Six-yard box strike most pleasing to Gary
Goal hero Gary Oliver has picked out the second of his Ayr United double as the goal that pleased him most due to the hours he has put in to hone his penalty box instincts.
The forward netted Morton’s third and fourth goals in Saturday evening’s 4-1 win to take his individual tally to eight in his first Cappielow campaign.
His first effort involved fancy footwork and a fine finish from just inside box with his weaker foot, while his follow up involved him getting between two defenders to bundle a cross over the line from inside the six-yard box.
And although the former, which came at the end of a move involving 16 passes, was more aesthetically pleasing, it was the latter strike, and the fact it confirmed his work to add an extra layer to his game was paying off, that gave Oliver a greater sense of satisfaction.
Speaking to gmfc.net, the 21-year-old said: “The fourth goal was definitely mine. I was the last one to touch it; I put it in. I can’t lie because you can see it on the cameras!
“The first goal was one I’ve scored quite a lot this season, from around the edge of the box. It was a bit similar to the goal at Kilmarnock, and I think most of my goals have been outside my box this season.
“But the second one today when Doyley has crossed it in – I’ll give him his mention [during the interview Michael told Gary he wouldn’t speak to him again if he didn’t bring up the assist] – I don’t score many goals like that.
“I was happy to score a goal like that and change my game up a wee bit. That’s exactly what the gaffer has been telling me: to try and get across the first defender.
“Doyley put another ball in after I scored and the gaffer was shouting from the touchline for me to get across him like my last goal, so he’s helping me.
“It’s been good so far this season. That’s me got eight goals this season and from here I’ll try and reach double figures and then reach as many as I can.”
Oliver and Ross Forbes grabbed a brace apiece to fire the Ton to an emphatic victory against Ian McCall’s men live in BBC Alba, and the former Hearts frontman felt it was a fantastic result.
He added: “I don’t think many teams have come to Ayr and won 4-1, or as big a margin as that. We’ve went there and scored a few goals, and it’s always a hard place to go.
“That was especially the case with the weather meaning the pitch wasn’t in the best of condition. That probably suit our style of play, but we adapted well and won the game comfortably.
“We needed to try and play our own game and do what we do, and it came off – so we’re happy with the result. The first half hour was perfect for us: we got three goals and a bit of a cushion.
“But they scored one about 36 minutes to put a wee dull on us, but the fourth goal definitely killed the game and helped us relax again and play football a bit more.”
Image: Maurice Morwood
