Ayr 3-1 Alloa

Jan 20 2008 Ben Hay Reports

RELIEVED Brian Reid hailed his Ayr battlers after they fought back from a horror start to sink 10-man Wasps.

The home side enjoyed almost total domination but it took late strikes from Gareth Wardlaw and Ryan Stevenson to down dogged Alloa.

Gaffer Reid said: "I thought it was going to be one of those days. We seem to concede some shocking goals.

"But I was delighted with our character. We deserved a wee break."

Wasps were gifted the lead in two minutes when Dean Keenan swung a boot at a Ross Clark free-kick and diverted the ball into his own net.

Ayr levelled right on the interval through an Alex Williams header and things got worse for Alloa when Sandy Hodge picked up a second yellow for a stoppage-time foul on Wardlaw.

Iain Anderson, Wardlaw and Eddie Forrest all hit the woodwork as Ayr stepped it up but only a great stop from Mark McGeown prevented Andy Scott giving Alloa the lead.

The home side hit the front in 80 minutes when Wardlaw smashed home and Stevenson made sure with an injury time free kick.

Alloa boss Allan Maitland said: "I'm not happy. We need to wise up but I can't complain about the effort."