Partick v Ayr United: The Honest Men dare to dream ahead of play-off clash
Manager Lee Bullen says he has complete trust in his players to go out and do the job against high scoring Partick Thistle tonight.
Last updated 19th May 2023
It’s been 46 years since Ayr United were last in the top flight in Scottish Football, but tonight the team, the fans and the full town are daring to dream.
After Mark McKenzie’s 88th minute winner against Inverness CT, it catapulted the Honest Men to their best finish in two decades.
Goal difference secured the runners up slot in the Scottish Championship allowing Lee Bullen’s men to have an extra week while Queen’s Park and Partick Thistle battled it out in a 11-goal thriller over two legs.
Goals and a solid defence is what Ayr United will need again after the free scoring Partick put 8 goals past Queen’s Park.
However, Manager Lee Bullen is no stranger to games of this magnitude. He skippered Sheffield Wednesday to Championship promotion back in 2005, and with his former side emerging victorious from their own semi-final play off last night, he’s looking to create a bit of history for Ayr.
He tells Greatest Hits Radio: “It’s a very similar feeling to back then and it’s very exciting to be part of again.
“I really do believe that they are capable of giving Partick Thistle a run for their money and it would be great to get through this one and have a dig at whatever premier league team comes out the hat at the other end.
“All they need to do is turn up like the Ayr United team that we have seen at points this season. Do that and they won’t be far away.
“I have complete and utter respect for Kris Doolan and his players, they’re a great side.
“But I know my players, whatever 11 start and whatever 8 I have on the bench I have complete trust in them.
“If Partick has one thing over us, it’s a slight bit more experience in these types of games than we do, but that doesn’t give them an advantage.
“I think we’re in a good mindset and it has all the makings of a game that’s treated like a cup tie.”
Bullen also said he has a full squad at his disposal for tonight’s match, with Championship Player of the Year Dipo Akinyemi set to start and add to his 20 goals and 8 assists this season.