Hamilton 0, Ayr Utd 2: Accies' relegation woes deepen in meek surrender to Ayr

Hamilton Accies' Championship survival bid took a major dent as Ayr United ran out comfortable winners at New Douglas Park.

These are two sides at opposite sides of the spectrum, as Ayr climb back into third place, while Accies are facing a serious fight to retain their status.

John Rankin's side are rooted to the bottom of the table, following Arbroath's draw with Morton on Friday night, as they head into next weekend's SPFL Trust Trophy final against Raith Rovers.

A Ben Dempsey penalty put Ayr on their way to victory in 12 minutes, and Sam Ashford doubled that lead in 27 minutes, leaving Accies with a mountain to climb.

It was no more than the Honest Men deserved from a first half they dominated, and with the wind clearly going out of Accies' sails, they didn't have a lot to offer. In truth, they were lucky it was only 2-0.

The second half was much the same, with Ayr passing up several gilt-edged opportunities to further their lead.

Striker Dipo Akinyemi, alone, could have had a hat-trick.

Arbroath's 1-1 draw with Morton on Friday night put Hamilton bottom of the table on goal-difference, so they needed at least a point from this.

Accies boss John Rankin made four changes from the side that drew 0-0 with Arbroath last time out. Captain Dylan McGowan came back into the side and Reegan Mimnaugh, Chris McGinn and Andy Winter came in for Matty Shiels, Dylan Stephenson, Lucas De Bolle and suspended Scott Martin. New signing Benny Ashley-Seal was on the bench.

Ayr gaffer Lee Bullen made four changes to the line-up that crashed out of the Scottish Cup quarter-finals at Falkirk on Monday night. Goalkeeper Charlie Albinson came in for Aidan McAdams, and Nick McAllister, Andy Murdoch and Daire O'Connor came in for Jordan