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Success at Dingwall
On balance Ayr have had the better of exchanges between the two sides at Dingwall since Ross County entered the Scottish league. Ayr did have a venture to Dingwall in July 1971 for a pre-season friendly. The game was famed for Alex Ingram’s ‘no’ goal. With second’s to go and the score 2-1 to County ‘Dixie’ headed a goal which was given despite the linesman signaling for an infringement. The goal stood and result is recorded as 2-2.
United's first win was a resounding 4-0 success in the 2nd round of the Challenge Cup on 10th August 1996.
Season 2000/01 saw the first league matches between the sides and Ayr's first league game at Victoria Park, Dingwall was not until 14th October 2000 when a 1-1 draw was recorded in the first division campaign. Ayr didn’t wait long for their first league victory. On 21st April 2001 they recorded a 1-0 victory over County. However, the following season County squared this up with a 3-2 win on 20th October 2001. The season finished with a 1-1 draw.
Ayr suffered two bad defeats at Dingwall in season 2002/03 the following season but managed two away draws in season 2003/04 despite Ayr being relegated that season.
The clubs met again at Dingwall in the CIS Cup 2nd round on 23 August 2005 and Ayr United (still in the second division) recorded a superb 2-1 win against their first division hosts.
United visited Ross County, title favourites, on 4th August 2007 and never recovered from a 4th minute Andy Barrowman goal and were eventually killed off by 61st minute strike from veteran striker Stewart Petrie.
Relegation threatened Ayr went to top of the league Ross County on 11th March 2008 and recorded a sensational 4-2 win. Three up at half time, United had taken the lead in 30 minutes through Gareth Wardlaw and Alex Williams doubled their advantage.
Ayr went three up on the stroke of half-time when Ryan Stevenson fired past Creer and the same player made it four when the keeper fumbled his shot.
Sean Higgins and Michael Gardine replied for County but it was already Ayr’s match.
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