Match Report

Ayr United defeated Annan in the second semi final and will meet Gretna 2008 in the final after the Lowland League side inflicted a 3-1 defeat over Carlsile City .

Ayr went ahead in the 15th minute very much against the run of play when their trialist centre forward slipped the ball into the corner of the net from 12 yards past the advancing Annan keeper. Up until that point it was Annan who carried the game to Ayr but without really testing Fleming in the Ayr goal.
Minutes later Ayr almost doubled their lead when the number 7’s shot cannoned off the top of the crossbar. Peter Weatherson was denied by the crossbar in the 30th minute when his spectacular 20 yard effort beat the keeper but not the woodwork. Minutes before half time Ayr struck again and it was Mike Donald who headed home from 2 yards when he out-jumped Steven Sloan at the back post .
Annan made a promising start to the second half and inside 5 minutes Josh Todd squandered a golden opportunity when he shrugged aside a challenge but the finish did not match the build up by the Annan player and a fine opportunity was lost. Todd however was soon to make amends when he set Weatherson up in the 60th minute and Annan’s golden boot finished with a low shot past the keeper from 7 yards.
Nisbett secured Ayr’s place in the final with a late goal after Annan keeper had forced him out wide but his shot from an acute angle found the net.
Annan – Trialist, S Sloan, M McNiff, P Watson, S Black, S Osadolar, R McStay, M Flynn, J Todd, P Weatherson, S McColm. Subs all used 70 min – J Watson, R Omar, D Wadge, K Watt, S Osadolar, C Norman, C Liddell, Trialist .