We’re not pass peak McCall: Ayr still pleasure to watch on ball

Ian McCall refused to be downbeat despite Ayr ’ s tit le hopes taking a hit.

Sloppy finishing cost the Honest Men victory after Michael Moffat hauled them level in the first half following Josh Todd’s opener.

Ayr went on to dominate possession but couldn’t find the killer goal but McCall claimed the point could be vital in the final shake-up.

Ayr now trail leaders Ross County by three points with a game in hand and boss McCall said: “I really enjoyed watching us. The way we passed the ball, our movement and how we controlled the game.

“We had four or five chances and the game should have been put to bed. I was pleased with how the boys played ... some of the football was terrific.”

“This could end up being a good point for us, especially with how other results went.”

Ayr hotshot Lawrence Shankland had the f irst attempt at goal when he chested down a long ball and cracked in a low shot from the edge of the box that keeper Alan Martin saved smartly.

The Doonhamers welcomed back talisman striker Stephen Dobbie from injury but missed the midfield influence of Gary Harkins who quit to join Partick Thistle in midweek.

Kyle Jacobs tried to provide a creative spark when he wriggled f ree to send a rising drive just wide. Ayr

Queen of South .. 1 Ayr United ........... 1

Kenny MacDonald

shou ld h av e t a ken a 25th-minute lead when Moffat nutmegged Jordan Marshall to dart into the box. But the striker’s angled shot was brilliantly blocked by Martin.

Qu e e n s r e s p ond e d immediately with Dobbie releasing Lyndon Dykes who fired straight at Ross Doohan.

The Ayr goalie was helpless on the half hour though as Andy Stirling jinked into the box and cut the ball back for Todd to steer a first-time finish high into the net.

Ayr responded strongly, pinning the Doonhamers back and getting their reward five minutes before the interval.

Mike Rose whacked in a 20-yard volley to force a terrific save from Martin. And from the resultant corner Declan McDaid picked out Moffat at the near post to head home.

Shankland was having a rare off day and shanked a shot over after McDaid robbed Jordan Marshall to set him up at the start of the second half.

Dobbie threatened at the other end, Doohan diving to push the shot to safety.

Ayr’s push for a winner fizzled out and Queens sub Connor Murray almost nicked victory with a free-kick that zipped narrowly wide.

Queens boss Gary Naysmith said: “It’s a good point. I have nothing but praise for the lads.”