Ton living the life of Reilly and fans sneaked in to see it
MORTON 2 Reilly (27, 61)
Morton boss Dougie Imrie hopes Gavin Reilly has recaptured the self-belief that can fire his side up the table.
The striker made it three league goals in two games by hitting a double to clinch victory at Somerset Park.
He had previously failed to hit the net in 15 Championship matches since arriving on loan from Livingston.
“Confidence is the difference,” said Imrie. “Winning games is what players thrive on.
“When things aren’t going well, their heads are down and they might not make the run to get on the end of things.
“For Gavin’s second goal, he anticipated a cross and got there for a tap-in. That’s what all good strikers do.
“Gav has been low in confidence for the last six months after a bad injury.
“He is now reaping the rewards of his work and hopefully he kicks us on for the rest of the season.”
Imrie said being one of 14 people to be charged with alleged historic betting offences by the SFA had not distracted preparations.
He added: “I can’t say too much at the moment but once the investigation is finished, I will get to say my piece.”
Morton went ahead after weathering a lively start from the home side. Lewis Strapp whipped in a cross from the left and Reilly ghosted in at the front post to flick the ball past Aidan Mcadams.
Five Morton fans somehow managed to infiltrate the crowd of 500 and witnessed the goal. It was supposed to be home supporters only and they only lasted a few minutes more before being ushered out by stewards.
Although Ayr’s play was more skilful, they were often out-muscled going for loose balls. Tomi Adeloye, after missing an early chance, was then booked for taking a dive in the box.
The remaining 495 fans were looking for their men to attack the second half with a little extra aggression.
There was little evidence of that as Morton increased their lead. Gozie Ugwu charged into the penalty area, fired the ball across and saw Reilly prod home his second.
Ayr put plenty of effort into trying to salvage something from the game but either the final ball was poor or they lacked a man to attack some decent deliveries.
The honeymoon period is already over for new Somerset Park manager Lee Bullen.
His team couldn’t repeat their impressive victory over Arbroath in his first match, and he admitted things might have been different had Adeloye scored after only four minutes when he was through on the keeper.
He said: “Goals change games and it was a big opportunity. They took their chances and we didn’t take ours – that was the difference. But we’ve taken six points out of the last nine and if we continue to do that then we’re heading in the right direction.
“We can’t be too downhearted. I’ve only been in the job for a week.”
Bullen hopes to do some business in the transfer window.
He added: “We’re speaking to people and trying to do business. I don’t know if that will be in time for the cup game against St Mirren but hopefully by the end of January we’ll have two or three added.
“The sooner we get them in, the better. For the pond we’re fishing in, playing in the Championship is an attractive option.”
AYR UTD:
(4-1-4-1) Mcadams 6; Houston 6, Baird 7, Mcginty 6, Reading 7; Muirhead 6; Mckenzie 6, Murdoch 6, Chalmers 6 (Gondoh 60, 6), Maxwell 6 (Bryden 83, 5), Adeloye 5 (O’connor 66, 5). Unused subs – Albinson (Gk), Mcallister, Moffat, Fjortoft. MORTON:
(3-5-2) Hamilton 7; Ledger 6, Lithgow 7, Mclean 6; Brandon 6 (Hynes 72, 5), Lyon 6, Blues 7, Oliver 6, Strapp 7; Reilly 7 (Muirhead 77, 5), Ugwu 7. Unused subs – Mcentee, Jacobs, Russell, Garrity, King.