George Oakley (far right) enjoyed a fruitful afternoon against Raith Rovers
George Oakley's first-half hat-trick moved Ayr United second in the Scottish Championship and consigned Barry Robson to defeat in his first match as Raith Rovers manager.
Oakley turned in Jamie Murphy's cross in the second minute to give the hosts an ideal start and the striker headed his second from a Jay Henderson corner.
Ben Dempsey was denied by Kevin Dabrowski and Murphy's run and shot struck a post as Ayr threatened a third.
But Oakley's treble was not long in coming as Murphy's cross was nodded down by Connor MacLennan for a six-yard box finish.
Sam Stanton threatened for Raith Rovers early in the second period but there was to be no comeback. The Stark's Park side are sixth, four points off Queen's Park.
Ayr leapfrog Livingston and are four points behind Falkirk, who have a game in hand.
What the managers said
Ayr United manager Scott Brown: "[George Oakley] was unbelievable today. He bullied the defenders, he held the ball in really well but he wanted to score goals. He scored a hat-trick and it's well deserved.
"It's not just his performance, it's everybody. The first 45 minutes is probably the most I've enjoyed the game. It was really enjoyable. We controlled the game for large periods."
Raith Rovers manager Barry Robson: "They hit a lot of diagonals. First minute or two minutes, overload us on one side, hit a big diagonal. They get the goal from it, sucks the energy out of us. We've not even started the game, really, and you're a goal down.
"They do the same things again. Within minutes, you're two down just by overcovering on our part. You've got to defend better. You've got to be more structured and organised. When you lose the first goal, calm down. We got a bit excitable and then they get another goal."
