Not the finest way to start 2020.
Ross County went to Somerset Park with an unbeaten record against Ayr United stretching back 12 years, but with knowledge of how competitive Ayr were against the Staggies in last season’s fixtures.
They no longer have prolific striker Lawrence Shankland, but had loanee Aaron Drinan make his debut after joining from Ipswich Town. Partnered by Michael Moffat for the first hour, Drinan’s speed and movement gave County’s centre-backs a difficult afternoon.
On the flip-side, County striker Lee Erwin had more and better chances. Erwin needs a run of starts – and some goals along the way – in order to get into a rhythm and establish himself as County’s first-choice striker, but there were encouraging signs.
Erwin looked sharper than before the break and his all-round play was a bright spot in a poor team performance overall.
If he can find the corners of the goal more with his finishing then he could have an excellent second half to the campaign.
On the whole, however, the team need to improve a lot in order to avoid slipping down the table.
We might just be back from the break but Wednesday night’s league fixture at home to Hearts is a huge moment in the season. Under new management, the Jam Tarts have the potential to surge up the league.
County need to keep them in their place.