THOSE who felt the prospect of Ayr United winning the Championship was fanciful are now having to reconsider as Ian McCall’s side have reached another significant milestone in the season.
With a third of the fixtures played, they hold a three-point lead over Ross County and that is compelling evidence that they are in this for the duration.
Is it feasible that McCall could win back-to-back promotions and lead Ayr into the Premiership?
Veteran midfielder Mark Kerr certainly feels they are at the summit on merit having shown grit and guile in the last three matches to complement their attacking flair.
“Some people might think it’s a bit of a shock that a team coming up is top of the league, but we don’t see it that way," he said.
“We are a third of the way through the season and we’re three points clear.
“We don’t change the way we work and we all know what we need to do.
“From the beginning, 40 points was a target because that gets you safe, but we have done so well that now we want to finish as high as we can.
“United have stated to come strong and there will be times in the season when others put a run together so we just need to keep our form going and we will see where it leads us.
“Some people maybe thought I was stepping down just to take a wage but it couldn’t be further from the truth.
“I have had a new lease of life under the gaffer at Ayr and I’m really enjoying it.
“Of course, I know this can’t go on forever but I’m going to make the most of being part of a great group of young players and see where it takes us.”
Ayr had to be patient to find a way past a stifling Falkirk side desperate for points.
Kerr was involved in the move that led to Craig Moore’s winner in 52 minutes, although Bairns keeper David Mitchell looked culpable as the ball slipped past him at his right post.
He added: “It’s a compliment to us that Falkirk would line up the way they did but they have to start somewhere as they try to find a shape that works for them.
“We got our goal after a couple of good passes and then we had a bit of defending to do at the end.
“A few of the boys had a bit sickness last week – Lawrence Shankland was sick all night before the game – so it shows the spirit in the group.
“It was a great week for us as we picked up nine points from our three matches.
“We have made a great start to the second quarter of matches.”
Falkirk remain rooted to the foot of the table but stand-in skipper Jordan McGhee feels there are shoots of recovery after decent performances against Ross County and Ayr.
McGhee said: “We have looked more solid in the last two matches, which is encouraging, but it’s frustrating that another blunder has cost us.
“If we can cut out the mistakes and get some composure up front then I think we can shoot up the board.
“It’s good that we are not completely detached so we feel one win could click things into gear for us.”
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