Ayr United 0
Queen's Park 0
League (League (Championship))

Match Report

Queen's Park missed a chance to go top of the Scottish Championship and Ayr United remain fifth after a tense goalless draw at Somerset Park.

Hosts Ayr had the better of a first half during which both goalkeepers had fine saves and an effort was cleared off the visiting line.

Ayr striker Dipo Akinyemi also missed a great chance in the final seconds.

After one win in five outings, Queen's Park are level with leaders Dundee but remain behind on goal difference.

A fourth game without a victory - and third consecutive draw - similarly leaves Ayr behind Partick Thistle.

The Glasgow side can move three points clear when they visit bottom side Hamilton Academical on Saturday, while Dundee can stretch their lead at the top when they visit third-top Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Ayr United manager Lee Bullen: "I was really pleased with our performance. Especially in the first half, we had a lot of control in the game against a top team, but in the second half I thought the game got stretched too much.

"We created more without testing their goallie, but ultimately our goalkeeper has had the two biggest saves. Dipo's head's in his hands in there after that late miss, but he's won us games on his own this season, so we can't be too harsh on him. Two big games to come and it's all still to play for."

Queen's Park head coach Owen Coyle: "It was always going to be a nervy and edgy game. Our aspirations are to win the title and the last 15 minutes were like a basketball game - it was end-to-end.

"I felt, in the second half, we started really well, but we didn't find that incisive final pass. It might turn out for us to be the most important points of the season - who knows, come tomorrow?"

Match report written by BBC