Ellis off to a losing start as Ayr secure first league win over United in 41 years

Dundee United’s first game under the interim control of Laurie Ellis ended in disappointment as they lost 2-0 at table-topping Ayr United.

The Honest Men’s Lawrence Shankland shot his side on their way to their first league win over the Tannadice men in 41 years on 21 minutes, and substitute Declan Mcdaid volleyed home the second with 16 minutes left.

Ellis said: “Ayr are flying high and full of confidence. Our players have trained well and been great to work with, so the result is disappointing.”

Ayr boss Ian Mccall, whose side are two points ahead of Ross County, said: “There were a lot of good individual performances backed up by a strong team mentality.”

Inverness Caley Thistle lost ground in a 1-1 home draw with Morton. The Greenock side scored on ten minutes through Charlie Telfer, with Jordan White equalising from close range just on half-time.

Stephen Dobbie’s worth to Queen of the South was prominent again in their entertaining 3-3 draw with Alloa Athletic at Palmerston.

The Wasps looked to be on their way to a first Championship success of the season thanks to goals in the first 25 minutes from Iain Flannigan, Jake Hastie and Connor Shields. Dobbie, pictured, replied twice before the break and ensured a point 20 minutes from time when he completed his fourth hat-trick of the season.

The derby encounter between Falkirk and Dunfermline Athletic was a tame affair, with the Pars securing a deserved 2-0 win thanks to a goal from Andy Ryan just before the break and Myles Hippolyte just before the end.