McCall happy to not be blown off course

AYR UNITED boss Ian McCall conceded he was relieved to earn a hard-fought point in a pulsating draw with nearest title challengers Ross County.

Both sides came from behind in the match played in challenging conditions at Somerset Park, with the strong wind and driving rain creating a ‘hurricane’ in the second half.

‘We lost the toss, which was crucial,’ said McCall. ‘We played really well in the first half.

‘Lawrence (Shankland) actually missed the best chance he had, which would have been his hat-trick. Then the weather changed, and we were playing into a hurricane.

‘They went long ball and there’s nothing wrong with that. They thoroughly deserved a draw — although we had the best chance of the second half with Liam Smith’s effort from two yards.

‘But we dug in and it’s a good point in the end.’

County had taken an early lead through Josh Mullin’s spectacular volley, but went in 3-1 down at half-time after Shankland’s double before Andy Geggan added a third.

The Highland side responded in the second half as Billy Mckay found the back of the net from the penalty spot and Don Cowie completed the comeback as he knocked the ball over the line from close range.

‘It was a proper game of football where you saw some real quality,’ said Ferguson. ‘The opening goal from Josh is an absolute cracker but then we conceded a couple of goals. That was disappointing.

‘We’re really happy with the point, given we were 3-1 down.’

The County co-manager was sent to the stand before half-time after he was concerned for defender Keith Watson, who had went down with a head knock.

‘I don’t know what happened with my sending-off,’ said Ferguson. ‘I was concerned for Keith. I thought he was knocked out. I didn’t swear. I just asked the ref firmly if Keith was okay. I was genuinely surprised to get sent off.’