Ayr United 0,

Blackburn Rovers 1

ALLY MacLeod's testimonial match at Somerset Park last night netted

the former Scotland and Ayr United manager some #25,000, but the honours

went to Blackburn Rovers.

Ayr, however, gave the English Premier League side plenty to think

about. After only four minutes, Alan McInally, guesting for the club

where his career began, headed a George Burley free kick down to another

former Ayr favourite, John Sludden, who, in turn, laid the ball off to

Graeme Robertson. His shot hit Bobby Mimms' left-hand post.

Rovers striker Mike Newell came close on several occasions, at one

point setting up Gallacher to head narrowly past just on half-time. In

terms of chances created, however, Ayr took the first-half honours.

Whatever Blackburn manager Kenny Dalglish said at the interval, it

certainly worked. After 51 minutes, Newell broke down the right and

Gallacher side-footed his low cross against the United bar.

Two minutes later Nicky Marker shot past from good position and as

Rovers pushed forward, good passing set up Mark Atkins, who missed.

In 75 minutes United midfielder Duncan George, whose style of tackling

upset the visitors, was booked. The free kick was played short to Le

Saux and his deep cross had the home defence struggling.

Ayr substitute Nigel Howard, with his first touch, was unfortunate to

head the ball straight to the feet of Marker, who scored from 10 yards.

AYR UNITED -- Duncan, Burley, Robertson, McQuilter, Traynor, George,

Kennedy, Sludden (Clyde), McInally (Bayern Munich), Burns, Annand.

Substitutes -- Carse, Spence, Howard, Fabiani, Sweeney.

BLACKBURN ROVERS -- Mimms, May, Le Saux, Sherwood, Marker, Andersson,

Ripley, Atkins, Gallacher, Newell, Wilcox. Substitutes -- Dickins,

Dobson, Makel, Berg.

Referee -- L Thow (Ayr).