Despite recent improved performances, Airdrie weren't at the races at Ayr as the Honest Men saw off Gary Bollan's Diamonds.

The manager made three changes to the starting XI which lost narrowly to Rangers in the New Year match.

Lewis Coult and Keigan Parker replaced Caolan McAleer and Jim Lister, while new signing Stefan Milojević was handed his debut in place of Mick O'Byrne.

There were few chances for either side in a first half that frequently became bogged down in midfield.

Craig Malcolm came closest for Ayr United, his point blank header tipped over the bar by Danny Rogers before a low shot through a ruck of players was also well saved by the on-loan goalkeeper.

Airdrie's rare chances were restricted to long range efforts, Ross Gilmour and Willie McLaren both shooting high and wide from outside the penalty area.

Both sides started the second half in more attacking mood, McLaren blasting over from the edge of the Ayr box before Kevin Kyle volleyed just inches too high.

Keigan Parker had a chance to put the visitors ahead when Liam Watt was fouled on the edge of the box, but his curled free kick went wide of David Hutton's left hand post.

Ayr took the lead just before the hour-mark, Kevin Kyle rising highest to power home a cross from the right.

The home side looked to double their advantage through substitute Alan Forrest, but he dragged his effort wide from 15 yards.

It wasn't long before the lead was increased though, and it was League One's top scorer Michael Moffat who cut in from the left, taking out two Airdrie defenders and driving low across the goalkeeper.

Minutes later Ayr had a third, the excellent Forrest slotting home the return ball after Moffat's initial effort had been parried by Rogers.

With relegation rivals Arbroath losing at home, Airdrie missed a chance to get off the bottom of the table, and will have to pick themselves up for a visit to second-placed side Dunfermline next Saturday.

Stuart Mathie at Somerset Park.

Photographs © Robert Dalzell. Click to view full size.