Ayr United have been handed a 3-0 victory by the SPFL board for Saturday’s Premier Sports Cup Group E tie against Falkirk.

The Honest Men were due to host Falkirk this weekend, but Falkirk informed the SPFL that they will not fulfil the fixture due to a number of players testing positive for Covid-19.

Coupled with other players self-isolating, they do not have sufficient players available to fulfil the fixture.

An SPFL spokesman said: “Consistent with previous announcements in respect of similar issues in the group stage of this competition, any club unable or unwilling to field a team in a Premier Sports Cup Round 1 group stage tie, will forfeit the match on the basis of a 3-0 defeat. Accordingly, Ayr United have been awarded a 3-0 win in the tie.

“We wish the affected players at Falkirk well in their recovery.”

It means that Ayr United will top Group E of the Premier Sports Cup Round 1 group stage, after picking up seven points from their first three games, without conceding a goal.

Refunds will be given to all supporters who have purchased tickets for this fixture.

The club is asking supporters to bear with them over the coming days as they process these.