First Division new-boys Ross County finished with nine men after Brian Irvine and John Fraser were both sent off in their 1-0 defeat at promotion hopefuls Ayr United.

Former Aberdeen defender Irvine was sent packing in the 19th minute after hauling down James Grady when he was clean through on goal and Eddie Annand confidently slotted in the penalty.

Ayr wasted chances to increase their lead with Glynn Hurst firing straight at goalkeeper Nicky Walker.

Only the woodwork saved County on 61 minutes when an Annand header crashed back off the bar following a Gary Teale cross.

County finished in disgrace when Fraser was sent off in the final minute after appearing to aim a kick at man-of-the-match Marvin Wilson.