Boss banished for verbals but County rescue point

a great chance to double their lead with barely 20 minutes on the clock when Ross Stewart rounded Ross Doohan but he shot wide from an angle.

Back at the other end, Ayr got their chance for a leveller when Ross Draper barged Michael Rose in the box with ref Madden pointing to the spot.

Up stepped Shankland to smash home low into the corner.

Five minutes later they were in front as Shankland met a Declan McDaid free-kick on the volley and steered his effort past the helpless Fox.

Ayr were looking irresistible and it was no surprise when they added a third before half-time.

A scramble in the box was cleared only as far as Andy Geggan who smashed into the roof of the net from three yards to send Somerset Park wild.

But County were straight back into