January 28 2025 Match report: Kilmarnock 2-3 Ayr United | Reserves
A youthful Kilmarnock side fell to defeat against an experienced Ayr United side with a number of first-team players in the SPFL Reserve Cup.
Despite the visitors winning 3-2, it was the blue and white half advancing to the knockout stage as we booked a semi-final spot, where we will face one of Dunfermline, Queen’s Park or Queen of the South.
Aaron Brown worked his way down the wing after 8 minutes and cut inside before firing a shot away, but he couldn’t quite keep it down.
Marco Rus had a chance for the visitors after 23 minutes with promising looking free-kick angle, but his effort was blown over the crossbar.
Kian Leslie showed good skill on the wing on the half-hour mark, he then squared a teasing ball to Reuben Cooper – but his shot from 12 yards went narrowly over the crossbar.
Lucas McRoberts looked sure to fire Ayr ahead in the 36th minute as he had acres of space inside the penalty box, but his tame shot was saved by Aidan Glavin.
Killie found themselves ahead after 40 minutes as Reuben Cooper smashed low from the edge of the area.
However, Jake Hastie scored with a lobbed effort almost instantly as Ayr found the equaliser.
Zander Craik almost sent Killie into the break level at half-time, his close range header was well saved by Robbie Mutch.
Craik had a good chance in the 51st minute as he cut inside, but his shot was well saved by Mutch who did well to get down.
Dylan Watret fired a low shot at goal after 55 minutes, he was denied by the foot of Glavin who did well to tip it over the crossbar.
Ayr took the lead after 78 minutes as Evan Ferguson fired home from close-range.
Ayr then doubled their lead 5 minutes from time as Killian O’Hare headed in from five yards.
Kian Leslie then fired home a late goal which sparked a bit of hope for Killie, but it wasn’t quite to be.
Score: Kilmarnock 2-3 Ayr United
Team: Glavin, Barlow (Gilmour 71’), Bowie (Marchant 85’), Ellis, E. Brown, Traynor, Leslie, Brannan, Craik (Duruh 82’), Cooper, A. Brown (McKeown 71’)
