Whatley beauty sees Lichties secure win over high-flying Ayr

Rare goal from captain helps Campbell’s men move third

AYR UNITED 1 ARBROATH 2

Skipper Mark Whatley insists Arbroath are happy with their start to the season after this win at high-flying Ayr United lifted them to third in League One.

Whatley’s goal was fit to win any game – a stunning strike from 25 yards into the top corner – and Arbroath had chances to extend their lead as they knocked Ayr off top spot.

Ricky Little had a shot blocked on the line, while Gavin Swankie wasted a great chance when clean through on goal.

It was Ayr who took the lead in the 42nd minute when David Hutton could only parry from Craig Moore allowing Chris Higgins to sweep home the loose ball from six yards.

However, it was all square deep into first-half stoppage time when Omar Kader pounced from close range.

Whatley conjured up the winner just before the hour with a spectacular shot after Steven Doris laid the ball into his path.

Whatley admitted: “I don’t score many. I only got two last season, so I’m delighted with this one.

“We didn’t have the best result last week so wanted to make amends. We’ve not just got the win but put in a real good performance as well.

“Coming to the so-called bigger teams you need to soak up the pressure, be strong at the back but also need to have a threat going forward.

“I don’t think we deserved to go behind. The gaffer has put together a good squad, kept the majority of last season’s squad and added quality as well. We are a team that will compete and take points – seven from four games is not a bad start.”

Boss Dick Campbell reckoned his players thoroughly deserved their coupon -busting win.

He said: “I’ve been accusing the team in the last five or six games of not putting enough work in but they reacted in the right way.

“It’s a great result to come to Ayr and win. In all the years I’ve been doing it, this is as good a team that I’ve started a season with and look at the players we had on the bench.

“I’ve only got 18 players and I’ll stick by that. I’ve lost the power of selection as these 18 will play every week.”

I’ve been accusing the team of not putting enough work in but they reacted in the right way. DICK CAMPBELL

SNS. Lichties captain Mark Whatley’s 25-yard goal helped knock Ayr off the top of League One.