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Ayr United moved to the top of the Scottish Championship after late goals by Mark Mc Kenzie and George Stanger eventually punctured the Hamilton Academical rear-guard. The Honest Men are one point clear of second-placed Falkirk, but the Bairns have a game in hand. Jay Henderson had his first-half penalty saved by Dean Lyness and it looked like Ayr might have missed their golden opportunity. But substitute Mc Kenzie's brilliant back-post header and Stanger's thumped effort from six yards ensured Scott Brown's team have their stint as frontrunners. It's eight games unbeaten in all competitions for the Somerset Park side, with seven of those being victories. Next up for them is a Scottish Cup fifth-round tie at home to Hibernian on Friday. As for Accies, Kevin O'Hara missed a couple of half-chances and it's now four defeats in a row for John Rankin's team, who slip to ninth. Last Updated 1st February 2025 at 16: 56 Please Note: All times UK. Tables are subject to change. The BBC is not responsible for any changes that may be made. Manager: John Rankin Formation: 3 - 5 - 2 Manager: Scott Brown Formation: 3 - 5 - 2 Manager: John Rankin Formation: 3 - 5 - 2 Manager: Scott Brown Formation: 3 - 5 - 2 Championship All competitions All competitions All competitions Match ends, Hamilton Academical 0, Ayr United 2. Second Half ends, Hamilton Academical 0, Ayr United 2. Fourth official has announced 3 minutes of added time. Foul by Stuart Mc Kinstry (Hamilton Academical). Connor Mc Lennan (Ayr United) wins a free kick on the right wing. Substitution, Hamilton Academical. Stuart Mc Kinstry replaces Stephen Hendrie. Substitution, Hamilton Academical. Euan Henderson replaces Kevin O'Hara. Goal! Hamilton Academical 0, Ayr United 2. George Stanger (Ayr United) right footed shot from very close range to the centre of the goal. Corner, Ayr United. Conceded by Sean Mc Ginty. Attempt saved. George Oakley (Ayr United) header from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Foul by Ricki Lamie (Hamilton Academical). George Oakley (Ayr United) wins a free kick on the left wing. Substitution, Hamilton Academical. Ricki Lamie replaces Jackson Longridge. Substitution, Hamilton Academical. Reghan Tumilty replaces Steven Bradley. Goal! Hamilton Academical 0, Ayr United 1. Mark Mc Kenzie (Ayr United) header from the right side of the six yard box to the top left corner. Assisted by Jake Hastie. Delay over. They are ready to continue. Delay in match because of an injury Steven Bradley (Hamilton Academical). Substitution, Ayr United. Jake Hastie replaces Paddy Reading. Corner, Hamilton Academical. Conceded by Harry Stone. Attempt saved. Stephen Hendrie (Hamilton Academical) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.