Title chasing Ayr down Diamonds

Airdrieonians........... 1 Ayr United ................ 2

A match which started with promise ended in disappointment for Airdrie as Ayr United came from a goal down to claim all three points at the Excelsior stadium.

The Diamonds were aiming for a repeat of their December victory over Ian McCall’s side in an attempt to further allay any relegation fears.

The home side got off to a great start when Jake Hastie tested United keeper Jordan Hart after only two minutes, but the attacker’s header landed straight into the stopper’s hands.

Dale Carrick then managed to go one better than his team mate and sent his header into the back of the net after a lovely set-piece delivery from Luke Watt.

In an open match, chances were offered at both ends with Rohan Ferguson touching Lawrence Shankland’s curling shot onto the bar.

As half-time approached, Robbie Crawford equalised for the visitors when he was afforded time and space after latching on to And y Geggan’s deep cross.

Carrick and Hastie went close at the start of the second period before Ferguson again made superb saves from Craig Moore and Shankland.

But with just under 20 minutes remaining the dangerous Shankland scored the winner after a neat passing move.