Airdrieonians 2-3 Ayr United: Anton Dowds hat-trick secures away win

Anton Dowds scored three goals to see off the challenge of Airdrieonians

An Anton Dowds hat-trick powered Ayr United above Airdrieonians into fifth place in the Scottish Championship.

Dowds' early opener was cancelled out by Cammy Ballantyne's driven effort, but the forward re-established the away lead shortly after half-time.

He completed his treble with 12 minutes left after a quickly taken free-kick, before Craig Watson gave the hosts the chance to mount a late rally.

Ayr held out, though, and move four points outside the play-off berths.