McCall hits back after Ayr hand United first defeat
ayr united 2
Harvie (9), Forrest (75, pen) dundee united 0
Ian McCall took a pot shot at rival boss Robbie Neilson as Ayr handed Dundee United their first league defeat to join them at the top of the league.
A goal from Daniel Harvie, his first for the club, and an Alan Forrest penalty, ended The Tangerines’ run and sent them home with much to ponder after a dismal performance.
Neilson raided Ayr in the summer to sign Lawrence Shankland and Liam Smith but McCall was unhappy at some of the comments which he alleged followed the double signing.
McCall claimed: “When they signed some of our players in the summer there were quotes coming from them that they would be getting better coaching. It didn’t look it today – they are welcome to send Lawrence down and we’ll give him a week’s coaching, not a problem.
“I thought we just passed it around them today. They were big and strong but that‘s about it. It was a thoroughly deserved win.”
McCall claimed the quotes had come from Neilson and added: “We were all unhappy about it. Granted they have better facilities, I get that, but you don’t say that.
“Gary Holt took Robbie Crawford and his comments were that he wanted to continue the good education he got at Ayr. That’s all you’ve got to do in this game.”
But Neilson hit back: “If Ian has a problem about things I’m sure he’ll tell me but I’d rather he did that to my face than through the media.
“I’ve certainly got respect for Ian and think he’s a good manager and would hope that works both ways.
“Lawrence is an exceptional player and he got a very good grounding here and we hope he will go to the next level here.”
Shankland scored 63 goals in two seasons but he was forced to play second fiddle as Ayr created a succession of early chances.
Michael Moffat won a corner inside the first minute before Forrest was next into attack with a shot that was blocked by Benjamin Siegrist’s legs.
The non-stop pressure paid off in nine minutes. Mark Kerr uncorked the visitors’ defence and Harvie raced clear of Liam Smith and then fired low past Siegrist.
Forrest had a shot forced into the sidenet by the keeper before The Arabs at last came to life with Peter Pawlett and Calum Butcher both having long range strikes superbly tipped over by Ross Doohan.
Doohan defied Appere with a good save early in the second half as Dundee United tried desperately to claw their way back.
Substitute Nicky Clark headed an Appere cross against the post but Ayr soaked up the pressure and then doubled their lead 15 minutes from time.
Liam Smith sent Forrest sprawling inside the box and the wide man picked himself up and calmly wrong footed Siegrist with the resultant penalty.
Cammy Smith struck the bar as United tried in vain for a consolation.
Neilson claimed: “We are still top of a hard league and have got to be happy with that. There was a wee dip today but we need to bounce back against Arbroath next week.”