Ayr United showed some impressive form as they ran out 3-2 winners against local rivals Kilmarnock in a pre-season Ayrshire derby. 

With a good crowd inside Somerset Park to cheer on Scott Brown's men, alongside around 1,600 travelling fans from East Ayrshire, it made for a fantastic atmosphere for a friendly. 

Ayr started well and were ahead after 25 minutes, George Stanger's shot squirming under the body of Killie's debut goalie Robby McCrorie.

It got even better for the Honest Men just nine minutes later, Marco Rus's tidy finish putting the hosts into a comfortable lead. 

The visitors hit back just before half time, Kyle Vassell leading a breakaway and finding Brad Lyons, who danced around a few Ayr defenders before finding the top corner. 

Killie rang the changes at half time but it was Ayr who got the next goal, George Oakley falling in the box and the referee pointing to the spot. 

United captain Anton Dowds stepped up and dispatched the ball past Robbie McCrorie to give Ayr their two-goal advantage again. 

Killie made it a nervy ending after Robbie Deas headed in from a Fraser Wright delivery, but Ayr held on for a statement win against their rivals, who are building towards their Europa League game against Cercle Brugge in a few weeks time. 

For Ayr, they are looking ahead to the visit of Falkirk on Tuesday in the first game of the Premier Sports Cup group stage.