Reid relieved after play-off stalemate

Ayr boss Brian Reid was a relieved man after his side escaped from their play-off clash at Airdrie with a goalless draw.

Reid owed a debt of gratitude to goalkeeper Kevin Cuthbert after he saved Paul Lovering's first-half penalty. Ayr had already escaped minutes earlier when Jamie Bain's 25-yard strike was harshly ruled out for a foul in the build-up. "We got out of jail because it's as poor as we've ever played. But it was never a penalty and justice was done when Cuthbert saved it," said Reid. Bain felt aggrieved at the final whistle and bemoaned the goal that never was. "We were all back in our own half getting in position before the flag went up so we are gutted," said Bain. Airdrie dominated but could not find a goal to take into Saturday's return leg at Ayr.