Curtis Main grabbed his first Ayr United goals as the third-top hosts thumped bottom side Airdrieonians to move to within three points of Scottish Championship leaders Falkirk and two behind Livingston.
George Oakley's header and 16th of the season put the hosts in control, before he set up George Stanger to nod in the second.
The often impressive Jay Henderson delivered for Main to turn in at the near post and open his account for the club.
Ben Wilson's well taken penalty and 15th of the season gave the Diamonds hope, but Ayr upped the ante again, with Main finishing really well from 12 yards for his brace.
It was exactly the type of "bouncebackability" that manager Scott Brown had demanded from his players after the late loss to Livingston in their previous match.
