County leapfrog Ayr to meet their early target

Ross County ended their first quarter in top spot thanks to a 2-1 defeat of visitors Ayr.

Billy Mckay fired home on 23 minutes and the lead was doubled when Josh Mullin evaded two challenges before curling a shot home.

Ayr, who they replaced at the summit, came out after the break determined to make a game of it and Lawrence Shankland brushed off Callum Morris before scoring on 50 minutes.

Winning co-manager Steven Ferguson said: “We had to beat a good Ayr side to hit the target we had set ourselves for this stage of the season. It was a hard-fought three points.”

Ayr boss Ian Mccall said: “We merited a draw based on our second-half performance.”

Morton got one over former manager Ray Mckinnon on his return to Cappielow with Falkirk ,the Greenock side winning 1-0.

The game turned on Bairns goalkeeper Leo Fasan’s dismissal four minutes into the second half after fouling Michael Tidser. His replacement, David Mitchell, was beaten 14 minutes from time when Bob Mchugh headed in to secure manager Jonatan Johansson’s first win.

Inverness came from a goal down to earn a 1-1 draw at Dundee United who led on 55 minutes via Pavol Safranko’s header. Jordan White equalised 18 minutes later and Caley finished with ten men after Coll Donaldson’s late dismissal.

Queen of the South struck seven minutes from time to win 1-0 at Dunfermline, Josh Todd’s goal lifting them over the Pars in the table.

Alloa enjoyed their first league win and ruined Gary Caldwell’s debut as Partick Thistle manager, with a 1-0 home success, courtesy of Dario Zanatta’s goal six minutes into the second half.