HOW much more bad luck could Ayr United possibly endure? They looked like securing a vital point at Stranraer but the home side’s goal only came about after the ball bounced off visiting defender Martyn Campbell and was turned home by former United targetman Craig Malcolm. It seems the fates are conspiring against the Honest Men but the only saving grace is that Stenhousemuir lost too. Just two home games remain and it’s surely absolutely vital to defeat Peterhead on Saturday and basement side Stirling Albion a fortnight later. It could also be they need to take something from the away games against Airdrie United and Forfar Athletic. As we have said before, it truly is crunch time. HATS off to Charlie Adam for his vintage goal for Stoke City from 66 yards against Chelsea. But Ayr United fans will still have memories of Brian Gilmour’s strike from the halfway line a couple of seasons ago and I recall he was adamant at the time he meant it, as was Adam.

**** PREDICTABILITY is returning to Scottish Football, with Celtic having all but sewn up the Premiership title and in the Championship, Rangers looking increasingly likely to claim second spot. They will then be favoured to clinch promotion back to the top flight although Hibs, Falkirk or Queen of the South might have something to say about that.

**** IT WAS great to see the Marr Rugby 2nd XV secure title success and the 3rd XV clinching promotion, just a week after the 1st XV sealed survival in the first season in the second tier. But there was heartbreak for Ayr as their hopes of glory were dashed as they lost narrowly to Melrose in the BT Premiership Playoff semi-final. It’s the second season running the Millbrae men have come up short in their quest for silverware although to be fair, we were being spoiled by success.

**** I’M looking forward to the return of the GAA on Sky Sports, with hurling and Gaelic Football returning soon to our screens. It makes for compelling viewing and at times last year people were switching over from routine English Premiership matches to take in the action. GOLF truly returns this weekend with the Masters getting underway at Augusta on Thursday. Rory McIlroy will be clear favourite to win and complete a career Grand Slam but his fellow Irishman Padraig Harrington could be a dark horse as he is returning to form. Once again a lot of the focus will be on Tiger Woods who is returning to competitive golf to play in the Major which launched him to global fame. After such a long time out it will be interesting to see how he fares.