Dick’s delight as Lichties crush Ayr in key clash
Arbroath boss Dick Campbell praised the attitude of his players, who produced a five-star performance to crush a dispirited Ayr United in this vital match.
The Lichties have now jumped ahead of the Honest Men in the scramble to avoid the relegation play-off spot, with the battle set to go down to the wire over the next fortnight.
Campbell said: “We were absolutely fabulous in terms of our attitude towards the game.
“The determination to win the ball back was exactly what I expect from my players and there were some really good individual performances. Our goalkeeper hasn’t had a save to make. From my perspective they gave everything and we deserved to win the game.
“We were 3-0 up at half-timebutItoldthem that we then had to go out in the second period and look for a fourth. So, I’m absolutely delighted, we were exciting to watch and now we’ll go on to Dunfermline next week.”
Arbroath made a bright start with the opening goal in the 11th minute, Kris Doolan’s cross from the left being met by Ricky Little who rose above Peter Morrison to head home.
Midway through the first half they went further ahead, Ben Williamson deftly guiding the ball beyond Morrison.
There was further misery for The Honest Men a few minutes later when Jack Hamilton headed home a Nicky Law corner to make it 3-0.
Ayr failed to offer anything in response after the break and it was little surprise when Arbroath extended their lead, Hilson blasting low beyond Morrison from the edge of the box.
The home side could have added more as the woeful visitors failed to make any impression.
United boss Hopkin, who took over the reins five weeks ago, was fuming. He said: “I’m angry. We told the players all week what they were going to get here but they didn’t listen. The goals we lost were poor. At half-time I demanded more, but we didn’t play at all today.
“I can only do so much, the staff can only do so much but once you cross the white line they have to take responsibility.”