MATCH STATS
AYR UNITED 2 Mullin (31, 70) RAITH ROVERS 0
Lee Bullen reckons league leaders Ayr are there to be shot at after a double from Josh Mullin kept them a point clear of second top Dundee.
The on-loan Livingston ace scored on either side of the interval to send Raith crashing to a third straight league defeat.
Somerset chief Bullen claimed: “Our feet are firmly planted and we know it can all change but we’ll enjoy it and milk it while we can.
“However, we know the target on our back is getting bigger by the week. Now I know how Dick Campbell felt last season.
“We were worthy winners in the end and it’s a big three points. It’s going to be a roller coaster all the way but to come away with three points against a Raith team who rightly beat us earlier in the season is pleasing.”
With Jordan Houston joining Alex Kirk and Frankie Musonda on the crock list, Ayr’s defence had to be rejigged with 20-year-old Finn Ecrepont making his first league start at right-back.
Raith sensed the chance to test the recast rearguard and forced four corners in the opening 20 minutes as United looked unsure at the back.
Ayr came to life when Logan Chalmers darted forward and unleashed a fierce 25 yarder which Jamie MacDonald was relieved to touch round the post for yet another corner.
Another flash of brilliance from Chalmers contrived to give Ayr the lead somewhat against the run of play in 31 minutes. The on-loan Dundee United man showed great skill to curl a cross to the back post where the inrushing Mullin supplied the final touch.
Ayr had penalty claims turned down by Kevin Clancy five minutes after the interval when Chalmers hit the turf under a challenge from Ross Millen.
But there was no escape for Raith in 70 minutes when Dipo Akinyemi showed great skill to beat his man and cross perfectly for Mullin to pick his spot with a picture header.
Raith boss Ian Murray claimed: “We were the better side early on but when you don’t score when you are on top it’s always a big danger and it can flip.
“We are not lethal enough when we are on top and it’s frustrating. At 1-0, you’ve always got a chance but the second goal was an absolute killer for us.”