Ayr United 2-0 Arbroath: Hosts ease drop fears as new boss Scott Brown looks on

Ben Dempsey, right, sent the home side on their way to victory

Two late goals sank Arbroath and eased Ayr United's Scottish Championship relegation fears as new head coach Scott Brown watched from the stands.

Jamie Murphy had a second-half penalty - awarded for a Colin Hamilton handball - saved by Arbroath debutant Max Boruc.

But the hosts found the breakthrough when Ben Dempsey rattled in from distance in the 74th minute.

And Logan Chalmers soon converted Mark McKenzie's pass to make sure of Ayr's first win in six league matches.

The crucial victory lifts Ayr from the relegation play-off spot up to seventh, five points clear of bottom club Arbroath, who remain two adrift of Queen's Park.