U18s: St Johnstone 2-1 Ayr United

Our under-18s produced the goods to pick up three Club Academy Scotland League points on the road against Ayr United on Friday.

First half goals from Ben McCrystal and Brodie Dair secured an important 2-1 victory at Townhead Park in Cumnock.

The young Saints, who were able to welcome back a number of players from loan spells, nudged into the lead with just 12 minutes on the clock – and in stunning style.

That was when McCrystal suddenly found space 25 yards from goal and, with his trusted left foot, sent a spectacular drive into the top corner.

Ayr quickly looked keen to retaliate and it wasn’t long before they found a leveller through forward Bruce Strachan.

Perth goalkeeper Kyle Thomson was then required to pull off a fantastic save to tip Jack Allan’s effort around the post and keep the scoreline locked at 1-1 as the match reached the half hour mark.

Just before the break, Saints managed to nudge back in front when Jackson Mylchreest’s cross was clinically dispatched by Dair. The young attacker had timed his run perfectly and celebrated the moment passionately with team-mates.

Clear-cut opportunities were sparse at the beginning of the second half, although Kodi McKinstray did work into a promising position inside the box before being unable to properly connect with the finish.

In the 68th minute, Dair played a lovely switch to send Adam McMillan racing clear and navigating towards goal at an angle. He attempted to lift the ball over the goalkeeper and, while he succeeded with that, there was too much height in the effort.

Ayr went in search of a late equaliser but the Saints rearguard held firm to hold onto the three points.

Saints: Thomson, Franczak, Aitken (Shiels 45), Ellison, Bright, McKinstray, Scott, McCrystal, Dair (Binnie 88), McMillan, Mylchreest.