DOWDS TURN OUT FOR A SHOW

HAT-TRICK hero Anton Dowds admitted it was a joy to have a proper audience for his latest treble as hardly anyone saw his last one in the days of Covid.

Ayr striker Dowds was on fire as Scott Brown's resurgent side moved up to fifth, despite Craig Wilson and Cammy Ballantyne hitting the target for Airdrie.

And the Partick Thistle loanee was delighted that his family could share in his joy as he walked away with the match ball and three precious points.

Dowds said: "I got my first hat-trick for Falkirk against Dumbarton during Covid, and there weren't a lot of people there.

"So it was great to score another one in front of a wonderful travelling support at Airdrie.

"My dad, my gran, my uncle and my three wee cousins were all at the game, so it was a brilliant occasion for the family.