Last updated on .From the section Scottish Championship

Ayr United player-manager Mark Kerr was sent off against his old club

Runaway Scottish Championship leaders Dundee United roared to their ninth straight win by thumping Ayr United.

Sam Stanton opened the scoring before Ayr were reduced to 10 men after player-manager Mark Kerr was shown a second yellow for bringing down Stanton in the area.

Lawrence Shankland scored the resultant penalty, then set up Nicky Clark for the third before Ian Harkes' strike.

It means United are 13 points clear of Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Their next game is against city rivals Dundee on Friday, while Ayr in third take on Queen of the South.

Dundee United manager Robbie Neilson: "I was delighted to get the result and I thought the second half was far better.

"The teams around us won so it was very important to get the win to set us up for the derby."