New Ayr United manager David Hopkin says the Honest Men need to start scoring goals as they failed to find the net for a second game in a row in their 2-0 defeat to Hearts.

Ayr travelled up to Edinburgh looking for a positive result against the runaway league leaders in the Scottish Championship.

They defended bravely and looked likely to get a point until deep into the second half, when a header from Armand Gnanduillet and a half-volley by Jamie Walker meant the Honest Men walked away empty handed.

Speaking to the Advertiser, Hopkin said: “I thought we played really well, our shape and discipline were good… and we were only 18 minutes away from defending really well and picking up a point.

“I think the chances Hearts did get in the game, were due to a lack of communication between the players maybe letting a runner go or not tracking them, but it is something we can work on. “

It will not be long however until Ayr get a chance to rectify that result as they face promotion hopefuls Dundee away on Tuesday night.

Hopkin says it is a game Ayr will have to take their chances in as they aim to push up the Championship table.

“Dundee have got quality players all over the pitch and if you don’t match runners or let crosses into your box then you are going to have to defend really well. We haven’t scored for a few games, so I think a goal is needed and that is what we have to go and try to get if we are going to get anything from that game.”

It is a tough run of games for the new boss who was announced last Thursday after the club mutually terminated Mark Kerr’s contract.

There was a lot of candidates vying for the hot seat at Somerset Park, leaving Ayr United Chairman David Smith with a tough choice on who to choose as his new manager.

David Smith said: “He was an outstanding candidate, when we spoke to David there was a calmness and confidence about him.

“His track record is brilliant and he has experience in the Championship. We had a lot of applications and they were very good, but David is the best guy for our club.”