Red card tips balance for Ayr
ayr united 2 falkirk 1
Ian Mccall claimed Ayr were miles below their best despite going top of Group G with strikes from Luke Mccowan and Andy Geggan.
The goals were split by a Declan Mcmanus equaliser but the Bairns suffered when Mark Durnan was shown a straight red card two minutes after half-time. When Ian Mcshane had a penalty well saved by Ross Doohan, the Bairns saw their last chance disappear.
“I think that’s us now done,” admitted boss Ray Mckinnon who felt his team needed something to progress.
“However, I thought we were brilliant and although hugely disappointed with the result am pleased with the performance.”
Somerset boss Mccall admitted: “We were really poor and can play miles better than that. The sending-off was pivotal. We now play Stranraer at home but won’t take them lightly.”
Falkirk opened well but it was Ayr who took the lead after 26 minutes when Mccowan ran on to Michael Moffat’s pass to lift the ball past Cammy Bell.
Falkirk got the goal their play deserved three minutes before the interval when Mcmanus sent a looping shot over the helpless Doohan.
The tie exploded two minutes after the break when Durnan was shown a red for a challenge on Doohan who was booked for the incident.
Ayr then surged forward and their pressure paid off after 75 minutes when Geggan sidefooted the winner.
Falkirk had a chance to equalise when they won a penalty after a foul by Aaron Muirhead but Doohan made a great save from Mcshane’s penalty.