Last updated on .From the section Scottish Championship

Dundee's Declan McDaid netted the opener against his former club

Mark Kerr was unable to guide Ayr United top of the Scottish Championship on his managerial debut as Dundee claimed a first away win of the season.

Former Ayr winger Declan McDaid's 20-yard strike and a Paul McGowan finish on the rebound condemned the hosts to a third straight loss.

Luke McCowan's first-half header cut the deficit, but Ayr remain behind leaders Dundee United on goal difference ahead of Saturday's games.

Dundee move up a place to fourth.

Ayr will look at missed chances and feel they should have taken something from the game, Kerr's first in charge after swapping playing duties for the dugout as Ian McCall's replacement.

Dundee goalkeeper Conor Hazard - making his debut after joining on loan from Celtic - saved well from Michael Moffat's early strike and later denied the striker when clean through.

Alan Forrest sent a curling effort narrowly wide as Dundee showed excellent resolve to bounce back from last week's late defeat to Partick Thistle and move within three points of the top.

Ayr United manager Mark Kerr: "Dundee had set up the press and the boys on the park haven't recognised that. One of the goals came from that. We went more direct after half-time and caused them problems."

Dundee manager James McPake: "It's one of the most difficult places to come in the league, so I'm really proud of the players."