DEJECTED Ayr United skipper Nicky Devlin this week apologised to the fans for a "rubbish" performance as they crashed to a surprise 1-0 defeat away to basement side Brechin CIty.

Now he is determined to make amends as the Honest Men gear up for a crunch home double header.

United face seventh-placed Stenhousemuir tonight (Tuesday), while runaway leaders Dunfermline Athletic visit Somerset Park on Saturday.

Devlin was bitterly disappointed with the display and said: "We had been going really well with three straight wins but it was really disappointing result on Saturday. I know we can play much better. I would like to apologise to the fans who travelled up to watch us as we under-performed. It was always going to be a difficult game as Brechin are fighting for their lives but was a rubbish performance and the defeat hurt us. I don't think anyone can take pass marks from it,"

Defender Devlin says the players are determined to put the result behind them as they prepare for the two home games and said: "We now have nine games left, with five of them at home and we must dust ourselves down and look to take maximum points, although that is a big ask. We have to focus on Tuesday and look to win the game. We look forward to the Dunfermline game and while it is mathematically possible to win the title we will keep battling. The games between us have been close and we will be looking to win."

The captain added: "But the main aim from day one has always been promotion, whether that is by winning the league or going up through the playoffs. We hope to build momentum in the remaining games."

Manager Ian McCall will have a full squad for the first time in months with Andy Graham returning to the side from injury, along with Craig Moore, who came off the bench on Saturday.

He said: "It was a terrible game on Saturday and the conditions and the pitch were really poor. But we totally dominated the first 25 minutes or the second half and missed a few chances. I don't feel we deserved to lose the game."

Looking ahead he said: "It's an important game on Tuesday and we must make the most of being at home by taking three points. We can then focus on the Dunfermline game which we will be looking to win,"