Arbroath is crucial to title hopes for defender Liam

“They would have been keen to keep that going.

“Me, Shanks and the other boys knew that they have a squad of good players.

“Fair play to them but we didn’t do enough. We didn’t compete and put our stamp on the game.

“We didn’t deserve to take anything.”

Right-back Smith accepts they can’t expect to win every game this season but believes it was the performance which angered those connected with United most.

Ayr controlled proceedings for most of the 90 minutes and Smith believes they can only look at themselves as they seek to get back to winning ways in their quest for promotion.

“You can’t win every game but the manner in which we lost was not acceptable,” he said.

“We didn’t turn up and Ayr took advantage. They are a good side and we can’t afford to take our foot off the gas at any point.

“The second half was better. In the first half, we were outworked, which can’t happen.

“First and foremost, we need to look at ourselves.

“I don’t think we passed the ball enough, which is what we’ve been doing for the first four games. We’ll pick ourselves up and see what we need to improve.”

Smith was involved in the concession of both the goals at Ayr last weekend and has held his hands up for his involvement in Daniel Harvie’s opener and Alan Forrest’s penalty which sealed the points.

“They were both straight balls,” he reflected. “The second goal, I’ve given away the penalty so I need to hold my hands up for that. No complaints.”