News /Game News
Arbroath | Match Preview
On Saturday, new Ayr United Head Coach Lee Bullen will take to the dugout for the first time as his side welcome table toppers Arbroath to Somerset Park. Bullen was unveiled to the United faithful on Friday afternoon after attending training in the morning with Ayr looking to kickstart 2022 and life under the new gaffer with a win.
The Honest Men have been out of action since Boxing Day following the postponement of the Partick Thistle game and the rescheduling of the New Year Ayrshire Derby. However, United will come into the game on a high following the 2-0 win over Raith Rovers and buoyed by the appointment of new Head Coach Bullen. The home side turned in an impressive display against high flying Rovers with goals either side of half time from Tomi Adeloye and Mark McKenzie enough to seal a vital win for Ayr who also missed a penalty on route to victory. Adeloye’s goal was to be the striker’s 10th of the season as the frontman seems to have recaptured his early season form.
Opposition
Arbroath have been the surprise package of the Championship and they currently lead the pack just over halfway through the season. Dick Campbells men have had a highly impressive season up to now and will be hoping to build on their three-point lead at the summit when they visit Somerset on Saturday. The away side arrive in Ayrshire following a 0-0 draw at home to Inverness but do boast the most potent attack in the league, scoring 33 goals in 20 games. Michael McKenna will be one to watch as he has netted 12 goals and is the league’s top goal scorer. Arbroath this week lost Anton Dowds as the striker returned to Falkirk and this Saturday will see fan favourite Joel Nouble play his last game for the Red Lichties. Arbroath are unbeaten in their last 12 – October 16th was their last defeat.
Team News
Tomi Adeloye is suspended whilst Steven Bradley has returned to Hibernian. Aaron Muirhead is back in training and may make the bench.
The Manager Says:
Head to Head
Ayr United wins – 52
Draws – 21
Arbroath – 30
United haven’t beaten Arbroath since September 2019 when they won 3-0 at Gayfield. The sides have met twice already this season with both games ending with a share of the points.
Last Meeting:
The sides last met in October as Ayr salvaged a 1-1 draw on their travels. Michael McKenna opened the scoring for Arbroath before Jonathon Afolabi grabbed a late equaliser to secure a share of the points for The Honest Men.
Ayr lined up: McAdams, Muirhead, Baird, Fjortoft, Reading, Salkeld (Moffat 69’), Murdoch, Chalmers, Maxwell, Adeloye (Afolabi 69’), Bradley.
Match Officials
Referee – David Munro
Assistant Referee 1 – Steven Traynor
Assistant Referee 2 – Andrew McWilliam
Live Coverage
Admission Details:
Entry to Somerset Park is by ticket only. All 500 available tickets have been sold.
However, there are a small number of tickets available to watch the game at Cameron’s Bar: https://tickets.ayrunitedfc.co.uk/packages/LZEmOKzmpW/e/bApGw4b89v
Live Streaming:
Fans can purchase the livestream for £15 here: https://ayrunitedfc.co.uk/live-streaming
“I’m really looking forward to getting stuck in tomorrow and a home game at Somerset is a great way to start. It would have been nice to have more fans in the stadium for what will be a tough game but it brings a challenge that we are relishing. It was great to meet the players this morning at training and it’s clear there is a lot of ability throughout the squad and we’re positive about our chances tomorrow.”