LEVEL-headed Ayr United skipper Ross Docherty is playing down fans' comparisons of the title-winning team of 1987-88 after the Honest Men's superb run of form continued.

They hammered non-league Banks O'Dee 6-2 away from home in the third round of the William Hill Scottish Cup on Saturday. The win came four days after a thumping 3-0 win against closest league challengers Raith Rovers.

However their joy at victory has been tempered with the news that defender Paddy Boyle has been sidelined for four to six weeks after suffering a fractured shoulder in Saturday's tie in Aberdeenshire.

United will be hoping to emulate the Ally MacLeod team of exactly 30 years ago, who won the old Second Division Championship and were given a case of champagne for breaking through the 100-goal barrier with fans suggesting on Facebook this team is capable of matching them. They have already blasted 65 in all competitions and we're not even halfway through the season.

Docherty said: "Of course it's nice to be compared with Ayr United teams from the past - it's flattering. We are on great run of form and can hopefully keep it going. But nothing has been achieved yet and he have to stay focused.

"We look forward to the game against Alloa - we know it will be tricky and like ourselves they have been on a really good run and they drew with us at Somerset Park, but we are going there looking to pick up the three points. It's a blow that Paddy is out but someone else can step in as we've seen before - Declan McDaid came off the bench and got a couple of goals on Saturday. The astro turf surface won't bother us as we've played before and train on astroturf."

Manager Ian McCall was delighted with the showing in the cup tie and said: "It's pleasing to score six goals away from home and we have a high goals tally. The fans were yet again fantastic, they went up there and gave us great support."

He is now relishing the clash with the Wasps and said: "They were given a phantom penalty in the game at Ayr earlier in the season and took a point. We know it's going to be a toug game but if we can go there and take the three points that will leave us in a good position."

Boyle is out injured and Jamie Adams will not feature as he doesn't play on astroturf. But everyone else should be available."