10 OUT OF 10 IS SWEET 16
Moore climbs off bench to keep Ayr run going
Ian McCall praised supersub Craig Moore after his patched- up Ayr side made it 10 games in a row without defeat.
The former Motherwell kid came off the bench to snatch a last-gasp winner that takes his goal tally for the season to 16.
And his gaffer was delighted for his men after they lost Andy Geggan and Robbie Crawford to injury early in the first half.
Michael Moffat hit an early opener for Ayr before Scott Taggart levelled for Wasps.
McCall said: “It was a strange game because we had to make so many forced changes, especially the early substitutions.
“But we had all the chances in the second half. It was a great pass from Ross Docherty to set up Moore’s winner. He has been different class.”
Craig Malcolm went close for Alloa after three minutes with a header but 30 second later Ayr went ahead. Moffat got his head to Declan McDaid’s delivery and glanced the ball into the net.
Jon Robertson hit the bar at the other end with a dipping volley before United brought on subs Craig McGuffie and Moore for their injured duo.
Docherty cleared off the line to preserve Ayr’s lead then home keeper Neil Parry made a great save to deny Chris Higgins.
Next Paul Crossan had the ball in the net for Ayr but the offside flag was up and Moffat crashed a swerving shot off the bar as the play flowed from end to end.
Lawrence Shankland forced a Parry save then McDaid headed on to the bar. But Alloa survived and got a deserved leveller when Taggart slammed home from Iain Flannigan’s corner.
With three minutes to go Wasps midfielder Kevin Cawley hit the post but with almost the last kick Moore stabbed home Docherty’s pass from close range.
Alloa manager Jim Goodwin, who was sent to the stand after a row with officials, said: “To lose a goal that late is a real sickener. I’m gutted for the players.
“That’s the first time I’ve been sent to the stand as a manager and it was over a foul throw. Players always steal five yards at a throw and it was pathetic.”