Ayr United 0 v 1 Stenhousemuir: Match Review

Ayr fell 1-0 to top-of-the-table Stenhousemuir on Friday night at Somerset Park.

Sam Young’s goal after 20 minutes was the difference between the two sides, in a game where Ayr had the much better chances.

The experts from Andy’s Bet Club will be reviewing all of our games in the 2026/27 season, and you can find more of the free football tips they offer on their website.

Attack

Ayr were unlucky not to score on Friday, as reflected in their xG, as they edged out Stenhousemuir 2.50 to 0.79.

The Honest Men had 15 shots to Stenhousemuir’s six.

Olly White had by far the best chance of the night for Aye, who had a chance worth 0.75 xG in the first half that went unconverted.

Ayr’s danger was split evenly between the flanks and the centre, as the left produced 31 attacks worth 1.04 xG, 42% of the team's total threat, with the centre close behind at 0.96 from nine attempts.

Defence

Stenhousemuir only had 0.79 xG and three shots on target Friday night, but were able to bring home all three points after Sam Young’s strike in the 20th minute.

Harry Stone made two saves for Ayr from the three shots he faced.

Ayr’s PPDA (passes per defensive action) was 5.5 against Stenhousemuir's 10.5, meaning Ayr pressed with considerably greater intensity.

Possession

Ayr had 55% possession against top-of-the-league Stenhousemuir and completed 79% of their passes to the visitors’ 75%.

The average Ayr possession lasted 13 seconds against 12 for the visitors.

73 Ayr possessions reached the opponent's half (66%) against Stenhousemuir's 45 (44%), and 15 reached the opponent's penalty area (14%) against 10 (10%).

Set pieces

Ayr had ten corners to Stenhousemuir’s three on Friday, and managed a shot from three of them.

The only goal of the game came from a Stenhousemuir corner, as Sam Young headed home in the 20th minute.

Players

Olly Whyte had the game's clearest chance, worth 0.75 xG, and completed 16 of 22 passes (73%) while winning 21 of 22 duels attempted.

Ross Taylor carried the highest xA value on the pitch, 0.87, without a completed assist to show for it.

Thomas Hatton added an xA value of 0.33 and completed 11 of 13 dribbles (82%), the most successful dribbler on the day.

Conclusion

The underlying data shows Ayr did everything they could to win the game Friday bar putting the ball in the back of the net.

It was always going to be tough against the table-topper, and manager Gary Naysmith will at least take confidence in knowing his side are creating chances.

Check out Andy’s Bet Club for further match analysis alongside stats and tips for all major competitions.