Alex sealed derby draw with a kiss
Keenan: I’ll never forget my Ayr highs
AYR UNITED ................................ 2 KILMARNOCK ............................ 2
Mike Wilson talks to Dean Keenan about cup classic
Alex Williams tore off his shirt and planted a kiss on ref Steve Conroy as Ayr sent Killie crashing to their knees.
Dean Keenan insists it’s the zaniest celebration he has ever seen but says Williams was living on euphoria as he partied in front of the Somerset Road fans.
The last minute equaliser on January 10, 2009 earned Ayr a 2-2 draw and a money spinning Scottish Cup replay at Rugby Park.
Keenan, 34. now playerassistant manager at Troon FC, cancelled out Manuel Pascali’s early goal to equalise at the break.
He recalls: “It’s probably the most fantastic moment of my career.
“I felt privileged to play for Ayr and to score in an Ayrshire derby is something I will never forget.
“Ryan Stevenson did brilliantly on the left and put in a cross which David Gormley flicked on.
“I got on the wrong side of Garry Hay to score with a diving header at the Railway End.
“It was an indescribable feeling.
“Killie had a really good team and Ayr were Second Division but we were really up for it.
“Craig Bryson put Killie back in front soon after the interval.
Martyn Campbell then gave away a penalty but Stephen Grindlay saved the kick from Allan Russell who is now the England team striker coach.
“Alex came on for the last five minutes and in the final seconds volleyed home following a corner to save the day.
“Williams was the most natural finisher I ever played with but euphoria took over when he scored.
“I’d never seen a player kiss a referee but fortunately we had an understanding ref who was a proper football man.
“By the rules he had to book Alex for taking off his shirt but he used common sense and took no further action.
“It was a magical feeling when the goal went in and I remember vividly the players heading to Flanagans in Prestwick after the game and watching the highlights on TV along with the fans.
“There was a real collectiveness about the team and supporters. That game, along with the playoff win at Airdrie, are my two favourite memories.
“We lost the replay 3-1 after Bryan Prunty used his hand to give us the lead.
“We couldn’t take advantage after David Fernandez was sent off at 1-1 but Mehdi Taouil was unplayable that night.”
Keenan joined Ayr from Morton in 2008 after a successful spell on loan.
Brian Reid then made the deal permanent and Dean played almost 100 games before three operations on a cruciate ligament injury ended his senior career at only 26.
Dean remembers: “I had been playing well and was on the cusp of a move but the injury left me contemplating if I had a footballing future. I was out for more than 18 months and it was a bad time.
“Thankfully I met my wife Sharon a few years ago and leaned heavily on her. She helped me through it.
“Playing for Ayr was such an honour and I will always be a fan. I take my eldest girl Khloe to games whenever I can and she sits on a barrier at the Somerset Road End.
“After leaving Ayr, I was fortunate to join a great club in Troon and have been there for eight years.
“My love for football has never diminished. I work alongside Jimmy Kirkwood and we have made some great summer signings.”
Dean and Sharon live in Ayr with children Khloe, 8 and Kaelia, 2.
I felt privileged to play for Ayr and to score in an Ayrshire derby is something I will never forget