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George Oakley (far right) enjoyed a fruitful afternoon against Raith Rovers George Oakley's first-half hat-trick moved Ayr United second in the Scottish Championship and consigned Barry Robson to defeat in his first match as Raith Rovers manager. Oakley turned in Jamie Murphy's cross in the second minute to give the hosts an ideal start and the striker headed his second from a Jay Henderson corner. Ben Dempsey was denied by Kevin Dabrowski and Murphy's run and shot struck a post as Ayr threatened a third. But Oakley's treble was not long in coming as Murphy's cross was nodded down by Connor Mac Lennan for a six-yard box finish. Sam Stanton threatened for Raith Rovers early in the second period but there was to be no comeback. The Stark's Park side are sixth, four points off Queen's Park. Ayr leapfrog Livingston and are four points behind Falkirk, who have a game in hand. Ayr United manager Scott Brown: "[George Oakley] was unbelievable today. He bullied the defenders, he held the ball in really well but he wanted to score goals. He scored a hat-trick and it's well deserved. "It's not just his performance, it's everybody. The first 45 minutes is probably the most I've enjoyed the game. It was really enjoyable. We controlled the game for large periods. " Raith Rovers manager Barry Robson: "They hit a lot of diagonals. First minute or two minutes, overload us on one side, hit a big diagonal. They get the goal from it, sucks the energy out of us. We've not even started the game, really, and you're a goal down. "They do the same things again. Within minutes, you're two down just by overcovering on our part. You've got to defend better. You've got to be more structured and organised. When you lose the first goal, calm down. We got a bit excitable and then they get another goal. " Last Updated 4th January 2025 at 16: 53 Please Note: All times UK. Tables are subject to change. The BBC is not responsible for any changes that may be made. Manager: Scott Brown Formation: 3 - 5 - 2 Manager: Barry Robson Formation: 4 - 4 - 1 - 1 Manager: Scott Brown Formation: 3 - 5 - 2 Manager: Barry Robson Formation: 4 - 4 - 1 - 1 Championship All competitions All competitions All competitions Match ends, Ayr United 3, Raith Rovers 0. Second Half ends, Ayr United 3, Raith Rovers 0. Fourth official has announced 5 minutes of added time. Corner, Raith Rovers. Conceded by Scott Mc Mann. Mark Mc Kenzie (Ayr United) wins a free kick in the attacking half. Foul by Euan Murray (Raith Rovers). Scott Mc Mann (Ayr United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Foul by Cody David (Raith Rovers). Substitution, Ayr United. Jamie Hislop replaces Jamie Murphy. Substitution, Ayr United. Jake Hastie replaces George Oakley. Substitution, Ayr United. Dylan Watret replaces Nick Mc Allister. Foul by Ben Dempsey (Ayr United). Josh Mullin (Raith Rovers) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Substitution, Ayr United. Ryan Howley replaces Connor Mc Lennan. Substitution, Ayr United. Mark Mc Kenzie replaces George Stanger. Foul by Jay Henderson (Ayr United). Aidan Connolly (Raith Rovers) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Ben Dempsey (Ayr United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Foul by Cody David (Raith Rovers). Substitution, Raith Rovers. Lewis Gibson replaces Shaun Byrne because of an injury. © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.