Ayr United manager David Hopkin says the Honest Men must avoid losing cheap goals if they hope to push up the Scottish Championship table.

Ayr faced Alloa at the weekend in a crucial tie at the bottom of the table, with the Honest men starting the game well going 1-0 up through Tom Walsh, before a quick turnaround from the hosts saw Alloa 2-1 up just after half time.

An own goal from Jon Robertson meant Ayr walked away from Recreation Park with a point and are now eight points clear of the Wasps.

Speaking to the Advertiser, Hopkin said: “I think the two recent games where we have had to fight back into the match after going a goal down have come from our own doing.

“We conceded a soft goal from a set play against Raith Rovers a fortnight ago… and on Saturday again we go ahead, and we should stay ahead.

“Even going into half time 1-0 up gives you something to build on but you go in a 1-1 and then you concede a sloppy goal after the break.

“The three goals that we have conceded are avoidable, so these are things that we have to make sure we manage them out of the game.”

Ayr are in Scottish Cup action again this Saturday after a stunning 4-0 win away to Elgin City last week put them into the third round.

For their efforts they were rewarded with a home tie against League One side Clyde who sit ninth in the table.

Despite their precarious position in the league below Ayr boss Hopkin says he stills expects it to be a tricky tie.

“The Clyde manager, Danny Lennon, has a very experienced group of players alongside a few from Rangers and Celtic.

“So, it is going to be tough, we need to make sure we can hopefully get through and get a favourable draw in the next round.”

Ayr also announced last week an agreement with Cambusdoon Sports Club to move their training to its facilities after previously training out in Cumnock.

Hopkin said: “I think it is important that the people of Ayr see the club is training back where it should be.”