Ayr United earn points against league leaders St Johnstone

The Honest Men picked up an impressive point against the league leaders on Saturday with a 0-0 draw at McDiarmid Park.

In a match of few chances, Ayr limited Simo Valakari's unbeaten outfit to just one shot on target on their way to making it six matches unbeaten.

“You want to come to these places and know that you’re competing against teams with a huge budget compared to ourselves," Brown told Ayr United TV.

“It’s a mentality thing, come away from home and show what you can do. I thought, from start to finish, everyone was exceptional.”

Although it was the defensive effort which came in for the most praise, the Somerset Park boss feels his side still showed some attacking prowess.

Brown added: “I thought our lads were exceptional. Defending is an art and they’ve shown that today on how structured you can be, how solid you can be.

“We were a threat on the counter-attack as well. The back three was solid, very rigid, but even on the ball they were good.

“There are not very many teams that will come up to McDiarmid Park and keep that clean sheet but also keeping them to one shot on target.

“It shows you that defensive unit is there, now can we go and maybe sneak a goal here and there.”

Brown also thanked the supporters who travelled through from South Ayrshire to cheer his side on in what were testing conditions.

He continued: “They [the fans] were the last ones standing. Everyone else had left and they were still standing up there singing.

“They understand and I’m sure they appreciate the lads’ work ethic as well.

“It’s hard work, it’s mind numbing at times. The crowd spurs them on and it helps them.”

Next up for Ayr is a trip to face Raith Rovers on Saturday, October 11, with Brown keen for his team to continue their recent run of good form.

He said: “We need to make sure we are focussed and not get caught up in the situation that we are on a good run.

“We need to make sure we keep that going, the willingness to work and the pressure.”