Ayr Utd secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory away to Livingston on Saturday, a result that lifts them to sixth in the Championship table with 11 points from nine games. The win came despite playing with ten men for over an hour after Ross Taylor was sent off in the 22nd minute.
Ollie Stirton gave Ayr Utd an early lead after eight minutes, finishing an assist from Taylor. Livingston equalised eleven minutes later through a penalty converted by Rory Muirhead. The visitors responded well, with Logan McBeth restoring their lead in the 36th minute, set up by Stirton.
Taylor's dismissal for a second bookable offence forced a significant reshuffle. The team defended resolutely, with McBeth and Scott McMann among those receiving yellow cards in a disciplined rearguard action. Livingston made five substitutions in the second half in search of an equaliser, but Ayr Utd held firm.
The three points are a significant boost to Ayr Utd's survival hopes, moving them clear of the relegation zone. Their next match is at home to fifth-placed Dunfermline on October 10th.
Ayr United manager Gary Naysmith said his side cannot get carried away after their 2-1 win at Livingston. Naysmith told reporters he thought the referee was "very quick to get the red card out" for Ross Taylor's 25th-minute dismissal. The manager praised his team's effort, which secured a third win from nine games. Ayr United, now sixth with 11 points, host Dunfermline on October 10.
