Ogelby sees red

By FOS Editor
October 26 2011

Two more SPL clubs bit the dust last night in the Quarter Finals of the League Cup with Dundee Utd and St. Mirren the victims.

Ayr Utd travelled toPaisleyas massive underdogs against their SPL rivals given they are currently sitting bottom of the First Division.

Danny Lennon’s side once again dominated possession, as they have in many SPL games this season, without really testing theAyrkeeper. Then as has happened to them often this season they were hit by a late sucker punch.

Chris Smith headed in a free kick from Eddie Malone to seal the Honest Man’s third cup shock, after previously seeing offInvernessand Hearts in the previous rounds.

Falkirk went into their game at Tannadice in better form thanAyrbut it took penalties for them to see off Dundee Utd who appear to be in a bit of a minor crisi at the moment.

The First Division promotion challengers took the lead thanks to a 70th-minute header from Farid El Alagui before Johnny Russell lashed in a powerful shot to level immediately.

Jon Daly knocked in a smart finish in extra time with a goal that looked to have sealed the tie, but Ally Graham hit back for the visitors in the 118th minute.

United's Willo Flood was the only man to miss in the spot-kick shoot-out and it was Stewart Murdoch kept his cool with the final penalty, prompting wild scenes of celebration as Ayr progressed to the Semi Finals.

It was more plain sailing for the other SPL side in action with Kilmarnock seeing off ten man East Fife atRugbyPark.

The first half ended with Robert Ogleby being sent off for the Fifers after picking up a second yellow card.

Killie made the breakthrough on 73 minutes when Mohamadou Sissoko latched onto a spilled ball by Fifers goalkeeper Marc Ridgers. The tie was over 10 minutes from time when Gary Harkins pounced on another loose ball to blast home from 14 yards.

These results prompt the normal argument that there is little between the SPL and the First Division and firms the argument for an increase in the size of the League.

I don’t always buy that as teams can easily raise their game for a one off cup tie, but given Ayr andFalkirkhave seen off five SPL teams between them maybe gives lie to that belief.