Voice of Reason Game On
Shooting from the lip
In such a shortened season, any sort of form can become magnified.
Both good and bad.
But as we approach the critical Christmas fixtures, the festive run is more important than ever.
Ayr United have given themselves a firm footing to approach 2021 with play- off targets intact.
And when one looks at the upcoming games, it’s hard not to see some big opportunities lying in wait.
Arbroath, Morton, Queen of the South and Alloa lurk among Ayr’s next five Championship fixtures.
By any stretch, a massive chance for Mark Kerr’s men to put down their stamp on the top four.
And come the end of January, United will hopefully be in a rock solid position to attack the truncated run- in.
Key to the upcoming run will be Kerr’s ability to get the most from his exciting pool of front players.
The returning Cammy Smith remains one of the league’s outstanding talents in his position.
And if Ayr can just get Tom Walsh on the same pitch as him at the same time, the prospect is tantalising.
Crucially, matters in defence are now looking far rosier after the debacle at Livingston.
Ayr’s backline is officially now the tightest in the Championship – a stat all the more remarkable when you consider the three chucked in against Morton.
It’s a solid base from which to build and it’s no coincidence that the marauding presence of Aaron Muirhead has made a big impact.
Subtle he may not be, but big Aero has quickly become first name on the teamsheet material.
Maybe it’s the lack of crowds that makes you all the more aware of his vocal presence.
But his sheer ability to organise all those around him has been a massive factor in Ayr’s defensive improvement.
At 30, he already carries the responsibility as a dressing room leader for Ayr’s young squad.
And it’s a role he is clearly relishing ( see right).
For all the players up the top end of the pitch get the headlines, it’s currently Muirhead making the team tick from where I’m sitting.
This weekend, United head for Arbroath and a destination never pleasant to play football in the grip of winter.
But Kerr must be looking at his players right now and be confident of a match winning performance.
A big afternoon awaits.