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Ayr United bounced back from their Scottish Cup exit to win 2-0 away at struggling Hamilton Academical in the Championship.

They controlled from the outset and deservedly led at the break through goals from Ben Dempsey and Sam Ashford.

Hamilton were never really in the game, and Ayr comfortably saw out the second half to secure the three points.

With Partick Thistle only drawing against Dundee, Ayr climb to third, while Hamilton remain bottom.

Early pressure from the visitors soon paid off - Dempsey sent Ryan Fulton the wrong way from the spot after Hamilton defender Dan O'Reilly handled inside the box.

Their second came on the 27th minute as they counter attacked following a rare Hamilton chance. Dipo Akinyemi was the architect, slipping in Ashford, who kept his composure to slot beyond Fulton.

The home side's best and virtually only chance came via the head of on loan Fulham striker Jean-Pierre Tiehi, whose header trundled by an untroubled Charlie Albinson in the Ayr goal.

Ayr United manger Lee Bullen: "I was so proud of the players reaction from the disappointment of Monday night against Falkirk.

"They stood up, showed a lot of quality and composure and we controlled the game from start to finish."

Hamilton Academical manager John Rankin: "I'm really disappointed. This afternoon was not what I thought it would be.

"Maybe I got it wrong, maybe we started with the wrong system or the wrong personnel. We missed Scotty Martin - he's a big player for us, but I felt we lacked aggression."