Kevin Fraser and Darryl McHardy return as Buckie Thistle battle in 3-2 Ayr United defeat
Two key players returned from long-term injuries as a battling Buckie Thistle went down to a narrow defeat against Championship side Ayr United in the League Cup on Saturday.
Kevin Fraser - who hasn’t played football in nearly two years - was given 15 minutes at the end of the Jags’ 3-2 defeat at Somerset Park, with Darryl McHardy - injured since late last season - getting 25 minutes.
The result is an impressive one for the Jags, especially given the added context of Ayr - three divisions higher than Buckie - needing to win by three goals to reach the League Cup’s last 16.
Ayr looked on course to progress when they were 2-0 up inside 40 minutes through Jay Henderson’s double. But Josh Peters and Jack MacIver goals had the scores level by the hour mark.
A fine Jake Hastie strike settled the game, but Buckie kept things tight and frustrated Ayr - sending Dundee United through to the next round in their place.
Buckie manager Lewis Mackinnon was pleased with his side’s performance - and to have McHardy and Fraser back on the pitch.
He said: “It was a good progression from the Dundee United game. We kept the ball better, contained them and kept our shape.
“We resorted to more long balls, but are delighted with the work rate and quality of defending.
“It was great to get 25 minutes into Darryl and 15 minutes in Kevin. Kevin is feeling fine. He is earmarked for 18 minutes against Dundee United B (tonight).
“We have very strict minutes that he can play having been out that long. We don’t want to push him.
“It will be great to have him back around the place. He has stayed away a little bit because being around the place was getting him down.
“His return will bring a positive vibe. He leads by example with his work rate.
“He will give us a lift and be like a brand-new signing. He’s showing signs that he is back at the level he was previously at, so that’s great.”
Darryl McHardy should now be available for selection having recovered from a shoulder injury picked up towards the end of last season.
But he will have to work his way into a defence that has impressed Mackinnon during the League Cup.
The Jags’ match with Dundee United B, in the Challenge Cup, kicks off at 8pm tonight.
The delayed Highland League start is this Saturday, away against Inverurie Loco Works.
Mackinnon added: “We have progressed every game we have played. I’m looking forward to the Dundee United B game, hopefully we can get a positive result to take us into Locos.”
