Ayr come from behind to shock 10-man Hibs

AYR United soiled Hibernian’s unblemished record to record an unexpected 2-1 win at Easter Road and enable Queen of the South to slip to the top of the Championship.

The game looked to be following the script when Jason Cummings put Hibs ahead with a breathtaking goal but then it all turned sour for Neil Lennon’s side.

Marvin Bartley was sent off midway through the second half and Ayr took full advantage, claiming the points through a header from Conrad Balatoni and then a clinical finish from Brian Gilmour.

“The red card changed the game and I’m not sure it was a red card,” said Lennon. “He went in low with one leg and he may have caught the boy, but there was no malice in the tackle.”

Ayr manager Ian McCall dedicated the win to former chairman and honorary president Donald Cameron, who died on Friday.

“After the first half I didn’t see it coming, we rode our luck at times but for us to come here and win is just fantastic for Ayr United,” he stated.

Stephen Dobbie contributed two goals as Queen of the South eased to a 3-1 win over Raith Rovers at Palmerston Park. After an uninspired first half, he put his side in front from Jamie Hamill’s pass and then doubled Queens’ advantage.

Substitute Dean Brotherston scrambled home the third goal before Jean-Yves M’Voto responded for Raith.

St Mirren remain bottom in spite of picking up a point in a 1-1 draw at Dumbarton. The hosts took the lead when Andy Stirling scored from close range but Ryan Hardie equalised with a header just before half-time.

A late, and stunning, strike from Jai Quitongo gave Morton a 2-1 home win over Dunfermline Athletic, who have now lost five in a row.