AYR United interim boss John Rankin hailed the Somerset Park support for pushing his side on against Partick Thistle.
The Honest Men came from behind on Saturday as they claimed a point against the Scottish Championship title challengers in South Ayrshire.
After a goalless first half, the hosts were handed the initiative when Lee Ashcroft saw red for Thistle shortly before the hour mark.
Though it was the visitors who then pushed ahead with Cale Loughrey prodding home after United failed to clear a set piece just ten minutes later.
Ayr weren't behind for long, however, with the returning Jamie Murphy converting from the penalty spot to level the fixture heading into the final 15 minutes.
Neither side could find a winner as the points were shared at Somerset - a result which lifted United back up to sixth place in the league table.
“[There is] a little bit of disappointment that we didn’t take all three points," Rankin told Ayr United TV, "but [there is] an element of pride as well.
“We played a really good Partick Thistle team, to go 1-0 down and get the response we got – I’m really encouraged with what I saw.
“I don’t think we seen too much composure in the first half but second half we did and we got into some really good areas.
“That sort of commitment and that sort of drive from them will get us up the table.”
The interim boss praised the home support for driving his team on despite falling behind against the 10 men of Thistle.
Rankin added: “The crowd in the second half certainly helped, they got us forward and they encouraged.
“I’m absolutely delighted with the response of the supporters, we’re going to need them between now and the end of the season.
“Partick scored but I could still hear a noise at our end, it was encouragement and our fans singing, players really respond to that.”
Rankin has now challenged his squad to show more of the same as they prepare to host Dunfermline on Tuesday, April 7.
He continued: “We’ll tackle each game as it comes, I’m not getting to carried away, the main thing is Dunfermline just now.
“We’ll get a team on the pitch, organised in a way we think we can get three points from the game.
“The positivity around the place, with players trying to get back and make themselves available, I’m pleased with.
“We just need to make sure that, on Tuesday night, we bring the same attitude, same commitment, and get three points.”
Following their midweek endeavours, Ayr will welcome Arbroath to Somerset Park on Saturday, April 11.
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