DEJECTED Ayr United boss Ian McCall urged his side to bounce back for a crunch top-of-the-table clash at Dingwall tonight (Tuesday) after they suffered their third straight home defeat on Saturday.

They went down 1-0 to Dunfermline Athletic at Somerset Park and today (Tuesday) make the long trip north to face leaders Ross County.

The Highlanders are five points ahead but with a game in hand and United can't afford any more slips if they are to stay in with a chance of landing the title after taking the League One prize in such style last season.

McCall said on Saturday: "We didn't do enough to win the game but we didn't deserve to win it. We dominated the first half and played quite well, but in the second half we were disappointed that we did not show enough urgency. It was a poor result for us.

"For half an hour in the first half we played really well and were dominant in getting in behind them, Lawrence had three half chances but he iststill coming back to fitness. Every game in this league is tough, a lot of bigger clubs are wanting to make sure they don't finish ninth or 10th. We must perform a lot better. Andy Murdoch was outstanding and Ross Doohan played well but you need four or five players to be at their best to have a chance, I am gutted for the fans and for the players."

Looking ahead he said: "It's a really big game for us on Tuesday night. I feel we were very unlucky to lose that last time we were in Dingwall as we played well but got nothing out of it.

"I wouldn't say it's pivotal but we must go there looking to get a positive result - it would be great if we could go and win the game."

Fans will be boosted by the news that long-term injury victim Alan Forrest is well on the road to recovery. He will return to training at the end of next week. Andy Geggan and Craig Moore are both still sidelined.