Sutton strikes twice to sink Ayr and give Ross some respite

TWO goals in as many minutes from striker John sutton sent saints soaring into the semi-finals of the Irn-Bru Cup to help ease the pain of what has so far been a miserable league campaign. sutton rolled back the years, having scored the winner for saints when they won the Challenge Cup in 2006, and said: ‘We never stopped trying and belief saw us through. ‘Hopefully, this will be a turning point for us and a bit of silverware at the end of the season.’ This quarter-final gave saints respite from a horrendous league campaign which sees them occupy bottom spot in the Championship and without a win. But the Paisley side showed commendable determination to battle back after substitute Andy O’Connell had fired Ayr United in front in the 68th minute. Daryll Meggatt’s initial shot was blocked by scott Gallacher but O’Connell knocked home the rebound. With seven minutes left, sutton fired a low volley into the far corner of the Ayr net before he hit the winner from close range. saints boss Jack Ross, savouring his first win in five games since taking over the Paisley hotseat, said: ‘We showed character in abundance. Hopefully, by the time the semifinal comes around we will be in a healthier league position.’ Ayr manager Ian McCall said: ‘There were a couple of decisions in the lead up to both goals that were just wrong. The ball was clearly out and the linesman doesn’t give it and for their second it’s a clear corner and they give a bye-kick. It’s just wee Ayr United, so I don’t suppose anyone cares.’