Kilmarnock’s defensive woes continued as Ayr United were held to a “disappointing” draw against Morton in a mixed weekend for Ayrshire’s football clubs.
Neil McCann’s Kilmarnock suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat at home to Dundee United on Saturday, leaving them winless from their opening three Premiership matches and having conceded 13 goals.
The result comes just two weeks after the Rugby Park side’s thrilling Ayrshire derby victory over Ayr United in the Premier Sports Cup.
Kilmarnock were three goals down at half-time following an Emmanuel Agyei opener, a Zac Sapsford penalty and a Will Ferry strike.
Jesse Randall added a fourth for the visitors after the break to round off another difficult afternoon for Killie.
Dundee United were without manager Jim Goodwin, who was admitted to hospital during the week.
McCann described the result as a “sore one” but insists his side can put things right when they face St Mirren on Wednesday.
He said: “I know it’s early in the season, and that’s not going to be any solace to the Kilmarnock fans. They’re not going to give us any breathing space as they expect results to come quickly.
“We started the game well, but we conceded from a set-piece which we worked on. In the second half we did the same by starting well, but that’s not enough, and I apologise to the fans for that.
“I’m quite calm, and I’ve told the boys what I think, and they are very clear on that. The most important thing for us now is how we look forward to the next game when we face St Mirren.”
Kilmarnock host the Paisley side at Rugby Park on Wednesday, with kick-off at 7.45pm.
NEW BOY: Hull City loanee Cathal McCarthy in action for Kilmarnock in their defeat to Dundee United (Image: Kilmarnock Football Club)
DISAPPOINTING DRAW FOR AYR
Ayr United were left frustrated after being held to a 1-1 draw by Morton at Somerset Park, with the point giving the visitors their first of the Championship campaign.
The Honest Men took the lead before half-time when veteran Jamie Murphy converted from the penalty spot.
But former Kilmarnock striker Eamonn Brophy levelled for Ian Murray’s side on 64 minutes to earn Morton a share of the spoils.
Speaking to Now Ayrshire, Ayr winger Ross Taylor admitted his disappointment in the afternoon’s display.
He said: “The goal was to win the game, of course, at home in front of the fans. But it wasn’t good enough, and we didn’t deserve to win the game, if I’m honest.
“We didn’t get going for large parts of the game. It took us a while to get on top of the game, then we looked threatening with chances, and I should really have taken one of them.
“The credit has to go to Morton in the second half; they looked like they wanted to score that second goal more than we did. They’ll be happier with the point and fully deserved, so no complaints.”
Ayr next travel to Firhill this wekeend to face title favourites Partick Thistle.
The Honest Men have won just twice in their last 15 visits to Maryhill, with their most recent victory coming in a 1-0 Premiership play-off quarter-final first-leg win in May 2025.
SENDING THE MESSAGE: Ayr boss Gary Naysmith gives instructions to his team in their frustrating draw with Morton (Image: Kevin Thorne Photography)
AROUND THE GROUNDS
Auchinleck Talbot maintained their strong start to the season after drawing 2-2 with Celtic B at Airdrie’s Excelsior Stadium on Friday night.
Captain Neil McPherson put Talbot ahead before the Parkside youngsters turned the tide. Austin Syme grabbed an equaliser for Tommy Sloan’s men to settle for a point.
Assistant manager Allan McLuckie said the Beechwood Park side must “take the point and move on” following what he described as a fair result.
Largs Thistle bounced back from their previous week’s defeat to Kilwinning Rangers with a 3-2 victory over Gretna 2008 at Barrfields.
Goals from Corey Hughes, Liam McVey and Jamie Martin secured all three points for Stuart Davidson’s side on Viking Festival weekend, with the Theesel currently sitting fourth in the table.
Davidson was pleased with his side’s response to last week’s defeat, despite admitting there was “a lack of composure and finesse” after they went 3-1 ahead.
Irvine Meadow continued their positive run following their Marymass Derby victory and Scottish Cup success with a convincing 4-0 win away to Hurlford United in the West of Scotland Premier Division.
Elsewhere, Whitletts suffered a heavy 6-1 defeat to Bellshill Athletic in the First Division, while Craigmark defeated Easterhouse 6-3 at Stepford in the Second Division.
Annbank United recorded their biggest victory since returning to the West of Scotland setup, beating Campbeltown Pupils 6-1 at New Pebble Park.
WINNING RETURN: Largs Thistle celebrate their victory over Gretna 2008 at Barrfields (Image: Largs Thistle Football Club)
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