Ayr 2-1 Arbroath

Aug 17 2008 Ben Hay Reports

BATTLING Ayr came from behind to bury their home hoodoo in style thanks to secondhalf goals from Ryan Stevenson and Bryan Prunty.

United had not won a league game at Somerset Park since January and the signs looked ominous when Kevin McMullen deservedly fired Arbroath ahead after 26 minutes.

A cross from Scott Gates was palmed out by Stephen Grindlay straight to the midfielder and he buried a low shot.

Arbroath could have added two more at the start of the second half with both Gates and Robbie Raeside going close.

Ayr sent on subs Scott Agnew and David Gormley and pulled level immediately with an amazing 45-yard run and goal from Stevenson in 62 minutes.

He picked up a pass from skipper Chris Aitken just inside his own half and charged past three defenders.

Then he hammered an unstoppable shot past Darren Hill in the Arbroath goal.

The home side now had their tails up and had a penalty claim turned down when a shot from Gormley appeared to have been handled in the box.

Ayr kept pressing and with just six minutes left got their reward when Gormley set up Prunty who turned and cracked home a low shot to seal the comeback and the points.

Arbroath staged a late rally but despite Barry Sellars and Steve Rennie both having good efforts saved they couldn't find a way through.