Ayr always dead certs McCall knew his men would battle back

Rovers got their noses in front in the 65th minute when Kevin Nisbet converted from the spot.

However, Melingui snatched a draw with three minutes to go.

Raith caretaker boss Kevin Cuthbert said: “My overriding feeling is disappointment as we got into a winning position only to concede late on.” Ayr boss Ian McCall admits he would never doubt his team after they came back from the dead.

United recovered from 2- 0 down to destroy the Bairns with three goals in just 17 second-half minutes.

McCal l said: “The only disappointing thing is that we didn’t score six goals.

“We were irresistible in the second half and the fans really found their voice.

“It was hard to say anything constructive at half- time because you can’t legislate for basic errors but I never doubt the character of this team and they showed it again.”

Falkirk had looked well on their way to three points for new boss Ray McKinnon after first-half goals from on-loan Rangers kid Zak Rudden and Deimantas Petravicius.

The Bairns looked the likelier early on with Rudden glancing an effort just wide after 15 minutes.

And they were in front soon after when a Petravicius cross picked out teenager Rudden who poked his effort past Ayr keeper Ross Doohan.

The Honest Men were proving masters of their own downfall at that stage.

Andy Murdoch was caught napping as the ball spilled to Petravicius who turned and fired home.

Ayr looked to tal isman Lawrence Shankland to haul them back into the contest.

And he almost obliged when

Ayr ........................ 3 Falkirk .................. 2

Stuart Wilson

drawing a good stop from Leo Fasan in 37 minutes.

However, the big keeper couldn’t stop Ayr’s lethal marksman bringing his side back into the contest three minutes after the restart.

Shankland drove into the box and fired a right-footed effort low beyond the keeper’s right hand.

Only a last-ditch block from Scott Harrison prevented Robbie Crawford f rom equalising from four yards as Ayr piled on the pressure.

But they didn’t have to wait long as Andy Geggan thumped home a stunning half volley af ter a knockdown from skipper Jamie Adams.

Falkirk were reeling and seconds later a remarkable turnaround was complete.

Shankland pounced on a loose ball yards from goal and his effort was deflected into the net off the hapless Fasan.

Falkirk proved there was still life in the contest when Paul Paton drew a fine onehanded save from Ayr keeper Doohan, with the on-loan Celt clawing away a 25-yard drive from the midfielder.

Bairns boss Ray McKinnon said: “The players didn’t follow instructions at half-time.

“We tried to overplay in midfield and for 15 minutes we were off the pace and lost three goals but I’ve got to take the positives.”