Ayr United return to winning ways in Scottish Championship

Lowland League side East Kilbride shocked the Honest Men with a 3-2 cup upset in the SPFL Trust Trophy last Tuesday, but Scott Brown's team recovered to make sure they were on the right end of the same scoreline against Queen's Park at the weekend.

Ayr, whose last league victory came last month against Airdrieonians, beat the Spiders thanks to a first half penalty from Jay Henderson, as well as strikes from Mark McKenzie and George Oakley, before the visitors rallied with two goals in two minutes near the end of the game.

Boss Scott Brown was delighted with the three points and the reaction from his squad.

He said: "The most important thing was getting back to winning ways.

"I thought, to a man out there, we were excellent. I am really pleased with the performance.

READ MORE: Ayr United suffer shock cup exit at hands of East Kilbride

"We changed the shape today and I thought Mikey Devlin came in and showed real composure and class on the ball. He provided us with that commanding presence in defence.

"Mark McKenzie was exceptional out there today and I’m delighted for him to get that goal but don’t forget Paddy Reading as well.

"I hounded him during the week after the poor performance on Tuesday night and he responded really well today. He showed us what a good player he is for us."

Brown added: "It was obviously disappointing not to hold onto the clean sheet. We just had a lapse of concentration late on.

"The second goal was very unlucky obviously because of the massive deflection. Liam Russell was very unlucky not to get there and keep it out.

"Overall it was a solid team performance and it’s just small areas where we need to be better in."

Ayr remain four points behind second-placed Livingston, and seven behind leaders Falkirk.

Next up is a home tie against second-bottom Dunfermline Athletic this Saturday, November 23. Kick off is at 3pm.