Winning Start for New Boss Reid

37-year-old Brian Reid played for Ayr last season and also had what the club describe as a "brief and successful" spell as caretaker.

Reid said: "I am delighted to have the opportunity to manage a club of Ayr United's standing and am raring to go."

Brian Reid stressed on the club website: "We have a good squad of players, many of whom I know, and I look forward to working with them."

Reid and the club will now begin the search for an assistant after Stuart Millar followed Reid out of the club. Angy McLaren, Ayr United player who is out through injury for the rest of the season, has been suggested as a possibility.

Ayr chairman Donald Cameron said: "I welcome Brian's appointment and look forward to progress on the field of play in the weeks ahead."

Reid began his career with Morton and was tipped for major honours until a serious injury curtailed his prospects after joining Rangers.

His other clubs include Blackpool and Queen of the South, where he was also a coach. 

In the match itself, Ayr took the lead in the 34th minute through a Ryan Stevenson 30-yard rocket which blasted past helpless Brechin goalkeeper Craig Nelson.

United doubled their lead in 50 mintes when Stephen Swift shot home from close-range from a corner.

Brechin came back and mounted an assault on the Ayr goal gaining their reward when Charlie King scored from long range in the second half.  Janczyk was booked for the visitors.

Ayr United: McGeown, Swift, Forrest, Robertson, Lowing, Stevenson (Pettigrew 82), Casey, Dunn, Vareille (Weaver 80), Moore, Williams. Subs Not Used: Caldwell, Henderson, Higgins. Booked: Dunn.

Brechin City: Craig Nelson, Murie (Geddes 75), Scott Walker, White, Dyer, Byers (Richard Walker 68), King, Janczyk, Darren Smith, Martin Johnson, Gribben. Subs Not Used: McCluskey, Fusco, Adam Nelson.

Att: 1,176

Ref: S Conroy