Ayr United manager Lee Bullen bemoaned his side’s start to the match as they lost 1-0 to Queen of the South at the weekend.

The Honest Men went into the Scottish Championship clash in good form having picked up back to back wins over Kilmarnock and Inverness – while Queens were bottom and without a win in seven games.

The Doonhamers’ last victory came against United with a 3-0 win at Palmerston back in December.

Despite the odds being stacked against Queen of the South they stunned the hosts to take the lead early on at Somerset Park.

Aidan Fitzpatrick bringing the ball down well, creating space and blasting into the bottom right hand corner from the edge of the box.

Ayr had a chance to level before the break via Mark McKenzie but he lashed over as they went in one goal behind.

In the second half, the hosts almost nicked a goal back at the death through Tomi Adeloye’s header.

But the striker’s effort grazed off the bar as the Honest Men fell to defeat.

Speaking to the Advertiser, Bullen said:”I thought the way we started the game dictated how the game went.

“I think we were very lacklustre, looked very nervous and dropped off the game too often allowing them too much space which is the exact opposite of things we have been doing up til now.

“So, we got what we deserved at the end of the game and it is back to the drawing board.”

The last time the Honest Men lost to Queen’s they quickly bounced back with a win over Raith Rovers.

Bullen is hoping for a similar reaction ahead of their trip to Stark’s Park this weekend.

He said:”We lost to Queen of the South down there 3-0 and bounced back with a good performance against Raith Rovers last time.

“So, I am hoping that there is a similar scenario this time.

“In terms of the squad going into the game there is a still a question over Andy Murdoch, who missed the Queens match with a tight calf.

“Ben Dempsey suffered an injury at the weekend and the pair will be assessed during this week.”