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Craig Moore's early strike put Ayr top of the Championship

Craig Moore's early strike earned Ayr victory over Dundee United and moved them top of the Scottish Championship.

Latching on to a knockdown from Andy Murdoch, Moore smashed home from close range after just four minutes.

It is a first win in seven games for Ian McCall's side, who go above Ross County on goal difference, while Dundee United remain third, three points back.

The visitors rarely threatened and had Morgaro Gomis sent off in the final minute after a second yellow card.

The stormy conditions at Somerset Park made passing football almost impossible, and there were few chances.

Murdoch scuffed an effort wide after the break and Michael Moffat's shot was cleared off the line.

Ayr's top scorer Lawrence Shankland made his return from a calf injury as a second-half substitute, having not featured since the end of December.

Dundee United's only clear chance fell to Aidan Nesbitt, but he struck straight at Ross Doohan from inside the box, ultimately consigning Robbie Neilson's side to a sixth league defeat of the season.

'We didn't deserve to get anything' - reaction

Ayr United manager Ian McCall: "We've played Dundee United three times and beat them three times. It's a good group of players. If we get all the players back fit for the run in, we've got half a chance, who knows.

On speculation surrounding Shankland, McCall said: "Lawrence will be training Sunday, training Monday and in the squad for Tuesday. There's no likelihood of any deal."

Dundee United head coach Robbie Neilson: "Credit to Ayr they handled the conditions better. We didn't deserve to get anything from the game tonight.

"I just didn't think we competed the way we need to in this league to get promoted. We still need to improve this squad."