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Romanian Champs Edges it at Ayr

Last updated : 18 July 2009 By honestman
IT took a late own goal to sink Ayr United's brave fight against Champions League outfit Unirea Urziceni at Somerset Park.

970 fans watched as Andy Aitken's unlucky effort prevented Ayr from holding the Romanian title winners.

There was no doubting the gulf in class, but United had competed well and gave Dan Petrescu's side a thorough workout.

Stephen Grindlay was kept busy and produced a number of top saves, but Ayr looked like snatching a draw when Mark Roberts cancelled out Raul Rubescu's opener.

Unirea had looked slick from the off and Maru Belasco should have done better when firing over a cutback from the dangerous Merlin Onofraj.

Grindlay then tipped over a fierce drive from Ryan Paduretu as the visitors cranked up the early pressure.

But Ayr weren't lying down and new signing David O'Brien swung over a dangerous cross which just eluded Chris Aitken, before Ryan Stevenson fired the loose ball straight at keeper David Tudor.

Grindlay produced another great save on the half hour to deny Rubescu before Roberts had a shot on the turn fly just wide as Ayr went blow for blow with their illustrious opponents.

United survived a huge scare just before the break when Rubescu shook off Neil McGowan before slamming his shot against the base of the post.

But Ayr were first to threaten after the break when David Gormley turned on the edge of the box and curled a cracking effort just wide of the upright.

However, the Romanians showed their class on 61 minutes when Rubescu found space inside the box to rifle a shot beyond the helpless Grindlay.

But United went close to a leveller soon after when Kevin James nodded down an Aitken corner and trialist Mark Gillhaney fired just over.

The home side had Grindlay to thank again, this time for denying Bruno Nandingwa with his legs, as the flying full back burst into the box.

And Ayr took advantage by drawing level when Roberts met a Kenny Connolly cross to guide a clever header into the bottom corner of the net.

But just as it looked like the Romanians would be frustrated, luckless Aitken sliced a 20 yard effort over the head of Grindlay to prevent Ayr nabbing a share of the spoils.