Ayr United 2 - 3 Ross County: Brittain’s hat-trick sends County clear at top

ROSS County moved three points clear at the top of the table thanks to a brilliant hat-trick from skipper Richard Brittain.

The league leaders were quick to get into their stride and took the lead in 16 minutes in spectacular style. Brittain curled a superb right footed free-kick from just outside the box, on the left hand side, high into the net past Ayr goalkeeper Kevin Cuthbert.

Controversy raged in 37 minutes when referee Kevin Clancy awarded the softest of penalties to County after Gary Miller tumbled in the area under a challenge from Adam Dodd.

Ayr fought back to level the match thanks to a close-range header from Michael Moffat and an 18-yard lob by Keigan Parker, but County snatched a fantastic winner in 80 minutes when Brittain cracked home a 30-yard shot to complete his treble.