ball for Darren Smith who got to the by-line before firing a low pass across goal for Michael Paton, who was perfectly placed to tap the ball over the line.

City almost made it three when Iain Diack cleverly back-heeled the ball into the path of Darren Smith, and the skipper played a perfect through ball for Charlie King but the ball took a wicked bobble just as he was about to hit it and the ball ended up in the stand.

Ayr had a rare effort on goal when City lost possession in a midfield scrap and the ball fell to Alex Williams who had a pop from 25 yards out, but his shot was easily gathered by Craig Nelson. You can’t fault Alex for trying after the spectacular goals he scored against Raith last weekend.

Things went from bad to worse for Ayr as they were reduced to 10 men on the stroke of half time. As Michael Paton surged forward, he was caught by a very late and dangerous David Lowing challenge. The ref initially gave Lowing a yellow card before the linesman talked him into giving a deserved red.

Into the second half, Ayr were awarded a penalty on the hour mark when David Murie brought down an Ayr attacker in the box. It was a little on the soft side was justice was done when Craig Nelson saved Alex William’s penalty.

That proved to be Ayr’s last effort of the game and City went on to dominate the rest of the game. Kevin Byers came close when he cut in from the right and his left foot shot just curled round the post.

City came even closer 5 minutes later when Willie Dyers crossed evaded everyone in the box, but Darren Smith fired it back in from the left and Mark McGeown made an excellent point blank save to deny substitute Calum Smith.

City wrapped the 3 points up in stoppage time when Darren Smith intercepted a loose pass in midfield before playing a perfect ball for substitute Nicky Walker, who latched into the pass and fired into the far corner.

Overall, a good performance from City but in all honesty they didn’t have to get out of first gear to beat a very poor Ayr side that weren’t at the races at all.

Next up for City is league leaders Ross County on Tuesday night at Glebe Park. City will have to produce a magnificent performance if they are to keep their winning/unbeaten run going!

Other Results - Irn Bru 2nd Division

Alloa Athletic 2 Raith Rovers 0

Raith have now last their last 4 games.

Cowdenbeath 0 Peterhead 4

A thumping win for Peterhead over 10 man Cowden.

Ross County 3 Queen's Park 2

Late winner for top of the table County.