Ayr United 0-2 St Mirren: Buddies ease into Scottish Cup last 16
- Published
Greg Kiltie (left) scored St Mirren's second goal
St Mirren strolled into the last 16 of the Scottish Cup as goals from Kyle McAllister and Greg Kiltie defeated second-tier hosts Ayr United.
McAllister marked his return to the Scottish Premiership side's starting XI by heading the opener after only seven minutes following a bright Ayr start.
In-form Kiltie fired the second before the break after being set up by midfield colleague Jay Henderson.
That put St Mirren into a fifth-round tie with League 2 leaders Kelty Hearts.
St Mirren picked up where they left off from their midweek league victory over Dundee United - a result that ended their 11-game run without a win.
Their two goals by half-time were scored by players who lit up the visitors' performance.
McAllister repaid manager Jim Goodwin for restoring him to the starting line-up with a clever header on the end of high cross from Scott Tanser.
Kiltie doubled the lead with a well worked goal through the heart of United's defence.
There was no further scoring, but although Ayr upped their performance in the second half, they never really troubled St Mirren's goal.
Ayr United manager Lee Bullen: "We tried to match St Mirren up, but we lost a cheap goal. The second one killed us. But we have other fish to fry and have big games coming up."
St Mirren manager Jim Goodwin: "I thought it was a thoroughly all-round good performance. We played some sweet football. I was very pleased."