Bobby Linn then came the closest after a sublime pass from Denholm but his initial shot was saved by Hart but Linn showed great composure to get onto the loose ball but was denied by the woodwork.

Ayr United then took the lead well against the run of play through Lawrence Shankland who scored his 8th goal in 8 games in a cruel blow for the Lichties.

The Arbroath heads didn’t go down and there were huge cries for a penalty just on the stroke of half time but referee Alan Muir wasn’t convinced.

Half time – Arbroath 0 – 1 Ayr United

Into the second half and again Arbroath were in the driving seat with Mark Whatley forcing Hart into a save from distance.

In a similar fashion to last week’s defeat at Bayview, Arbroath succumb to a series of quick goals.

An own goal by David Hutton was scored in the 52nd minute, then in the 58th minute Lawrence Shankland scored his 2nd goal of the game and within 60 seconds the game was over when half time substitute Craig Moore added a 4th to make it 4-0.

Arbroath made a triple substitution with Omar Kader, Jamie Henry and Scott Martin replacing Bobby Linn and Blair Yule and Mark Whatley who were both on yellow cards

Again the Lichties enjoyed the better possession for the remainder of the game and did claw a goal back with Gavin Swankie poked home but it was a mere consolation.

A very harsh scoreline for the Lichties against a very good full time Ayr United who have an enviable plethora of strikers to choose from.

The Lichties need to regroup with games against Queen’s Park, Berwick Rangers and Forfar Athletic to come.

C’mon the Lichties

Arbroath Manager Dick Campbell