REJUVENATED Ayr United midfielder Ryan Stevenson is not giving up hope of catching leaders Dunfermline Athletic after scoring his first two goals since returning to Somerset Park.

Stevenson scored both goals in the 2-1 win against Forfar Athletic, which was screened live on BBC Alba on Saturday night, with his second a spectacular overhead kick.

He was delighted with the victory and said "After the run we had been on it's just good to get the three points going into seven games that are winnable, four at home and three away. We must aim to go on a run to try and catch Dunfermline. If we can't catch Dunfermline the target will be to go up through the playoffs.

"It was a good delivery for the first goal from young Michael Wardrope. He did most of the hard work and I just got my head on to it and glanced it into the net. For the second goal I just concentrated on hitting it into the ground and luckily enough it managed to go into the back of the net. Hopefully I can add more goals as that's a big part of my game. The manager got some stick for pushing me forward late on but that's a role I am comfortable with."

Stevenson is not looking too far ahead as United visit Airdrie and then host Cowdenbeath next Tuesday, March 1.

He added: "We have to to take it a game at a time. I feel we let the fans down in previous matches but I am really enjoying playing for the team I support."

Meanwhile defender Nicky Devlin praised Stevenson and Wardrope for their contributions.

He said: "Barring the first half at Dunfermline we have not been good enough so it was good to get back to winning ways. It was a great winner from Ryan and that's why we brought him back for moments like that. Michael Wardrope has been different class and will be a massive player between now and the end of the season. We have games coming up we can win and we must aim to go to Airdrie and take three points."

Manager Ian McCall was pleased with the win although feels there is room for improvement and said: "We should have been more clinical in front of goal but were pleased with the three points. Now we must look to win at Airdrie."

Brian Gilmour returns from suspension. Injury victims Ross Docherty and Craig Adams are progressing well but their fitness will be assessed later in the week.