My Queens left Nay stone unturned to triumph
The Staggies co-manager saw them race clear through Billy Mckay’s eighth goal of the season and a wonder- strike from Josh Mullin.
Lawrence Shankland’s 19th of the season pegged it back but County held on despite injuries to both centre-backs.
Ferguson said: “It was tough second half alright! We started the game exactly as we wanted Gary Naysmith hailed his Queens for sticking to the gameplan as they produced a smash-and-grab win.
Dunfermline bossed possession from start to finish but could not find the breakthrough and were made to pay a heavy price.
Josh Todd sliced through the Pars defence to roll in the winner with six minutes left to lift Queens over the Fifers into fifth. Thrilled boss and scored a couple of goals. The second half was a different game altogether and fair play to Ayr for that.
“We set ourselves little targets – being top after the first quarter was one of them.
“To get there, we had to deal with a really good Ayr side. Ian McCall has really got them punching way above their weight.”
Home sk ipp er L iam Naysmith said: “Credit to the players because they did everything I asked them to do.
“I predicted how the game was going to go.
“They’re the pleasing ones, when the players do exactly what you want them Fontaine exited injured early on but in 23 minutes County were in front.
County left-back Sean Kelly swerved the ball across from the left and Mckay pounced to put the Staggies ahead.
In 34 minutes it was 2- 0 when ex-Livingston winger Mullin’s super solo effort found the top corner.
Ayr came tearing out of the blocks after the break and Shankland lashed home in 50 minutes.
There were more palpitations for County as to do and they deliver to get your a result.”
Queens keeper Alan Martin pulled off superb saves from Andy Ryan’s shot and a Lee Ashcroft header either side of the break.
And the decisive moment came too late for a frustrated Dunfermline to stage a comeback.
Malaury Martin was robbed of possession in the centre circle and Todd Shankland struck the wall from a free-kick. Home keeper Fox had to be alert to preserve the County lead late on, again from Shankland.
Ayr manager McCall said: “Ross County played well in the first half and merited at a two-goal lead. We were poor.
“We had a lot of players not playing well. I had a wee go at them and we were more aggressive – a draw would have been a fair result in the end.
“But Ross County showed they are a good side – the best we’ve played.”
slotted a composed finish past Lee Robinson to reward the Doomhamers’ lightningquick counter-attack.
Under-pressure Dunfermline boss Allan Johnston said: “It’s a really sore one to take. There was only one team that looked like winning.
“But when you’re that much on top you have to take your chances when they come along.”