Ross double act gives Ayr reality check

Mike Wilson

Ian McCal l admitted Ayr got a rude awakening to life in the Championship as Raith’s two Rosses – Cal lachan and Matthews – fired the visitors to victory.

With Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes looking on ahead of Wednesday’s Betfred Cup tie, Ayr were second best for long spells.

And with star midfielder Ross Docherty banned for the visit of the Pittodrie men, United don’t have their problems to seek.

McCall said: “It was a rude awakening but I think Alan Forrest had a fantastic chance when we were very much on top at the start of the second half. “After that we huffed and puffed.” McCall, who is hot on the trail of Dundee midfielder Gary Harkins, said: “We are still three or four players short. I thought I’d have one in for today but hopefully by Wednesday.”

Callachan pounced after 19 minutes when he guided a header into the top corner after Bobby Barr had roasted the home defence.

Raith had penalty shouts turned down three minutes after the opener, when Lewis Vaughan went down under a challenge from Nicky Devlin.

Daryll Meggatt almost equalised with a 30-yard free-kick that Raith keeper Kevin Cuthbert, on his return to Somerset, couldn’t hold – but the ball was scrambled away.

Ayr pushed hard and Jamie Adams saw a header booted off the line by Declan McManus whi le Cairney forced an excellent save from Cuthbert.

But it was Raith who ended the half on top and came close to doubling their lead.

McManus sent in a thunderous shot that Ayr keeper Greg Fleming pushed up into the air. Then the former Aberdeen striker sent a header crashing against a post.

Ayr’s big miss came in 65 minutes when Paul Cairney slipped a great pass to Forrest, who was all alone – but the youngster dragged his shot wide.

And they were made to pay with 15 minutes to go when golden oldie sub Rudi Skacel had a fierce shot beaten out by Fleming only as far as Matthews, who drilled low into the bottom corner.

Raith boss Gary Locke hailed Rangers for allowing him to sign Northern Ireland Under-19 cap Jordan Thompson on a six-month loan deal.

He said: “I am very grateful. He will be a great player for Rangers in the future. “He was comfortable and composed. “I inherited a good squad when I took over but I wanted to add better players and I think I have done that.”