Maxy: I’ve dreamed of Rugby Park goal since I was Ayr kid
United star’s back-heel set up Honest Men for derby win at home of rivals
KILMARNOCK ................. 1 AYR UNITED ..................... 2
James Maxwell admits he achieved a childhood dream by helping Ayr down their bitter rivals at Rugby Park.
The United star played a pivotal role in Wednesday’s derby success, scoring the first-half equaliser as Lee Bullen’s men came from behind to win 2-1.
And Maxy, who started his career with Ayr’s youth academy, insists his cheeky strike will live with him forever.
He told the Post: “I’ve dreamed of that since I joined Ayr United at nine or 10 years old.
“All I’ve ever thought about is scoring at Rugby Park.
“I remember being in the bottom tier of the away stand here in the Scottish Cup replay back in 2009.
“It was one of my first Ayr games, so it’s amazing to come full circle and be back here having played my part in a win.”
Rangers loan star Maxwell, who has been one of Ayr’s standout performers this season, turned in another top display as United ran out deserved winners.
He insisted: “We need to take this on now – we’ve set the standard and we can’t let it drop.
“At the end of the day we’re still in a fight, this is only one win and three points.
“We still have a massive 11 games to go in our season and we need to take it on.
“We can’t just turn up for an Ayrshire derby and think the job’s done, we need to build on this now.”
Ayr were immense as they played Killie off the park in a stirring second-half show, capped by Paddy Reading’s late winner.
They had to do it the hard way following an early opener from Fraser Murray that sent the hosts on their way.
But United refused to buckle and Maxwell’s clever back-heel quickly had them on terms.
Two wonder saves from Aidan McAdams kept Ayr level approaching the break, before Bullen’s men went through the gears shooting towards their own fans.
Mark McKenzie blasted against the side-netting when he should have scored as they started the second half on top.
Ayr did survive a close shave when Killie talisman Kyle Lafferty hit the post with a header.
But from there it was all United as they laid siege to the home goal.
Sub Tomi Adeloye made a massive impact from the bench, with the Killie defence unable to live with his physical impact up top.
He sent a lob just over the bar before being inches away with a flying header.
Aaron Muirhead then nodded just wide from a corner as Ayr piled forward.
And they eventually got their just reward when Kerr McInroy teed up Reading and he sent a laser half volley into the bottom corner to spark wild scenes in the away end.
The full back said: “I need to score more goals, but if they come in ones and they’re in derbies then I’ll take it.
“Getting a derby win is amazing but the importance of the three points is what we have to kick on from. We’ve been showing we can match teams but tonight has shown we can match a team at the top of the table. The progress
has been there the last few games but the results just haven’t been going for us.
“This gives the fans and the town something to cheer about, they’ve been fantastic the last few weeks and it’s great we can give them something back.”
Buzzing boss Bullen said: “They say every game is just three points but this is different. For the supporters, for the mindset of the players – it’s so, so big.
“There was a fantastic atmosphere and it’s an amazing night for everyone concerned with the club.
“The fans have been outstanding but this is almost a thank you to them.
“The performances have been decent the last few games but we just haven’t been taking our chances.”