McCall’s desire for cup run hasn’t weakened

Ian McCall admits he won’t play his strongest side against Airdrie – but insists his Ayr players will still be taking the Irn-Bru Cup seriously. History suggests this tie will be fiercely contested as there have been eight red cards and 40 yellows in matches between the clubs over the past three seasons. And McCall would love to take Ayr all the way in this competition.

He said: “I’ll give some of the fringe players a chance on Sunday but we certainly won’t be treating the match lightly.

“I actually won the Challenge Cup at Airdrie in 2001. I also remember playing in the final for Falkirk against St Mirren in 1993 and we won 3- 0 in front of 13,500 at Fir Park.

“People say they don’t care much about this tournament but once you get to the latter rounds it’s great.”

Airdrie striker Andy Ryan has scored five goals in his last five games and is looking to add to that tally today.

He said: “Things have started well for me at Airdrie. Hopefully I can get on the scoresheet at Ayr.

“I got three goals in two goals against them for Forfar last season so I’d like to think that’s a good omen.”

Late strikes from Michael Clark and David Blackhall saw Islavale finish in style.

The home team’s only goal of the first half came from Keiran Day who gave his side the lead in 42 minutes.

Craig Sim doubled their advantage after 73 minutes then Jordan Milne made it three.

With four minutes left, Kyle Whyte pulled one back before Clark and Blackhall grabbed their goals.