GOAL machine Lawrence Shankland reached the half century mark tonight as Ayr United soared back to the top of ten Ladbrokes Championship.

He scored for the 50th time in 50 starts  for the Honest Men as they defeated Alloa Athletic 3-0.

The hosts missed a load of chances in the first half, with Alan Forrest, Michael Moffat and Shankland missing opportunities.

However two minutes after the break United seized the lead when a Steven Bell header was well saved by Neil Parry, but Shankland slammed home the rebound from eight yards.

in 81 minutes it was game over when a rasping Shankland effort hit the bar

and Forrest drilled home the rebound.

Two minutes into injury-time a thunderous drive from Moore was saved by Parry but Shankland bludgeoned home the rebound from

six yards.