Peterhead manager Jim McInally admitted his side were outclassed in last night’s 4-1 defeat by Ayr United in the Champion-ship play-off semi-final first leg at Balmoor.
Mikey Donald, Robbie Crawford and a superb double from on loan Blackburn Rovers attacker Jordan Preston gave Ayr United a convincing win against a below-par Peterhead who replied through Leighton McIntosh.
McInally said: “We were beaten by a far better team.
“Their front two were terrific.
“We were still in a game at 2-1 down and I would have stopped the game there and then if I could.
“It just looks like it has been a step too far for us.
“I don’t want to make excuses but we have players such as Simon Ferry playing with an injury.
“It has been too much for us and a good team in Ayr United took advantage.
“We were still in the tie at 2-1, but then they scored a fantastic third goal.
“Sometimes you just have to applaud a goal like that.
“The fourth goal sums up the past few weeks as we headed the ball straight to one of their players who ran through to score.
“We have come up short and I certainly realise that we are a bit weak in certain areas.
“I have already been speaking to people to try to bring in new players for next season.”
Ayr United manager Ian McCall was delighted with his side’s display.
He said: “We played very well. This is a very tough place to come and Peterhead are always a threat.
“If I am being greedy we could have maybe scored a couple more goals as we created some good chances.
“We know we are in a strong position, but they have a forward in Rory McAllister who scored five goals in one game against Falkirk earlier this season so we are taking absolutely nothing for granted for Saturday.
“We need to do the business in the second leg.
“If I had been offered 4-1 before I would have snapped your hand off so I am very pleased.
“But there won’t be any complacency in the second leg, I can assure you of that.”
