Inverness Caledonian made it six wins on the bounce after coming out on top 5-3 in an entertaining clash with Queen of the South.
The home side made their advantage pay after the Saints had Peter Weatherson and Brian McColligan sent off either side of half-time with Paul Ritchie netting a hat-trick.
St Johnstone put up little resistance as visitors Ayr recorded a comfortable 2-0 victory with a goal in each half from David Craig.
More woe was added to the home side as Paul Hartley was dismissed after 36 minutes for violent conduct.
Two goals in a three-minute first-half spell from Ricky Robb and Junior Mendes ensured the points for St Mirren against Arbroath.
However, they lost Mendes just before the break when he was stretchred off.
Clyde boosted their chances of promotion as they dished out a 4-1 thrashing to Alloa.
They were two up after 17 minutes with strikes from Simon Mensing and Colin Nish before Mark Cowan pulled one back.
But the vistors took control after the restart and with two more from John Fraser and John Potter.
Leaders Falkirk fought off a spirited effort from mangerless Ross County to prevail 2-0.
A Lee Miller brace ensured they maintained their perfect home record.
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