Ayr United's search for consistency was halted by a narrow 1-0 home defeat to league leaders Stenhousemuir on Friday night. The visitors' Sam Young scored the only goal with a header in the 20th minute, a result that leaves Ayr with just one win from their last five matches.
Young connected with a Scott Bright corner to give Stenhousemuir an early lead they would not relinquish. The goal proved enough for the visitors to secure a seventh consecutive league victory and move eight points clear at the summit.
Match details
Ayr United struggled to create clear chances in response, with the match seeing yellow cards for both sides. Stenhousemuir's L. Grant was booked in the 30th minute, while Ayr's R. Taylor received a caution twenty minutes later. Managerial changes were made as the hosts chased an equaliser, with O. Stirton replaced by J. Landers on the hour mark and N. McAllister making way for D. Watret late on. Stenhousemuir also utilised their bench, making five substitutions to manage the game's closing stages.
The result means Ayr United's recent form now reads one win, one draw and three defeats from their last five outings. They sit seventh in the Championship table, a position they will aim to improve upon when they travel to face Livingston next weekend.
Sam Young said his "first-half header sealed Stenhousemuir a 1-0 win at Ayr". Ayr United's next match is away to Livingston on Saturday, 3 October.
First reported at uk.sports.yahoo.com
