QUEENS claimed a great three points in their quest for promotion but they were made to fight till the end by spirited opponents. For most of the game this was a controlled performance, with Bob Harris excelling. However, they were hanging on at the
end to ensure victory.
The Doonhamers brought a healthy sized travelling support for this derby game with top visiting bottom.
There was a good atmosphere in Somerset Park for this derby and it was not long before the visitors were in front with those who made the journey from Dumfries vocal in their encouragement. In the 20th minute, Paul Burns laid the ball back for Stephen McKenna and his cross found Derek Holmes who easily rose above the Ayr defence to power a header beyond Craig Samson.
Gordon Chisholm's First Division pace-setters searched for a second and they looked comfortable for the most part as they knocked the passes about.
Neil McGowan made a vital defensive clearance on 32 minutes just as Holmes was ready to finish off a Harris cross.
However, Brian Reid's side ended the half with their best chance on 42 minutes, with Ryan Borris clipping the bar with a glancing header from Ryan Stevenson's cross.
On the hour, Holmes should have grabbed his second, but unmarked and just six yards out, he headed straight at the keeper from a perfect Rocco Quinn cross. Only 30 seconds later at the other end, Mark Roberts had Hutton struggling to grasp his 13-yard shot at the second attempt to keep the league leaders ahead.
Ayr went close to a very late equaliser, with Borris having his dangerous cross punched to safety before Stevenson followed up with a drive that went just wide.
