Lee Bullen reckons his Ayr players answered some big questions with their impressive win at Morton last night.
United eased to a 3-1 win at Cappielow with one of their best performances in months - giving a timely boost ahead of Monday's Scottish Cup quarter final at Falkirk.
And Bullen believes it was the perfect tonic following a rough patch which had seen Ayr drop out of the play-off places.
He said: "There's been a bit of pain over these last few weeks and some questions have been asked.
"Tonight the players really stood up and answered those at probably the toughest place to come in the league.
"I say that because Morton's players give Dougie 100 per cent. They are deservedly up where they are in the league.
"We knew this was going to be a battle and it was so pleasing how we came through it given the run we've been on lately.
"There is always a lot of criticism when you go on a little downspell but they answered a lot of people here.
"There was quality in that performance but there was also a lot of fight and a lot of spirit as well."
Bullen was handsomely rewarded with his call to start Frankie Musonda, Chris Maguire and Jordan Houston as the fresh legs gave Ayr a real boost.
He said: "I think we've just about managed that situation in the right way.
"You see the calmness that boys like Frankie and Chris bring to the side - their experience buys you that little extra time on the ball.
"That was more like the Ayr United of earlier this season and we looked a real threat going forward.
"That is us back up to third and back on the coat tails of the teams who are above us.
"It is just one game and we are not thinking about anything other than Falkirk on Monday now. It is always just one at a time but that was an important win."
Sam Ashford's early opener set the tone for United who took the sting out of Morton from kick off.
The hosts slowly forced their way back into contention and levelled through former United man Robbie Crawford.
But Ayr were always a massive threat on the break and quickly forged back in front when skipper Sean McGinty headed home a Ben Dempsey corner.
And they extended their lead before the break when Maguire sent Dipo Akinyemi scampering down the right to ram home his 20th goal of the season.
Ayr were in total control after half time and could have added to their lead as both Reece McAlear and Mark McKenzie went close to a fourth.
