BREAKING AYR UNITED & KILMARNOCK FC NEWS!
Published 1 Nov 2011 14:01
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DREAMS of a derby showdown between Ayr United and Kilmarnock came true on Tuesday when the two bitter rivals were drawn at Hampden Park to meet in the semi-finals of the Scottish Communities League Cup.
Now fans have already started the countdown to what will surely be the biggest ever meeting of the two clubs on January 28 or 29 with the venue still to be confirmed, depending on how many tickets are sold.
A delighted Ayr United boss Brian Reid said afterwards: "This draw is bound to bring a smile to the people of Ayrshire and it will be a game to look forward to. It gives us a chance of reaching the final. We have beaten three other SPL clubs in the competition but we know we will be underdogs as Killie are the SPL club.
"It's a great achievement for a club like us to get to a national semi-final, Ayr did it 10 years ago but that was in the days of big wages and they were a full-time club. I am not sure about a venue, I have seen Hampden half full but we will see what the fans want to do."
SFA Chief Executive David Longmuir will liaise with both clubs about the venue for the tie but hinted it could be at Hampden if ticket sales were good. But United defender Jonathan Tiffoney wants his moment in the sun at the National Stadium.
"I am not sure about Hampden if there were less than 20,000 there but we're not sure if we want to send Ayrshire fans beyond Glasgow for the match. But we will consult both clubs and see what is best."
United defender Jonathan Tiffoney (20), in his second season in the first team admits it will be the biggest stage he has played on and it will be his first taste of a competitive Ayrshire derby.
"I played in the Garry Hay Testimonial at Rugby Park and it was a great atmosphere but this is a semi-final so it's really exciting, especially since it's a semi-final and this will be the biggest game in my career. We have gained confidence from the wins against Hearts, Inverness Caley Thistle and St Mirren so we are in with a chance of making the final, no doubt Mark Roberts will especially enjoy it being an ex-Killie player."
Killie boss Kenny Shiels said: "To be truthful both of us wanted to avoid Celtic but in terms of local interest this is a really great tie to get. We have the utmost respect for Ayr United, we know they are dangerous opponents, hopefully it's a chance for us to get to a final.
Shiels is not totally sure about where to to play the game.
"People say we would get 20,000 at Hampden, possibly one of the Edinburgh grounds might be an alternative, Tynecastle has a great atmosphere but we will wait and see," he said.
This article appeared in Carrick Herald 01 Nov 11
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