A little bit of sunshine was seen this week in Ayr despite the Honest Men losing their First Division status after defeat from Airdrie United last Saturday as Keigan Parker’s stunning overhead kick was voted as the last SFL Goal of the Month winner of the season.
Parker netted 6 minutes from time to draw his side level from the edge of the box against Dundee at their Somerset Park home and youngster Ross Robertson then secured a 3-2 win that condemned Queen of the South to automatic relegation on the second last day of the season.
The 29-year-old started his career at St. Johnstone back in 1998 before enjoying a four year spell at Blackpool that was followed by stints at Huddersfield Town, Hartlepool United, Oldham Athletic, Bury, Mansfield Town, Fleetwood and Stockport before returning north in January has marked his return to Scotland with 5 goals.
His winner against Dundee followed a fine goal from a free kick against the Dark Blues that had tied the score at 1-1 with Parker saying, “It was a really good game. When we broke down the right the ball was crossed to me and I thought I would give it a go. You try these things in training but they do not usually come off. We had been pushing to get back into the game so I was delighted to see the ball go in as it was a split second decision to try the scissors kick.”
“I have enjoyed being back in Scotland although it was disappointing that Ayr did not get through against Airdrie and were relegated as a result. It is never easy in Play-Off games but it has been good being back in Scotland as I had been down south for 8 years and I have enjoyed being back.”
Parker added, “My mum unfortunately passed away a wee while ago so it has been good to spend time with my dad and brother. They have been able to come and watch me in games every week whereas they couldn’t do that when I was down south.”
The strike ranks alongside a goal for Blackpool as a highlight in Parker’s career as he said, “I scored in the Play-Off Final against Yeovil in May 2007 at Wembley when I curled home a shot from 25 yards and that was a great memory.”
With Blackpool facing West Ham United at Wembley tomorrow for a Place in the Premiership next season Parker said, “I am hoping that they win this Play-Off as well. I have a great deal of affection for them as a club. I still have a place down there and the fans were always great with me. I still watch them on TV when I can and I hope I can see them in the Premiership next season.”
