Football: Alexander great on return to Scotland; Ayr United 1, Cardiff City 3.

Byline: Terry Phillips

RETURNING Scot Neil Alexander chose the best possible moment to give a graphic illustration of the progress made since heading south to the Bluebirds.

The 24-year-old ex-Livingston stopper produced a series of quality saves, including two stunning blocks at crucial moments.

The best came after 24 minutes when a far-post cross left the goal at Eddie Annand's mercy - Alexander spreading himself to beat away the header.

And after the break he went full length to turn away a shot from substitute Craig Bingham.

With Graham Kavanagh (twice) and Peter Thorne netting at the other end, Alexander - watched by his parents and wife Julie - ensured City got their Scottish tour off to a winning start.

``I enjoyed that,'' said Alexander. ``It's good to be back in Scotland for a visit and to meet up with old friends. I know a lot of the Ayr team and it's great to put one over them.''

The final scoreline probably flattered City, who lacked the fluency of their 4-0 win against Merthyr Tydfil.

Ayr, who are second favourites for promotion from Scottish Division One, posed far more problems and provided just the threat the Bluebirds needed.

Five City players came through the full 90 minutes - Alexander, new signing Chris Barker, Graham Kavanagh, Leo FortuneWest and Daniel Gabbidon.

All those who did not start - including injured pair Jason Bowen (ankle) and Spencer Prior (thigh) - are likely to be given the nod for tomorrow's match at Berwick Rangers.

In a patchy display, there were positives for Cardiff boss Lennie Lawrence.

Gabbidon was outstanding after fluffing an early clearance and shaking off a knock on his ankle on the half hour.

Having played through the problem, he was quick, assured, strongand intense at the heart of the back four.

City played with the 4-3-3 formation which Lawrence plans to use this season, Thorne making his first appearance of the pre-season alongside Fortune-West and Andy Campbell up front.

The pace of Campbell - and later Robert Earnshaw - tested Ayr as the visitors carved out plenty of good chances.

Andy Legg saw an effort bounce to safety off the home goalkeeper while Thorne mishit an attempted lob after bursting clear.

Behind the strikers, Layton Maxwell was busy and bright in midfield, while Kavanagh showed again he just loves scoring goals.

His first, set up by Thorne with the neatest of flicks while the second - City's third - was a cracker.

Barker's left wing cross dropped at the far post, Kavanagh showing excellent technique to strike a fierce volley into the roof of the net.

Two games into their pre-season campaign and City are showing they have a stronger squad than this time last year - the arrival of Barker, Gareth Whalley and Gary Croft ensuring the left flank is much stronger.

The starting line-up for the opening Division Two trip to Oldham will become clear over the next few friendlies, starting at Berwick Rangers tomorrow.

Ayr United: J Dodds, W Lyle, P Lovering (C Bingham 73), A McManus, M Campbell (M Dunlop 73), D Craig, I Nicolson, S Chaplain (J Latta 80), E Annand (M Ferry 73), J Grady, P Sheerin (S Kean 73).

Cardiff City: N Alexander, C Barker, A Legg (G Whalley 72), S Young (J Collins 61), L Maxwell (D Hamilton 65), A Campbell (R Earnshaw 68), G Kavanagh, L Fortune-West, P Thorne (W Boland 68), D Gabbidon, G Croft (R Weston 61).

Referee: Eddie Mack.

CAPTION(S):

GETING STUCK IN Cardiff City captain Graham Kavanagh goes full bore into this aerial challenge.