Inverness Caledonian Thistle hauled themselves to the top of Scottish Division One after a 2-1 defeat of Arbroath.
Goals fron Dennis Wyness (24) and Richard Heart (71) ensured Jordan Tait's 73rd-minute effort was little more than a consolation.
Thistle's victory saw them climb above Falkirk after they were beaten 2-0 by fellow promotion-chasers Clyde.
Leigh Hinds was the hero for Clyde as he netted both goals, while a bad day for Falkirk was complete when they had Lee Miller sent off 11 minutes from time.
Campbell Money's tenure as Ayr boss started in fine style as they beat rock-bottom Alloa 3-1.
Paul Sheerin (26), Scott Chaplain (46) and an Ian Little own goal (87) gave the hosts a 3-0 lead, and the travelling fans only had an 88th-minute strike from Mark Cowan to cheer.
Queen of the South stayed on the heels of Ayr as they cruised to a 3-0 victory against St Mirren.
Sean O'Connor (35) and Eric Paton (41) gave them a 2-0 lead at the break and John O'Neil sealed the points with a third on 61.
In the day's other game, struggling Ross County and St Johnstone played out a 0-0 draw.