Report by John Patrick Heeley

Wigan Athletic finished up their mini tour of Scotland with a demoralising defeat at the hands of Scottish Division One outfit Ayr United.

The home side made Wigan pay for missed opportunities and sent them back across the border with a few questions to be asked before the English season kicks off on August 11th.

Latics' starting line up included Dunfermline defender Andy Tod and Bradford's Northern Ireland international left back Ian Nolan, both on trial and both of them past thirty years of age.

There were chances early on at both ends first up was Ged Brannan whose header crashed against the upright before veteran striker Willie Falconer hammered his effort against the bar.

Andy Liddell failed to capitalise on two occasions after racing clear of the Ayr defence with only the keeper to beat.

Ayr lost defender Mark Campbell after only 18 minutes when he picked up a knee injury after a late challenge on Ged Brannan, earning Wigan a free kick on the left and Campbell a stretcher off the field.

Ayr took the lead on 38 minutes when a Paul Sheerin corner was knocked down by Falconer for EDDIE ANNAND to fire home from close range.

Wigan pressed forward in a bid to level the score before the break but found Ayr keeper Craig Nelson on form and the 30 year old made a number of saves to deny the visitors, Kevin Nicholls and Neil Roberts both going close.

It took only 4 minutes of the restart for Ayr to double their lead when WILLIE FALCONER, currently on trial at Somerset Park after being released by Dundee, rose to head home a Gary Teale corner after Wigan keeper Derek Stillie found himself in difficulties with the incoming ball.

Eddie Annand wrapped it up for his side on 68 minutes with his second of the afternoon.

The ball was booted upfield from defence finding Teale in acres of space and the forward played a square ball to his left finding striker partner EDDIE ANNAND who blasted the ball from 12 yards past a helpless Stillie.

Ayr added a fourth with five minutes remaining when substitute JOHN BRADFORD headed home at the near post from another Teale corner.

Three goals given away from corners surely gives Wigan manager Paul Jewell a few things to think about and some serious things to work on at the training ground with the serious business of the new season just around the corner.

Paul Jewell said: "Ayr were ahead of us in fitness but we still need someone to break a neck to score a goal. Missing chances is part of football but you can't miss chances like we did."

On a bright note however, good solid performances were given by young Paul Mitchell who made several strong runs down the right flank and Kevin Nicholls who continued to impress.

Also Peter Kennedy is continuing to look like an excellent signing and it will be interesting to see him in action once the season gets under way in earnest.